Page 95 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
“It’s their job,” Flint says, an edge to his voice.
“No, it’s their job to serveyou.”
“And you, as long as you’re with me,” he says without hesitation. “You’re the least pretentious person on the planet, Audrey. Nate and Joni aren’t going to mind.”
Moisture pools in my eyes, and I press them closed, letting the tears slide down my cheeks. “It isn’t about Nate and Joni, Flint. It’s aboutme.We both know this conversation is aboutme.”
He holds my gaze for a long moment, then he drops back into his seat, his jaw resting on his hand.
Neither of us says another word until we’re back in our hotel room. By then, it’s close to two a.m., and talking is probably the last thing we need to do. I can’t speak for Flint, but I’m exhausted all the way down to my bones. On top of that, my heart is heavy, my emotions a confusing mass of raw, jumbled feelings.
Flint shrugs off his jacket and pulls off his tie, then unbuttons the top few buttons of his shirt. He runs a hand through his hair, looking just as tired as I feel. “Should we talk about things?” he asks, but there’s no oomph behind his words. He doesn’t want to talk any more than I do.
I shake my head. “Let’s just get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow.”
He nods, his expression grateful as he steps out of his shoes.
I do the same, slipping out of my heels, then I pause. I really don’t think I can get out of this dress by myself.
“Flint, can you help me with my dress?”
He moves in behind me without a word, his fingers brushing against my skin as he slowly unclasps the tiny hook and eye at the top of my dress, then slides down the zipper. I press my arms against the bodice to hold it in place, closing my eyes as sensation dances up and down my spine.
“Thank you,” I say, when the zipper reaches my waist.
He lifts his hands, his fingers briefly brushing across my exposed shoulders before he steps away. “I’ll give you a minute,” he says, and then he disappears into the bathroom.
It only takes a few more minutes for us to both be ready for bed.
Flint turns off the light and settles onto his pillow without even saying goodnight.
I close my eyes and try to regulate my breathing, but I’m still keyed up from everything that happened, my mind jumping from the run-in with the photographer to my argument with Flint to some crazy version of a future where Nate follows me around all the time, trudging behind me through the woods, watching me do all my research, even hovering outside the bathroom when I need to pee.
I close my eyes and take a slow, intentional breath, willing myself to relax. But it’s useless.
I am never going to fall asleep.
Beside me, the mattress shifts, and suddenly, Flint’s warm body is right beside me. He snakes an arm around my waist and tugs me against him, curving his limbs around me, making himself the big spoon to my smaller one. His breath brushes over my ear. “Just breathe,” he whispers. “I’ve got you.”
I instantly relax, melting into the warmth of him, savoring his solid presence behind me. I didn’t know this is what I would need to fall asleep, but with Flint beside me, his strong arms holding me close, I have never felt so safe.
My breathing slowly steadies, and my eyelids grow heavy.
Soon, Flint’s breathing changes, and I can tell that he’s asleep.
I don’t want this to be complicated.
I have met a ridiculously perfect man, and I want to be with him.
More than anything.
But I can’t pretend like there isn't a cost. My safety. My anonymity. My solitude. I can never take those things for granted again.
My life will never bethe sameagain.
I just have to decide if it’s worth it.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
