Page 82 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
“It’s not that I don’t want to,” Audrey says, almost like she didn’t hear me agree with her. “Obviously I want…wait, I’m right?”
I look up and meet her gaze, then reach for her hands, tugging them into mine. “I just want you to be sure, Audrey.”
“About us?”
I lift a shoulder and nod. “I don’t really do casual. Not when it comes to sex.” I only need one hand to count the number of intimate relationships I’ve had, even if the tabloids like to assume otherwise. “If that’s where we take our relationship, I want it to be because we’re both ready. Because we both want something serious.”
She lets out a low groan of frustration, pulling her hands free and scooching herself to the other side of the couch, putting a few feet of space between us.
I miss her warmth the second she’s no longer beside me. “Did I say something wrong?”
She quickly shakes her head, her eyes wide. “The opposite. By telling me you don’t do casual, you just made yourself infinitely more sexy. I didn’t even think that was possible, but you did, and I might need to go sit on the other side of the room.” She scrambles off the couch and walks through the open bedroom doors, turning to face me as she sits on the edge of the bed. “I definitely need to sit over here,” she says. “This is better. You stay where you are.”
I smirk. “What are you going to do tonight?” I joke, glancing back at the bed.
“I’ll sleep in the bathtub.” She looks toward the bathroom. “I’m sure it’s big enough.”
Or you could just choose me,I think, but I can’t say those words out loud. Audrey has a lot more on the line here than I do. Choosing me will change her future indefinitely. Her privacy, her work, her anonymity. All of it would be impacted. Only she can decide if it’s worth it.
“A pillow barricade might work,” she says. “As long as we both promise to keep our hands to ourselves.”
“I can handle a pillow barricade,” I say. “I’d prefer that over either of us taking the bathtub.”
“Or the very tiny couch,” she says.
I nod. “Glad we agree.”
She’s quiet for a long moment before she walks back to the couch and stands between my knees, her hands hooked over my shoulders. I pull her into an embrace, my face pressed against her stomach, and she slides her hands up to my hair, rubbing her fingers over my scalp in a way that melts my limbs and relaxes me against her. “Oh, man. Please don’t ever stop exactly what you’re doing.”
She chuckles. “Flint, I really like you,” she whispers. “I’m still scared. But I’m trying not to be, okay?”
My grip around her tightens. “I really like you too. And I’m glad you’re willing to try.”
Gladmight be the understatement of the century.
Scared or not, I’m already halfway in love with this woman.
I just hope that doesn’t mean I’m halfway to heartbreak.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Audrey
Audrey:Hi, sisters. I have news. Are you awake?
Lucy:We’re awake! Are you there? Are you safe?
Audrey:Safe and sound in a very posh hotel suite in West Hollywood. Hang on. I texted a picture. Did it come through?
Summer:I am jealous on so many levels. But I’m more interested in your news.
Audrey:I just wanted to tell you I watchedGood Will Hunting.
Audrey:And I LOVED IT.
Lucy:Shut up.
Summer:What have you done with my sister?
