Page 16 of The Close-Up
“Going to go through the stats on your interview videos while I try to wake up. You’re still riding the wave of your first segment and getting record views on the Dash site.”
I don’t miss the way his cheeks flare red before I turn around to refill my mug. Very, very adorable. I grab my laptop from the kitchen counter and set up on the stool at the bar.
“Mind if I join you?” Simon asks. “I have a million emails to get through before breakfast.”
I tell him of course and for the next ten minutes we work in companionable silence. I glance at my phone and notice a text from Harper.
Finally had a chance to catch up on your videos, nice work! And ooohhh boy Simon is yummy on camera. But you knew that already, didn’t you?
I roll my eyes and try not to let my smile grow too comically big, so Simon doesn’t notice.
“Wow,” Simon mutters as he stares at the screen on his laptop. “Some of the comments on these videos are...interesting.”
I look over and see that he’s reading the comment section of his interview.
I aim a pointed stare at him. “Simon. Don’t you know? Never, ever read the comments.”
He rubs his neck and shrugs. “I know, I know. Curiosity got the best of me.”
I scroll down to the comment section of one of his videos to check it out myself. The first few I skim are compliments about how open and honest the interview was. Then a handful from people saying they’re going to sign up for his sessions ASAP. And, a bunch about how sexy Simon is and how they wish their husbands and boyfriends would enroll in his seminars.
That’s it! I’m signing my husband up for his seminar. He could definitely use this guy’s help. And also whatever diet and workout routine he’s into. What a stud!
A hot therapist schooling men on how to be better? Yes, please!
BRB, sending this to my boyfriend
“I think your fan club is growing,” I say.
“Wow, five pussy whisperer comments,” he says, frowning at his laptop screen.
I whip my head at him. Momentary panic sends my heart racing. The last thing I want is for Simon to regret working with me. I do a mad skim of the comments and spot one mention amid the hundreds of comments. Simon could be looking at an entirely different section.
“Crap, I’m sorry, Simon. I still think, though, that this was the best way to establish yourself in your current career. Some people just refuse to move on, I guess.”
He flashes an easy smile at me. “It’s okay, Naomi. I’m not naïve. I don’t think people will magically forget about what I did before. I just don’t want to be defined by it. And from the response to this interview, it’s clear that people are viewing me in a new light. And that’s thanks to you.”
My chest swells as I stare at my phone screen, his compliment making me glow from the inside out.
“Oh. Good. Phew.” I mime like I’m wiping sweat from my brow, then immediately regret it. God, he must think I’m such a weirdo.
But he just laughs and turns back to his computer. We continue to work silently before his phone alarm goes off. He shuts it off and hops off his stool.
“I’m gonna head out for a run. Wanna join me?”
I cackle, then immediately go quiet when I take in the confusion in his expression.
“Sorry, I, uh, don’t really run. Unless something or someone is chasing me.”
“Noted.” The corner of his mouth quirks up. “I’m learning a lot about you. You’re a coffee fiend who refuses to speak in the early mornings until you’ve had caffeine, and you don’t ever run.”
“I’m a fascinating being, no question.” I grin so wide, my cheeks ache. “The only run I’m planning on going on today is a bakery run for some breakfast pastries, if you care to ditch your morning jog and join me?”
“I’ll pass today, but tomorrow?”
“As long as you don’t expect us to run there.”
“I would never.”
