Page 42 of Fa-La La-La Land
“You know there aren’t any more kissing ones on there, right?”
“According to you, there is one left—unless you lied about the world not stopping.” I crack an eye in time to see her blush. “But if you’re sticking to that story, we can try again. I’ll put in my best effort.”
She lets out a soft laugh, turning to her side, cheek on her hands. “What am I supposed to say to that, Rhys? I don’t know what’s happening here. I mean, you’re my client. I shouldn’t be kissing you at all.”
I roll to my side and mirror her. “Fair. Problem is, I like you, and I want to keep kissing you, but I’m not keen on asking VibeHouse to fire you just to do it.”
Silence. I’ve stepped straight into a vulnerability pit deep as Coober Pedy.
Finally, she smiles. “You like me?”
I let out my breath. “You kidding, La-La? ‘Course I like you. Been gone on you since the start.”
“Liar. You thought I was some crazed fan—which I was—the first time you saw me.” She gives my chest a gentle shove.
I catch her hand, press it to me. “All right—since the second time, then. On the way to Vegas for Dex and Britta’s wedding. I didn’t want you running my socials only because you’re good. I wanted an excuse to be around you.”
“Really?”
I loosen my grip and roll onto my back. “How much longerare you gonna make me bare my soul? I like you. Properly. This is where you tell me if you like me too.”
I cover my eyes from the sun. I feel her moving closer. Her arm drapes across my chest, cheek settling over my heart.
“To be honest, Rhys. I didn’t like you the second time. Or even the third or fourth. Maybe not even until yesterday—possibly the day before.” She swirls her fingers around my chest. “Christmas-decorating is a good look for you.”
She goes still, and I don’t breathe until she says, “But I like you now. I like you a lot.”
I slide an arm around her waist, ready to try stopping the world again—until I see the worry in her eyes.
“As much as I’d like to spend all my time with you, I think we’ve gotta take things slow, Rhys.” Her fingers trail up and down my chest. My brain ignores the wordslowentirely.
“Because of your list?” I cover her hand to steady both of us.
“What would my list have to do with it?”
“You don’t want to fall in love.”
She huffs a laugh, settles back. “It’s way too soon to think about that.”
“Speak for yourself,” I mutter. Now that she’s said she’s gone for me too, nothing feels soon enough.
Stella sits up again. Her hair skims my chest, and a shiver runs down my spine. “What?”
“Nothing.” I tuck the loose strand behind her ear.
Her face softens. “The things on my list aren’t written in stone, Rhys. I can change them if I want to.”
“Do you want to?”
“I don’t know.” Her eyes narrow. “Why are we talking about my list again? That topic is supposed to be off-limits, and it has nothing to do with why we’re not rushing intoanything.”
“Yeah? What are our reasons?” I don’t have any of my own. Guess we’re using hers.
“Your career is the priority, Rhys. If people find out you’re dating your social media person, we both lose credibility. Your fans think your girlfriend is only trying to make you look good, and potential clients of mine think I got the job because I’m dating you, not because of my skill.”
I’m ready to argue, but she stops me with a kiss—quick enough I miss my chance to kiss back.
“Going slow doesn’t mean no. It means we’re intentional and careful, starting with no more public displays of affection.” She hops up and offers a hand.
