Page 83 of All the Bright Lights

Ah, hell. Just when I think I canmaybeget a grasp on this, he goes and says stuff like that.

I roll my eyes to cover my reaction.

“That didn’t answer my question.” I tug my lower lip between my teeth.

“I would ask if you own any sexy dresses, but I already know you do.” He gives me a suggestive eyebrow lift. “But maybe one that’s not quite as revealing as last weekend.”

“And here I thought you liked my dress.”

“Oh, I did. But I’m trying to portray a new, more professional and mature version of myself.”

“And me wearing that dress would stop you from doing that how?” I smirk.

“Because I can’t very well prove that I’ve changed if I’m walking around clocking every fucker that I catch staring at you.”

I can’t help but laugh.

“Fine,” I concede. “I won’t wearthatdress.”

“Or any dress that shows more of your body than it covers,” he tacks on.

“Or any dress that shows more of my body than it covers,” I repeat, laughter still dancing through my words.

“That’s my girl.”

Hisgirl.

That’s the second time during this conversation that he’s referred to me ashis.

If he keeps this up, I’m going to be a freaking melted puddle on the floor.

I roll my eyes again, acting annoyed by his words, when in reality, I’m literally trembling on the inside.

How quickly things have changed.

When we first met, I thought he was an arrogant piece of shit that only wanted one thing. And honestly, I continued to feel that way for a while, especially after the way he left me stranded at the ballfield.

But now I know there is so much more to him. This week has changed so much about what I thought and felt. And while yes, he isthatguy. The bad boy of Hollywood with his sex appeal oozing from every pore, he’s also surprisingly sweet, and possessive, and… and… God, why is my heart beating so fast?

“You okay there?” Something about my demeanor must seem off to him.

“Huh?” I right my expression, letting an easy smile slide onto my face. “Fine, why?”

“No reason.” He shrugs, thankfully not pushing it further.

“So, tell me what to expect at this party… Will there be lots of other celebrities there?” I ask. “Actresses that you’ve slept with?” I tease.

“Ahh, it’ll be the full cast and crew plus whoever they bring with them. And as for your other question, you already know the answer.”

Duh… Because, of course, he’s slept with Brandy.

“Well, besides the obvious.”

“Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

I openly gawk at him.

“Have you really slept withthatmany people?” I guess I already know the answer but I’d hoped deep down that maybe I was wrong.

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