Page 45 of Two Sticky Nuts

Oh, yeah. Show me how you put on the charm, scammer.“Just good?” I say.

“And beautiful.”

“Anything else?” I ask coyly.

“Smart. Except for the part about letting Carter dupe you.” He smiles.

“That wasn’t funny.” And he won’t be laughing when I expose him.

“Can I see you next weekend?” he asks.

You really won’t want to once I’m done with you.“What did you have in mind?”

“I can’t take much time away from my mother right now, but how about a late dinner at my place? To be honest, I find your company comforting—among other things—and I need that right now.”

Oh yeah, his fake dying mother. And let’s not forget poor Bob. I’m a source of comfort.Uh-huh. Surrre. “I’d like that.”

He pecks my cheek and gets up to leave.

“Logan, can I ask you something? Have you and Carter ever dated the same woman?” I want to see what he’ll say.

“No. Our tastes are completely different. It’s why I was so surprised.”

“Surprised about what?” I ask.

“That Carter was pursuing you.” He shrugs. “Now I know why.”

“Because he wasn’t into me and was using me for a project?” I ask.

He nods. “I should’ve known he was up to something.”

“Better late than never, I guess,” unable to avoid sounding hurt. Because I am. He has no right to make a fool out of me like this.

“Carter shouldn’t have hurt you, Mila. I really think this is the last straw.”

“Last straw?” I ask.

“This is the last time I try to help him. He needs to learn he can’t treat people like they’re characters in his next film.” Logan sighs. “I’m sorry we met under such rough circumstances, but I’m still glad we met. I really like you, Mila.”

My heart thumps inside my chest, and I drop-kick it across the room. My heart is an idiot. None of this is real.

I smile at Logan, almost drawing blood as I bite my tongue to not cuss him out. “See you soon.”

I walk him out, and the moment he’s in his car, my cell rings. It’s Carter.

Wow. This guy is not very sly. He’s still in my driveway.

“Hello?” I look outside at Logan, who is pulling away from the curb. I can’t see his mouth clearly, but I think he’s talking to someone.

Gee. I wonder who?“What do you want, Carter?”I mean Logan, who just left my house.What a sleaze.

“I know you’re still mad about the film. I was hoping you’d hear me out. If I could just explain, you’d understand.”

I sit on my couch and put my phone on speaker. I tap the app to pull up the recording feature.

“Understand what, Carter? That you secretly filmed me in my own home? That you led me on? That you stole from me, wrecked my car, and lied about your mother being dead, not to mention where you grew up? Everything about you is a lie, Carter.” I’m about to spill the beans and say that even his brother is a lie, but I rein myself in. “You used and manipulated me so you could try to advance your career.”

“Mila, I know it doesn’t make any sense at the moment, but I promise—”

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