Page 15 of Reputation (Tempt)

“No.” She scoffed. “I’ve just never had the opportunity.”

“Would you want it?”

“I don’t know. I guess. Maybe.”

Interesting. Most people I knew would’ve jumped at the chance to avoid LA traffic. To take the easy way. The VVIP way.

“Did Brooklyn tell you about her school play?” she asked, and I was grateful for the excuse to continue talking.

“Only that she’s excited to play Rumpelstiltskin.”

Emerson grinned. “I love that she went for that part.”

I busied myself with filling my water bottle. “I love that she’s taken an interest in acting, but I hope she doesn’t make a career of it.”

“Why?” Emerson asked.

“This industry can be brutal. And it can really fuck with your head. She’s already going to face enough media and scrutiny for being my kid. Even if she’s talented, people will always say she didn’t earn it.”

“People could say that regardless of who her dad was or what industry she works in.”

I inclined my head. “True.”

“And sheistalented. We were practicing her lines last night, and she’s a natural.”

I nodded. “You don’t think her classmates will find it odd that she’s performing a traditionally male role?”

Emerson’s expression darkened. “Are you referring to that little shit Randy?”

I sighed. “Is he causing trouble again?”

“Is he ever not?” Emerson asked.

Touché.“Has he done something specific to Brooklyn? Do I need to get involved?”

“It’s handled—for now.” She let out a sigh, her eyes flicking briefly toward the ceiling.

I wondered what that meant, but I trusted Emerson to take care of it. She was just as protective of Brooklyn as I was. I’d never doubted that—not for a moment. But now that I’d stopped avoiding her so much, I’d seen the full extent of just how devoted she was to my daughter.

“Speaking of Brooklyn,” I said, thinking it was the perfect segue. “I have a huge favor to ask.”

“Besides going to Abu Dhabi?” she teased.

“Yeah.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Besides that. In fact, this might be an even bigger ask.”

“Ah. So that’s why you gave me the Birkin,” she joked, eyeing the purse.

“No.” I butted her shoulder with mine. “I gave you the Birkin because you deserve it.”

“But you’re still hoping I’ll keep the gift in mind when you tell me the favor.” She smirked.

“I wouldn’t object if you did.”

“Hmm.” She arched an eyebrow then tapped a finger to her lips. Soft. Pink. Kissable. “You want me to run lines with you like I am for Brooklyn.”

I shifted. Just thinking of some of the scenes we’d be filming, well, it would definitely becrossinga line to prepare for them with Emerson. I didn’t usually act in films that involved sex scenes, so this one would be a new challenge for me. Some nudity, even, though nothing more than my ass and the appearance of sex. Still, I’d have to get up close and personal with my costar, Mila. And we’d have to make it look real.

But god, the idea of “practicing” with Emerson was tempting. Hearing her moan my name. Watching her pupils dilate as I leaned in to kiss her…

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