Page 45 of Nothing to No One

“I’m with you on the karaoke. On the stripping…” he drew out the word, raising his brows like he wouldn’t be averse tothat idea. Providing it was them together, alone, she wouldn’t be either. “Don’t worry, you’re safe. It’s a party, something for the studio. Bigwigs getting together, rubbing shoulders, crowing about their latest multimillion dollar deal, or the last billion dollars they made at the box office.”

So she may be standing around. “Easier than dinner. If it’s a party, we don’t have to stay too long with any one group.”

“No.” He curved an arm around her hips to pull her even closer. “And there’s dancing; I’ll be allowed to put my arms around you.”

Tipping up her chin, she leaned in. “You’re always allowed.”

He kissed her quick. “Just remember my name tonight.”

Talk about extinguishing the passion. “I’d rather refrain from using any name at all than call you him, call you by his name.”

“Whatever you decide.”

He took her hand to his lips again. Would they ever be them, just them, without Roman’s specter spoiling every moment?

“How long have you had to do this? Have you been out with other women for him?”

“Sway, but she knew the deal. Anyone less committed didn’t get an explanation. His worst years were with Sway. I don’t know how she put up with him. I honestly don’t.”

And, at the same time, she questioned how he’d done the same thing his whole life. “I’m curious about her. And there are things I… I hoped we’d get a chance to talk, but didn’t see you at work.”

“Me and the guys were off-site, preparing for Vancouver.”

“Is that where we’re going on location? What’s the plan?”

“You’ll have a place to sleep. I’ll keep a spot warm for you, don’t worry about that.”

She feigned a swoon. “My hero.”

“Just looking out for you, baby.”

“I’m happy you’re prepping, confident in your ability. If it was anyone else, I wouldn’t be so sure.”

“You’re biased.”

No denying that. “And proud of it.”

“You’re taking UO by storm.”

“UO?” She frowned. “Undercover Ops? I am?”

“Yeah, everyone’s impressed, confused how Roman bagged you.”

“Something else he can thank you for.”

“You assert yourself and still make friends. You’re doing really well.”

“I refused to be put back into isolation. I might not have experience filming TV shows, but I can muck in.”

“That’s what I’m hearing. No job too big or small. People like you… which puts them in an awkward position.”

And that she got in an instant. “Because they don’t like Roman?”

“They don’t know him that well yet. Most aren’t sure how to approach him. Those who’ve tried never know which Roman they’ll get. Happy, personable, humble—”

“Humble? Ha!” She laughed. “Humble? I’ve never seen that side of him.”

“He can pull it off, he’s an actor.”

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