Page 15 of GDL

"Onethousandpercent."

"If you want to keep this a secret, it won't leave this room," Rocky continues. "If you decide to go public with it, we'll be right there with you. BBA forever."

"BBA forever," the others chant in unison.

"You guys are the best," I say, tears welling in my eyes at their unconditional support. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet," I say. That goes for both Sawyer and protecting Ashton, because, hello, how long can I really keep the fact I have a son hidden from the world? "I need some more time to think. So for now, I don't want Sawyer, or anyone else, knowing about Ashton."

They all nod in support. "We got you, man."

7

Sawyer

"Are you completely blown away by the exciting life of a content creator yet?" Kynan asks drolly as we head toward the elevator bank after attending yet another round of meetings with his management and PR teams.

"I never expected it to be all glamour and fabric softener," I reply, pushing the Down button.

His lips stretch into a smile, and I wonder how the hell we've managed to keep our hands off each other. It's so easy being around him. He's funny, smart, and effortlessly charming. Plus his work ethic is commendable.

We're in the second week of my assignment, and true to my word, I've managed to keep things professional. But the attraction between us is as strong as ever, simmering below the surface, peeking out occasionally in a stolen glance here or a sharp intake of breath if we pass each other a little too close there.

Hitting pause on things was definitely the right move, though. The story is coming along great. We've shot tons offun bonus, behind-the-scenes content we'll be able to use in promoting the interview in the lead-up to it. And I'm confident in our chemistry and rapport, so when it comes time for the sit-down interview in a few days, Kynan should be comfortable, resulting in a great, comeback-worthy chat.

The elevator opens, and I wave my hand for him to get in first. "Thanks," he says, brushing past me so close the scent of the ginger mango fabric softener he shot a promo video for earlier today hits my nostrils.

The doors slide closed, and I press the G button. "So, I heard from Tharin you're going away tomorrow."

"Yeah. I'm going to visit my brother, Logan, and his partner, Wade, back home in the mountains. Haven't seen them in a while."

"That'll be nice."

"It will." He grins. "What will you do?"

"Prepare for our interview and probably hit the gym at some stage to shoot some morecontent." I roll my eyes. "That last planching video has surpassed three million views."

"I'm not surprised. That's an impressive move. Not to mention, your body is banging."

"Coming from you, that's a high compliment."

Our eyes meet, sending tendrils of heat spiraling across my chest…but nope, I've been doing such a good job staying focused on work, I can't blow it now.

Blow. Now.

Fuck.

I'm really not helping my own cause here.

Unfortunately, neither is the universe because the overhead lights flicker, and a moment later, the elevator shudders to a halt. I press the floor buttons, but nothing happens. Kynan attempts to open the doors manually, but they won't budge.

"We're stuck," he says over his shoulder, still trying to pry the doors open.

"Appears so. Are you okay with being in a small space?"

He lets go of the doors and spins around. His eyes flick to mine. "I guess… As long as I have someone to look after me." I can't tell if he's being serious or flirty until he saunters over to me, slides a palm against my pec, leans into my ear, and whispers, "Will you protect me, Sawyer Bannister?"

Right. Flirty it is, then.

Him breathing my name into my ear snaps what little self-restraint I have, and before I know what's happening, I grip his waist and pin him against the wall. "You don't strike me as the type of guy who needs protecting," I say, holding on to him firmly.

---