Page 108 of Take Hold of Me

Rinaldo passes a lively nightclub. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you with a little dancing? Barcelona style.”

While dancing does sound fun, in my heart I know he is not the man for me and I do not want to lead him on. “I cannot. You know I am catching an early flight tomorrow to spend some time with my family before returning to LA on Tuesday for an audition.”

“Which the Agency got you, right?”

“Oui.”

“See. Listen to me. I’ll keep you on the right track.”

We take an exit as Rinaldo discusses his football team and how well they are performing. He turns the blinker on and waits at the stop sign to turn down the hotel’s street. “My agent got me a few more modeling gigs for athletic apparel.”

I grin. The cameras love him, but he was always too distracted with football to explore possibilities beyond team photos and some endorsement deals. “Modeling finally got their clutches in you, yes?”

Giving me a sideways smirk, he pulls up outside the hotel and cuts the engine. Although I enjoyed our evening, our conversation did not stimulate me. He did not challenge me to really analyze things the wayhedoes. Rather, did.

Shaking my head once, I say, “Thank you for a very nice evening, Rinaldo. You made the movie premiere very fun.” Not a lie.

Placing his hands on my cheeks, he pulls me toward him. Looking directly in my eyes, he says, “I was honored to be your escort tonight.”

My eyes close as our lips meet. He kisses me with all the skillful finesse I remember. After a beat, I pull back.

Running my fingers through his silky hair, I say, “Good night, Rinaldo. Be well, my friend.”

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