Page 69 of You and Me, For Real
I can’t believe I just told him one of the biggest secrets I’ve kept from nearly everyone—even Marissa.
“Wait. What?” His tone is soft, slightly baffled. He’s quiet for a minute. “Hold on, you’re one of the Blakes?”
I mumble through the pillow, “Uh huh.”
He gently pries the pillow from my face. “As in, you’re a daughter oftheEdward Blake, the business mogul and millionaire?”
“Yes, but I’m not a millionaire. My mom is. Maybe my sister. I don’t know.” I trail off, thinking how many more discussions I need to have with my sister.
“I’m confused.”
I hug the pillow. “My mom inherited my father’s money. Not us. At least, not me. I left my family just before turning eighteen and emancipated myself, changed my last name, and got a new life.”
He slumps back slightly.
“Ow!” I jolt, adjusting my leg before he accidentally leans on it further.
“I’m so sorry. I forgot I was even holding this. Here, may I?” He gestures to my ankle.
“Sure.” I try to keep my face neutral, pretending the intimacy of his contact doesn’t affect me. It’s purely clinical.
He lifts my leg, slow and gentle, and wraps the ice pack around my ankle. His tenderness makes me want to cry.
He watches my expression, judging for any pain. “How’s that? Better?”
“Mm-hmm. Thanks.”
“Is that why you’re afraid of paparazzi? The tabloids? You don’t want to be recognized?”
I nod.
“And why you were hesitant to start a social media account?”
“Yes.”
He tilts his head. “I’m sorry. I never meant to push you.”
I rest my hand on his on the couch. “You didn’t. I want to do this. You’re right. I need to do more if I’m ever going to get this rescue off the ground. It’s time to stop hiding. I don’t want to be afraid anymore.” My voice wobbles, and I remove my hand from his.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m proud of you. You’re an impressive woman with a special talent. The world deserves to see it.” His voice is gentle, his eyes soft.
My cheeks heat. “Thank you.” I tell myself not to read into the compliment too much, considering I just met his girlfriend. This is strictly a professional relationship.
He holds my gaze for a moment, blinking a few times before smacking his thighs and standing. “How about a movie?”
“I’m pretty sure if I watch a movie, I’ll fall asleep on your couch.”
He smiles. “That’s fine by me.”
“What about taking me to a hotel?”
He looks pointedly at my ankle. “I think it’s fair to say you’re not in the best condition to get around a hotel on your own.”
I bite my lip, unwilling to agree with him but knowing he’s probably right.
“I think you should stay here.”
“Stay…as in,stay…here?”
