Page 95 of How He Got the Girl
“Stop distracting me.” She presses her pointer finger to her lips, mirth glimmering in her eyes. “I’m trying to watch the movie.”
“Whatever you say, beautiful.” I squeeze her hand and turn my attention to the big screen.
I try to focus on the movie, but every small laugh Mallory makes draws my gaze to her. I know rom-coms aren’t her first choice in film, so the fact that she’s here supporting me and seemingly enjoying the movie means more than words can express.
When the end credits start to roll, Mallory leans over and kisses my cheek. “That was great.”
“You liked it?”
“I didn’t like the kissing scenes for obvious reasons. But knowing that you were thinking of me while filming them makes them tolerable.” She smiles at me. “In all seriousness, your acting was refreshing. I could tell that you put your all into becoming your character, and it shows.”
I stare into her light-brown eyes, losing myself in them. “If I wasn’t already falling for you, that would’ve done me in.” I press my lips together as I realize what I just said. I told Mallory I was falling for her as casually as I talk about the weather with a stranger. But I honestly don’t care, because it’s the truth.
I only hope she returns my feelings…and that she’ll still feel the same way when I tell her my big news.
Griffin’sperformanceinAccidentallyin Matrimonywas incredible. But it’s the words he just said off-screen that steal my breath.
“You’re falling for me?” The words barely come out in a whisper, making me sound as stunned as I feel.
“I th—”
“Sorry to interrupt,” the movie director says, “but I need you and Brittany for the Q&A session.”
Griffin turns to me, rubbing his hand up and down my arm. “I’m sorry.”
“Go.” A smirk tugs at my lips. “Besides, I have more questions for Rhett.”
“Of course, you do.” He kisses me, soft and slow. “I’m yours for the rest of the night.”
I pull back, smiling at him. “I like the sound of that.”
Griffin leans in close, his lips brushing my ear. “We’ll continue our conversation then, too.” He walks away but glances back over his shoulder, shooting me the crooked smile I’ve come to love.
I sigh dreamily as I step closer to Rhett. “He looks good tonight.” I’ve seen Griffin dressed up in photos, but seeing him in a suitin personis a sight to behold. “I mean, theway the top of his shirt is unbuttoned.” I fan my face. Rhett laughs, and I grimace. “Sorry, I shouldn’t talk to you like you’re one of my girlfriends.”
He extends his elbow to me, leading me to a bar table. “I’m always down to yap. At least, I think that’s what the teens call it these days.”
“I appreciate you standing in.” I clasp my hands in front of me, twiddling my thumbs. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Shoot.”
“Is it possible to settle down in this industry?”
Rhett nods. “Lots of people do.”
“Successfully?”
“I guess that depends upon what you consider successful.” He blows out a breath. “I think a relationship with a celebrity is just like any other. The falling in love part is easy. Exciting. The staying together and putting in the effort to make your relationship work is the hard part.” Rhett leans his elbow on a bar table. “Then you add in the paparazzi taking pictures of you wherever you go, and everyone speculating about your relationship. It just means you have to work harder for it. But if you find the right person, the effort is worth it.”
My chest constricts. I never thought I’d be considering signing up for a life in the spotlight. I’m just a teacher. Heck, I wasn’t even on social media before this. But if I choose a future with Griffin, I’m in for a life where we’ll always be stopped in public. Where people will always speculate about our relationship if we aren’t seen together often or posting pictures frequently enough for their liking.
I swallow down the lump in my throat. “What about when he’s filming a movie? Or flying to events like this? How do you survive everything the media is saying when you’re apart for weeks or months at a time?”
I don’t know how often my teaching schedule would allow me to visit him while he was filming or in LA for events. Would I even be allowed to visit him on set? I don’t know how this kind of thing works. I don’t know how anything in themovieindustry works.
My palms turn clammy as I think about all the roadblocks ahead if Griffin and I decide to try to make a future together work.
“I’m not speaking from experience here, but from what I’ve witnessed, it all boils down to two things: trust and love. If you trust and love each other, you’re going to do just about anything to make the relationship work. And you can weather any storm together because of the foundation you’ve built your relationship on.”
