Page 94 of How He Got the Girl
“Right.” He wraps Mallory’s arm through his and walks toward the building. I follow close enough behind to hear their conversation. “I have so many questions for you.”
“Is that so?” She sounds intrigued. “I have a lot for you, too.”
I quicken my steps, coming up to Mallory’s side. “Do I want to know what these questions are?”
“No,” they say simultaneously, then burst into laughter.
Having them meet was either the best or worst idea of my life. I guess I’ll find out by the end of the night.
It turns out I’m thankful Rhett is here tonight. While the movie director is walking me and Brittany around, introducing us to many of the influencer attendees, Rhett has been able to keep Mallory company.
Anytime I catch sight of them together, they’re talking or laughing, so I’d say they’re getting along well. I don’t think Rhett would evernotget along with someone, but it feels good knowing I have my best friend’s stamp of approval on my relationship, nonetheless.
When I glance at the time, we’re only a few minutes out from when the showing starts. I’ve never been so thankful. Small talk has never been my thing, but I’ve had to do a lot of it in this line of work. It seems like it’s practically all I do when I’m not on set. I’ve learned to appreciate it more inrecent years as it’s helped blossom my career, but right now it feels like pure torture.
Anything that’s keeping me apart from Mallory—especially when she looks like that—would feel like torture. She deserves all my time, and I plan to give it to her. One day.
“All right, it’s almost show time.” Our director rubs his hands together. “I’ll have you both come up on stage with me while I make a few quick remarks, and then you can sit with your guests during the movie. I will need you for the Q&A afterward, but other than that, enjoy the rest of your evening.”
We follow him down the aisle to the stage. Brittany leans close and mutters, “What rest of our evening?”
I cough to cover my laugh. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Once we’re on stage, our director taps the microphone. “Hello, everyone. Thank you for attending our special screening ofAccidentally in Matrimony. We’re amazed by the positive reception we’ve received. Tonight, we’re honored to have both our leads, Brittany Clearwater and Griffin Reynolds, with us. They’ll be available for a special Q&A after the showing. Thank you all again. Enjoy the movie.” He waves to the crowd while Brittany and I walk to our seats in the second row.
Once the spotlight no longer shines on me, I immediately spot Mallory and head her way. Rhett extends a closed fist when I walk past him, and I bump it with mine before moving past them both to take the open seat beside Mallory.
I wrap my arm around her out of instinct. My fingers brush her exposed back, and my pulse becomes erratic at the smooth feel of it. We’re in public. I’m at a work event. I can’t have my hands all over her. She crosses her legs, themovement causing the slit of her dress to open, showing off skin from her heels to her upper thigh. I want to writemineright there—to let everyone know this gorgeous woman is spoken for. My cheeks warm. I really need to stop thinking about her legs.
I drag in a long breath and blow it out slowly through my mouth. I clear my throat, then say, “I just remembered you haven’t seen this movie.”
“I’ve been looking forward to watching it since meeting Brittany. She’s sweet.”
My jaw drops. “Because of Brittany, not your handsome boyfriend?”
She smiles softly, looking playful. “I thought you didn’t want me to see you kiss another girl on-screen?”
If she’s going to tease me, then two can play that game. I lean across the armrest, brushing my lips across her cheek, then the soft spot between her neck and ear. “What if I told you that I was thinking of you—of our first kiss—when I was kissing Brittany’s character?”
Mallory inhales sharply. “Me?” She pulls her head back, her eyes searching mine. “But you filmed this a while after we met.”
I reach over and intertwine our fingers, the touch immediately grounding me. “That’s right.”
“Well, if you were thinking of me while filming the kiss scenes, maybe we could recreate them later.” She trails a finger along my chest where my dress shirt is unbuttoned.
I have to bite my bottom lip to keep from making any sounds. I’m using every ounce of restraint to keep from pulling her into my arms and recreating them right here, right now. Give this audience a real show.
She presses her lips to the corner of my mouth. “You know, for research purposes.”
I pull away, taking a long, shallow breath as the lights dim. “You’re lucky there are a lot of people around.”
“Why’s that?”
“I would tickle you so hard right now.”
Mallory laughs, and her eyes go wide as she slaps a hand over her mouth. People turn to look at us as the opening credits play on the screen. “I can’t believe you just made me do that.” She shoots me a look and pinches my side.
“You started it with all your talk of kissing.”
