Page 56 of Y'allywood Billionaire

We’re in the middle of a scene where Agent Bryce and Agent Sullivan are arguing over which procedure to use to corner the bad guy into a confession.

I say my line, “Look, Sullivan, you know this is my area of expertise. You stay in your lane, and I’ll stay in mine.”

“Cut!” Smith calls out, even more irritated than before.

Maddox and I whip our heads around. What now? It seemed fine.

Smith looks like he sucked on a Sour Patch Kid. “Where’s that fire between Lexi and Knox we’re used to? Come on, you two don’t even seem annoyed with each other.”

Oh, my god. It’s because we’re not. I’m so blissfully happy with Maddox. Before, I was always irked at him, so acting like it wasn’t a stretch.

Shit, shit, shit.One night together, and it’s already affecting our work.

“They’re too in love,” Vera says, folding her arms and smiling.

Maddox rakes a hand through his hair, and I know he’s feeling the pressure. He only does that when he’s really stressed, and now, I am too. He’s the one usually telling me it’s all going to be okay.

Well, apparently, today, that’s going to have to be me.

“I got this,” I say, shaking all of this off. “Let me get into my zone.” I close my eyes and try to think of all the things Maddox does that grate at me.

But right now, I can’t come up with any. Dammit! Because the behaviors he did that rubbed me wrong were his way of deflecting the media trolls. He does those things because he has to, and I can’t hold that against him.

I just keep imaging his head between my legs. What his touch felt like. His mouth on me. I shake my head and focus. Then I remember something he did that hurt.

After the long night we shared, he got up and left my room and returned to his own.

I know it’s his thing, but it still felt terrible. I imagine that, and I’m back in character. Which is good because Maddox, Mr. Unflappable, seems to have flapped.

“You let him drill you into a mattress, didn’t you?” Skye studies a piece of sweet potato tempura before eating it.

I purposely shove a huge dragon roll in my mouth so I don’t have to answer her question. This is one benefit of having dinner at Eating Nemo. Another is they give us—meaning Skye, Eva, West, and me—our own private room, which is greatly needed right now. But poor Sophie can’t join us because she’s pregnant, and sushi is a no-no.

Eva says, “Good one, Riley. Stuff your face—I’ll have to use that one myself.”

West gets a worried look. “Wait, Eva, are you hooking up with someone? What did I miss?”

Eva shoves a California roll into her mouth and smiles.

West’s face crumbles. “You better tell me what’s going on.”

Eva swallows and laughs. “No, West. Nothing is going on. But you should see your face right now.”

Relief washes over it, and I feel bad for the guy. He needs to move on from Eva if she won’t give him a chance.

“You finished your piece of sushi, Riley. Now spill it.” Skye has on her interrogation face.

“He drilled me into a mattress, okay? And vice versa.” Then I hesitate before I add, “Two times. Each.”

“I want to be excited for you,” Eva says, her face twisting in concern. “But you’re scaring me. You fell for him, didn’t you? I can tell by your face. It’s glowing.”

“Eva, Eva, Eva.” Skye shakes her head. “Riley fell for Maddox a long time ago. She was just finally down to clown.”

I flop my head back. “You peeps are so romantic.”

“Seriously, Riley.” West gives me a glance of disapproval. “I’m worried about you, too. I mean, this guy is a huge player. I just don’t wanna see you get hurt.”

“I don’t think you need to worry, West.” Skye points a chopstick at him. “Maddox has fallen for her just as hard as she’s fallen for him. Trust me.”

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