Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 322(@300wpm)
“You don’t say.”
“You try being celibate and see how long you last before you’re scoping for BJs in a seedy nightclub.”
“Thanks to you, I guess I’m going to be celibate for however long you need me to be your boyfriend.”
I hadn’t even thought of that. Since the scandal, I’ve had no desire to get back out there again, but it didn’t occur to me that Noah offering to do this means he’s been put in the exact same situation I’m in.
“I’m sorry.”
Noah smiles. “This just became my favorite place on the ship. A joke and an apology within minutes of each other? Is this place magical?”
I sigh. Loudly.
“Oh wait, he’s back. Never mind.”
“Why do I have the feeling you get your ass kicked a lot?”
Noah smirks. “If my big, bad daddy didn’t have a list of lawyers longer than the Kardashian’s family tree, I’m sure I would’ve been beaten up a lot more.”
“Look, I know I’ve been an ass, and I want to thank you for what you did today—getting me out of the parking lot and away from the reporters as fast as you could. I’ll try not to be ornery, but—”
“You’re going through a lot. Don’t worry about me having to be celibate or needing to sell this lie. I knew what I signed up for.”
“Why did you agree to this?”
Noah’s excuse that he’s doing it for Damon doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.
“I have my reasons just like you do.” Noah sips his wine before adding, “I did think you’d be more thankful, though.”
“I am. Thankful, I mean. I may not understand how this is going to work or how it’ll help me get a contract, but Maddox says I can trust Damon, so I’m going with it. I don’t mean to be an ass, but I’m gambling my entire livelihood on this working.”
Noah nods. “It’s a lot of pressure.”
Now that we’re in the middle of the ocean and away from stupid photographers, it’s the first time I’ve been able to breathe since my news broke.
“So, truce?” I ask. “Can we start this thing over again?”
He stares at me without answering a little too long, and it makes me shift in my seat. Noah holds up his glass of wine for a toast. “Truce.”
The truce lasts all of dinner before everything goes to shit. As soon as we get back to the room, Noah hands me a beer from the minibar, and I start to go out onto the small balcony, but Noah pulls me back.
“Maybe we should talk in here. I was out there earlier, and I could hear people talking a few cabins down.”
With a nod, I plant my ass on the small sofa in the room, and then Noah takes the seat next to me.
The sound of water crashing over the bow still reaches the room from the black abyss that is the Atlantic Ocean. It’s peaceful until Noah opens his mouth again.
“We should make out.”
I choke and splutter on my beer. “Why in the hell should we do that?”
“I’m not hitting on you, you jackass.”
“Pretty sure askin’ me to kiss you contradicts that statement.”
“Hear me out. You’re uncomfortable in public, and we don’t know each other. The way to make it look natural is if we are natural. Therefore, if we make out, you’ll loosen up.”
I hate that he has a point, but we can’t cross those lines. “We should make this a purely platonic arrangement so there’s no confusion.”
“There will be no confusion on my part. I understand why you’d be hesitant, because, well, look at me. You’re worried about liking it too much.” Noah gestures to himself, and I force myself not to look.
“Yeah, you’re lucky I haven’t jumped you already.” Even though he does have a great body. Damn him.
“I could goad you into doing it, but I don’t think I have to. You know this is a good idea.”
“It’s really not.”
“Scared you’re going to fall for me?” he taunts. “All the boys do.”
“Fall for your wallet, maybe,” I mumble.
His eyes turn a stormy gray as they narrow, and if looks could kill—
“Fall for you after one kiss?” I scoff. “Not possible.” It’s not possible after multiple kisses. I reckon I’m incapable of love, because I don’t know what the fuck it is.
Noah moves closer.
“Noah …” I shift on the seat.
“You’re way too uptight. I promise I’m not trying to fuck you. Although, that could definitely be fun.”
A tentative hand skims up my side and around my back.
My body freezes, and if Noah thought I was uptight thirty seconds ago, it’s nothing compared to how tense I am right now.
“We have a photoshoot in two days.” His breath tickles my cheek. “You’re going to have to be relaxed and pretend that you like me.”
“So, we can do this then.” My voice cracks and I clear my throat. “I don’t understand the point of it now.”