“What do you think?” I asked after we finished watching.
Frank spun in his chair to face me, his features twisted in concentration. “It’s very compelling, doll. I love how it’s turning out.”
The edge in his voice indicated there was more, but he kept it to himself. At least for now.
“Are you still not sure about my offer?” I probed.
He stared at me candidly. His penetrating gaze reached deep into my soul and every fiber in me felt his hesitation. “I don’t want to steal Isabella’s screen time.”
My tongue was tight and heavy inside my mouth. “Trust me, you won’t, but if you want my honest opinion, I think that in light of everything that’s happened in the last couple of months, this is a way for you to really be heard…” I stammered and blushed like a teenager because it seemed wrong to give him my sales pitch, but he reminded me of a newborn baby that had just come into this world, screaming, kicking, and uncertain of what to do. Uncertain of whether the universe accepted him for what he was without his band and everything he’d accomplished with those three people who didn’t care to fight for him.
He just needed a push.
I matched his stare. “Your insight can draw a lot of attention to all the wrongs that are plaguing the industry. Can’t you see why I don’t want you to move forward with the lawsuit? It’ll make you look greedy. Sharing your true experiences will make you look human. People are drawn to vulnerability.”
“You know better than anyone that lawsuits in my line of business aren’t always about money.” His voice was like an acidic peel.
“I know, but people don’t see it that way unless you’re fighting a collective fight. And that’s not the case here. For the label, you’re just a disgruntled former employee. For the fans, you’re just another money-hungry celebrity to yap about on the forums. This is the way your fans—including myself—will see you if you try to sue a corporation for millions of dollars when you already have enough to feed a country in Central America.”
The tension brewing between us reached its peak. Frank’s steely glare was like a torch to my face.
“Well”—he tilted his head—“at least you’re honest.” The grind of his jaw told me I’d hit a sore spot.
“I’ll always be honest with you. It’s called a relationship.”
Frank’s expression softened. “You’re right, doll. I have more than I need. The difference between me and people born into wealth is that I earned it with my blood, sweat, and broken bones.” He dropped his gaze to his arm resting in the sling.
“I’m not insinuating anything, Frank. I’m simply giving you facts. This is how people will perceive you and your actions if you sue KBC. I’m not going to sugarcoat the situation merely because I don’t want to hurt your feelings. Otherwise, what’s the point of doing all this?” I motioned at my laptop. “If you really want to fight the good fight, I’ve got one going on. Join me.”
Eyes narrowed, he evaluated my words.
“And just so you know, being objective is very difficult for me when it comes to this project. I have to be absolutely transparent with you and with our viewership.”
A hint of a smile passed his lips. “No woman ever told me I had too much money.”
“I don’t care about other women. When will you stop comparing me to everyone else?”
“I’m not comparing. I’m admiring.”
Blush crept up my cheeks.
“You know what, Cassy Evans?” He leaned forward. “I’ve never dated a film producer before.”
I replied with a tiny laugh.
“I know we haven’t discussed this lately, but I believe it’s time we go public. I’m tired of the secrecy.”
My heart lurched in my chest. Frank’s words took me by surprise. With everything he’d been going through emotionally these past few weeks, I hadn’t allowed myself to venture back into that territory. We’d put that conversation on hold.
“If I’m part of your project, we can’t keep walking on eggshells, doll. Besides, people will figure it out anyway.” He licked his upper lip. “I’m going to burn next to you every time we’re out in public and I can’t hold your hand or touch you.”
Heat pooled at my core. I needed so little to get turned on.
“Okay.” I nodded and moved closer. “You can touch me right now to get a head start.” My height lingered above his body seated in the chair. He shifted and pulled me to stand between his thighs. I sunk my fingers in his silky hair and brushed it away from his face.
“So we’re doing it, right?” He looked at me through his long, dark lashes.
“Yes.” A giddy smile stretched my lips. My head spun from the realization that we weren’t just a phase. We were going to take a step forward in our relationship—no matter how dysfunctionally codependent it was—and make it official. “Could you give me a couple of days to talk to my family?”
“Of course.” Frank drew me closer, filling the space between us with his want, erasing the distance and making us one. His warm breath tickled my skin through the thin fabric of my shirt as he buried his face between my breasts.
I loved him like this, undeniably needy and all hot and bothered.
Emotions of every color began to clog my chest.
“My mother is dying to know who you are,” I said, kissing the top of his head. “I haven’t told her yet.”
“It’s probably a good idea for me to meet her before we’re all over the internet. I wouldn’t want my mother to find out I was seeing someone through the tabloids.” He tore his cheek from my breast. “Oh, wait. That’s exactly how my mother has found out about all my girlfriends.”
“You’re impossible.” I laughed. My happiness was infinite. “You need to stop talking about your ex-girlfriends and other women. You’re taken.”
“Consequences of being famous.” He grinned up at me, eyes bright and shining.
“I’m surprised
