Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I sit down to more applause, and Sammy J. reads his poem to a crowd of adoring fans. The MC takes over and introduces three more kids, who bring the audience to tears and make them laugh until their sides hurt.
“I’m glad you brought me here,” Leila says. “I didn’t think I’d like it, but …”
“I’m glad, too. I know you’ve been uncomfortable all night.”
She giggles. “I hoped you wouldn’t notice.”
“I’m very observant. Now the speeches are over, we don’t have to stick around. People are trickling out if you want to go.”
“Can we? I’m very overstimulated. I don’t do well in crowds.”
“Of course. I’ll call the driver.”
Our limo is waiting for us when we get outside. Leila and I squeeze into the back, sitting close to each other instead of spreading out in the limo meant for eight people.
I put my hand on her leg without thinking about it, and Leila doesn’t pull away until we reach her apartment and it’s time for her to go. I climb out after her and walk her to the door.
“Thank you again,” she says. “I surprisingly had more fun than expected.”
“I’ll see you soon.”
The moment between us is charged, and we both lean in at the same time, but a bark from inside Leila’s apartment interrupts us.
“It’s time to let Shiloh out.”
“Okay. Give him a pet for me.”
She laughs. “I will.”
Leila unlocks her door, and I get back into the limo, wishing that dog hadn’t interrupted our moment. If this keeps happening, it’ll only be a matter of time before we actually kiss, and once it’s out, we can’t put it back.
For now, I have to settle for my fantasies. My dream, when I fall asleep, is of Leila, and it’s definitely not PG.
Chapter Eleven – Leila
My job as an interior designer is to make sure every aspect of the home renovation goes perfectly. I drew up the designs over the last week, planning out every color, every piece of furniture, and every painting that would go on the walls. Now, it’s time for everything to be put into practice.
Technically, I don’t have to be at Spencer’s house while the walls are painted. The painting company Frills works with in Los Angeles would prefer that I wasn’t here, but they don’t get their wish today.
And it’s not only because I’m hoping to see Spencer. He told me he’s filming all day and isn’t going to be around, plus he doesn’t expect to be back in time for dinner or anything, but that doesn’t mean I can’t hold onto hope. He wasn’t supposed to be here that first day, but he showed up.
Still, my reasons for being here are beyond just hoping for a glimpse of my fake boyfriend. This is an important job. If I do well, Spencer will recommend me to all his friends and coworkers, which could really help us break out. The excitement of a Frills designer dating a celebrity wore off and the emails have stopped trickling in. We’re still working with some clients who came out of the frenzy, but we’ll need more to keep Frills West alive.
“Here’s the paint color for the living room,” Dennis, the head of the painting company says. He holds up a can of paint in a beautiful shade of deep red. It’s going to be a stark difference compared to the bright white of the walls, but I think it’ll be nice. There’s so much natural light in this place that a darker wall color is necessary. The entire downstairs will be in shades of red, while I’m looking at blue for upstairs. It’s my favorite color, and I think it works well in bedrooms.
“It’s perfect!” I tell Dennis. “Thanks. You guys can go ahead and get started as long as the taping is done.”
“We’re all set, but you can check if you want.”
I laugh. “I trust you.”
It took them over an hour to cover the living room furniture and ensure everything is taped, as well as the floors protected from any paint drips. I snuck in a few times to check on their progress, but they’re the best company in Los Angeles. And the most expensive, but Spencer insisted money isn’t a question in this design.
I’m waiting in the hallway, deciding what I want to do with this space. I have all the rooms covered, but the halls down here and upstairs are giving me pause. Do I maintain the same color between the two? Or would it be better to match the theme? I’ll figure it out. I always do.
My heart leaps into my chest when the front door opens. I turn, hoping to see Spencer’s long hair and perfect eyes, but instead, it’s another one of the paint company workers wearing white coveralls and carrying buckets of paint supplies.