Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
“Okay,” I croak, wondering why he's telling me this. “It’s your personal life. I just need answers to give my boss. You don't have to explain.”
“But don't I?” he lets out a breathy laugh, and I offer a confused look, unsure of what that means but too chicken to ask. Hell, part of me still isn't positive he isn't completely making fun of me.
I swallow hard and break the awkwardness by pressing the record button. I think I need to go before things get even stranger.
“Okay, Asher, that’s all the questions I have. Is there anything else you’d like to get out there?”
“Thanks to all my fans for being so supportive,” he pats his leg and his bathing suit makes that swooshing sound again. I shut the tape, feeling his eyes on me as I gather my belongings.
We stand at the exact same time and I flash a tight smile as I exit. “It was nice to meet you,” I turn the door handle, ignoring the weird look on his face.
“Elle, that’s a -”
Closet.
I just walked into a closet.
I don’t typically turn red out of embarrassment, but I’m pretty sure I’d beat a tomato in color right now, especially since Asher is doing a horrible job at hiding his laughter. In fact he’s downright cackling. I close my eyes, wondering if I’ll actually be in my bed when I open them, hoping for it.
Nope, not a dream. Still here.
I quickly turn and head for the real door.
“Hey,” he chuckles, following. “Look, I’m sorry I gave you a hard time.” I snap around. So this was some sort of cruel, make fun of Elle joke? “It gets kind of boring around here and you looked nice, and, um, I'm sorry for being difficult,” he stammers, and I shake my head as I narrow my gaze, trying not to get entrapped by his intense stare, but it's no use. Now we’re awkwardly staring, only mine is more of a pathetic, longing gaze.
“Interview over already?” The tight-haired lady suddenly appears, and we instantly look away.
“Yes, thank you so much,” I reach out and shake her hand, even though she didn’t offer it. Then I brush past her and burst through the actual door. Once a safe distance away I lean against the wall.
Did that really just happen?
I shake my head, my mind racing... remembering, cringing, smiling... Then I push myself off the wall, and I’m not even halfway down the rest of the hall when I hear a British accent call my name.
It’s hands down the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard and I think for sure I'm definitely dreaming now.
Then he calls it again.
I spin around and watch as this hot, crazy, weird, talented, unexplainable, man of my dreams, longtime crush, and celebrity, approaches me.
“After these interviews are finished, did you want to, um, maybe, uh, do something?” his eyes burn as his hands pull at the back of his neck. “Company would be great.”
My jaw drops. Literally.
I’ve heard rumors about his womanizer tendencies - how he invites girls to hang out, and I quickly replay everything that just happened, wondering if and how I came across that easy, or if this is just another tactic to mess with me, like I'm just a toy who humors him. It's apparent he likes to watch me squirm. He's been laughing at my discomfort for the past half hour, and I hate myself because for a brief second I actually think about staying. I think about how intrigued I am, and how this is the most exciting thing to ever happen to me... and how sad that is.
Actually, it's pathetic.
I suddenly realize I've been putting all my weight on what other people think. I've been letting their opinions determine my self worth. I've done that with Asher for years in my longing for him - for someone I don't even know! And with Travis. I've been defining myself based on his ability to want me without ever thinking, what if I don't want him?
“I’m flattered, really, but I don’t think so,” I bite my lip. I’m sorry if whatever happened in there gave you the wrong idea.”
Travis can't control me, and neither can he, even if he is Asher Montgomery.
His forehead creases and his eyes darken. If I thought I saw a hint of him being a pompous jerk in there before, then his expression now screams egotistical maniac. “I thought you liked me?" he hisses. "You said you were a fan."
I’m taken aback by his sudden change. I guess at the end of the day I wanted to be wrong. I never wanted to believe any of the rumors were true, but I hold my head high. For the first time in a long time I feel good, like I'll be okay if I never see Asher Montgomery again. “I’m here because it’s my job. I got paid to be here,” I snap, no longer giving him the time of day.