“But why is that one of your proudest?”
I let my mind really think about it before answering. “Because it was the first one where I didn’t think about what it could give me in return. I didn’t have to analyze the pros and cons and how it would line my pockets. Of course, there is a part of my brain that I can no longer turn off, and without even trying I knew there would be ways to turn a profit, though it wouldn’t be anything to support me on its own. It would pay for itself with Airbnb and other things, so I jumped. I also…well, I didn’t like the thought of this place that had meant so much to people I care about just going to a nobody. At least this way, if they ever wanted to go back, to spend time there, they could. I told Noah so he can take Addy any time he wants. I also let Ava know, in case she and her family want some time there. Low key a little scared to tell Jessie. I think I might let Addy do that.” Her smile drops and her eyes turn suspiciously watery. “You okay, pretty girl?” I sit forward, letting my thumb grab her chin so she is forced to look at me.
She forces a swallow and her lips part on a breath. “That’s…well, that’s awfully thoughtful of you.”
“Are you about to cry because you’re so moved by my thoughtfulness?” I tease and then she jerks her head back, snickering and swatting my hand away. At her soft smile and the shake of her head, I chuckle.
“Apparently I opened the floodgates and now everything is going to make me cry.” She drinks her soda, leaning back against the couch, looking absently at the TV. “I’m impressed, actually. Maybe I didn’t give you enough credit. You’re not nearly as shallow as you let people believe you are.” Her tone doesn’t seem to invite any kind of rebuttal, but the kindness and rawness of her words have my skin feeling a little too tight.
“Don’t tell anyone,” I tease, a low snicker coming from her as we settle back against the couch.
“I always loved it at the lodge. I used to go with Addy and her family when we were younger. It’s a lot of fun and so pretty out there,” she says wistfully.
“I’ll take you. After Christmas, when there aren’t any prebooked stays.” She snorts but doesn’t say anything. Neither of us points out that Christmas is five months away and it implies that the two of us will still be seeing each other, which is something I know she doesn’t believe will happen. Refusing to open up that discussion, I look away from her, clearing my throat and tossing the remote back in her hands. “You going to pick something or what?”
Her expression is unreadable as she bites and pulls at a sour strap.
“How about a Denzel marathon. I want to watch shit blow up.”
“It’s like you’re the perfect woman.” She chuckles, slapping at my chest before selecting the first movie.
We get through a few movies with light conversation and a few laughs here and there, especially when that typical scene of walking away with the explosion behind the actor hits, and though Rosie teases about how cliché it is, her eyes are alight with her usual joy and playfulness, and before long the conversation turns into a debate over Hollywood’s hottest dudes.
“There is no way you can rate Denzel among Hollywood’s sexiest men,” I state, pausingSafe Houseso I can make sure Rosie understands how ludicrous that is.
“Hey, you can’t tellmewhat I find attractive. And it isn’t just his face. Ask any girl. You can be ugly hot, it’s a thing.”
“It is not.” I scoff, but she spins, looking me dead in the eyes.
“Who’s yours then, huh? Ryan Reynolds?” She gives me a pout full of attitude, and it’s all I can do to refrain from pulling her into me and wiping that smug look from her pretty face.
“Obviously.” I roll my eyes at her first guess being on the money. “Or Gosling.”
“Okay, so you’re right, both great, fantastic options. But we don’t just want a pretty face and a good sense of humor.”
“Well, then my entire life and persona have been built on a lie!” I joke and she scrunches her nose in a playful giggle. “If the Ryans aren’t a woman’s ideal, then who is?”
“Okay, hear me out?—”
“Oh, here we go.” I settle back into my seat in the pillow fort.
“So, Denzel has hot moments, likeEqualizer, when he’s a genius but can also lay a man out? That’s hot as fuck. Idris Elba, but he really just has to exist. His accent and that voice? Works every time. Let’s see, who else.” She taps her chin, looking over to the window before gasping and looking back in my direction with a broadening smile. “Okay, Nick Miller fromNew Girlis classic ugly hot. Like he is a man-child, for sure. But there is just athingabout him. It’s like Adam Driver and Tom Hiddleston.Not your stereotypical pretty boy, but damn. There is just something about them and their presence that can just do it for you, you know?”
I stare at the woman who completely consumes my entire being with my mouth agape as she continues to discuss men who turn her on. “No, I don’t know. And I’m starting to regret even asking.” I stuff a few more snacks in my mouth and grab a soda, wishing it was a beer right now.
“Oh come on,cariño,it’s a game! I’m sure you have a list of female celebrities you’d sell your soul for one night with.”
The nickname that slips from her lips like a caress has my stomach doing a dip, but I don’t let myself overanalyze. Instead, I just start ticking names off my fingers. “Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Rachel McAdams, and of course,TransformersMegan Fox.”
She sputters, and when I look at her, her eyes are blown wide. “Well…you barely had to even think about that. And also, not who I thought you’d pick, but…I like it.” She goes back to the TV; I almost press Play when I hear her soft voice.
“What do you want, Caleb? What’s your plan?” I turn my head to look over at where hers rests against the couch the pillow fort is nestled against, her brows slightly drawn.
I take a minute to really think about it, glancing out the window behind Rosie, the view of the city and the night stars that are now blinking in the sky.
“You know, with your life. You going to always work under Noah?” I can’t work out why the words sting a little. As a kid, I had figured I’d grow up to be some big business mogul, be my own boss, make my own footprint in the world. But I do love working with my best friend and helping him grow his dream.
“I’d hope that when he opens the Chicago office, that he lets me run the show here in the city. I know he wants to move back home, and no, I don’t want to be a sales manager forever. I knowI’ve basically been running it for him while he’s been in and out, but he still keeps a tight hold on the operations. I know it’s something I can do and I know I’d excel. It’s kind of like he just doesn’t take me seriously, though. Like he doesn’t think I’d be responsible.”