“Hayls.” Reed bites back a smile as he schools his features. “Would you like me to teach you how to be American?”
“What?” I bark out a laugh. “No, thanks. I’m good. Did you not see the trailer forJaded Beginnings? I nailed it. I can be American. It’s the Australian me that I’m struggling with.”
Reed frowns and I realise I’ve said too much, rushing to change the topic. “How did—”
“Whoa. Whoa. Back up… What does that mean?”
“Nothing. It was a throwaway comment.”
“Hayls,” he lightly scolds and despite knowing he’d never push me, I’ve never been good at holding back, especially with Reed.
“The last twenty-four hours have been a bit of a wake-up call. And I’m having a moment.”
“Again. What does that mean?”
“The director said something about my Australian boldness yesterday and then my agent called this morning. I don’t think my acting skills are an issue, but my personality might be.”
“Okay…” Reed’s brow creases and I can tell he’s holding back some anger. “I’m not following, but I feel like I should be pissed off on your behalf.”
I rush out a laugh and reach forward to squeeze his forearm, giving him a less complicated version of what Mel said. And one that won’t make him any angrier than he already is. “My agent told me about a part I’m up for but that the producers want someone a little less wild?” I question myself, not even sure that’s the right word.
Burying my face in my hands, I groan at how ridiculous that sounds until silence falls around me. I cringe, guessing what’s coming, and when I glance up, sure enough, I haven’t succeeded in reducing Reed’s rage.
“What the fuck does that mean?” he snaps.
Shit. “They want a relationship type, I guess, and that’s not me.”Wait.Double shit. “I don’t—”
“They want you to have a boyfriend?”
“No. Ignore that. I just need—”
“A boyfriend,” Reed repeats and I grimace, turning away from him. He’s silent for a moment before his palm lands on my shoulder, making me jump until his breath warms my skin. “Well, Baby.” His deep, raspy voice penetrates my soul, momentarily stunning me. “I may not agree with them, but I can be your man.”
I stare at him for a beat, swallowing a lump in my throat.Damn, that man’s voice could set ice on fire. He raises an eyebrow and I shake off my thoughts. “Baby?” I question him, pretending the term of endearment doesn't sound delicious rolling from his lips.
“Yep. And there’s more where that came from. But you owe me. Big time.”
“No, I don’t. Because I don’t need—”
“You need a boyfriend, Hayls, and apparently, I need a girl. So it’s a win-win.”
“Reed, I—”
“Nope.” He steps even closer, cutting me off as he wraps his arms around me, rocking me back and forth. “You know I’m always going to be there for you. I hate that they expect you to be someone you’re not, but if it helps, I’ll do anything.”
“But yesterday—”
“It doesn’t matter what I said yesterday. Today’s a new day.”
“Okay, that may be true, but nowI’vechanged my mind.”
“Why? Because you realized I was right?” He raises a brow and I shake my head.
“No, because I realisedI was wrong. I shouldn’t have tried to convince you.”
“Good thing you’re not convincing me then.” He steps back and folds his arms over his chest, leaning back on his heels. “I came to this decision all on my own.”
“This is crazy.” I let my eyes drift shut, running a hand through my hair as I consider my options. “I—”
