Page 9 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version

“Is me being a celebrity the only thing stopping you from considering this job?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

She pivots towards me enough that I can see her uncertainty.

“Because there’s a reason I moved here, Reynold.”

“Tell me,” I say, hoping I don’t sound demanding. I want her to feel comfortable and safe around me.

She says nothing for the longest time, and I almost think she’s not going to.

“You not telling me felt like deceit. I just left a shitty relationship because of a deceitful man. He cheated and lied to me for years. I’m humiliated, and I came here to hide—to start a new life. I didn’t tell anyone where I was going. Not even my best friend. I don’t need people knowing everything about me, who I’m with, or what I’m doing up here.”

I hope the people she’s hiding from didn’t see the picture another passenger took of us on the plane. Better not mention it. It would likely add fuel to her reasons not to accept this job.

“Why don’t you want anyone to know where you are?” I take another step toward her and lower my voice. “Did your ex hurt you?”

The corner of her mouth tilts up. “No. God, no. He’s just an asshole with a small dick who couldn’t—”

She cuts off her next words and I quirk my brow. So, her ex couldn’t get it up? Couldn’t make her come? I’ll gladly show her how good it could be.

No. Reynold. Stop thinking about this woman like that. You need her to be Adeline’s nanny... not your girlfriend.

“Never mind. I just... You and Adeline don’t need this. I have baggage. I’m a mess. I never should have agreed to meet with you. Please… find someone else.”

“No.”

“What?” She scrunches up her nose, and I fight the urge to boop it.

“I told you. I don’t want anyone else.”

“You know nothing about me!”

“So, tell me.” I close the space between us, our bodies mere inches apart. She inhales a sharp breath. “Who are you, Savannah?”

We stare, neither of us looking away as if challenging the other to be the first to break.

“I’m nobody,” she whispers after a while. Her green eyes focus on my mouth.

I desperately want to kiss her. Would she let me? Ever since meeting this woman, she’s had me in her grips. Her smell, her adorable accent, and her pouty lips fill me with an emotion I haven’t felt in years: unadulterated attraction.

I lean in, hoping she’ll let me claim this kiss. Instead, I’m met with her eyes widening and her face lighting up with panic.

She punches me.

Chapter 3 - Savannah

IpunchedReynold.

Shit.

Did I seriously just punch this man?

“Ow,” he growls and grabs his chin. “What the fuck, Savannah?”

“Sorry.” I step away from him and cover my mouth with both hands. “Sorry.”