Page 50 of Charming Like Us

I shake my head slowly, my whole world on a tilt-a-whirl. “What are you talking about?”

“I know you hate the Oslie rumors as much as me,” Charlie says. “I know you barely have time to date because you’re following me around the world—”

“It’s my job, Charlie. I made that choice.”

He glares up at the stars. “No one deserves to have their life attached to mine.”

“Charlie—”

“Come back later. When I’m older,” he says, his voice cracking. “It’ll be easier on my detail then.” I know where he’ll be when he’s older. We both do. He’s made a few comments through the years about taking over Cobalt Inc., his father’s billion-dollar company.

“I like it now,” I retort. “I’m notcoming back.I’m staying.”

He inhales a giant breath like he’s trying to suffocate on oxygen before his head dips back down to me. “Then I made the right decision with this show. Aunt Lily always says she can predict love, but she has nothing on me.” With another drag of his cigarette, his eyes ping between Jack and me.

I go rigid.

Jack and me.

Pieces try to connect in my head.

Love.

This show?

Me and Jack.

Love.

No.

No.

No damn way.

“You’re trying to fucking set me up?” I ask angrily, and I refrain from addingwith a straight guy.

Charlie shrugs. “Whatever happens, happens. Maybe you two could just be friends. All I know is you’re lonely, and Jack looks lonely.”

Jack laughs, a bright smile cresting his features.

He’s smiling?

I do a double-take, surprised by Highland again, that he’s taking this in good humor.

“I take offense to that,” Jack says lightly.

Charlie frowns and waves a hand. “Really because your smile is telling a different story.”

“I’m just taking this all in…” he explains. “So this show isn’t a real thing?” The light diminishes in his smile, reminding me how important being the creator of a show is to Jack.

“It’s very real,” Charlie says, buttoning his shirt. “I need you to record me. Like I said, I have two reasons for doing this. Ending the Oslie rumors and starting a new one between you two is just an added benefit.”

An added benefit.So playing matchmaker and trying to hook me up with Jack Highland isn’t the most important reason. That should ease my nerves, but with Charlie, it’s just better to be on edge and ready to move.

“You can subtract that added benefit,” I say strongly. “There won’t be asinglerumor about me and Jack.”Because we’re nothing.

Uninteresting.