Page 91 of Charming Like Us

I was near the top in security.

It wasn’t until he became an exec-producer at twenty-five that his world started a head-on collision with mine. He was heading meetings with security during filming days, and we’ve had our fair share of flare-ups concerning Charlie and WAC shoots. But it was always professional.

Until the tour bus.

Until the FanCon.

And then…gloves off, I guess. His compliments became flirty, and I just gave in. Because why not? It was fun for a while. When I didn’tyearnand long for more. And then he rejected me, but now he’s embracing me, and he’s saying he’s felt a connection early, early on.

Jack holds my gaze. “When I talk to people, I love making them feel good, but with you…I never wanted it to stop. I wanted to come back for more, even when my work said,focus on your subject.I just wished that my subject was you.”

My chest rises.

I am in…way too deep.

And I don’t want to swim back out.

“Why do you think that is?” I ask him.

“I thought you probably just had what I had.” He flashes a smile. “Charm.”

I grin. “I do have that, Long Beach.”

He laughs. “Yeah, but it’s something else too. It’s more.” His gaze drifts and he rests his head against the wall next to mine. “How could I miss something this monumental about myself for so long? Twenty-seven-years, dude. It feels like fog is shifting and everything is so clear, and I just wish I had that clarity sooner.”

I would’ve asked him out.

No doubt, Highland would be my boyfriend by now, if he was comfortable with his sexuality way back then. That is, if he still liked me as much as he does in this second.

This moment.

Thewhat ifgame hurts, and look at me, still playing that game.

Against the defenses around my heart, I turn to Jack and say, “I’m glad you’re finding clarity now. You can figure out your new path—a new life plan.”

The cabin creaks before he can respond, and a knock raps the door. Jane Cobalt asks if we’re okay. She’s been with Charlie in another med cabin.

“Yeah!” I call out. “We’re heading out in a sec!”

Jack is already scooting off the bed. He grabs his clothes in a heap and starts dressing. I follow suit, and when he buttons his jeans, he tells me, “I’m not planning out my future anymore. I’m just going to see where the ride takes me.” He makes awavemotion with his hand.

I laugh weakly. “How California of you.”

He smiles. “It is my favorite place on Earth.”

“The longer you’re with me, the more likely that’ll change toPhilly.”

Jack tugs his shirt over his head with a brighter laugh.

It floods my chest, but I end up shying away so he doesn’t see my hint of unease. I realize that I just wanted brick-solid assurance that he’s here for me. I shouldn’t even ask for that when we haven’tdefinedwhat we are.

We like each other.

I’m helping him through the clouds.

That has to be enoughright now.

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