Page 66 of Good Girl’s Guide to Love (Guide to Love #4)

“What do you mean it’s nothing? This blog is now just outright making up lies about Ainsley. And I’m pretty sure her ex is in on this.”

“Those are about Ainsley, not you,” she says. “My job is to keep your name out of the tabloids. Actually, if anything, I think this helps you.”

I think I’m in some sort of bananas world right now, because what?

“Please, tell me in what world that lies about my girlfriend are being spread and you think that helps me?”

Katie rolls her eyes. Rolls them. And at this point, I’m now madder at her than I am at the gossip blog. “She’s your fake girlfriend. I don’t know why you’re getting so bent out of shape over this.”

“Actually, I’m his real girlfriend, so if you’re going to talk about me behind my back, at least use my correct title.”

I don’t know when Ainsley got here, but as always, her timing is impeccable. And she looks pissed .

Oh shit. I have a feeling I’m about to see a side of Ainsley I’ve never seen before.

“Real?” Katie says, clearly not believing Ainsley, even with my arm now around her. “Remember, Ainsley. I know. This? You and him? My idea.”

“Sure, that’s how it started.”

I thought she was going to keep talking, until she steps in front of me. I’m still slightly confused even when she pulls me by my shirt for a kiss that’s so hard our lips might bruise.

Ainsley breaks away and turns back to a stunned Katie. I’m left stunned. “This is how it’s going. Now you’re caught up.”

Jealousy.

Holy shit, that’s what I’m seeing in her right now.

She just claimed me. She came here, and not only stood her ground next to me, but with me. All while telling Katie, and whoever else is pretending to hide behind their cars to watch this drama, that I’m hers.

Not going to lie, this is pretty fucking hot.

Katie’s eyes are narrowed at Ainsley before she sets them on me. “Is this true, Linc? You’re actually with her?”

“I am. Is that a problem?”

“Yes it’s a problem!” she cries, though it comes out more like an upset toddler. “You saw the photos. She’s cheating on you! You should be breaking up with her!”

“Funny how you think pictures of me looking terrified constitutes as cheating. Which I’m not, by the way,” Ainsley says. “Also, how did those pictures come about Katie? Anything you want to share?”

Katie ignores Ainsley's claim before turning her sad eyes back to me. “Linc. You don’t need her. I know this was my idea, but she’s only dragged you down. It’s time to end this.”

Who is this woman? It’s like I don’t even recognize her. Gone is the Type-A publicist who ran my media life over the summer. Gone is the kind girl who always tried to break news to me gently. The woman in front of me is someone I don’t recognize.

And it’s time for her to go.

“Actually, Katie, what I don’t need right now is you.”

It’s like for a second she doesn’t hear me. Then I watch on a delayed timer as my words finally register.

“What did you say?”

“I said that we’re done. Thank you for the work you’ve done for me, but I think it’s best if we part ways.”

“But—” she shrieks, and I don’t look, but I’m pretty sure Ainsley has a smug smile on her lips. “You need me, Linc. Remember?”

“I don’t think I do,” I say as everything comes into place.

“Since the season started, what have you done to help my image? To make sure that if misleading or horrible headlines have happened, to squash them? Because they seem to be coming up more and more, and you seem to be doing less and less. Today was the final straw.”

“I was trying!”

“Clearly not hard enough,” I say as I step a little closer to her. “We’re done, Katie. I’ll call my agent and let him know that we’re parting ways. He’ll be taking care of the rest.”

She steps back, a hurt look on her face, but that’s quickly wiped away in favor of a scowl.

“This is your fault,” she hisses as she points at Ainsley.

“You keep telling yourself that,” Ainsley says as she steps closer. “I told you that I had my eye on you. To watch your back. You did this to yourself. So now it’s time for you to take your iPad and leave us alone. Understand?”

I’ve fought many of my battles before, often leaving me and someone else bloody. But watching Ainsley fight for me? And with nothing more than words and glares? I’ve never been defended like that before.

Katie doesn’t say anything else, instead just lets out a huff as she turns on a heel and stomps away. Ainsley and I both watch as she gets into her car before speeding out of the parking lot.

“Holy shit,” I say, bringing her into my arms. “Where did that come from?”

She coyly shrugs. “No one messes with my man.”

“Your man, huh?”

“Damn straight.”

She adds a wink, and I can’t resist anymore. I don’t care what kind of commotion we’ve caused; I need to kiss her. For real. Not the one she did to show off in front of Katie. Not one we’d do to be polite. Or to give cameras their shot. No, I need to feel this woman’s mouth on me.

Because yeah…she’s mine. In every sense of the word.

But I’m hers. Maybe even more so.

“I’ve got an idea,” I say as I open my car door for her.

“If the idea is scrapping plans with the guys and going to your apartment because it’s technically closer and not having on clothes for the rest of the night, then I’m in.”

I pull her in, hearing “oohs” and kissing sounds from my teammates as I give her a kiss that promises what’s to come.

She defended me. She defended us. She fought a battle with me. Next to me. For me.

Because this woman loves me.

And I love her. So fucking much.