Page 57 of Professional Consult

My dick is making a determined effort to moderate the situation, as it’sveryinterested in letting Lexi know just how much it wants her.

But I need to put an end to this folly.

“…No…” I say the word carefully, making sure it can’t be construed as an invitation.

“Then why?”

“My life is complicated, and I’d rather not have you mucking it up.”

“I know a lot about your life.” She downcasts her eyes. “It makes me ashamed that I ever complained to you about mine.”

“Stop that.”

“No, it’s true. I can’t believe how spoiled I sounded.”

“It’s not fair to compare our situations.”

“I’ve only known you a week, but you’re the only man I’ve come close to loving.”

My world comes to a screeching halt.

“Wait, what?!?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but if you knew the men in my orbit, you’d understand. They’re all self-centered egotistical narcissists. And you…God, you’re everything.”

My chest tightens uncomfortably. She’s speaking plain English, but I can’t seem to figure out what she’s saying.

“Lexi—”

“Come with me to Hollywood. I can get you a job on set and you can continue your role as a professional consultant.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“Because my life is here.”

“Don’t you want a wife and family?”

“Are you saying you’ll be my wife?”

“Maybe one day.”

Fuck, what is she even saying?

“Were you told about my parents?”

She nods.

“This town is where all my friends are. It’s where I have all my memories of them. I can’t start over in Hollywood at thirty-five. It has nothing to do with you. You’re…amazing. Gorgeous. So fucking sexy. Everything I could want in a woman. But you’re not here.”

Tears well in her beautiful blue eyes, and I just about die. I can’t believe I hurt the one woman I’ve actually had feelings for in years.

“Then will you at least be with me for the rest of my time here?”

“Be with you?”

“Like a boyfriend.” She smirks through her sadness. “A young, horny boyfriend that constantly thinks about sex.”