Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 149982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 750(@200wpm)___ 600(@250wpm)___ 500(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 750(@200wpm)___ 600(@250wpm)___ 500(@300wpm)
Charlie’s reasoning could have the potential to ruin the show. A show that Jack is working his ass off to make happen.
I’m just on an edge, and I’m afraid Jack is stepping even further off this cliff and I should be the one to catch his hand and pull him back.
Me.
Oscar motherfucking Oliveira.
What happens if Jack falls because I’m too busy chasing Charlie?
In that case, I should be single forever.
My mind is reeling, and even though I’m still on-duty, I can find moments with Jack. And I manage to capture one while he’s at the shoreline filming surfers who wait for the perfect wave.
Water laps over his bare feet, and I come up next to him, angled so I have a good view of Charlie too.
Jack is quiet.
“I’m sorry this is happening,” I say, voice husky and riddled with his pain that I feel.
“It’s not your fault—”
“Ah, no. This isn’t Jack Highland Makes Me Feel Better hour. I’m here for you, bro.”
His eyes well up as our gazes embrace in ways that our bodies can’t right now. “I’ve never been knocked back before. Not this hard. I’ve believed that I’m capable of anything, so I could power through to the top, and now it feels like everything I’ve ever strived for in my career is about to be ripped away.”
“It’s not,” I say strongly. “If you can believe you’re capable of anything, then believe I won’t let everything fall apart right now. You chose me, didn’t you, Long Beach? You risked it all for a guy who’s gonna be the glue keeping the pieces together.”
He inhales a bigger breath, then nods. His smile tries to fight through. “You give good pep talks.”
I’m about to reply when Gabe jogs over, a trickle of sweat running down his temple. “I, uh…just had a thought, Oscar.”
Imagine that. “Yeah?”
Jack zooms the camera on his little brother paddling out in the ocean.
“I thought maybe you could convince Akara to let me join the 24/7 roster.” That’d officially make Gabe an Omega bodyguard and no longer a temp. He adds fast, “I already talked to him. He said I can’t go onto the roster now because they don’t have the budget for it. Then…you know, I asked why I’m working all these long hours compared to other temps. He said that I am being paid more, but by you, so I thought maybe you could convince him to just let me join the main roster, you know.”
Jack spins on me, his camera instantly hanging at his side. “Wait a sec, you’re paying for Gabe?”
“You needed the security.”
“I thought the firm would cover the cost because it’s related to Charlie…” He lets out a hurt noise. “I’m a fucking idiot—”
“Hey—”
“I should’ve known they don’t have the money for periphery security. Akara is squeezed tight as it is.” He rubs a hand down his face. “How much are you paying?”
Half my paycheck. Probably the first grossly large expense I’ve made at a time when I should be saving more. What I would’ve called a bad financial decision in the past, but damn is it worth every penny.
“I have you covered,” I tell him.
“Oscar.”
“I have you covered,” I emphasize.
“I have the money,” he says under his breath. “Just let me pay—”
“No—”
“Why not?”
“Because you’re my boyfriend,” I say with utter fucking conviction. “You’re my boyfriend, Jack, and if I can’t physically be there for you, then I’m going to hire someone who can be.” I pause. “Which I did.” I jab a thumb towards Gabe, who stands an awkward distance from our argument.
Our first fight, I realize.
It’s small.
And it simmers down almost immediately. A surprised breath leaves him, his lips ascending. Until he’s smiling more heartwarmingly. “So what, we’re mag jowa now?” His eyes fall down my build.
I begin to grin, just seeing his playful happiness make a powerful return. No clue what he said in Tagalog. So I ask, “Mag jowa?”
“Boyfriends,” Jack translates.
I laugh with a nod. We’ve been dating, but we haven’t outright called each other “boyfriends” yet.
‘Bout time, Oliveira.
“Yeah”—I keep nodding—“you’re my frat bro, happy-go-lucky boyfriend.”
“Maybe cross out the lucky part.” Our fingers toy with catching hold of each other’s hand.
I shake my head. “At the very least, when all else fails, you’re lucky that you have me.”
Jack laughs, a lighter sound, but the noise fades. “I’m grateful you hired Gabe, you know, but if you’re not willing to let me pay everything, then let’s just split the cost. It’ll make me feel better.”
I only agree because of that last declaration.
28
JACK HIGHLAND
“Walkie-check,” a PA says over the walkie-talkie.
I click mine. “Good check.”
Every single We Are Calloway crew member is on site tonight, plus some extra grips, and I’m hauling ass across the golf course in the dark, a Steadicam harnessed to my chest.
A big charity event with the famous families means a big shoot. All the Hales, Meadows, and Cobalts are in attendance. Including their bodyguards. Add in family friends, donors, and plus-ones, and bodies are moving everywhere.