Hailey's POV As we start walking again, I ask, "How’d you two meet?" "Funny story." Levi smiles. "We met at therapy. He was there because he couldn't control his temper. I was there... well, you know why.." I nod. "He was already a gym instructor, and that seemed to make him more violent. He beat up someone, so court-ordered therapy instead of jail time." I gasp. "Why?" Levi chuckles. "In his words, he didn't want to sit in an office to talk about his feelings. But he had to do that because of his daughter. I'm sure he'd have taken the six months in jail over therapy. But he compromised for the little girl." We enter into a corridor flanked by transparent glass doors on each side. "That's the gym," Levi gestures at the door on the right. Though it's already obvious. "Pool's on the left." We move further. "Have you met his daughter?" I ask. "Yeah. She was three when we started," Levi answers. "Now she's six—almost seven. And she's the sweetest kid ever." "That's cool,"
Hailey's POV We get into the car and Levi begins the drive back home. It goes on in comfortable silence until my stomach growls loud enough to make me wince. I sneak a glance at Levi, but he seems too focused on the road to notice. At least that is what I think. Without a word, he takes a detour from the usual route home. "This isn't the way home," I say, frowning. "Where are we going?" He doesn't answer. A few minutes later, we pull into a McDonald's drive-thru. "Why are we here?" I ask, confused. "Isn't it obvious?" he replies. A server leans out from the window. "Good afternoon. What would you like to order?" Levi looks at me. "What do you want?" "A double cheeseburger and fries," I reply. "And an iced latte too," I add as an afterthought. It might be late in the afternoon, but there's never a wrong time for coffee. Plus, I missed my usual morning cup of coffee. I was feeling quite nauseous, and the strong smell of coffee only seemed to make it grow worse. Hopeful
Hailey's POV "That's enough," Matt cuts in, clapping his hands. Finally. He turns away from the camera, his gaze narrowing when it lands on me. I'm starting to believe Levi pays people to favor him. First, the photographer. And now, Matt. I wasn't even the one starting up the argument!It's just not fair. "Yes," the cameraman agrees. "That was perfect. There was a lot of chemistry between you two—though I shouldn't be surprised, you're married," he smiles. The first time I've seen him smile at me today. Hallelujah. "You both did a good job. Hailey, if I knew being with your husband was all it took for you to get it right, we'd have done this first," he jokes... I think. Levi squeezes my shoulders. "You see? I'm your good luck charm." I snort. Hardly. "For the photos, we’re switching things up. Levi sits on the stool, and Hailey...you’ll sit on his lap.""What?!" I blurt before I can stop myself. I clamp my hands over my mouth, my eyes widening. "Sorry. That was... uncalled
Hailey's POV "Okay now do a different pose. Something that shows confidence." I let out a huff and adjust myself on the stool, raising my arm to better display the label on the container. We've been at the studio all morning, bombarded by nonstop commands from the photographer and Matt. One more shout, and I swear I’m throwing this bottle across the room and leaving this place. Their constant nitpicking is driving me insane.I don't even think I've heard the photographer say one nice thing about me all day.But Levi, on the other hand, is killing it. He's doing everything so effortlessly that I'm starting to get a little jealous. "Yes, Levi. That's perfect," the photographer praises. 'Yes, Levi. That's perfect, ' I mock under my breath, rolling my eyes. Give me a break. He's not even doing anything. Just casually standing with a bottle. The man's acting like he's the Mona fucking Lisa or something. I could swear I did that exact pose five minutes ago, and all I got was a shake
Hailey's POV The nerve of that guy. Marching into my office and barking orders like he owns the place.God, I hate his cockiness. And what do I even hate more? The fact that I found myself obeying his command like I'm some dumb puppet. 'I won't repeat myself, Hailey. Let's go.' Who the hell does he think he is? I'd kill to wipe that smug smirk off his lips. Those frustratingly perfect lips. Ugh. And now my mind even wanders to his lips on its own accord. Great. All because of that stupid, deep, sexy voice of his. I hate him so much! "I can literally see steam coming out of your ears," he says and I can hear the smile in his voice. I ignore him, my cheeks puffing out as I exhale a breath. I stomp past him, out of the office and toward where I'd parked my car. Digging through my bag, I search for my keys, wanting to be gone before he catches up."Where the hell are those goddamned keys," I mutter, rummaging through my purse. Then, I hear it. The sound of keys jingling just inch
Levi's POV "So let me get this right," I say, pushing myself out of the seat—Hailey’s seat, technically—and start pacing the room. "You want me to be in the shoots?" Matt nods, a smile on his face. "Exactly." I glance over at Hailey. She’s sitting across from us in one of the client chairs, arms folded, lips twitching like she’s trying not to laugh. What the hell did I get myself into? "You’re serious?" I ask, stopping to face him. "Oh, I’m dead serious," Matt replies. "And you won’t be doing it alone. Hailey’s joining you." My eyes flick back to her. Her eyebrows shoot up in surprise, and I know for a fact this wasn’t part of the plan... at least, not her plan. Figures. The moment I walked in and heard the first part of what Matt had to say, I realized that he'd used Hailey's name to deceive me. She didn't even know that he'd called until he told her. And now, he didn't inform her that she'd be a part of the photo sessions. I can't help but wonder, what is he r
Just as I'm about to scold my receptionist for spilling coffee on some important documents, I feel someone tap my arm. I turn to find a tall, red-haired woman smiling up at me—big green eyes, an aura that practically screams sex. She's the kind of woman Levi, back in his fuckboy days, would've been all over. She flashes a seductive smile that probably works on most men. It doesn't work on me. In fact, it irritates me. Something about her rubs me the wrong way, though I can't quite put my finger on what. "Do you work here?" She asks, batting her lashes in a way that makes me wonder if she has something in her eye. I ignore her and turn back to the receptionist. She's usually meticulous, which makes this slip-up even more disappointing. And even worse for her, I happened to be passing by when I caught her dabbing the papers with a towel. "How did that happen?" I ask in a calmer voice this time, completely ignoring the lady. Maybe the redhead will take the hint and walk
Charlotte's POV "I'm here to see my boyfriend, Jake. Jake Presley?" I say again, louder this time, to the receptionist who seems determined to ignore me. "You know, your boss?" She keeps typing like I’m invisible. I clench my jaw, tapping my freshly done nails on the desk. I just had them done, and now I’m ruining them on this cheap-ass counter. "Is he in?" I ask, leaning forward. She ignores me still. I knock on the desk harder. "Hey? Lady? If you're not going to do your job, why are you even here." She glances at me briefly, her face twisting with disdain, but doesn't say anything. What the hell is wrong with this lady? I click my tongue in irritation, deciding to get her to respond one way or another. I'm done being polite. I spot a cup of coffee on her desk and, without hesitation, tip it over. The liquid splashes across her lap and over a stack of papers. "What the hell?!" she shrieks, leaping to her feet. Guess it was hot. Oh well. Bonus for me. She g
Hailey's POV He’s adjusted to this whole friendship thing so fast, it’s almost unsettling. It's been a week since we got back, and he won't stop calling me his friend every chance he gets. I know I should be happy about it—since I'm the one who asked for this—but it's fucking unnerving. Sometimes I wonder if he says it just to get a reaction out of me. Because the way he acts makes it hard to believe he ever said he liked me. I sigh and tap aimlessly at my laptop. I’ve been coming into the office nearly every day lately, thanks to the upcoming launch of our new skincare line. As the PR manager, I’m supposed to be cooking up ways to boost publicity, but right now, I’m seriously rethinking all my life choices. That makes me remember—Levi wasn't bluffing when he said he'd help me start up my own business. He made me call my parents and sat right in front of me while I told them about my plans, just to make sure I didn't chicken out. Surprisingly, took it well— better than I expect