“Where were you?”
He sighed. Everything they did was a game. Much of it was even suggested each day from the producers to increase ratings. He wasn’t in the mood for a fake fight right now, but he didn’t have a choice. “I told you I was starting my new job tonight.”
She cocked her head to one side, pausing from her frantic typing. “It’s two in the morning.”
“I’m a bouncer. The bar closes at one, Katia.” He shuffled across the living area to the attached kitchen and opened the fridge, returning with a bottle of water.
As he opened it, she spoke again. “Are you drunk?”
He groaned. “No, I’m not drunk. I didn’t drink anything at all. I was working.”
She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Whatever.” And then she bent down to continue typing. “I need to finish this post, and then I’m going to bed.”
“At least I have a real job,” he murmured, remembering the suggested line from his script.
She jerked her gaze back up. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” She set the computer aside, unfolded her legs, and jumped to her feet. She was wearing a soft pink tank top, cutoff shorts, and no bra.
Tuck cringed inwardly as he considered the razzing Jodi would give him tomorrow if she was watching. Indeed, Katia had on far less clothing, and she was dressed this way for anyone on the planet to watch. Her nipples were hard points poking out from her pert breasts. He’d suspected her boobs were fake from the moment he met her, though he would never know. He sure wasn’t getting close enough to touch them.
Continuing the script, he waved a hand through the air. “All you do all day is play around on social media. How is that a job?” He knew better. Katia worked long hours perfecting her posts before putting them up for the world to see, but that wasn’t in the script.
She gave him a sharp “ha” and then stepped closer, hands on her hips. “I bet I’m making more money as an influencer than you are as a bouncer.”
The unfortunate part was she was probably right, especially since the show first aired. Her fan base had undoubtedly multiplied exponentially with each episode. Her name recognition alone had companies all over lining up to pay her for a spot on her site.
“Is this a contest now? You want to see who’s making more money? Does it bother you for me to earn less?” he asked, egging her on. This was ridiculous. He wanted to take a shower and go to bed. Not argue with his fake wife.
She suddenly smiled and flung herself at him, plastering her small frame against his so suddenly that he had to take a step back to brace himself. She set her chin on his chest and tipped her head back. “Nope. I think it’s hot.” She leaned her upper body back a few inches and ran a finger down his neck and between his pecs. “Everything about you is hot.” She grabbed his biceps and squeezed them. “Maybe I should come to work with you one day so I can watch you bounce people.”
He smirked, unable to stop himself at the absurdity of her comment. “Bounce people?”
“Yep. Isn’t that what bouncers do?”
He forced a laugh as he set his hands on her hips and eased her off him. He never liked being this close to her, but something about the events of the day made him even more repulsed. He couldn’t stop thinking what if Jodi’s watching?
He had no idea why it bothered him. It shouldn’t. Jodi thought he was an imbecile. Hell, she was probably right. He certainly was tangled up in a ridiculous saga. Until today, he’d ignored the constant dull throb behind his eyes and plowed forward every day, reminding himself about the prize. The money. Money he desperately needed.
Katia righted herself, but continued to trail a finger down his chest toward his stomach. Her voice was sultry when she spoke. “I guess I could finish scheduling my posts tomorrow if you want to go to bed.”
He swallowed. Shit. Shit shit shit.
This was the same game they played every night, for the cameras. Tonight was different. Tonight all he could picture was Jodi. She was probably sitting on her bed with her laptop open, watching him imply he was about to fuck his wife.
And why the hell did that bother him so much?
Shit.
“Mmm.” It was all he could manage to reply as he gave