Page 53 of The Right Sign
But I need to focus.
He is a job and whatever point he was trying to prove in the hallway has nothing to do with reality.
Do I think hearing and deaf people can have chemistry?
Of course I do.
That was never a question and, even if it was, we’re proof, aren’t we?
But chemistry can be manufactured.
I’ve done my share of sexy shoots with male models. Co-workers. Strangers. I touched their bodies, all slicked with oil. I curled over them in lingerie and breathed out into their lips like I would die if they didn’t touch me.
Chemistry.
It’s easy.
But for the long haul? Chemistry putters out. I’ve seen it happen across the modeling world. Two beautiful people who explore their insane sexual tension only to find out they’re toxic as people, toxic as a couple and maybe it was better if they’d left all that crackling tension for the cameras.
Sullivan and I, well…
There is no ‘Sullivan and I’ beyond this contractual agreement.
Dragging in a deep breath, I tap my nails against my leg and let the steady drumming calm me.
What is one thing only the people closest to Dare would know?
“Dare is very kind.” Does handcuffing me to his life via a contract count as ‘kind’? “He loves the little girl who gave him that watch.” Come to think of it, I never found out that girl’s name. “And he likes cars. Rolls Royce in particular.”
After my words are interpreted, Lucy starts to laugh.
Dare stands a little straighter.
There is a ton of anxious energy shooting from Mosely’s body.
I guess I gave the wrong answer.
Lucy shakes her head.
Jenny interprets, “Everyone who’s read a simple magazine would know that Dare is kind. He gives so much to charity. And Talia? Well, everything he’s doing right now is for her.”
My left eye twitches.
Talia? What exactly does she mean that he’s doing everything for Talia?
Dare frowns and says something to Lucy that has her rolling her eyes.
“I won’t stop,” Jenny signs, “Dare, the girl you hired obviously read the bio-profile you provided her. I’m sure she could rattle off your birthday, your favorite drink, your star sign. Just like your entire harem of female fans could do. This proves nothing.”
I shift in my seat. Richard was right when he said his sister was too sharp to believe a lie. I need to give her more.
“I wasn’t finished,” I sign.
The interpreter voices for me and everyone in the room pins me down with their stare.
“What I mentioned was what the world would think of Dare.” I give Sullivan a loving look, perfected by many hours spent in the mirror researching how to flirt with a camera. “But that’s the surface level.”
“What are you doing?”Dare’s widening eyes seem to say.