I take a long sip of wine, letting the rich flavor coat my tongue before I start. "It's just... I feel so stupid. Like the world's biggest fucking idiot." The words come out in a rush once I start. "Who dates a porn star and expects it to work? What kind of delusional moron am I?"
Morgan shifts her position, leaning closer to me across the kitchen island. Her expression is attentive, almost therapeutic, as she listens.
"You're not a moron, Adam," she says softly. "You were in love."
I run my hand through my hair, shaking my head. "I just don't get it. When we were alone, she was perfect. Sweet, caring, attentive. But today... it felt so vicious, so hateful toward me." My voice cracks as the memory floods back. "She pushed me to do that scene with you. I only did it because she wanted me to, and now I feel like either she punished me for that or..."
I trail off, staring into my wine glass, unable to finish the thought that's forming in my mind.
"Or what?" Morgan prompts gently, her green eyes fixed on mine.
I look up, meeting her gaze. "I can't tell if this has just been six months of her playing with me to hurt me." The words taste bitter as they leave my mouth. "I mean, how could it be? She bought me a car, a phone, a laptop, and countless other things. That's a big investment just to fuck with someone. But I don't understand what was her goal."
Morgan's expression shifts subtly, something unreadable flickering across her features before settling back into sympathetic concern.
"People are complicated, Adam," she says, reaching across to refill my glass. "Sometimes they don't even understand their own motivations."
I take another long sip, the alcohol warming my blood, dulling the edges of my pain. "She looked right at me during that scene. Made sure I was watching when she... when she said those things."
Morgan moves around the island, coming to sit beside me. Her hand rests lightly on my forearm, warm and steadying.
"Some people need to hurt others to feel powerful," she says quietly. "Maybe Lana felt threatened by our scene together. Maybe she wanted to reassert control."
I shake my head, pulling my arm away from her touch. "But that's the thing, Morgan. There's nothing between you and me. We're just friends."
She smiles, a knowing curve of her crimson lips. "Even though I know more secrets about you than she does?"
I look down at my glass, swirling the dark wine. "I'm sure if I got blackout drunk around her, I would have told her I thought I was a cuck." The admission feels both humiliating and liberating at the same time.
"Was?" Morgan tilts her head, studying me with those piercing green eyes. "Oh, you think you're over your cuck fetish?"
I sigh, mentally exhausted by everything that's happened today. "I have no idea what I am right now."
Her expression softens, and she reaches out to touch my cheek, her fingers cool against my skin. "There are women out there that would accept you for anything and everything you are, Adam. You are a catch."
I smile and nod, the simple kindness in her words making my throat tighten. "Thanks," I say.
Morgan takes a long sip of her wine, studying me over the rim of her glass. "What else is eating you, Adam? I can tell there's something more."
I stare into my glass, watching the crimson liquid catch the light. The wine has loosened my tongue enough that the more truth spills out before I can stop it.
"A part of me..." I start, then pause, ashamed of what I'm about to admit. "And I'm not proud of this at all, but I'm kind of bummed I'm losing such a hot girlfriend."
The confession hangs in the air between us. I can't meet Morgan's eyes, too embarrassed by my shallow admission after everything else that's happened.
"I mean, she's literally a porn star," I continue, the words tumbling out now. "Guys would kill to be with her. And here I am, walking away from that because I can't handle it. What does that say about me?"
Morgan sets down her glass with a soft clink. "It says you're human, Adam." Her voice carries no judgment, only understanding. "There's nothing wrong with acknowledging Lana's physical appeal. It would be strange if you didn't."
"But your love for her was real," Morgan says, her voice softening as she refills my wine glass. "It's not like it was rooted in her looks."
I nod slowly, considering her words. "Yeah, that's true."
Morgan shifts closer, her perfume enveloping me in a cloud of spice and flowers. "You know what I think?" She tucks a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. "You should find an older woman, someone that knows what they want. Someone that can help guide you."
Her green eyes hold mine, intense and unwavering. There's something hypnotic about her gaze, something that makes it impossible to look away.
"You need someone who understands you," she continues, her fingers lightly tracing patterns on the back of my hand. "Someone who sees your potential and knows how to nurture it."
I feel a strange warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the wine. "I don't know if I'm ready for another relationship," I admit.
Morgan laughs, the sound like velvet in the spacious kitchen. "You need to work on yourself first, Adam. I'm not talking about tomorrow. I'm talking about when you're ready. I'll help you find someone nice."
She stands, smoothing her pantsuit. "Come on, let me show you the room that would be yours if you take the job."
I follow her through the mansion's winding hallways, my footsteps muffled by plush carpet. The house is immaculate and tastefully decorated.
"Here we are," Morgan announces, pushing open a heavy wooden door.
The bedroom is twice the size of the master bedroom in Lana's apartment. A king-sized bed dominates one wall, dressed in crisp navy linens. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view of the illuminated pool in the backyard. There's a writing desk in one corner, positioned to take advantage of the natural light.
"This would be... mine?" I ask, stunned by the luxury.
"All yours," Morgan confirms, leaning against the doorframe. "The bathroom's through there. It has a rainfall shower and a soaking tub."
I walk to the window, staring out at the glittering water of the pool. Everything about this place feels unreal like I've stepped into someone else's life.
"Why me?" I ask suddenly, turning to face her. "You could hire anyone. Professional housekeepers, chefs. Why offer this to me?"
Morgan's expression shifts, becoming more serious. "Because I like you, Adam. I think we understand each other." She steps into the room, closing the distance between us. "And truthfully, I'm lonely in this big house. I'd like having someone else I get along with around."
She glances past me toward the window, her gaze lingering on the pool outside. "That's the best part about this room, actually. The view." She steps closer to the glass, her reflection ghosting against the darkness beyond. "There's a hot tub in the backyard, and I like to skinny dip in the mornings. So if you ever want a show, just look out your window." She smirks, her eyes meeting mine in our reflections.
My face flushes hot despite myself. I clear my throat, unsure how to respond to her boldness.
"I'm kidding, Adam," she says with a light laugh, turning away from the window. "Well, about the looking part. I really do swim naked most mornings. It's my property, after all." She walks toward the door, trailing her fingers along the dresser as she passes. "The job offer is strictly professional. No strings, no expectations beyond what we've discussed."
I follow her back to the kitchen, my mind racing. Everything is happening so fast, finding that script, the shoot with Morgan, watching Lana with Leo, leaving our apartment, and now this unexpected job offer in this mansion.
My head spins with indecision as I stare at the gleaming marble countertops. It's all too much, too fast. I need time to process everything that's happened today.
"I should probably go," I say, though the thought of leaving this sanctuary for my parents disappointed faces makes my stomach clench. "I don't want to impose."
Morgan reaches across the island, her fingers closing around my wrist with gentle pressure. Her touch sends an unexpected warmth through my arm.
"Adam," she says, her voice softer than I've ever heard it. "Why don't you stay the night and decide? Unless you have somewhere else you need to be."
Her green eyes hold mine, patient and understanding. There's no pressure in her gaze, just a simple offer of shelter for the night.
"I..." My voice catches. The thought of being alone tonight, with nothing but my thoughts and the memory of Lana with Leo, is suddenly unbearable. "That would be nice. Thank you."
Morgan's lips curve into a satisfied smile as she releases my wrist. "Good. The bedroom I showed you is all yours for tonight. There are new toothbrushes in the bathroom drawer."
She stands, gathering our empty wine glasses with practiced efficiency. "I'll get you some fresh towels. Make yourself at home."