Page 8 of Double Standard

As we wipe down our mats, I feel limber in a good way and relaxed in an unexpected way.

“So what’s the plan from here? Want to grab some food?” Levi wipes his arm across his brow, baring that same hint of his stomach.

“Oh, well, thanks, but no.I’m not really hungry, and my afternoon has another round of fittings, a meeting with my publicist, and a call about a possible project. And I still need to pack for Nashville. Should we head out?” Ithread my fingers through his, but he immediately drops my hand, and for a brief moment, I feel rejection pinching my stomach. Rejection that stings until he swings his arm over my shoulder, pulling me tight to his side.

He’s warm and firm, his skin slightly tacky on mine as we head out the gym’s front door.

We don’t have to wait long until we’re greeted by one of my least favorite paparazzi, a greasy guy with a camera around his neck, lens extended fully. “Ana! How’s Colt? Is Francesca cool with you two sleeping together?”

I pick up my pace and shield my eyes. He got his shots of us inside; he doesn’t deserve anything else.

But Levi stops us, turns, and towers over the guy. “Hey, man, I need you to step back.” The photog’s eyes dart between us as he withdraws slightly.

Amid my horror, I spiral:What the fuck is Levi about to say? I should’ve prepped him to stay quiet.

“She’s not with Colt, she’s with me. Are we clear?” He squeezes me closer as he says it, and this is not the gentle, playful Levi of earlier. This version of him is authoritative, possessive even.

“We look alike—Colt and I. That’s kind of my job. But you and your second-class, story-selling friends don’t get to mistake him for me and drag her into this. So go sell those photos you took inside with my name attached. Levi Stephens.”

Well, I guess that’s one way to get the ball rolling. I focus on keeping my expression as stern as possible.

I bring a hand to Levi’s chest, and his heart is pounding. From nerves or the anger he’s projecting, I’m not sure, but it’s an easy opportunity to double down on the ruse, to comfort him in front of this sleazeball. “Babe, he’s not worth it. Don’t waste your energy.”

The photographer twists his lips into a smarmy grin. “She’s right, man; I don’t give a fuck. They can say whatever the hell they want, and that’syourproblem, not mine. Good luck in the industry, buddy. Start by learning how it works.”

“I’ll take that to heart.” Levi turns us away.

We’re heading toward a black car. He drops his palm to my lower back and ushers me into the back seat, the faint click of the man’s shutter disappearing as he closes the door behind us.

“Where to?” the driver turns around and asks.

“Sorry,” Levi says to me. “I shouldn’t have pushed you in here. I got caught up and wasn’t thinking.” He brings his hands to his hair and tugs at the ends. Sheepish, almost. “Did you drive? Did you park in the lot?”

“After that performance, you can direct me into all the cars you want. Francesca is going to love seeing what comes of that.”

His hands fall from his hair as his eyes slice over to mine. “You think that was good enough?”

“I think we’ll see those photos circulating in hours. Just in time for us to bring this show on the road.”

Celebs Weekly

Who Is Levi Stephens? Five Things to Know About Ana Barlow’s Mystery Man

By Celine Arnold

Here’s what we know so far about Levi Stephens, the newest guy to catch the blonde bombshell’s eye.

1.He’s from Ohio:Hailing from the tiny farming community of St.Sebastian, Levi is one of four children born to Michelle, a stay-at-home mom, and Paul Stephens, a dairy owner. As the youngest and only boy, Levi was the apple of the family’s eye.

2.He’s a stuntman:From Levi’sspiritedoutburst that made the rounds online, we know he’s been cast as Colt Haggerty’s stunt double on his (and Ana’s) upcoming action flick,Athena’s War. This appears to be his first major credit and is how the pair were introduced.

3.He’s 27years old:Levi doesn’t fit Ana Barlow’s typical mold. Based on school records, Levi appears to be two years her junior. Though Ana may not be his usual type either: Yearbook photos show him frequently with a brunette who lacks the generous curves our starlet is known for.

4.He’s a gym junkie:Spotted at Swole last week, the pair worked out together, with Stephens assisting Barlow with one of her downward dogs. We didn’t peg him as a yogi, but it looks like he can put those muscles to use outside of leg day.

5.He’s chivalrous:Opening doors, leaving generous tips, and keeping eager photogs at bay, this Hollywood transplant hasn’t forgotten his Midwestern manners. If the man’s trying to impress one of Hollywood’s rising leading ladies, we have to admit—it seems to be working.

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