Here, it’s just me.
I pull his jacket tighter around myself.
He stands, helping me up. His palms are rough with calluses, and he holds mine a beat longer than necessary.
“Maybe we should skip our training session today,” he suggests.
“No,” I blurt. “There’s no need to fuss over this. We’ll train as we planned.”
“Alright, well, let’s get you back home before you catch a chill.” He picks up my stuff, folding my sweatshirt carefully over his arm and carrying my sneakers, and joins me at my side as we walk back.
“Thank you, Dante,” I say quietly. His name feels sweet on my tongue.
“You know, I was just starting to like ‘Mr. Hastings.’”
Chapter 11
Reese
Yesterday’s trainingsession left me with sore muscles and an even sorer ego—though the latter might have more to do with my embarrassing near-drowning incident. I’m sprawled on my cabin bed, feeling like a human-shaped collection of sweat and conflicting emotions.
The thing is, Dante saved my lifeanddiscovered my deeply mortifying diving phobia that could blow up my entire role in this movie. That’s the kind of leverage that requires at least a text message.
Not that I’m overthinking this or anything.
I’m being professional, making sure he keeps my water-related trauma under wraps. Surely that level of vulnerability earns him a spot on the list of people Iveryoccasionally text?
Before I debate much longer, I pull up our message thread.
Reese
Thanks for keeping the lake incident under wraps. I appreciate your discretion on set.
Dante
A promise is a promise.
Reese
Who knew getting thrown around a gym could be a great way to forget a lifelong fear of diving underwater?
Dante
I’m a man of many talents. Keeping secrets and throwing you around are just two of them.
Reese
*slow clap* Your humility is truly inspiring.
Dante
One of my better qualities, I’ve been told.
Reese
About that bath suggestion…I might actually take your sage advice.
Tonight’s the night.
