Page 42 of The Twisted Beats

“How so?”

I grab the baking sheet and move it between us. “They’re introducing a new character on my show. I’m taking these to our run-through tomorrow to break the ice.”

“That’s nice of you.” Callum pulls the bowl closer to him. “Everyone loves treats.”

“That’s what I was thinking. I’m just nervous.” My stomach twists.

“Why would you be nervous? If anything, the girl joining the show should be.” He organizes the area so we can begin placing the dough on the sheets. “She won’t be able to compete with you. That would make anyone anxious.”

“It’s not a girl. It’s a guy. He’s going to be my new love interest.” I shake my head and sigh. “I never dreamed my first kiss would be with someone I just met.”

Callum freezes and stares at me across the island. “What did you just say?”

I jerk my head back. “That I never thought my first kiss would be with someone I just met. Why?”

“You’re fucking joking.” His cheeks turn fire-red. “This is a joke, right?”

“No. I’m serious.”

His jaw tightens and his chest flexes. He growls, gets to his feet, and glares at me.

My dad opens the mudroom door. He must have just gotten home and come in through the garage.

Callum turns and storms past my dad. The garage door slams and the decorations on the wall shake. Crashing and banging from the other side of the wall filter in.

My dad looks back at the door, then turns to me. “What’s that about?”

“I just told Callum I have a new love interest on my show and I have to kiss him.”

“For Christ’s sake, Livianna. Are you trying to destroy the poor guy?” My dad places his briefcase down on a bench in the mudroom as he runs a disturbed scowl over me. “And you did it dressed like that.”

“Daddy, this isn’t my fault.”

“But it is.” He releases a heavy groan. “This is all I need after the day I had. Dealing with a hormonal teenage boy who my daughter just tormented.”

My jaw drops. “You’re taking his side?”

“Yes. I know what he’s going through. I was his age once, too.”

“But I’m just kissing another guy. Callum’s the one who had sex with a stadium of other girls.” I regret it the second it comes out of my mouth.

“So you did this to get revenge on him.” My dad points at me. “Stay in here. I’m going to calm him down before he does something he’ll regret, like smash the windows out of my car.”

My dad stomps out of the house. I stare at the door, dumbfounded. How did that all get turned on me?

I take a minute to wrap my head around my dad’s reaction. I can’t believe he’s on Callum’s side.

Muffled voices carry through the wall. I want to know what my dad is saying to Callum.

An idea comes to mind.

My dad only said I couldn’t go out there. He didn’t say I couldn’t eavesdrop. I tiptoe to the garage door and open it just enough I can hear their conversation. Gasoline fumes seep into my nose.

Callum’s speaking. “Her first kiss shouldn’t be with some douchebag she doesn’t even know. She deserves more.”

“Meaning you?” my dad asks.

“Yes. But I know you don’t approve.”