“Yes. Two backups and two mains,” I answer.
“Skylar, and who’s the other main?” His eyes turn sharp as he looks at me, and I frown.
“Mackie,” I supply.
“Nice name.” His smile seems to grow, and my eyes narrow. Possessiveness roars through me. “Okay, well, send Mackie and Skylar back in thirty minutes.” He wanders away, easily giving me orders and taking control.
I have a weird feeling, but I can’t explain why.
Now I know why.
The bastard is flirting with Mackie.
He was nice to Skylar but definitely kept a cool distance between them. When Mackie stepped up for the first shot with the white background, though, his entire demeanor shifted. For the tenth time, he changes Mackie’s pose himself, unlike previously when he told the others, and when he raises the camera, there’s a smile on his lips that I don’t like.
“Amazing. You’re a natural, Mackie,” he calls encouragingly, something he didn’t do with the others. “Smile for me. That’s it. Don’t hold back. We want these to represent you.”
Mackie spares me a look. I’m watching with my arms crossed, andhis smile seems to wilt before he turns to the camera and forces one onto his face. It looks fake, and I hate it. Stepping closer, I go to encourage him when Conan drops the camera and walks over. He speaks quietly to Mackie. I’m unable to catch what he says, but in a second, Mackie laughs, and Conan steps back, snapping a picture.
My nostrils flare in anger as I dig my nails into my skin. “That feeling, old man, is jealousy,” Skylar teases at my side. “Conan is hot in that older, rich-man style, and he clearly has his eye on Mackie.”
“And why would I care?” I snap. “I’m not jealous.”
“Sure, you aren’t,” Skylar dismisses. “Damn, look at that smile. Maybe Mackie is flirting too. I guess chasing after someone who keeps shutting him down would get boring after a while. It would be nice for someone to show interest.”
His words cut me to my core, and I tell myself I don’t care. Mackie can date whoever he wants, even this pompous asshole.
“Shouldn’t you get ready for the next set?” I snarl.
Skylar holds up his hands, grinning. “Sure thing. Just saying if you aren’t careful, someone might swoop in and steal what’s yours. Claim it before it’s too late.”
Grinding my teeth, I glance back to see Conan talking to Mackie again, and they smile at each other.
Something dark and ugly unfurls in my gut, so I turn away. They set up for the next shots, and this time, they are leaning against their cars. Conan is good, I’ll give him that. He captures Sky’s cocky attitude and Mackie’s sweet determination. He makes them come out of their shell, and everyone seems to be having a great time.
Except me.
I’m like a thundercloud, and everyone can sense it, giving me a wide berth—everyone but Mackie. He approaches me before his next set, shining brightly with happiness.
“Hey.” Mackie grins. “Conan is good. The pictures look great so far. He was just showing me. You must be relieved.”
“I am,” I grumble, knowing my tone is cold. “Go wait with the others. We don’t have time to fuck around.”
His smile fades and he nods, searching my gaze for a moment before he turns and walks away, looking like a rejected puppy.
Fuck, I’m an asshole, but it’s for the best.
Mackie can never be mine. I’ve accepted that. I guess that also means accepting he’ll move on.
FIVE
Mackie steps away, and I keep my eyes on his boss, Noah, who watches him. He looked furious, and it’s obvious he upset Mackie, but as soon as the driver isn’t looking, Noah’s face transforms. He appears worried, and the longing in his eyes is easy to spot, even from here.
Are they dating? Exes?
Why does that bug me? I’m not here for that, just to repay a debt. Besides, he’s far too young for me, even if I can admit he is absolutely stunning.
“Conan?” Evan nudges me.
