Finally, she speaks. “Quint, it’s not just that. Because you know I’m only here until the shoot wraps. Then I’ll be heading back to Hollywood, or maybe going off to film somewhere else. Could be anywhere. What then?”
It’s not a no, but she’s staring at her lap. I need her to look at me, so I place a finger under her chin, tilting her face up to look at me. “Then we figure it out. There’s a good chance this show will get renewed. The hype has already begun. I’ve seen people talking about it all over the web and you haven’t even finished filming. But they’re promoting it, so that has to be a good thing, right? Apparently, the book it’s based on is a big deal, and there are like five more books in the series. That’s six seasons at least.”
“I know. It’s kind of unreal. But you really don’t know how this business works. It could be the most hyped-up show but fall flat because the audience isn’t feeling this kind of story right now. Or the network could cancel it for any number of other reasons. And there’s still the six months out of the year when I’ll be working on otherprojects or doing promo and attending awards shows in LA. I have a house there, you know.”
The fact that she calls it a house, not a home, strikes me, but I’m not calling her out on that. “Then we’ll figure it out. I can spend some time there. You can live here during filming and visit when you’re off. Other people have made this sort of thing work. We can do it.”
She studies me, her face softening, and I lean in for a kiss. If I can’t convince her with my words, maybe my lips can help me out there.
It’s softer, more gentle than usual. Usually she’s hungry, taking from me, but she lets me take the lead on this and I take my time, tasting every single inch of her mouth, shutting my eyes so I can really take it all in with all my senses. Her soft floral scent, the sweet taste of her lip gloss, the gentle music in the background coming from my speaker, the soft buzz from the couch.
Buzz?
She pulls away, grabbing the phone. I should stop her from looking at that. Something tells me it’s going to pull her away again, but I’ve got no right to do that.
She glances at the screen. “No. No, no, absolutely not. This can’t be happening.”
“What is it?”
She stands up, and my arms feel empty without her in them. I can feel her slipping away again and I hate it.
“I’ve got to go.”
Chapter 28
Aura
Thesky’stoodarkfor the late afternoon and the air is cool and moist as I race out of Quint’s house. Guilt stabs at me for leaving like that, but I panicked when I got a text from Sav that the press is saying that me dating Quint was fake and just a publicity stunt. I should go back in and explain things to Quint—and apologize for running away—but I also need to go tell Sav I’m sorry I lied to her. We’re becoming friends, and I don’t want this to get in the way of that. I could really use more real friends in my life.
I shoot Quint a quick text apologizing for running off and telling him I’ll explain later, then reopen my text thread with Sav.
Aura: Any chance you’re up for a hangout? I think I have someexplaining to do.
I reread it a few times before taking a deep breath and hitting send.
Fat drops of rain start to fall just as I’m reaching my rented car, so I rush to get the door open and slip inside before it really starts coming down.
My phone buzzes before I can get the key in the ignition.
Sav: Sure. Shayla and I are hanging out at my cabin if you’d like to join.
I tuck my lip between my teeth, tapping my nails on the steering wheel. Shayla. We’re definitely on better terms than we were when I first got here but should I really be talking about to her about this? Is she going to be pissed that the whole fake dating thing is blowing up in her brother’s face?
Yes, she probably is. But I need to start facing this thing head on.
The engine rumbles to life after I turn the key in the ignition, but before I put it in drive, I tap out a quick text to Sav.
Aura: Sounds good. OMW from Hollow Hills.
The drive to Chicory Crossing takes longer than usual. I take my time navigating the pouring rain, but at least there aren’t too many other cars on the road. I park in the lot beside the big ranch house and brace myself for the onslaught before I get out of the car.
I’m soaked through by the time I make it to my cabin. After a quick change, I wring out my hair, pile it on topof my head, and head back out, grabbing the bright red umbrella hanging from a hook by the front door.
But I double back before I make it out the front door. Wine will probably make this conversation a little easier, so I snag a bottle of red off the tiny kitchen counter.
I shake out the umbrella and close it once I get under the safety of the wooden overhang on Sav’s porch. Laughter rings out through the thin wood of the front door, and I hesitate before knocking. But no, I’ve got this. I can do this.
The door swings open. Sav is standing there looking fabulous and comfortable. She’s got on some plum-colored leggings that cling to her ample curves and a midriff-baring white tank top.
