Page 67 of One Kind Hand

“You think I don’t understand how this all works?” He flapped his arms out to indicate the people and equipment around them. “I get it.”

Austin had awakened this morning with his body wrapped around Charlie’s and it was, officially, The Best Way to Wake Up. Her body was soft and warm against his. He loved the smell of her hair, the feel of her bare skin, the deep, contented breaths she took as she slept beside him. He’d reveled in having her in his bed.

Until he’d realized they’d overslept and he was an hour late to the set. He’d left his phone in the living room and hadn’t heard any of the wake-up alerts.

Or the ten billion texts and calls from Cody, which explained why his agent’s boxers were in a bunch right now. At first, Austin had told Cody he wasn’t feeling well this morning and was late because of that.

“Bullshit.” Cody had stared him down. “Charlie spent the night and you two were busy pretending to be the leads in a porno this morning.”

Technically, that wasn’t true. Austin hadn’t gotten the chance to tempt Charlie into some good-morning sex. When he’d realized how late he was, he’d popped out of bed.

“I’m a dead man.” He’d dashed for the bathroom for a quick shower.

Charlie had followed him, her hair slightly ruffled. She’d given off this sexy, yet cozy vibe that had made him almost attempt good-morning sex, time be damned.

“You’re the star of the movie,” she’d said. “Shouldn’t they work around you?”

“I wish.” He’d gotten into the shower before turning on the water. When he did, the cold temperature had hit him in the chest, pulling a yelp out of him.

“You need some help in there,” Charlie had offered.

“If you get in here, I’ll be even later,” he’d called back.

He’d taken the world’s fastest shower and jumped into a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and his jacket. He’d found Charlie in the kitchen, fully clothed in another pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt, making him toast.

She’d pointed to his phone. “That thing has been buzzing like wild. “

“Fuck.” He’d picked it up. “Cody is at Code Red level right now.” He’d quickly texted that he was on his way. “Why didn’t he come here to return Berto?”

Normally, his agent and friend waltzed right into Austin’s suite. Then Austin had come across the text where Cody had said he’d had an early meeting and didn’t want to wake him.

“He left Berto with Melanie.”

“Who’s Melanie?” Charlie had asked, crunching on her own toast.

“His . . . friend.” Austin hadn’t wanted to explain what Cody had originally hired Melanie for. “Is there any way you could grab Berto before you leave?”

“Absolutely. I’ll even take him for a walk.”

“You’re a wonderful person.” He’d dropped a quick kiss to her cheek, afraid if he went for her mouth he’d get sucked right back into bed with her. “So you’ll text me your address for tonight?”

“Yes, sir.” Charlie had saluted him.

Austin had paused for a moment. God, he’d wished he’d had all day to spend with her. “I can’t wait to see you again.”

Charlie had sauntered over to him, slid her hand up his chest then cupped his cheek, a sexy grin on her magnificent lips. “That’s because you’re hooked, baby.”

He probably should have called her cocky or something, but she’d been speaking nothing but the goddamn truth. With a quick kiss, Austin had left, thoughts of Charlie riding along with him as he’d raced to the set.

Where Cody had been more than ready to hand him his ass and was still doing so.

“Distractions can blow a career, Austin,” Cody said now, his arms folded across his chest as Austin let a person from wardrobe slide a cargo vest onto his shoulders.

“I’m well aware, Cody. You’ve said that once or twice before.” Austin rolled his eyes.

“You need to take this seriously. You kept everyone here waiting for over an hour.”

“Oh, give the man a break.” Cassandra strode over in a blue dress she was to wear in her first scene in the movie. “He’s found someone interesting. He should be able to enjoy her.”