AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ignoring their protests, I sat back into my seat and stuffed another soggy fry in my mouth. Either they’d finally understand my dilemma and support me, or they’d talk me out of making a huge mistake. Either way, it would be good to get soldiers in on the ground floor. I didn’t trust my own judgment when it came to Zane.
That boy was dangerous.
***
“I got to say...this is pretty nice.” Beth hung over the fence surrounding the soccer field and watched as the boys battled on the grass.
They were filming the big soccer game finale. Zane wore a bright green jersey with the number four on the back. I sighed and leaned my cheek into my hand as he ran by, sliding in the grass for the ball. He really did look like he belonged on the soccer field. His shin guards were stained green, he had sweat trickling down his temples, and his cheeks were dark red from exertion. He controlled the ball masterfully, darting past a defender and making his way toward the goal.
I knew from the past week that a lot of the moves were choreographed, but at this point, they were just letting the boys free play to capture some filler action shots. It was almost like being at a real game. Freddy ran by a few times and he couldn’t help but wag his eyebrows and shoot my friends goofy flirtatious smiles. He captured a few giggles and eye-rolls, but it only seemed to egg him on.
“They definitely know how to pick these actors.” Charlotte laughed when Freddy got checked by another player and received a face-full of grass. He bounced back up, unharmed and as energetic as ever. “You know, if I weren’t already taken...”
“Yeah, yeah.” I gave her the side-eye. “We all know you’ve been crazy in love with Hunter forever. Don’t play that game.”
She tried to suppress a smile, but failed. “Okay, you’ve got me. He’s the best. I really like him.”
“We know,” Beth and I said at the same time.
Finally, the director called cut and the boys all jogged off field to grab water bottles and towels. I kept my gaze glued to Zane. He took a green bottle with a Gatorade logo on the side of it and squeezed the water on his face. My insides turned to mush. I could’ve sworn he was moving in slow motion, a sexy song playing in the background. Shaking his head and spreading droplets everywhere, he rubbed a towel over his head, completely clueless as to the effect he was having on me.
We watched the boys for another few minutes before I dragged my gaze away and checked my phone. Alanis was going to show me that contouring technique today. I needed to get back over to the trailer if we were going to have time. The girls reluctantly peeled themselves away from the fence to head back toward the gate, but as we went to leave, I nearly ran straight into Janelle again.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, backing away. That was the second time I’d nearly run her over. The girl was quiet as a mouse. I hadn’t seen her anywhere near the set earlier. “I didn’t see you there.”
“Actually, you’re just the girl I was looking for.” Janelle’s gaze darted quickly over Charlotte and Beth with disinterest, then landed back on me. “The guys and I are looking for something to do tonight. Know anything fun going on? I don’t suppose there’s a club in this tiny little town?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Rock Valley? Have a club? My town wasn’t big enough for a club. Heck, it was hardly big enough for the couple of bars downtown. They were a long way from the LA scene. “No, sorry. We’ve got a mall with an arcade, but that’s about it.”
From the way Janelle pursed her lips, that wasn’t the answer she’d wanted. “What about a pool? I’ve got an amazing new bikini I’d like to try out. You’ve got to have a pool somewhere.”
“Did I hear the word bikini?” Freddy came up and leaned against the fence, wearing his obnoxiously large grin. “I’m in. Doesn’t matter what, I’m there.” He smiled at my friends and then winked. “Hello, ladies.”
It seemed Freddy was going to be disappointed. The city pool had closed up as soon as school started around here. There weren’t enough people to keep it going.
I shrugged helplessly. “Sorry, but the city pools are closed.”
“That’s too bad.” Freddy draped his arm around Zane, who’d just appeared next to him at the fence. My stomach did a traitorous little flip as his blue gaze met mine for the briefest of moments. “My man Zane could use a few distractions. He’s been so out of it lately. I think he’s wound too tight.”
“Just because I don’t flirt with every girl in sight, doesn’t mean I’m wound too tight,” Zane argued. He shoved Freddy playfully. “If you ask me, you’re wound a little too loose.”
Freddy smiled as if he were proud of the label and pumped his shoulders. “Whatever keeps me young, right ladies?”
“Actually,” Beth interrupted. “Lexi’s dad has a pool. Maybe we can all go there?”
I gaped at my so-called friend. That was totally not a Beth move. I wondered what she was playing at. We hadn’t discussed renting out my home to the entire cast, but I couldn’t exactly take back the offer in front of them. In front of Zane.
Janelle’s gaze shot to Beth. The dismissive attitude she’d displayed earlier was gone and excitement danced behind her eyes. “Is that right? A big pool?”
“Yeah. It’s fancy, too. It’s even got an in-ground hot tub.” Beth grinned at her. “Perfect for showing off new bikinis, if you ask me.”
Janelle cocked her hip and placed her hand on it. She directed a charming smile in my direction. “Sounds like you had the solution all along, Makeup Girl. I knew it. What do you say? Party at your house tonight? The boys and I are gagging to get out of the hotel. You’d be a lifesaver.”
Normally, I was the first person to jump at the idea of a party, but having the entire movie cast over to my house was a little more pressure than a high school party. Plus, there was Zane. How was I supposed to act normal if Zane was gracing my backyard in nothing but his board shorts? I wasn’t sure what Beth was doing, but she’d sure put me in a tight spot.
“I don’t know, Janelle...”
“What?” Her smile faltered. “Is there a reason you don’t want us all at your house? It’s Friday night and it’s the only evening we’ve had off in weeks. Don’t leave us hanging.”
