AllFreeNovel
Share Us
ELI: Stay with me tonight. Come back to the hotel after dinner. I know it’s your last night with the girls but think about it.
ME: I’ll think about it.
No, I won’t. I’m not ditching my best friends so I can stay the night with him. I’ll see him tomorrow and the next day. Every day for the next month at the very least. After that is still up for debate.
When Eli finally arrives at the restaurant, the girls act as if it’s no big deal he was late. A complete lie. They peppered me with questions the entire time we waited for him. Neither of them making excuses or having his back. But when he finally walked through the door, both plaster on a fake smile, not that Eli can tell they’re not being authentic.
“So, I was hoping to steal Taylor from you ladies tonight. I know Hayden leaves tomorrow afternoon and we have to head out tomorrow after we wrap, but if I promise to deliver her before your flight, would it be okay? There are a few things I want to talk to her about before we get back to LA.”
Austin and Hayden share a look. To the average observer, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. A meeting of the eyes asking if the other person cares. Agree or disagree? Give up time with me or claim me for the night?
Because I know them, I read between the lines.
They’re both wondering what he has up his sleeve. If they’ve put their trust in him too quickly.
Honestly, I’m wondering the same thing. Did I let the way he made me feel overshadow all the doubt? Was I blind to what was really going on? Has he been acting this entire time? On set and off.
I’ll kill him.
Instead of burying Celia in an eight-foot grave, we’ll bury Eli. In the desert. Where no one will ever find him.
I don’t care how gorgeous he is. Or that his kisses turn me into a puddle at his feet. That the slightest touch from him can ignite a fire inside of me. If he’s been stringing me along this entire time, I’m going to murder him. And I’ll make it as slow and painful as possible.
“Since no one is saying anything, I’m guessing that’s a no,” Eli interjects, taking a sip of his wine as he leans back in his chair. He appears relaxed but there’s a hint of amusement in his eyes.
He knows how much the girls mean to me. I’ve shared how strong our bond is. And he knew he was basically on trial while he was here. He shouldn’t be as calm as he appears right now. He has to know it will always be three against one.
“It’s our last night together,” I state firmly, speaking before the girls have an option so they know where I stand on the situation.
“I get it. That’s why I asked them.”
“Why do you want her all to yourself tonight?” Whipping my head in Austin’s direction, she flinches at my sudden movement.
“There are a few things I want to talk to her about in private.”
“She’s going to tell us what they are, so you might as well say it here.”
Preach, Hayden. Tell him like it is.
Eli turns his attention to me, and when I nod, sitting up a little straighter in my chair, he enlightens the entire table about his conversation with Ansen tonight. “I called a meeting with the director before dinner. Again, my apologies. I didn’t realize it would take so long. I wanted to talk to him about how serious my relationship with Taylor has become before someone else did. Not that he was surprised. As much as we’ve tried to separate our personal life and private life, it’s hard to stay away from her when we’re at work.
“Celia’s been vocal about her feelings on the situation a lot more recently.”
That’s new to me. I haven’t heard anything. Well, not recently.
“She went to Ansen after we got back from Nassau and complained. She was trying to get Taylor fired. He shut her down and told her to focus on her performance. That hasn’t stopped her from continuing to talk to the crew about it and make snide comments. I wanted to make sure he was aware …” His voice trails off as he runs his hands through his hair in frustration.
I can only imagine the conversation between Ansen and Celia. I don’t think she realizes his priorities. First and foremost, finish this damn movie. He couldn’t care less who is screwing who, not that Eli and I are sleeping together.
Not yet.
I’m still scared to cross that line with him. Because I know when we do the last piece of my armor will crumble, my heart will be his, and any chance of turning back will be gone. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’ll happen. Eventually. But with the ups and downs in my life right now, I want to wait.
Actually, I don’t. I’d love to jump his bones about ninety percent of the time. Now it feels like so much time has passed that I’m not sure how to broach the subject.
Hey, wanna bang?
I can feel my face heating in embarrassment at the thought.
