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I’m a terrible actress, and I’m not sure I can refrain from spilling my guts.
And that thought terrifies me.
As soon as we make it to craft services, Paxton stops walking. He’s giving me space to head into the clearing alone. I offer a smile before going in search of Teagan.
“Hey.” I step up to the table where she’s sitting. The first thing I notice when we lock eyes is that she looks tired. Her eyes, usually so bright and full of life, seem dull and strained.
With the break we’ve had the past few days, that shouldn’t be the case. I was tangled up in Paxton, having sex until exhaustion, but I’m still rested. What gives?
“Are you okay?” I ask her, and she smiles sadly before nodding.
“I’m fine,” she says and sighs. “It’s just been a long couple of days.”
She looks down at the table and then back up at me.
“I was nervous about you. I half expected you to demand a different hut so you wouldn’t have to be alone.”
My heart skips a beat. “I thought you could use the privacy and downtime.”
“What about you? If not for Michael, I wouldn’t have known if you were okay, clear across the island.”
“I was fine.” I motion with my head over to where Paxton stands across the grass, talking to Brad. “Paxton checked on me. He even helped me out by grabbing my supplies so I didn’t have to.”
Teagan’s eyes follow my gesture and then looks back at me. “Hmm.” Her eyes narrow. “That was nice of him.”
I nod, but all I can think about is the suspicion coating her words.
The feeling of my finger tapping has me crossing my arms at my chest to stop my nervous tell.
This isn’t going to be easy at all. Teagan is too observant, which could pose a serious problem if she reads me like a book.
My face heats, which is already a mark against me.
“You ready to shoot today?” I ask, breaking the uncomfortable silence and hoping I can distract her from noticing my blush.
“I’m ready to shoot Brad,” she mutters under her breath before answering, “I guess so.”
She won’t meet my eyes, and that concerns me. Something happened, and for the first time, I realize leaving her alone with Theresa might not have been the best move. Anyone would lose their mind being stuck with her for days on end.
“Don’t sound too excited.” I laugh, trying to break through her solemn mood, but she’s not having it.
“Not like I have a choice.”
I reach my arm out and place my hand on her shoulder. “You can talk to me if—”
“I’m fine, Mal.” Teagan stands from where she’s sitting and lifts her head to look at me. “I’m going to go practice for the next scene with Brad. Grab food and catch up. I’ll see you later.”
With that, she walks away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
My head spins in a million directions as I make my way to the food table.
What’s going on with Teagan, and how can I help her?
No matter how hard I try to sort through the answers, nothing solidifies.
I grab a plate and pile food on it without thought. I’m not even sure what I’ve grabbed. I’m too distracted.
I’m seated and looking over my breakfast when I feel his presence behind me. I don’t need to turn around to know it’s him.
My body hums when he’s near.
“Want company?” When I hear his husky voice, little goose bumps break out on my arms.
“Think that’s a good idea?” I whisper, not wanting anyone to overhear.
“Yeah. I do.”
“Have at it.” I point at the chair across from me.
When he’s on the other side of the table, I realize how awkward it is not being able to be open with him in public. Paxton takes a bite of the food on his plate, looking at me as he does.
“So,” I say after licking my fork clean. “Something is wrong with Teagan.”
His brow lifts. “Why do you say that?”
“She’s acting weird. Cagey.”
“How so?” He leans forward in his chair, his elbows resting on the table.
“I can’t put it into words, but I can tell something is up.” I pause and let out a sigh. “I just wish she would open up to me.”
Paxton reaches across the table but then stops. Obviously remembering that we can’t do that in public.
“If she wants help, she’ll come to you,” he says, looking into my eyes with understanding.
Sometimes this job is so thankless. You put your all into it, but if the other party doesn’t reciprocate, it all falls apart.
Paxton gets that.
I nod and give him a small smile before turning my attention back to the food on my plate. Thankfully, I grabbed the traditional fare. Bagel, fruit, and cereal. Except I didn’t pick up milk or cream cheese.
“Missing something?” he asks, smirking into his coffee cup.
