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“We can’t help it,” Luka pipes up. “Our chemistry is off the charts, even for rehearsals.”
And thank God for Luka, because his little quip hits Edward right where it hurts. I see the way he bristles, even though he hides it pretty fast. Because Edward Spencer would never show that he’s jealous.
“I have what I need,” Miranda calls out. “Let’s break for hair and make-up and start shooting!”
Loud whoops and cheers sound out as the crew mobilize yet again, like a well-oiled machine. I can’t wait to get swept up by it. To become a part of this thing they’re making, mindless or not. And I refuse to let Edward get in the way of that.
“If you’ll excuse me-”
He grabs hold of my arm as I turn to leave, his eyes pouring into mine. “I need to talk to you. It’s about…” Edward glances over his shoulder at Luka.
“I’ll leave you to it,” my co-star says with a wave and walks off in the direction of the hair and make-up trailer.
“Edward, I’m on a tight schedule.” I jerk my arm from his grip. “I’m not about to hold up shooting on my first day, so please-”
“Come with me. It’ll only take a minute.”
Edward grabs my hand, his fingers interlacing so easily with mine it makes my heart skip a beat, and starts leading me toward my trailer. I’m about to ask how he knows the way but I stop myself, because of course he does.
“Did you see it?” he asks, shutting the door behind him.
I back up, indirectly taking in the small space that’ll be all mine for the next few months. I’ve never had a trailer before but find myself caught up in Edward instead of celebrating my little milestone.
“You went viral, so yes, I saw the press conference.” And then after a beat, I add, “Thank you.”
It sounds strained, because it is, but I do mean it. When I left him at Suave that night I was so sure he was going to leave me to the hounds and have my career and reputation ruined forever. I know he didn’t have to do what he did, and I’m grateful that somewhere inside that block of stone beats a heart that feels something.
“Violet’s a paid actor, by the way.” He flops down on the sofa bench along the back wall of my trailer. “I’m not really engaged.”
I scoff loudly, folding my arms across my chest. He’s so blatantly comfortable crossing lines it’s astounding.
“I kinda figured that much,” I reply. “Given that you’re you, and all.”
Oh, he doesn’t like that. Even though what I’m saying is totally true - the self-proclaimed playboy bachelor for life, Edward Spencer, would never be caught dead tying himself to one woman for life. He seems offended by my assumption, which is amusing, and I take it for the small win it is.
But he schools his features quickly and says, “Jealousy looks good on you.”
I wish he didn’t have this effect on me. The sound of his voice when he takes it low, makes his eyes rake over the length of my body as though he’s undressing me in his mind…
“You wish,” is all I can manage under the weight of my hammering heart and skin on fire.
This is over. Never happening again. Deader than disco.
And I have myself so convinced that when Edward suddenly gets to his feet and advances on me, I’m surprised by my reaction. That my body doesn’t recoil from him. That my face lifts toward his, lips slightly parted in anticipation.
“No, Cara, it’s you who wishes.” It’s a hoarse whisper, tense with what is clearly his own desire. “I can see it all over your face.” He leans in, brushing his cheek with mine as he breathes me in. “I can hear it in the way your breathing suddenly changes when I get up close. Like this.”
It’s all I can do to keep from turning my mouth to meet his, the feel of his thumb on my cheek awakening the burgeoning heat inside me. My breath leaves me in a shallow shudder as that familiar spark of arousal begins to twist and churn in my gut, slowly snaking its way between my legs.
His tongue comes out and laps at my earlobe, causing a warm tingling sensation to spread throughout my whole body. Knees… weak… His spicy scent fills my nostrils and I’m suddenly dizzy with him. Fighting to keep hold of the last shred of restraint I have left.
“You keep saying ‘never’ when your body tells me a very different story.” Edward’s other hand slips around my waist.
Not demanding or possessive, but simply resting there as though that’s where it belongs. The gentleness surprises me, since he’s never shown me anything of the kind, and I find myself melting into him. Letting down my guard…
“We can’t.” My forehead is against his chin, all my focus going to slowing my breathing. My runaway heart.
Because we can’t. But dammit, I want to.
