by Kate Dunbar
This man likes a good challenge. I’ve seen it before. He wants to see how far he can push me, and he doesn’t think I can handle whatever he gives, or that I can match his talent. I quirk one eyebrow at him and smirk. Bring it, big boy.
“Okay, you two.” The director laughs and takes two steps backward until he perches on the table behind him. He looks at Cruella and waves back and forth between us. “I see chemistry is not going to be a problem.”
She gives him a knowing smile.
A grin lights up his face as he points at the script in his hand. “Let’s take it from the top, shall we? Right where the hero is walking down the street and the heroine opens the door of the coffee shop, bumping into him and spilling her coffee on his chest.” He waits a beat for us to get in position. “Everyone know where we are? Ready to go?”
“Yes,” Joe and I respond together.
He swings his head in my direction, chuckling. Then he puts his game face on. His eyes shutter, and the muscles in his face soften. Joe looks like a different man. One every girl in the country is going to swoon over on the big screen. I plaster a soft smile on my face and know—it’s go-time.
“Great, you can begin when you’re ready.” The director nods in both of our directions.
I stride toward Joe, steeling myself for whatever lies in store for me this morning and intending to knock them all on their asses.
“Thank you so much,” I say, shaking hands with Wendy and the director.
“No, thank you.” The director looks me in the eye before turning to my talent manager. “Give my regards to Eleanor, Christine. I’ll be in touch. Always good to see you.”
“You too, Rob.” She leans in and does the double kiss thing I’ve never understood. “We’ll talk soon.”
Christine grabs my elbow and steers me toward the door. “Give a little wave to him, dear,” she mutters under her breath. I do as she says right before we walk out the door and into the sunshine. We keep walking down the sidewalk and toward the parking lot together before she stops and stares long and hard at me. “How do you think it went?”
“I think it was okay. Joe was a little challenging, but he quickly realized I was up for the task.” I laugh as I remember his wide eyes when I threw in an impromptu kiss during one scene.
“He’ll learn …” Her eyes look over my shoulder. “You know what? It seems he might learn sooner rather than later.” She smiles at me. “I’ll call you this afternoon, and we can discuss it further. It seems someone is waiting for you.”
“What? Who?” I whip my head around.
Joe waves at us from where he’s standing on the corner, shuffling his feet.
“No way.”
“You might have been more than a little convincing, love.” Christine chuckles. “Don’t forget to call Eleanor and fill her in. We’ll chat later. Until then, have fun.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me, gives Joe a wave over my shoulder, and turns to go to her car.
Crap. What am I supposed to do now? I hitch my purse further on my shoulder, push my chest out, and march toward my own car looking straight ahead. I read somewhere that when you come face to face with a predator, you shouldn’t look him in the eye. This feels right in this situation too.
Keep my head down. Ignore the crazy hot macho pig. Get in my car and go home.
“Sabra?” Joe calls after me.
Shit.
“Yes?” I stop and watch him jog up next to me. “Did you need me? Did I forget something in the room?”
“No, I was wondering if you had plans this afternoon. Maybe we could go grab a bite to eat?”
I start walking in the direction of my car again, but he keeps pace with me.
“We could look at the script together some more?”
Wonders never cease. Joe is a real boy, after all, and his nerves are showing. It would almost be cute—endearing—if he hadn’t been so oily for the first thirty minutes of the audition.
“Go over the script? But the audition is done.” I stop walking, turn to look at him, and spread my arms out. “Do you think they’re going to want to see us for another audition?” I widen my eyes and feign panic, letting one hand cover my mouth.
“No, I don’t think so. I feel confident you’ll get the role, and we’ll be working together more. I thought it might be nice to”—he pauses to clear his throat and looks around— “get to know each other more.”
“That’s sweet of you, Joe. Thank you for having such confidence in me and my audition, but I don’t want to jinx it.” We’re steps away from my car. Five, maybe six feet to freedom. “I do appreciate the offer, though. It’s really, really sweet of you,” I repeat and turn to hurry to the promise land. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“What? Sabra?” Joe puts his hand on my arm and tries to turn me to look at him. “Hey, you’re white as a sheet. Are you okay? Do you need something?”
Shaking my head, I run my free hand through my hair and try to calm down. “No, I …”
“I see.” Joe spies what’s caught my attention and takes a step back, dropping his hand quickly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were seeing someone.” He frowns at me. “I mean, of course you are. You’re beautiful and smart.” Joe grabs my hand and gives my fingers a squeeze. “He’s a lucky guy, Sabra. I hope he treats you nice.”
“Thanks,” I mutter and turn to watch him jog away in the direction he came.
I don’t want to look again. This can’t be happening. I’m in downtown Los Angeles, for crying out loud.
I turn back around with my eyes closed, knowing I can’t ignore what’s right in front of me. My eyes blink open despite the trepidation skating down my spine, and I stare at the windshield of my car. The world around me spins, and I steady myself with one hand on the roof of my Mustang.
Because he’s been here. I reach over and yank two yellow roses out from under my windshield wiper. There’s no note, but I don’t need one.
Lucas has been here. I’m not safe anywhere.
I toss the roses on the ground and peer through the windows of the back seat to be sure.
He’s been here.
I open the driver’s side door and slide into the seat, locking myself in the car. My hands shake so badly, I can’t get the key in the ignition, so I drop my head on the steering wheel, count to one hundred, and practice my deep breathing techniques. After a few minutes pass, I get the car started and pull out of the parking lot. I drive for an hour, continually glancing in my rearview mirror, before my heart rate calms down.
I’m almost home when a shrill ring blares through my car and shakes me out of the daze I’m in, making me jump. I swerve a bit, hitting the bumps on the side of the road, while I fumble to hit the button on my steering wheel.
“Hello?” My voice sounds weak.
“Where are you? Are we still on for six thirty?” Trevor’s voice echoes through my car.
“I’m about five minutes away from my apartment,” I reply and exit the highway.
“How did the audition go?”
“Who knows? It was interesting, and I think I did okay, but you know how these things go.” I look over my shoulder and change lanes. “It’s been a long day.” I’m not sure if I want to talk to anyone right now. Being alone in a bubble bath and crawling between my sheets sounds lovely.
“No way, Sabra.” Trevor’s voice grows louder, pinging through my car. “You promised.”
“What are you talking about?” I try to sound indignant. He’s caught me and knows I was about to beg off our dinner date.
“I think you forget how long I’ve known you.” He chuckles into the phone. The sound of his laughter warms me a little. “You’re not getting out of dinner with me. I have plans, and they involve you.”
“Is that so?” I smile despite the hollow feeling I have in my chest. “Do I get to know what those plans are?”
“Of course,” he quips. “As soon as I pick you up at six thirty, I’ll loop you in.” The smugness in his voice is infuriating�
��and adorable—which makes me waffle on if I should punch or jump him once he gets to my door. “I think you’ll like it, though.”
“Yeah? And you’re sure you know what I like?” I try my best to sound doubtful and give him a hard time.
“I’m positive I know what you like, Sabra,” he says in a low, husky voice. “The question is will you let me show you again.” He clears his throat. “But that’s not the plan for tonight.”
I’m punching him, for sure.
“I’ll be at your door at six thirty. Dress casual. Maybe wear those black jeans of yours. The ones that hug your ass just right.”
“Are you kidding me, caveman? Now you’re picking out what clothes I should wear?”
I pull into my parking lot and shake my head, even though he can’t see me. The grin on my face hurts my cheeks, and I realize he’s chased my blues and fears away in a five-minute conversation.
“We can discuss what clothes I want to take off you, but I don’t think you’re ready for that conversation yet.” He pauses a moment. “Anyway, it’s almost time. I’ll be there in twenty. Bye.”
“See you soon.” The Bluetooth disconnects, and I dash into my apartment.
I rush to my bedroom closet as soon as I’m back inside and shed the clothes from my audition. He told me to dress casual and mentioned my black jeans, but I’m not feeling them tonight. They’re skinny jeans, and they do make my butt look great, but I’ve been in this tight pencil skirt and white blouse all day. All I want is something comfy. If I could go without a bra, I totally would. Trevor would love it, but that’s not going to happen tonight.
Grabbing my favorite pair of yoga pants and a long tunic t-shirt that says, “I’m not stubborn, my way is just better”, I shimmy into them. I yank a brush through my hair and pull it into a low bun at the nape of my neck. A touch of blush, some shimmery lip-gloss, and my casual trying-not-trying look is complete.
I’m sliding my bare feet into my favorite pair of ankle boots when there’s a knock on my door. It’s Trevor’s knock, and I love how I instantly know it’s him. I peek through the peephole just to be safe and can’t help but smile at his disheveled hair and the way he’s smirking at the peephole as if he knows I’m looking at him.
I fling open the door wide and stand there, looking him over. He’s wearing worn jeans with a bare spot on his knee. They look so soft I want to give them a quick rub, but that would be awkward. His button up is mussed like he’s been wearing it all day with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms and the tail of it only halfway tucked in. He looks adorable. The perfect, hot young professor every college girl wants to bed. I wonder if we should stay in and forget dinner.
Trevor doesn’t give me a chance to suggest it before reaching to pick up my purse from the floor by my feet and grabbing my house keys off the hook by the door. “You ready? Have everything you need?” He looks me over. “You’re perfect. Come on.” He yanks me outside and into a quick embrace before he locks the door and starts toward the stairs, my purse still in his hand.
“In a hurry, Trevor?” I try to keep up with his long legs.
“I don’t want the food to get cold.” He opens the door of his truck and the most delicious smell smacks me in the face.
“Pizza?” I clamber into the driver’s side and slide across the bench seat.
“Yep,” he says, climbing in behind me and putting the car in reverse. “Dinner by the lake.” He peeks at me before pulling out of my apartment complex. “You up for it?”
“It’s perfect.” I relax into the seat.
He reaches over and puts his hand on my thigh, giving it a little squeeze. “Thanks for having dinner with me, Say. I’ve been looking forward to this all day.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” I smile at him and twine my fingers with his. This man. He always knows how to get under my skin in all the right ways.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“This is amazing,” I say and lie back. We’re on a blanket next to the lake, and all I can see for miles above me is glittering stars and a smattering of clouds skating across the night sky. An empty pizza box is all that separates me from Trevor.
“It’s a pretty perfect night, isn’t it?” He turns his head toward me, but I can’t see his eyes. The only light we have is from the moon when it’s not covered by clouds and a small battery-operated lantern on the edge of the blanket. The wind rustles what’s left of the leaves on the trees above us, and the water laps at the sides of the lake. It’s soothing, and if I weren’t a Four Seasons type of gal, I could almost see why people camp outdoors. Sort of.
“It is.” I nod in his direction. “Thank you for bringing me out here. And the pizza and the conversation. It was exactly what I needed.”
“Sabra.” He moves the pizza box to his other side and slides closer to me. His hand plays with the ends of my hair for a little bit before he continues. “I think we need to talk.” His fingers brush my cheek when he pulls his hand away and settles it in his lap.
“Okay.” My voice sounds small. I pull myself up and sit cross-legged, facing him on the blanket and trying to place walls around my heart. I knew this conversation would come, but I was hoping it could wait a bit. “What about?” It’s easier to play dumb. Maybe he won’t go there.
He laces his fingers with mine and turns his whole body, mimicking my sitting position. Besides our joined hands settled between us, only our knees are touching. “I think you know, Sabra.” His breath puffs out and little bits of shadowed hair fly up before settling back down again on his forehead. “We’ve never played games with each other before. Can we not start now please?”
I tug on my hand, trying to pull free from his grip, but he only holds tighter. “Let me go, Trevor.”
He pulls our hands close to his chest, causing me to lean into him, and holds me there. “Say, I’ve already told you, I can’t.”
“Trev, I don’t want to do this tonight.” I look at the ground. “Please don’t ruin a perfect night. Truly. Please don’t do this.”
He tips my chin up with his free hand until I’m forced to look into his face. “Fine, Sabra. I will let your hand go for now, but I’m not letting you go. Do you understand?”
I stare at him, trying to gauge how serious he is, but I already know. He’s never been one to waver where we’re concerned. That’s always me. I don’t deserve him, but I can’t put any words together to explain it all to him. Talking about everything and telling him what he deserves to know is not something I can do right now, so I nod at him and hope it’s enough.
“Say the words, Sabra. Tell me you understand,” he pleads with me, but there’s no opportunity to get any words out because he keeps going. “I know we’re not there yet. Things are happening with you. Things you’re dealing with that you haven’t and aren’t ready to tell me about yet. And I don’t like not knowing, but I’m here. You don’t have to tell me everything until you’re ready, but please don’t shut me out again. Please let me be here for you. For whatever you need.” He pauses. “I’m here, Say.”
A tear slips down my cheek, and I brush it away before it can fall. “I know you are, Trevor, and I’m so grateful for you and our friendship, but I can’t commit to more. I care about you—so much—but I don’t have it in me to do more than one day at a time.” A shudder works through me. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I know you deserve more.”
“What? I deserve more?” He lets go of my hand and hauls me onto his lap like I’m a ragdoll, tucking me under his chin.
He smells delicious. I turn my head into his chest and inhale deeply.
“I’m not sure what’s going through that pretty little head of yours, Say, but I’m the one who gets to decide what and who I want.” His hand strokes over my hair and down my spine until it stills on my lower back. “And I want you,” he mutters into my ear.
“I don’t know what to say.” I lean back enough to see his strong jaw and his full lips quirk into a lopsided smile.
“You know, I kind o
f like it when you run out of words.” He squeezes me back close to him.
“Nice, Trevor,” I mumble into him.
His chest shakes as he gives a full laugh that echoes through the air, scaring an owl in a nearby tree. We both turn our heads to watch the dark shadow with a huge wingspan take to the sky.
“How about we take it one day at a time?” His hand traces my spine again, up and down. “No pressure. No long-term commitment, except we’ll always be honest with each other. We’ll take it slow and see where it goes. Can you do that?”
Can I do that? I want to be able to do that with him. I take a huge breath and let it out long and slow. I nod into his chest.
“What was that? I can’t hear you, Sabra.” He grabs my upper arms and pushes me away from him, just an inch. “Say the words.” His warm breath skates across my cheek.
“Okay.” I nod again and give a small smile. “I can do that.”
His hands squeeze my arms in response to my words, and his eyes drop to my mouth. I watch his tongue dart out to lick his bottom lip. I want him to kiss me. I miss him.
But he doesn’t kiss me the way I expect. The way I’m longing for him to. Instead, he crushes me back to his chest, kisses my head, and rocks us back and forth for a few minutes in the blissful silence beside the lake. I feel safer than I have in weeks.
Trevor pulls back after a few minutes of holding me and looks me in the eye. “I adore you, Sabra,” he says low and deep. “But if I don’t take you home right now, I can’t keep my promise and take it slow.”
I nuzzle his jaw before kissing him on the cheek. “I want to keep you honest,” I mutter into his ear. Then I stand and give him my hand so I can help him to his feet. “Take me home, Trevor.”
He reaches down and grabs the lantern and blanket with his free hand while I pick up the empty pizza box.
“And thank you.”