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Talk about an ego boost. For the first time since Parker I feel sexy, confident, and desired. Even if I have no real interest in Keith, I’ve got to keep this going.
“So what do you do, Allie?” Keith asks.
“I’m a high school English teacher. What about you?”
“I’m an accountant.”
We chit chat for the next fifteen minutes, but I barely listen to a word he says. Matt brings me a drink and when his fingertips brush against my knuckles as he hands it to me, I swear he does it on purpose. Brooke finally goes to chat with the tattooed woman in the corner, leaving Shane sitting alone, looking all broody and hot in his booth as he tries very hard to not watch me with this guy.
By the time Keith leaves, I’ve got his number and a date with him tomorrow night. I flash a triumphant smile at Matt. “You were right. I did need to get out and have a little fun.”
“Good for you,” he says, but he doesn’t sound like he means it. He turns his back to me as he makes another drink.
I grab my martini and head over to the booth before Shane’s laser beam eyes burn through my back. I’m hoping Brooke will save me from the awkwardness, but when I glance over, she’s making out with that girl. Guess I’m on my own then.
“What was that about?” Shane asks, his voice dripping with disdain.
“I’m just doing what Matt suggested and getting back out there again.”
His eyes narrow. “You should know by now to never listen to Matt.”
A sexy giggle from the corner draws our attention to Brooke and her new fling. “Looks like your sister is getting lucky tonight,” I say with a grin.
“Good. She works too much.”
“So do you.” I barely ever see Shane during the week. He’s up at the crack of dawn and doesn’t return home ‘til late. For some reason it makes me sad, even though when we’re together we seem to mostly butt heads.
“Our shooting schedule is brutal at the moment because we’re doing a crossover with another show. It should calm down next week. The crew loved the muffins by the way. Thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, feeling all warm from his praise. “Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?” For once, Shane is talking to me like a civilized person. I’m not letting this chance to learn more about him slip by.
“No.” He stirs his drink slowly. “I originally planned to be a lawyer.”
“Like Brooke.”
“Like our entire family.” His jaw clenches. “I always loved acting but my parents never approved of it, and I never considered pursing it as a career. I finished law school, passed the BAR exam, and then Matt convinced me to audition with him for a small role in a TV show, mostly to keep him company that day. Then I got the part. No one was more surprised than I was. And my parents never forgave me.”
“Wow. Do you ever regret giving up a legal career?”
“Never. I hated law school. I only did it because my parents made it clear that’s what the Eastons did. Acting was always my secret passion and now I get to do it and get paid for it. Win-win.”
“And your parents?” I ask.
He smirks. “Oh, they barely talk to me.”
“I’m sorry. But hey, at least they have one child who is a lawyer.”
“Yes. Although she ruined it by being gay.” He chuckles, a low sound that is sexier than anything. “My sister and I are both disappointments to our parents.”
“You’re both following your hearts. Your parents will have to come to terms with that.”
“If only it were so easy.” He tilts his head as he considers me. “I suppose your parents were the kind who always encouraged you to do whatever you want.”
“Yep. Mom is a professor, dad is a vet. We grew up with books and animals. Guess it’s no surprise I became an English teacher and my sister became a vet.”
“You’re lucky.” It seems like he might say more, but then he downs the rest of his drink and stands up. “I’ll see you back at the house.”
I watch him go with a touch of sadness. Once again, just when I think the two of us might be bonding, he takes off. It’s clear he doesn’t like me and is counting down the days ‘til I find my own place.
Why do I even bother with him?
Chapter Sixteen
SHANE
Nadia steps forward and rests her hand on my bare chest. “I know who you really are. What you really are. But I don’t care. I still want to be with you.”
Her lips touch mine and all I feel is revulsion. It’s hard to believe a few months ago I enjoyed kissing her, when all I want to do now is rinse my mouth out the second this is over. There’s no tongue action, but we make it look passionate for the camera, even though we can barely stand to be near each other. When the director yells, “Cut!” it’s a damn mercy.
Nadia and I practically leap apart, and she sneers at me as I slide my arm across my mouth to wipe the taste away. Cherries, that’s what she tastes like. I can’t stand them anymore. Another thing she’s ruined for me forever.
Not to mention, there’s only one woman I want to be kissing, and it sure as hell isn’t her.
- Writer
