Even Ground (Hollywood Kiwis Book 2), page 13
What would she be like in bed? Pania astride me, my cock deep inside her, her ample breasts swinging as she …
My eyes fly open.
Gabby’s gaze is fixed on mine, and she never falters.
“James,” she whispers. “We can’t do this again.”
I swallow hard. “We should never have done this in the first place.”
Those moments give me enough time to recover my thoughts, and she laughs as I flip her onto her back. I drop down the bed a little so my hips are rutting against her instead of my groin.
Her eyes search mine. There are so many layers between us, surely she can’t feel my erection. Please don’t let her know.
Shit.
I’m going to have to apologise just in case.
“Cut,” the director yells.
I’ve never been so glad to hear one word in all my life. One of the assistants brings me my robe and I take it, wrapping it around my body as I climb out of bed. Gabby takes her robe and follows suit, smiling as she stands beside me.
“Great work, you two.” The director, Daniel Harmer, smiles as he approaches us. “That was just fantastic. All in one take, too.”
Gabby laughs. “I think we just wanted to get it over with.”
He fixes his gaze on me. “Whatever you were thinking about when your eyes were closed, it was perfect.”
I’m simultaneously proud and embarrassed.
“Just thinking about how good I wanted the scene to be.”
Liar.
“Well, it was great. That’s it for the day, folks.”
“Thanks, Daniel.”
Gabby wraps her robe, tighter, around herself as we watch him walk away.
I wait until he’s nearly out of sight before saying, “Gabby, I am so, so sorry.”
She turns and smiles, but her brows are knitted together as she dips her head, closer to me. “It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not.” I look around to see if anyone can hear us. “I’m not that guy. I don’t do that.” I walk away before she can say anything else.
I’m so disappointed in my own behaviour. Nothing like this has ever happened to me. Sure, I’ve dated a lot of women, but I’ve never let my work life and my personal life intersect like that.
Ignoring anyone else, I head into my trailer and close the door.
My heart races. I’ve never been this rattled.
I need to pull myself together.
I need to apologise to Gabby again.
What the hell am I doing?
Pania has me all tied up in knots and I barely know the woman. Maybe it’s because she’s so down to earth and would never let my ego get away from me. Lord knows I’ve let that happen often enough.
I sit down and rub my face with my hands.
Being in here is stifling.
There’s no more filming today, so I get up and grab a cold can of Coke from the fridge. Taking a sip, I open the trailer door.
Sitting on the doorstep, my shoulders slump as I cool down and relax.
“Reece? Are you okay?”
Gabby’s still in her bathrobe, but now she’s wearing a shirt underneath it. I feel self-conscious sitting in my boxers and robe, but I don’t move.
She sits on the step beside me.
I drain the can, crushing it and throwing it at a nearby bin. “No.”
“You heard Daniel. That scene was great. We don’t have another one like it.”
“Thank God.” I slam my head back on my trailer door. “I’m really, really sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
She swipes at the air. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not the first time that’s happened, and it won’t be the last. There was so much padding between us, the only reason I knew was the look on your face.”
“It’s just so unprofessional. I’ve never had that happen before. It wasn’t you. I swear.”
Gabby laughs. “Well, that’s good for a girl’s ego.”
“That’s not what I meant.” I rub my forehead with my palm.
“I’m teasing. I’m guessing whoever you were picturing was what caused it.”
I frown. “How did you—”
“We rehearsed that scene. Your eyes were open in rehearsal. Once you closed them …” She cocks her head. “I know it wasn’t me, but you were thinking of someone.”
I look away. Gabby is close with Delaney too. I’m not sure I know her well enough to spill my secrets to her.
I turn back toward her. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” The corners of her mouth curve up a little in a curious smile.
“How did you know Antonio was the one?”
Her whole face lights up, her blue eyes twinkling. “He was just right. I don’t know how to describe it.”
“How did you work it out?”
She places her hand over mine. “We just worked. We talked, we laughed, we were just the perfect fit together.” Her cheeks grow pink. “That was before the sex.”
I laugh. “I don’t want to know.”
Gabby smiles again. “The point is that while we were definitely attracted from the first day, it didn’t take long for both of us to just know. I can be myself with him, and we can sit and not talk and it’s just as comfortable when we do.” She cocks her head. “Why do you ask? Is there someone special?”
“I’ve just been thinking a lot since Josh’s wedding …”
She blinks rapidly. “Don’t tell me it’s Delaney. He’d kill you.”
I shake my head. That’s the last thing I need her to think. “Oh, I love her, but not like that. It’s one of her friends.”
She slowly nods. “The one I met at the wedding? I’m sorry, I can’t remember her name. Tania?”
“Pania.”
“That’s the one.” She seems to study my expression. “I didn’t meet her for long, but she seemed nice.”
“She’s fiery, and smart, and not like any woman I’ve ever been with.” I gape. “Not that I mean the women I’ve been with aren’t smart. Or fiery.”
Gabby chuckles. “I understand.”
“When I’m with her, I can’t think straight. That’s so not me with women.”
“So I hear.”
I raise my eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She leans back on the step. “It means you have quite the reputation when it comes to women.”
Running my fingers through my hair, I sigh. “I’m sure I do.”
“I’m not judging you. I had my fair share of men before I found Antonio. You’ve got to try before you buy.” Her lips quirk up, and I laugh. “I don’t know you that well, Reece, but you seem like a decent guy to me.”
“I try. You know? I’m not sure if I succeed all of the time, but I try.”
“That’s all anyone can ever do.” She shrugs.
I look down at my feet. “Can you not mention any of this to Josh? I don’t want it getting back to Delaney because she’ll make way more out of it than it is right now. At least, until I work things out in my head.”
Gabby nods. “Of course. If there’s anything else I can help with, just let me know. Talk to Antonio if you need to.”
“Thanks, Gabby.” I pause. “And I’m sorry about … you know.”
“Don’t worry about it. At least you had the decency to apologise.”
I stare at her. “You mean other actors don’t?”
“I’m never sure whether it’s rudeness or they’re embarrassed. Either way, you did good. And that scene will be smoking.” Gabby leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ve got to run, but don’t be too hard on yourself. And take your time working out how you feel. If she feels the same way, she’ll wait.”
She grips my shoulder as she pushes herself to her feet, and walks away in the direction of her own trailer, leaving me with my thoughts.
I need to prove to myself that I’m good enough for Pania. She deserves better than the man I’ve been in the past.
He’s just not good enough for her, but I can be.
16
Pania
Sam’s mumbling is driving me nuts. The last thing I need is more of Judith’s negative attention, so I put my head down and do my best to ignore whatever Sam’s talking about beside me.
“Reece Evans and Gabby Reynolds, huh? Funny. I thought she was madly in love with that other guy and probably getting married.”
Wait. What?
I turn to her. “What are you talking about?”
“Check this out.” She shoves a magazine under my nose.
Of course there are photos.
The two of them, sitting in their bathrobes on the steps of some trailer, hand in hand. And there’s even a photo of her kissing his cheek.
Delaney deals with this kind of stuff all the time, and I have no idea how she does it. I know for myself how connected Gabby and Antonio are—I’ve seen it with my own eyes.
It was only a few months ago that I saw it, but I guess a lot can change in a short time.
I hate this doubt.
I hate that this hurts even though Reece and I are just friends.
We’re just friends. It doesn’t matter how much he flirts, or how he tries Skyping me at three in the morning when he screws the time up. I’m not the type for him to be interested in, not compared to someone like Gabby Reynolds.
The woman’s a goddess.
I hate the way this makes me feel. I’ve never been a woman who compared myself to other women. I always thought my close friendship with Delaney was one of the reasons that just didn’t happen. We spent our whole lives building each other up and supporting one another.
Sometimes I’m hard on myself, but I’m not competing with anyone. Except now I’m suddenly doubting myself.
Where I have romantic thoughts about Reece, what would he ever see in me when Gabby’s right there?
“Pania. Are you okay?” Sam nudges my arm.
I blink a bunch of times to snap myself out of my thoughts. “I’m fine. I’d be really surprised if this is true. She and Antonio were all over each other at Delaney’s wedding.”
“Ladies, how are those designs coming along?”
Judith’s voice penetrates my brain. I look up to see her walking toward us. We’re designing gowns for our end of term projects. Everything counts from the design to choosing the right fabrics. It’s been easy to be inspired—I just think of what would look good on the red carpet for Delaney.
“Sam’s just showing me a dress. I’ve been telling her she’s more than talented to make something similar.”
She smiles. “I agree. I’m also interested to see what you come up with, given the fuss over the wedding dress you created. The fabric has arrived for your projects. So, go and take a look, and choose wisely. Good luck.”
It’s the first time I’ve seen Judith smile in a while. I’m never sure whether to trust it when she does. Although, I guess this is the project where some of our work goes on display in her retail store and she can show off her student’s progress.
As much as I don’t like her, I want one of those spots.
Sam grabs my arm. “Come on, let’s get in now.”
It’s all a bit crazy. Everyone has such different ideas, but Judith has given us some general guidelines and there’s a generous selection.
I gasp at the first things I lay eyes on. It’s a soft, royal blue crepe fabric, and there’s also a roll of a similar colour tulle with tiny pearls embedded in it. It’s the sort of thing I could make an evening gown for Delaney in, but in her absence, I’ll make one that fits me.
Smiling to myself, I grab the rolls and make my way back to my desk.
“You’ve made your decision already?” Judith asks.
I smile. “They’re all so beautiful, but it was an easy choice. I’m already planning what I want to do.”
Her smile is uneasy. It’s going to take a lot to get past her defences, but all I can do is keep on working and hope that my work speaks for itself.
By the end of the day, I have my design done and have started working on my pattern. It’s been a productive day, and I feel confident for the first time in a while.
Before I can go home, though, I still have to go to my part-time job. My student allowance covers my rent—just—but I work a few hours most evenings doing office cleaning to pay for all my incidental costs.
Things are tight, but manageable.
When Delaney sold the diner, she made sure I got a share of the proceeds, even though it was the inheritance from her grandmother which enabled her to buy it in the first place. That’s my nest egg in case things go bad. I haven’t had to touch it yet, but there have been times when I’ve come close.
It might as well be an eight-hour shift, I’m so tired. I love my study, but keeping under Judith’s radar while still learning what I can is exhausting.
By the time I’ve vacuumed and wiped down the kitchen, it’s nearly eight and time to go home. I miss my old life. The diner wasn’t easy work either, but once we had things up and running, it just happened. It wasn’t stressful, and Delaney and I had fun.
This isn’t fun.
I knew it would be hard, and I’m loving the learning that I’m doing. And one day, I’ll turn it into something more. I just have to be patient.
After my drive home, I throw myself on my bed and scream into the duvet. Another couple of days, and the term will end. I’ll have two weeks to take a break, though I don’t think I’ll go anywhere, as travelling costs money I don’t have.
My phone vibrates, and I open one eye to look at the incoming message.
Reece: Are you home? Want to talk?
No matter how tired I am, there’s no way I’m passing this up. It gives me a chance to ask him about the photos. I’m sure I can just slide that into the conversation.
I roll onto my back.
Me: Sure.
My phone lights up, and I’m glad he’s voice calling and not using video. I must look like shit.
“Hey.” I close my eyes, cradling my phone to my ear.
“Hey.” The deep rumble of his voice comes down the line. I’ll never get over that initial rush when we talk. Even after the past few months of us talking, there are times when I still can’t quite believe my life and that I’m talking to the Reece Evans.
Not that I’d ever tell him that. His ego’s big enough as it is.
“What are you up to?” I ask.
“We have a break from filming for a few days, and I’ve had a few drinks. I was just lying here and thinking I hadn’t talked to you in a while.”
I can’t help but smile. “We spoke about three days ago.”
“Did we? It feels like a lot longer.”
My mouth’s suddenly dry, and I lick my lips. “Wait. Is this your flirty shit? Don’t you try this on me.”
Reece laughs. “I love it when you tell me off.”
“I’ll have to tell you off more often.”
The duvet is soft, and lying here with my eyes closed, it’s easy to drop off as he talks. I love the sound of Reece’s voice, the way that soft southern drawl relaxes me, and I let out a contented sigh.
“You okay?” he asks.
I force my eyes open. “Just a little tired. Why?”
“I seem to be talking while you say nothing. Which I’m fine with, but it’s not like you.”
I don’t want to ask, but I’ve also never backed down from anything in my life.
“One of the women in my class had a magazine with photos of you in it. You and Gabby Reynolds. I just thought it was weird you hadn’t said anything.”
He’s silent for a moment. “I didn’t have anything to say. What was in the photos?”
“You and her sitting on a step holding hands. She kissed you.”
He’s quiet again, and my chest tightens as irritation builds.
“Are you jealous?”
Yes.
“No. I just thought that with us being friends, you might tell me if something was going on. I’m not sure any girlfriend would be keen on you calling me so often.”
He laughs. “You are so salty.”
“No, I just thought that we were friends. I’m sure I’d tell you if I was dating someone.”
This time, the laughter stops.
The silence is unexpected.
“Are you?”
“Am I what?” Now I’m confused.
“Are you dating anyone?” His tone is weird as his voice sounds shaky. What’s with that?
“No. But how did you just turn this around on me?”
He blows out a long breath. “There’s nothing between Gabby and I. She’s still head over heels with Antonio. She did sit with me one day a couple of weeks ago when I had an issue and gave me some advice. That’s the only time I can think of when we sat together like that.”
My heart thuds. “Okay.”
“Believe me?”
I swallow down a sigh. “I’ve seen Gabby with Antonio. My first thought was that I didn’t think they’d split.”
“Those two are for life. Just like Josh and Delaney.” His tone softens, as if he’s reassuring me.
“That’s what I thought.”
“How’s class?”
I let out a growl and then laugh. “You know. Same old. I’m learning a lot, but the tutor isn’t the person I thought she was.”
He says nothing at first. I never told him about the way Judith reacted when I came home—I told no one. I thought it would just cause drama when all I want to do is forget about it and get on with proving myself.
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“Nothing. I just think you should never meet your heroes.”
He chuckles. “You met me, and I didn’t let you down.”
I facepalm. “You clown.”
My phone buzzes.
Delaney: Skype?
I roll over. The laptop’s on the bed beside me, and I open the screen.
It only takes a moment before Skype tells me there’s an incoming call.
“Delaney’s calling. I’ve gotta go.”
He laughs. “Want me to tell her you’re busy.”
“No.” I laugh. “It’s still weird you’re in her house.”
“I’m quite enjoying it. I’ll let you go and talk to Delaney. Catch up some other time?”
