She squeezed me back, and the warmth of her body pressed against me awakened all my senses. I suddenly wished we were anywhere but here. Somewhere we could be alone.
Rebecca pulled back, and I glanced over her shoulder. The coast was clear, for now.
“When do you start? What will you be doing?”
Her face lit up, and she reached out and cupped my cheek. “It’s such a great opportunity, working on a real set. I’ll start next week, basically being the runner. Anything they need, I’m their gal.”
“That sounds like quite the arrangement.”
She raised an eyebrow, her gaze dropping to my mouth. “Cheeky.”
“Stop,” I warned playfully. “Tell me everything.”
“That’s two very conflicting commands.”
I shook my head. “You’re a nightmare.”
She laughed before her face fell serious. “I can’t tell you everything yet, but I will later. Just please don’t say anything to Lily.”
“Why not?”
“I…just don’t.”
“If you’re worried about stealing her thunder, I’m sure she won’t mind. She’ll be happy for you.”
Rebecca looked away. “I know my sister. Just…please.”
Another secret. I sighed. I didn’t understand why Rebecca would keep something like this from her. “Okay, fine. But I’m sure she’d be really happy for you.”
Rebecca nodded, then forced a smile. It didn’t reach her eyes. What was going on with these sisters? And how had I not seen it before? It pulled at me to know she was carrying all this stuff inside.
I pressed my lips to hers, shocking both of us. But I couldn’t help it. It was instinct.
Rebecca deepened the kiss, slowly edging me back towards the counter and moving her hand down—
“Do either of you two want a beer?”
Rebecca and I jumped apart, and Tyler appeared in the doorway a second later.
He headed straight to the fridge. “You can’t tell Lily, though, I’m not supposed to be drinking beer before the wedding.”
I could barely breathe, my heart thundering so fast in my chest I felt like I was going to pass out. Did he see anything?
“Yes, please,” Rebecca replied cooly, and Tyler pulled one from the fridge.
“What about you, Jess?” he asked from inside the door.
“No, thanks,” I managed. The last thing I needed was more alcohol loosening me up even further. Had Tyler seen us? What if Lily had walked in? Get a grip, Jess.
Tyler handed Rebecca her beer and headed back upstairs. When he’d gone, she turned to me. “Are you okay?”
I blew out a shaky breath. “I think so. Jesus, that was too close.”
“And you were telling me to be on my best behaviour.” She let out a soft chuckle, but I was too on edge to join in.
“Jess!” Lily called. “You’re up.”
I jolted upright, panic fizzling across my skin.