Page 8 of A Little Bit Extra

I sit on the couch and take a deep breath. I know I should have left, but I figure it’s good to get to know who I’m working with. Right? Yeah, that’s it. It’s research. Smart Cassie is taking the seat now and will have none of Emmett’s looks distract her.

That is, until Emmett sits close enough to me on the couch that our knees bump. He’s facing me, and his right arm is sitting on the back of the couch, bent so his head can rest on his hand.

I look over at him. He’s just staring at me, not looking anywhere but my face.

“What—” I start.

“So—” He interrupts.

We speak at the same time. He nods at me to talk first.

“What do you typically do during your breaks during the day?”

“It depends. Sometimes I only have enough time to go to the cafeteria to eat. Max, Lane, and Tyler come over if I have more time to kill. Why? Want to spend more time with me, Cassie?” he asks, flirting with me.

I didn’t prepare for this. Smart Cassie would think with her brain and respond with something like, ‘I would love to get to know you on a professional level’, but that’s boring.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” I say and immediately regret it because Emmett suddenly gets up from the couch and wanders into the kitchen.

He chuckles to himself while he’s perusing in the fridge. He grabs two sparkling waters, handing one to me when he comes to sit next to me again.

“I think you and I are going to have some fun,” Emmett says.

I’m still too nervous to ask him what his definition of fun is. So, instead, I settle on responding with a nod.

“So, tell me about yourself.” Emmett smiles.

“That’s like asking me how the weather is,” I quip.

“So, you’re a little sassy. Got it.” He winks and it’s taking everything in me to not fidget, to remain still, as my stomach fills with little zaps of movement.

“I’m not sassy,” I retort. Emmett dips his chin and raises his eyebrows in question. “Okay, fine.” I give in. “But would you rather I be dull, Emmett Davis?”

“No, that’d be awfully boring.” Emmett responds, lightly shoving my shoulder. “But seriously, humor me.”

My eyes roll involuntarily, but I oblige. “Let’s start with the basics. Moved here five years ago from Indiana to pursue acting. One younger sister, Annie. I normally work whenever I’m not rehearsing.” I pause, taking a sip of my drink.

“Boyfriend?”

“Why? Interested?”

“Do you want me to be?” Emmett asks, his lips turning up in a smirk.

“Is this how you get a lady’s attention?” I tilt my head.

“First time trying. Is it working?” Emmett shifts in his seat. He turns more toward me, his gaze never wavering from mine.

“It’s not not working.” I’m honest.

“Mhm, good.” His lips curl inward and his gaze drops momentarily, then a small smile makes its appearance.

“Tell me about yourself. Always wanted to be an actor?” I ask.

“Acting is all I’ve ever done. My dad had me signed up for gigs as soon as I muttered my first word. But no, it’s not what I’ve always wanted to do.”

“What did you want to do?”

“Stick around, Cassie, and I’m sure I’ll spill my secrets to you soon enough.”

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