Page 15 of A Little Bit Extra

“You know I’ve been chasing this dream, Luce. I can’t let up now. Even taking this job at the studio is hard because I don’t know if it’s going to pay off,” I tell her.

“Why did you say yes to tonight?”

“I don’t know, honestly. Normally, I wouldn’t have said yes to hanging out with someone I barely know… especially someone like Emmett.”

“You’re just saying that because he’s an actor.”

She’s right. I am. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t feel so off about my decision. The chances I’ve taken with guys in the past typically ended with me being taken advantage of, or I ended up being with guys who thought acting was just a hobby.

The last guy I was with ruined my trust in men. I know it’s the same story as everyone else, but it’s true. It wasn’t even a genuine relationship, just someone who promised they wouldn’t be like everyone else and ended up tossing me aside for some other girl one step above me. I wasn’t good enough.

That was about a year ago and I haven’t been with anyone since, not even for one night. It was the wake-up call I needed. I ended up taking more shifts at the diner, reading more, watching more movies, and immersing myself in the local acting scene. Nothing has happened yet, but I’m a more confident actor than I was a year ago. If I were to get an opportunity, I’d be ready for it.

“You’re right, but do you blame me? Honestly? You know what I’ve been through,” I say.

“Yes, but,” Lucy draws out, “Emmett seems harmless.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re just saying that because Emmett is hot, and he was nice to you at the diner.”

She shrugs and her lips curl inward. She gets up from the stool and stands next to me. “Maybe I am, or maybe I just want you to have some fun. You’ve been working so hard, Cass. All the past can do is hold you back. Don’t overthink it. Just be friends with the man. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Best-case scenario, we become friends and it makes my job fun. Worst-case scenario, I fall in love with him. There is no middle ground. I don’t think I’d be able to do casual with him. There’s too much of an attraction between us, and I know myself. My feelings would make an appearance.

I only spent one hour alone with the man and made a fool of myself. Smart Cassie would have said no and reminded herself that it will only be a distraction. Hanging out with Emmett will only lead to confusion and complications because of his position and status in the industry.

I smile to myself.

For once, I don’t want to be Smart Cassie. I want to be reckless, impulsive, and fearless.

I’m so tired of keeping myself guarded. Lucy is right. I deserve to have fun. I’m allowed to have more friends. Just because I choose to go hang out with Emmett tonight doesn’t mean anything will come of it. We’ll be friends, just friends. It’d be nice to know someone in the industry that isn’t a complete asshole.

“You’re right. I am overthinking it. It’s scary sometimes how well you know me.” I laugh.

“Mhm, I know. Okay, well, I’m going to head into my room to watch a little something and rest. I have to go to the diner soon. Have fun tonight and be safe, okay? Text me if you need me and I’ll come save you.”

I smirk. “I’ll be fine. Thanks Luce.”

She walks past me, giving my shoulder a squeeze on her way to her room.

My phone buzzes on the table. I reach out to slide it over to where I can view the screen to see who texted me. It’s from Emmett. He’s sent me his address. He said to come over whenever, but I have nothing else to do. My stomach is already in knots, and I can’t stop my fingers from fidgeting with everything in sight, so I react to his text with a thumbs up. It’s enough to let him know I saw it without me sitting here for the next hour trying to think up a response to him that doesn’t seem too eager.

When I get nervous, my extroverted side comes out at full force. It’s why I winked earlier. I would end up texting him 10 exclamation marks and a heap of emojis.

Emmett’s apartment is surprisingly just down the road from me. It only takes me 10 minutes to get there. I park in the garage like he told me. The guard at the entrance just waved me through when I told him who I was here to see, which makes me wonder if women arriving for Emmett are a regular occurrence.

On the elevator ride up to his apartment, I can’t help but think about how tonight will go. I pace the length of the elevator while I wait for it to open on his floor. His friends will be there, so it will be good. I’ll just talk to them all and it will be fine, yep. I don’t even have to worry about being alone with Emmett.

The elevator stops and I get out on his floor. His apartment is the last one at the end of the hall. I barely get a third knock on the door before it swings open.

Emmett stands in front of me with one hand on the door and the other in his jean pocket. He’s wearing a brown v-neck, matching the color of his eyes.

Emmett’s gaze drifts down and back up my body. When his eyes reach mine, he smiles. “Hi.”

“Hi. You going to invite me inside?” I ask.

His eyes go wide and he steps back, opening up the door wider for me to enter.

“Thanks.” I bump his shoulder with mine. I suppose I’m flirting early tonight.

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