Page 68 of Even Ground

“We’re all adults. If she wants to be petty, then whatever. I’m here to learn.”

Sam laughs. “I like you, Pania.”

“I’m glad to find a friend in class after this morning. I’m sure she’ll forget about it.”

She pushes herself off the bench. “I’m not so sure she will, but I guess we can hope.”

There’s still a few minutes left after we get back to class, and I pull my phone back out of my bag.

Reece: You’re not third on my list. You’re right at the top.

Heat floods my body. But I know him and his reputation. He says that now, but he’s bound to pop up in a magazine with a beautiful woman on his arm.

Me: Glad to hear it. I pause, sucking on my bottom lip. It’s really nice of you to text me. I know you’re busy.

His reply takes my breath away.

Reece: I’ll always have time for you.

15

Reece

It’s been three months since I last saw Pania, but we’ve kept in touch. I know I probably shouldn’t, but nearly every day we’ve exchanged text messages or used Skype. We joke with each other, and there are times when we both open up about things happening in our day-to-day life.

Mine’s not really that exciting right now, even though there are a lot of men out there who would kill to be me today.

“Is it weird getting naked on screen?” Pania asks. She takes a sip of the tea she brewed while chatting to me on Skype.

“Someone has to see all the work I’ve put into myself.” I grin. “It’s not my favorite thing to do, but it’s okay. Gabby’s pretty relaxed about it, which helps.”

Pania screws up her nose. “I don’t know if I want to see this when the movie comes out. It’s weird knowing both of you.”

“No excuses. You have to see this. It’s going to be amazing.”

I jump when someone taps on my trailer door. “I’ve got to go. Talk to you later?”

She claps. “Have fun.”

“That’s so not appropriate.”

She grins as I terminate the call. I hadn’t planned to call her, but when I’m tense, her down-to-earth manner calms me. It’s impossible to be egotistical around her, and for the first time in a long time, I’m able to relax and just be myself.

I make my way out of my trailer and toward the set.

Gabby Reynolds is easily one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, and she’s standing in front of me in a bathrobe, ready and waiting for our big sex scene in the movie.

These scenes always make me nervous, but I’ve spent hours working out to get my physique as toned as possible. Especially when it comes to women like Gabby who are just spectacular.

She smiles. “Ready?”

“No. Never. But I guess we get this done?”

She laughs. “These aren’t my favourite scenes either, but I love the way it works in with the story. And I guess I’m lucky enough to have one scene with you and another with Josh. I’m going to get so many bitchy comments on my social media because of it.”

I raise my eyebrows. “You don’t mind that?”

“I think it’s hilarious. I know how lucky I am to work with amazing actors such as yourselves. And I’m really honoured that you two thought of me when it came to casting this role. I guess I met the Delaney seal of approval.”

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