Page 74 of Even Ground

“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.”

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