Page 38 of From the Moment We Met

Now, what in the hell does that mean? Lilly wondered. She opted to shrug it off and return to the conversation, which flowed effortlessly over the next hour.

Jacob seemed intrigued by her pre-London life, as Lilly described her childhood in New York and the loss of her family. She tried to downplay everything, but her emotions bubbled beneath the surface when she delved into her past.

Jacob regaled her with stories of his English upbringing, his childhood spent at boarding school and how his life changed when he discovered theater.

He regarded her with a look that was both curious and apprehensive. “Have you seen any of my films?”

Lilly nodded but said nothing further.

“What was your opinion?”

Lilly chose her next question carefully. “My opinion on the movies or your acting?”

Jacob scoffed at the question. “Both, I suppose.”

Lilly chewed her lip before answering. “I think you have an air of Gene Kelly about you, but you seem to prefer darker roles. I adore those lighthearted movies that make me smile. I’ve had enough darkness in my life.”

Jacob sighed, and Lilly realized he had no idea how to interpret her statement. After a few moments, he replied, “The roles are dark, but that’s what gives them depth and realism.”

“Perhaps, but darkness doesn’t always equal depth. One doesn’t have to dwell in the shadows to be enigmatic or profound. And people often watch films strictly for the happily ever after. It so rarely exists in this world. It always gave me hope to know that although my life might be a total disaster, those characters on the screen figure it all out in the end. So, there’s a chance for all of us. I guess I’m sentimental.”

Jacob nodded, his azure eyes intently focused on the fire.

Time to backpedal. “I’m sorry, I rambled too much. You know better than me, I’m just some twit moviegoer.”

Lilly waited, prepared for Jacob to launch into a diatribe about her lack of taste in film or get up and stalk out, but he did neither. He ruminated on her words as if he had never given upbeat movies a thought before that moment. “My agent presented me with a romantic comedy. I didn’t think it was a good fit, so I passed. Now I’m wondering if I should reconsider.”

Lilly’s next statement hit the bullseye. “You’re an actor, Jacob, can’t you make any role fit?”

His jaw dropped, and he wrinkled his brow. “No one’s ever put it quite that way before.”

“I think you possess amazing talent. I’d just like to see your softer side.”

Jacob raised his eyebrows, followed by that sexy smile that turned Lilly’s insides to molten lava. “My softer side? Now that’s a very interesting topic.”

Lilly hid her flaming cheeks behind her whiskey glass, unable to think of a single comeback, entirely out of character for someone with her grasp of sarcasm.

Jacob thankfully changed topics. “You’re a talented singer. Do you sing professionally?”

Lilly chuckled. “Not unless karaoke bars count, but it makes me happy.”

“It makes many people happy.”

“Don’t start,” Lilly huffed.

Jacob grinned. “Trust me, it’s not an insult. I enjoyed tonight. It’s tricky living a normal life in my profession. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given, but most people can’t comprehend what it’s like to have your good days—and bad days—publicized to the world...” His voice trailed off as he gazed at the rug.

“I suppose that’s why Hollywood people stick together. They understand that way of life. People like me, we don’t get it, which has to be exhausting for you, too. It explains why you’ve dated all the starlets in Hollywood.”

“I haven’t dated quite all of them,” Jacob responded dryly.

“You mean you missed one?” Lilly joked, earning a side-eye from Jacob.

“I’m not quite the playboy you think.”

Lilly raised her eyebrows.

“Fine, I suppose I do have a bit of a reputation—”

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