Page 76 of Faking It

Realization dawns on me. “Oh… so, you’re fishing.”

“Call it whatever you want. Ana’s my best friend, but she’s so secretive. Getting her to open up is like pulling teeth—” her mouth flies open as she stares over my shoulder. “Wow.”

I twist in the seat, and my jaw slackens when I see Ana standing in the doorway, wearing a blood-red dress that fits her like a second skin. Thin straps support the plunging neckline that gives me a peek of her creamy breasts. She’s wearing strappy heels that make her walk even sexier as she steps toward us.

Standing, I move around the couch to meet her.

“You’re stunning,” is all I can get out.

Her eyes sparkle with pleasure as her cheeks color, but she cocks her head with a smirk. “Save the compliments for when we’re public,” she replies in a teasing tone.

“Trust me, I have enough in the artillery,” I tease back, reaching for her hand. She allows me to take it, sighing when I plant a tender kiss on the back. “I’m looking forward to making you blush all night.”

Ana sucks in a gentle gasp, then eases her hand from mine. “You and that mouth—” she stops herself, then points at me. “Don’t say a word.”

I laugh. “You literally walked toward that one.”

“And I stopped myself, so don’t even bother,” she replies with humor.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I’m quite comfy with being a fly on the wall,” Tori cuts in, and Ana laughs.

“I’m not giving you any info to gossip about with Micah,” Ana says jokingly, taking my hand. “Don’t wait up, babe!”

“As if.” Tori snorts. “I’ll be starring in my own love story tonight.”

Ana stops, scrutinizing her. “Don’t tell me it’s with Stefan.”

“Maybe it is, maybe it’s not.” She grins. “You’re not the only one who can keep a secret, sweetie.”

“Touché.” Ana nods. “Just be careful. I hope it’s not him, though. Remember what he did to you.”

“I haven’t forgotten.” Tori comes up and kisses her cheek, then eyes me warningly. “Take good care of my friend or else.”

“She’s in good hands, I promise,” I reply as Ana pulls me forward.

I wait until we get in my car before asking, “Who’s Micah?”

“A friend of Tori’s,” she explains casually.

“Someone from the industry?”

Ana nods. “He’s Alene Jones’ PA,” she replies, referring to a popular network producer.

“Micah Evans?” I know that guy. He’s literally everywhere these days. I even glimpsed him at the studio the day I dropped in for that screen test with Ana. He’s friends with Jared, so I assumed he was there to see him.

“Yes,” Ana confirms.

“Mhmm.” I fasten my seatbelt, staring straight ahead. What are the odds?

“That look on your face. What is it?”

For a moment, I debate whether to press on. Our last conversation had her denying that Tori could be involved.

“Gideon, just say it.”

With a sigh, I go on. “Remember we discussed that ANON must be someone with connections to the industry?”

“Yes…” She stares at me cautiously.