Page 32 of One Pucking Chance

“Oh right, sorry. Are you heading over to The Station?” he asks.

“Probably not tonight,” I respond.

“Okay, well, see you tomorrow,” he says to me before addressing Anna. “It was really nice meeting you.”

“You too,” she replies with a smile.

We leave Eddy and continue through the halls until we’re at the front of the arena. We step outside into the cool autumn air, and just as I knew they would be, a crowd of fans remains clustered around the entrance.

Before Anna can protest, I turn toward her, thread my fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck, and I kiss her. She gasps into my mouth, but I gently hold her face against mine. I will her to relax as my lips start to move against hers. It takes everything in me to remember where we are and what we’re doing because kissing Anna makes my knees weak. After a couple of seconds, Anna’s lips start to move against mine, and it takes all my willpower to remain in control. Unable to resist, I slide my tongue along the opening of her lips. I groan when her lips part, allowing me access. Our tongues touch and twirl around one another as Anna clings to my back. She whimpers, and I pull her closer to me, her chest against mine. I could kiss her forever.

“Sir. Sir.” A gruff voice at my side breaks the trance. “We should go.”

I pull away from Anna and become aware of the crowd of people circling us, way too close for my liking.

The limo driver who doubles as a security guard that I hired for the evening blocks people from getting too close to us. I wrap my arm around Anna as we hurry into the limousine.

Once the door is shut and we’re safely inside the vehicle, Anna looks at me, her eyes angry. “What was that, Jaden?”

“That was the hard launch of our relationship.” I smile.

And what a wonderful launch it was.

CHAPTER

THIRTEEN

ANNALISE

Taking my “relationship” public last night is all anyone seems to be talking about today. There’s an excited buzz in the air as those on set speculate on the details.When did it start? How serious is it?It’s all very high school—absurd.

Everyone is professional enough to keep their interactions with me focused on work, for which I’m thankful. Well, all except one.

“Seriously, Anna… where did you meet initially? I heard he was at the charity event, but you obviously met prior, right? You never go out, and up until last night, I didn’t picture you as a sports fan. However, I guess it makes sense now why the cast teamed up with the team for the event. I didn’t get it until now.” Simon tosses a loaded nacho chip into his mouth as he stands behind me at the food table.

Metal serving tongs in hand, I snap them toward Simon. “You didn’t team up with anyone at the event because you didn’t go, remember?” I finish building my salad and place the tongs down before drizzling some dressing over my plate.

“That’s not the point of my question.” He scoops some mac and cheese next to his nachos and follows me.

“You had a question? It must’ve gotten lost in all that rambling.” I grab a bottle of water and make my way to one of the tables.

Simon sits across from me. “Come on, Anna. You have to give me something.” He gives me a flirty smile, and I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes.

While it’s true that Simon and I came to a sort of truce yesterday, I still find the act of sitting across from him, eating lunch, and conversing like friends—odd. Very odd. The annoyance I possess for Simon holds a special place deep within my soul. It feels impossible to let it go. He’s not a good person, and I’m no fool. The only reason he’s being kind is because he wants something from me, an introduction to a respected director. He doesn’t truly care about me. Though, I’m sure his curiosity involving Jaden and me is genuine.

“I like to keep my relationships private.” I shrug and fork a piece of lettuce.

He laughs. “Right. I can tell. Super private.”

He’s referencing the pictures and video making the rounds on the internet.What was Jaden thinking?

After the kiss, I spewed one angry question after the next Jaden’s way on the limo ride from the arena to my hotel. Initially, I was mad. The whole stunt was so unlike anything I’d ever do. I’m not lying by telling Simon that I like to keep my personal life private. Normally, I do. I just didn’t have much of a choice last night.

What was I supposed to do? Once Jaden’s lips touched mine, I couldn’t just push him away. That wouldn’t convince anyone that we’re dating. I had no choice but to play in to the show. Maybe I got a little wrapped up in it. He’s a damn good kisser.

Licking my bottom lip, I stare off, remembering the feel of Jaden’s mouth on mine.

I’m brought back to the present by the annoyance of Simon’s hand snapping in front of my face. I blink hard and refocus on my costar across from me.

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