Page 28 of The Grumpy Actor

“Don’t feign ignorance, Liam. I heard you guys talking last night.”

I frown. “So, you were eavesdropping.”

“Have you forgotten my room is just down the hall?” He scoffs. “I was coming over to steal a brandy from you when I heard the argument.”

I smack my lips shut, unsure how to even begin explaining this to him.

“I knew there was something about Sophie. I just didn’t expect that you two dated. When was that?”

“Seven years ago. I met her when I was a graduate student. She was a freshman.”

Julian’s eyes widen with shock as he drops his coffee on the table. “She’s the one that got away!”

I nod.

I rub the back of my neck, a heavy weight crashing down on my shoulders. “Back then, I just needed a way out. My feelings for her got so deep that it scared me. I knew I couldn’t afford that sort of distraction when I was just starting out.”

“So you broke up with her?”

“Yes.”

“How about now?” Julian asks. I turn a quizzical glare on him. “I mean, how do you feel now? Do you still think she’s nothing more than an unwanted distraction?”

“Yes.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. “I can’t afford to be entangled in a romantic relationship. So Sophie’s presence in my life right now is dangerous.”

It’s dangerous because I know that all it will take is one moment for me to ignore every principle I’ve worked so hard to build.

I can’t let that happen.

I’m going to keep things platonic between us once I apologize. It’s the only way forward.

Chapter 9

Sophie

Ipatmycurlsdownfor the umpteenth time, but nothing calms my nerves as I stare at the door before me.

All I have to do is open that door and continue working like I’ve been doing all this time. After all, I spent last night convincing myself that I won’t let Liam affect me anymore.

However, it’s harder than I thought.

The mere thought that after I open this door I’ll have to look at him and drive him to his location for today, all while pretending last night didn’t happen, scares me.

What if he’s pissed about my outburst?

Well, he did deserve it. He surely can’t fire me over that. It would be a waste to lose this well-paying job over a personal beef.

I should have just gone back home last night instead of losing my temper. It was already pretty clear to me that he was a jerk. Why did I still let myself get hurt over something so flimsy?

It was just too painful coming to terms with the fact that he really doesn’t care how I feel or how he treats me. He’s shown me that I’m just an average person to him, and that hurts more than it should.

Get over it, Sophie.

I suck in a deep breath and open the door to his suite. The little composure I managed to gather disappears as soon as I see Liam stepping out of his bedroom.

Unlike the usual mornings where I always have to wait for him, he’s already dressed.

“Good morning. I got your shooting schedule for the day. We have to be at the beach in an hour.” I rush the words out in one breath.

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