Page 11 of Perfect Rhythm
I tilted my head. “No, Eli, enlighten me.”
“It makes me look like a fool,” he snapped. “It’s one thing to be on stage doing the shit that you do, but doing it in a setting like that...that’s a different story. You’re making people think something is going on between you two, and I don’t like it.”
“Really? That’s interesting coming from someone who does the most with their co-stars at any red carpet event. Oh, or whenever you think paparazzi might be watching.”
He scoffed, tossing his head back. “Seriously, Nyx? You know that’s not the same. I’m an actor. It’s my job to stay in character and make shit believable even when the cameras aren’t rolling. You’re just a dancer. Your job is to get on stage, move to the music and go the fuck home. That’s it. No one is expecting anything major from you.”
My jaw dropped.
I know damn well he didn’t just try and minimize what I do.
Pissed, I closed the space between us and slammed my finger into his chest. “First of all, I’m notjusta dancer. I set the tone, pull people in, and make themfeelsomething. Iamthe fantasy.” I narrowed my eyes, voice low and sharp. “But unlike you, I don’t need to go around being extra with the people I work with just so people will sit down and watch my shit.”
He cleared his throat and ran a hand over his bald head. His veins stood out, pulsing beneath his skin. It was obvious that I’d struck a nerve. But I didn’t care. Maybe now he’d think twice before saying dumb shit.
“Look, let’s not do this,” he said as he rested his forehead against mine. “I haven’t seen you in months, and I’ve missed you like crazy.” He took a deep breath, his eyes still focused on me. “Seeing that shit just got the best of me. That’s one of the reasons I don’t come to your shows. I can’t handle seeing you on another man like that.”
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. It was the same tired ass excuse, and it annoyed the hell out of me. Especially since I’d sat through every movie and show that he’d been in. Even when he was butt-ass naked and fake pounding some bitch on screen. I was right there next to him, watching like it was no big deal.
Pulling me from my thoughts, Eli wrapped his arms around me and kissed me softly. “I meant what I said, baby. I missed you like crazy.”
“I missed you too.”
We held each other’s gaze, allowing the silence to linger between us. No apology came from his lips. But his eyes...they almost said it. Or maybe I was just desperate to see what I wanted.
“Let’s get something to eat,” he whispered.
“Oh...um...can I get a raincheck?” I nibbled on my bottom lip. “I’ve got to go handle something with Skye.”
“With Skye? But didn’t you two just leave each other?”
“Yeah. But she needs me for something, and I promised I would help her out.”
His shoulders dropped. “Fine. How about we do dinner this evening?”
“Sounds perfect,” I replied before kissing him on the cheek. “You can pick the food. We can order in and watch a movie?”
He frowned. “Order in? You don’t want to gooutand eat?”
“Not really. I’ve been out nonstop. I just want to sit home and relax.”
“Yeah, but it’s your first night back. Don’t you think after all of the nightclub shit, we should be seen together? You know, just so it’s clear that all of that other stuff wasn’t real.”
And just like that, we were back to the same bullshit.
Not wanting to ramp things up again, I forced out a smile. “Wherever you want to go is fine with me. Just let me know the time, and I’ll make sure I’m ready.”
“Perfect.” Grinning, he pulled me into a hug.
My phone vibrated in my hand, and I stared at it for a second, surprised to see the text that was on the screen.
Shade: I hope you enjoyed your birthday.
I tucked my bottom lip between my teeth, my insides tingling in a way that they shouldn’t.
I wanted to respond, but I knew doing it in front of Eli wasn’t the smartest idea.
“Um, I’m going to go get changed,” I said as I slid out of his embrace. “I’m sure Skye will be here soon.”
