I close my eyes. Of course, Carlton would think that. And I have to admit, it makes sense. Zayne and Carlton hate each other. Why wouldn’t Zayne try to spin a story to make it look like he’s stealing me away from Carlton? It would be decent revenge for what Carlton did to Zayne at the audition. I open my eyes. “Wait, you didn’t, though. Did you?”
Zayne gapes at me. “Of course not.”
“Well, I don’t know. It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve tried to get back at him. You could easily make it look like you’re trying to get me to like you.”
Zayne lowers his eyelids, giving me a look that sets me on edge. “If I wanted you to like me, I wouldn’t have to spread twisted lies to make it happen.” His voice sounds low. Husky. “There are much less complicated ways.”
I stare at him. Something about the change in his tone, in his demeanor, leaves me speechless.
And then he hands me a folder. “Mr. Saltzman made an amendment to one of our scenes,” he says. “We could practice it now if you want since you missed today.”
“Thanks. I would, but Carlton is bringing me soup soon.” I blush, still not quite back to my normal self. What is wrong with me? “It probably wouldn’t be a good idea for you to still be here when he comes.”
Zayne searches my face, like he senses it too, that I’m not myself, and says, “Right. Wouldn’t want to give him a reason to question your loyalties.” The sentence is heavy, filled with a weight of implication I’m not ready to dissect.
“Bye, Zayne.”
He looks pointedly at the folder in my hands. “Don’t forget to practice. You better bring it, Bennett. I want the performance of a lifetime.”
I laugh. “Got it.”
I walk him out, exhaling a sigh of relief that he won’t be here when Carlton arrives. Relief that I won’t have to rehearse today. Relief that I won’t have to spend more time under that penetrating gaze Zayne gave me, making me feel things that have me questioning everything.
Chapter Thirteen
I never should have brought my script to brunch. There I was, trying to be a responsible student for the first time in a while, when I saw it. Right there on the page. A scene Mr. Saltzman amended and needed me to read.
And then it was all I could think about until Beau and I got home.
I go straight to my room, mind in a whirl, and take out my phone to text Zayne.
Me
I looked through the amended scene
And…
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
Zayne
What???
Me
We have to kiss now???
Zayne
Is that a problem?
I scoff. “What do you mean, ‘Is that a problem?’”
Me
Yes!
Zayne
