I could devour that woman and still starve for her.
But it’s not just my heart in this.
There’s four of us, if you count Maise and Hank.
I’ve already seen Maise live through the realization her mother didn’t want her. I couldn’t do that to her again.
It would be beyond cruel.
And that’s the sole reason I’ve never come this far with anyone before.
It’s not just my heart that will be shattered all over the damn floor if things don’t work out.
I wipe the counter down and double-check the fridge and pantry, noting the items I need from the store tomorrow before heading upstairs.
After showering, I settle into bed, running through the tasks remaining to have the school play assets completed and functional.
But that just brings me back to Celeste.
Hell, I couldn’t fight this even if I wanted to.
“You’re doing it wrong.” Celeste’s gaze burns into mine.
“I’m not. This is what the plans have marked out.”
“Well, I’m pretty sure they want the wheels to actually roll the backdrop frame in and out, which means sideways.” She gestures with her hands. “Onstage”—she swings an arm to the right then to the left—“offstage.”
I tilt my head, closing my eyes. I can’t think straight with CC this close. When was the last time I made a mistake at work?
Like, never.
I’m calling it collateral damage from that kiss last night. And I’m assuming the attitude I’m currently getting from her is a coping mechanism. Because there is no way she wasn’t just as affected as I was.
With a sigh, I say, “Guess that makes sense.”
“Thank you!” She throws her arms up in exasperation.
I see she’s a good sport about me losing.
And what I wouldn’t give to kiss that smug look off her beautiful face.
Instead, since Maise and Hank are watching us like we’re the main characters in some blockbuster movie, I tousle her hair with my hand playfully and say, “You’re welcome.”
“Whatever, MacKelvie.”
I wince. “MacKelvie, ouch.”
She gives me a sarcastic face before wandering over to her backdrops. They’re almost done—only the finer details left to go, which she is painting today. She’s amazing to watch. It’s like she just knows where everything goes, what shades and colors need to make up each stroke of her brush.
I decide it’s better to just get on with our tasks, what with it being Saturday, before either of my two helpers lose interest.
“Right, you two. The lady has spoken, wheels operating side to side. Maise, you’re in charge of the two on the right of the frame. Hank, you and I will get the lefts knocked up.”
His eyes round to saucers.
Oh geez, wrong choice of words. Sure, my head has been in the gutter and in the clouds all at once since I kissed his daughter, who is now mere feet from where we stand. Fighting the flush of heat threatening to engulf my face, I clear my throat. I can salvage this, I think.
“How about we screw the?—”
