“Yes, it’s the apartment next to mine.” Her eyes fly to mine, her pupils widening, I can see her pulse beating at the base of her throat.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was attracted to me. But that would be insane, right? It would also be a recipe for disaster, because if I get even a hint of her being as attracted to me as I am her? My control will be non-existent.
You cannot fuck your best friend’s daughter, Reed.
Chapter Two
Bella
He is even better looking than I remember, and I remember him beingridiculouslyhandsome.
Everyone hangs off his every word, myself included, as he commands the conference room. While his gaze is elsewhere, I take the time to really look at him.
He’s tall — well over six feet of solid muscle with dark hair that is long enough to have a slight wave to it but not long enough to make him look messy, it’s perfect.
His warm brown eyes make me think of nights spent drinking hot chocolate by the fire, wrapped up naked together under a blanket.
His skin has a healthy tan, showing me that he still likes to surf — now, that is something I’d like to see; Reed, dressed in board shorts, riding the waves.Yes, please.
I’m glad I have a full understanding of what this meeting is about, as I haven’t taken many notes, being far too distracted by the hunk of male at the front of the room. How is anyone supposed to concentrate on what he’s saying when he looks and sounds like a wet dream? I look around the room, taking in the other attendees, all completely riveted by him, even the men.
“Does everyone have everything they need?” His question draws my attention back to the meeting. Everyone nods their agreement, the meeting ends and people begin filing out of the conference room.
Reed’s eyes meet mine and his gaze pauses on my face. What does he see when he looks at me? Am I still the little girl of his best friend? Or does he see the woman I’ve become? His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat.
“Do you have any questions for me?” I shake my head, not trusting my voice right now. “Let’s get going, then. We have a few fires we need to put out.”
***
I’ve spent the day following Reed around like a little lapdog, but I have to say I’ve enjoyed myself a lot more than I thought I would. I’ve even made some suggestions a couple of times that Reed didn’t shootdown. In fact, he even went as far as to use one of them, which made me smile like a giddy school girl.
We’re walking off a set in The Arts District and heading back to Reed’s car. It’s nearing dinner time and I’m hoping we’ll be done soon or my stomach is going to start embarrassing me.
As we exit the building they’d been using for filming, Reed’s hand settles on the small of my back. My whole body heats at that single touch.
“Thank you for today, Bella.”
I glance up at him, but his gaze is focused forward on where we’re going. “I’m not really sure you’ve got anything to thank me for, I pretty much just followed you around.”
His eyes flick to mine. “Then you’re not giving yourself enough credit. I’ll be honest, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but I wasn’t overly looking forward to today. My days are always crazy busy and the thought of having to teach you, answer questions constantly and have you follow me around? I was ready for the day to end before it had even begun.” He pauses and my heart sinks. That answers my question from earlier then — he still sees me as his best friend’s little girl. “But you’ve surprised me. You know so much already, which I should have expected with you practically growing up here. Plus, you’ve already made some suggestions today that are well thought-out and helpful, and you’ve been here to assist. You’ve been a constant presence, but not in my way. So, I’ll say it again, Bella. Thank you.” We’ve reached his car now, and his hand is still on my back. He applies a light pressure, turning me towards him. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”
“Me, too.” My voice is huskier than usual, the closeness of his body doing things to my own; it feels like I’ve got electrical currents running under my skin and butterflies dancing in my stomach.
His eyes don’t leave my face and his pupils are blown, the brown almost drowned out by black.
It’s at times like this that I wish I had more experience with guys, because right now it feels like he’s flirting with me, or at least attracted to me. But that has to be my wishful thinking. My crush is one sided, always has been, always will be, right?
A door slamming down the street startles us out of our trance and his hand drops from my back. He opens the passenger door for me and ushers me in.
“Do you need me to drop you home?” he asks once he’s seated behind the steering wheel and pulling away from the sidewalk.
“No, the office is fine. I’m sure Dad will still be there and home is out of the way for you.”
“Okay, but just so we’re clear. I don’t have a problem driving you home, whether it’s out of my way or not. I’ll gladly drive the extra miles to know you’re safe.”
I wish his words meant something else — that he wanted me safe because I was his.
Reed
