“She’s not your usual type. I would know.”
“No, she’s not,” I say. Zanewouldknow. Zane witnessed my sexual exploits during my university days and even joined them a time or two. Zane and I never exclusively courted, as we were both of a mind to enjoy only casual flings while at school. Yet once our physical relationship ran its course, a deeper friendship remained. They’ve been my closest friend ever since, eventhough we haven’t seen much of each other since their opera career took off. We still keep in touch by letter.
“She’s different,” Zane says. “Quirky. Cute. Chaotic. I like it.”
“She’s annoying,” I mutter.
“And you like it.”
What’s the point of denying it? Zane has seen through me. “Yes. For whatever reason, I want to bed my rival.”
Zane arches a brow. “Is that all it is? Just physical?”
I refuse to even contemplate that question.
“Will you read something else?” Mr. Cordell asks.
“Chapter Eighteen,” Daphne calls out.
“Chapter Fifty-five,” says one of the ladies.
“I’d love for you to read Chapter Thirty-two ofThe Governess and the Rake,” Gemma says.
My shoulders tense. I know exactly which chapter that is. The heated kiss that precedes the love scene. The very one that ended my acting career.
The book club members voice their agreement. One adds, “Remember when King Elliot read Alexander’s lines at one of our meetings?”
Gemma laughs. “He was terrible at it.”
“Yes, but his grumpy demeanor certainly added nuance to the character that wasn’t on the page.” A wave of laughter rumbles from the ladies.
Edwina sighs. “What I wouldn’t give to hear Alexander’s lines read by a handsome male.”
“Might I make a suggestion?” Zane says, and my heart stops at once. I know what they’re about to say before they even say it. “William will read the lines.”
“Z,” I bark under my breath, but the sound is drowned out by exclamations of approval.
“He’s an actor, isn’t he?” one of the ladies says to another.
“He’s as handsome as Alexander.”
“No.” Edwina’s voice silences all the rest. My eyes meet hers, and I expect to see annoyance or embarrassment in them. Instead, it’s concern that etches the firm line of her mouth. Concern…for me.
A crack wends through my heart as I understand the source of her distress. She knows what this play means to me. What this scene means. And it’s that care that emboldens me. That care that burns away my trepidation and replaces it with my competitive spark. I adore her for her concern, but I don’t need it. Not truly. Not when she’s here. Not if I’ve been presented with an opportunity to shatter her expectations and rock her off her feet.
I release a long and steadying breath, then tuck my hands into my pockets. With my signature seductive grin, I say, “I’ll read the role.”
Edwina blanches. She gives me a significant look. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
The book club members squeal with delight as I make my way to Edwina. I cast a look at Zane, who gives me a taunting grin. Monty turns in his seat and mutters to my friend, “Nice work. I think we’re on the same team.”
“Shut up,” Daphne says, standing on her chair to get a better look at me and Edwina. “Things are about to get smutty.”
Gemma retrieves her copy ofThe Governess and the Earlfrom Edwina and gives herThe Governess and the Rakeinstead, while a young woman offers a copy of the latter book to me. Her voice is soft and shy. “So you can read the lines.”
I grace her with a smile but wave away the book. “I won’t be needing it.”
