"Right. Sleep." She laughs shakily. "That's…yeah."
I stand first, extending a hand to help her up. She hesitates for half a second before taking it, her palm warm against mine. As I walk her to the door, every step is thick with something unspoken.
When she reaches for the handle, she pauses, finally looking up at me. My pulse kicks hard in my chest.
"Goodnight, Grant."
I swallow against the ache in my throat. "Goodnight, Sophia."
She steps out, and I stay there, watching her go, knowing nothing between us will be the same after this.
twenty-one
. . .
Sophia
I kickoff my shoes outside the door to the guest house so I don't trail in the sand I picked up on the beach while hanging out with Wyatt and Blair this afternoon. I look at the script on the island and know I should review lines, but I'm so distracted by that kiss with Grant.
I can't stop daydreaming about his body pressed against mine. Why does he have to be so hot? More than that, I can feel things between us shifting. I think he feels it, too. I'm both excited about the idea of it and terrified. In moments like this, where I'm alone, I can actually picture what it might be like to belong to Grant and Hazel. I can imagine this as my home, putting Hazel to bed together, going on family trips, and maybe even having more children.
I'm letting my imagination run away again. I shake it off because the reality is it's unlikely and, more so, unrealistic for there to be anything more between me and Grant. I'm not sure if he would even let it go any further than a kiss. I'm not sure I'd want it to, either.
Our feelings are amplified right now because everything feels easy and convenient. I'm staying at his house. I'm shooting at his studio. But what would it be like six months from now when I have a shoot in another state or country and he's back and forth to whatever project he's running? The "normal guy" I dated after Connor couldn't deal with it, and he was young, single, and had no children. Grant has so many responsibilities as a single parent. I'm also not willing to slow down on my career right now. I know he's supportive of my ambitions, but it's as a colleague or mentor. Would he feel the same as a partner?
The buzzing of my phone snaps me out of my spiral, and I pick it up to see a message from Grant. I can't stop the smile that overtakes my face.
GRANT
You have plans for tonight?
I look up at the pool, trying to decide how to respond. Is he asking because he wants me to come over?
GRANT
I can see you trying to come up with an excuse.
I twist my head to peer out the door and search the wall of windows on the backside of his house, and then I see him standing at the kitchen back door.
ME
I'm not trying to think of an excuse. I'm trying to figure out a nice way to say…It depends…
GRANT
Your favorite show Pink Slip is having a wrap party on Season 3 tonight. It's fairly low-key and on the lot. I have to make an appearance, but I thought maybe you'd join me.
ME
And you think that's a good idea?
GRANT
It wouldn't be weird for another production team to show up. You're filming just a few stages apart from each other. In fact, I'm pretty sure a lot of your crew will be there.
ME
They did mention it to us. Who else will be there?
