Page 123 of Now Their Starlet

“Okay, if you’re sure.”

Beck is getting busier. He’s done with his album now and I’m pretty sure he’s spent the past few days agonizing about the proper listening order.

I’ve been doing more video editing with Cameron. There’s something special about having someone you have creative chemistry with. It’s a little hard to explain how I feel when I barely have to say three words before he understands exactly what I’m talking about.

All that to say, I understand the neuroticism involved around an art form. Personally, I think Beck’s album will sound fantastic, regardless of the order of the songs, but I respect and understand that there’s more to it than that.

“Seriously, I’ll be fine. I’ll have Eli to protect me,” I say, leaning to the side and bumping Eli’s shoulder with mine—technically, it’s more like I bump into his elbow, considering the height difference. “Though I don’t think he’ll have to do much against Nancy.”

“You’re right, I’m just a worry wart,” Beck says, leaning forward and brushing his lips against mine.

“Go enjoy your facial!” I say, pushing him towards the door.

“Okay, okay. Next time, you’re coming with me!”

“You know it,” I giggle.

As someone who’s grown up in the industry, I know exactly how much effort goes into people maintaining their appearance, but I also grew up around a cast that was predominantly female, so I never considered that men also put a whole lot of effort in, too.

Outside of his hair, Ezra barely ever did anything to his appearance, but Beck is going in for a facial at the place in the same building as Nancy’s office. Turns out, my therapist selection was useful for more than just lying to Gina about where I was.

“Thank you for coming with me,” I murmur, giving Eli’s large, calloused hand a squeeze.

“Where else would I be?” he huffs, rolling his eyes.

“Getting a facial with Beck?”

He just stares at me, an amused tilt to his lips.

“Do you really think I’d be able to sit still while some lady touches my face?”

“Don’t be sexist. You could arrange a session with a male esthetician, if it makes you feel better.”

“I have to take you and Beck into consideration, so it looks like all estheticians are out, regardless of gender.”

“We’re not that territorial,” I huff.

He just raises a single brow.

“I have an excuse, okay! Omega Shock Syndrome is a serious diagnosis.”

“I am an equal opportunity hater when it comes to other people touching me,” Eli says, his voice a low growl that vibrates through my chest. “You and Beck are the only people I will tolerate.”

“Hmmm, I guess Beck and I could take a few classes or something… when he has the time. We could take those massage courses and practice on each other before we practice on you.”

“Only if I get to watch.” His lips peel back in a predatory grin. I can practically see the dirty thoughts running through his mind of Beck and I slicked in oil, rubbing each other down.

“We’re in public,” I hiss, my mouth watering at the way his blood orange scent thickens in the air.

“Mhmm, we are. But this is a rather empty building.”

“I’m not doing this with you!” I say, letting out an exasperated laugh as we finally make it to Nancy’s office.

I feel my new phone buzzing in my back pocket as the door to her waiting room closes behind us.

My scent sours immediately, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. I’ve had these really sharp, aggressive reactions to stress recently. It’s honestly pretty annoying. It’s like my body hasn’t gotten the same memo as my mind that I’m safe now.

“You okay?” Eli murmurs, his brows drawing down as he scans my face.