Page 37 of The Love Raffle

“Just follow me,” she said, leading him toward the kitchen.

They made their way through the back door and into the alleyway behind the restaurant. Amber took a deep breath and leaned against the wall, looking up at Levi.

“That was crazy,” she said, laughing.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Levi replied, feeling embarrassed.

“Don’t be,” Amber said, smiling at him. “It was actually kind of exciting. Although I don’t think we’ll be able to go out in public again for a while.”

Levi chuckled and leaned in to kiss her. As their lips met, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. Despite the chaos of the moment, being with Amber felt like a sanctuary.

Chapter 12

“Do you see what I mean?”

Levi jolted at Rachel’s triumphant cackles.

Crewmen zigzagged back and forth. Quite a few props required replacing before the next scene. He’d still be adrift in Captain Evolution’s ship, but the following shots would show it in a demolished state. Hence all the adjustments.

Levi couldn’t get his feet balanced on the footrest. His director’s chair sat beside Fiona’s. They were told to be on standby while the crew did their work. Director Ethan Spike took to the left, discussing shots with their cinematographer. “I hope we’re not forcing hype too early,” he remarked, twisting the lid off his water bottle.

Fiona’s makeup was being touched up by the set’s makeup artist. She clapped for Rachel once the man left with his applicators. “You truly are the number one agent, aren’t you?” There she went with that British accent again. It threw Levi for a loop whenever he heard it.

Rachel skipped over in her three-inch heels—a strange sight for a woman dressed so smartly. “What did I say?” She pushed her phone to Levi’s face. “Trending already. It hasn’t even been long, and we’ve got the massesdyingto see you two together.That’show you do it!” She pushed her cell into the pocket of her blazer. “Am I right, Oscar?”

Oscar’s face was stuffed with food. He’d just returned from the snack table, dusting his hands on his Supreme T-shirt. “Hm?” He was beside Levi in seconds.

The agent rolled her eyes. “Why does no one besides Fiona share my enthusiasm?”

Levi heard Oscar’s efforts to appease her but he didn’t listen long. Without warning, he was back there. Sitting beside Amber. He saw her lush lips stretch into a smile and sensed the warmth of her body on his. The tip of her nose brushed his face when she leaned in for a kiss. The conversations around him faded. Every word on her tongue was like music. Getting in the frame of mind for work had almost been impossible. Luckily, Levi was a professional so he’d managed.

But he had a break now. A break that gave ample room for his daydreams to return, so here they were. All the good times with Amber were back. He wondered if he was on her mind right now. Sunday felt far away. He didn’t want to wait that long.I’ll text her.Hehadsaid he’d give her space, though.

Levi bit the nail of his thumb.I hope she’s okay.Had he ever awoken hyperventilating? One or two times following upsetting dreams, maybe. Why had Amber had a nightmare? Had she regretted spending time with him? Her vibe had been different this morning, but he’d still sensed that fondness.Amber…It hurt not to call.

“Levi Marks!” Rachel’s hands waved in front of his eyes.

Levi was once again startled. “Y-yeah, yeah, I’m here. I’m present. Are they ready?” He began to rise from his seat.

He felt Fiona’s inquisitive eyes staring him down. Levi shot her a glance then cleared his throat. “They’re ready, Rachel?” From the looks of it, that was not the case.

Rachel opened her mouth, but her phone cut her off. “Hang on.” In little to no time, she was already across the warehouse, phone to her ear.

Levi had feared the worst. He wasn’t sure how she’d react if she knew.Probably just lecture me about how it’s a bad idea.Which it was. He was so lucky to have not been spotted yet.

“Levi Marks?” Fiona’s chair was hitched to his.

Levi hadn’t seen when she’d moved it. Their seats were of the same making, names printed on their backrests. “Everything okay?” He rubbed his neck with a gloved hand. Sitting around in costume would never feel natural.It’d be worse if I stepped out this way.

“Are you in love with someone?” Fiona asked.

Levi halted. Despite the absence of music, he heard the scratch of a disc in his mind. “What?”

Fiona grabbed his face, using her hands to tilt his chin upward.

To Levi, she gave the impression of a doctor examining their patient’s nostrils. As for why she found this appropriate, he had no clue. “Wh-what are you doing?”

“Oh, your energy is screaming it.” Fiona let him go and smiled with a hand to her mouth. “I didn’t know you were still searching for Mrs. Right.” She leaned in. “What’s her name and when did you meet her?”

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