Page 59 of A Sweet Mess

“How am I going to repay you?”

“You don’t owe me a thing. We’re friends, and I’m happy to help,” said Aria. “And one more thing. You should tell the current contractor to wrap up what he’s doing and clear out so our team can have a smooth transition.”

“Okay. Of course. Thank you so much. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.” Aubrey wrapped her in a tight hug, feeling the crushing weight lift from her. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“It’s my absolute pleasure. Now release me. I can’t breathe.”

“Sorry.” Aubrey grinned sheepishly. “And please don’t tell Landon about Comfort Zone. I don’t want him to worry any more about me and my bakery.”

“Sure.” She arched a graceful eyebrow but agreed without question.

“Aubrey? Aria?”

Aubrey started at the sound of Landon’s voice, and Aria squeezed her hand in reassurance.

Then her heart nearly stopped. In the craze of her filming debut, Aubrey had briefly forgotten about her missed periods. Her anxiety returned in a rush.What if I’m pregnant?That wasn’t possible. Stress always screwed up her cycle. There was no reason to freak out.

Landon chuckled as he came around the bend. “Why are you ladies hiding down there?”

“Oh, girl talk, you know,” Aria said. She made collapsing from exhaustion sound mischievous. “Anyway, are you ready to go over the details of the last three episodes? The team should be coming back from dinner soon.”

“Can’t wait.” Landon wearily massaged the back of his neck. When Aubrey covered a huge yawn, he studied her with concern. “You look beat.”

“I’m fine,” she lied.

“I heard you did great,” he said, rewarding her with the Smile.

“Everyone was very understanding and patient.” The compliment embarrassed her. She’d botched the first half of the filming, adding to everyone’s work.

“Is she always this modest?” Aria smirked at Landon.

“No, she’s unbearably egotistical.” Aubrey stopped mid–eye roll to smother another yawn. Landon frowned. “You need some rest. I’ll drive you back to the villa.”

“Don’t be silly. I don’t want you to drive back and forth because of me. You don’t seem all that perky either.” Landon looked incredibly sexy with his mussed-up hair and five-o’clock shadow, but sexy or not, he was too tired to chauffeur her around. “I’ll just wait here until you guys finish.”

“That’ll be hours later, and you won’t get any rest with all of us making a ruckus. Knowing our director, there’s bound to be some door slamming as well.” His lips drew into a thin line, and he raked his hand through his hair. “I’ll drive you over now. It’s not a big deal.”

“Absolutely not.” Aubrey crossed her arms and glared at him. He was so stubborn.

“Oh, stop it, you two. If somebody saw you now, they would think you guys like,likeeach other.” Aria placed air quotes around the secondlike.

Landon and Aubrey turned to glare at her.

“Here, Aubrey.” Aria handed her the keys to her Mercedes. “You can take my car. I’ll drive back with Landon to the villa when we’re done and pick up the car from there. Problem solved.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Aubrey snatched up the car keys without missing a beat.

Aria and Landon stood gaping at her, surprised by her lightning-fast acquiescence. They didn’t know she’d been eyeing the red lovely for a while now. She’d learned to appreciate well-engineered cars in her grand theft auto days, and she particularly enjoyed the smooth drive of a Mercedes.

Eager to get behind the wheel, Aubrey waved at Aria and Landon over her shoulder and fast-walked out to the driveway. She rolled the top down on the bright red car, preparing to enjoy the wind in her hair. The engine purred to a start.Oh yeah.Grinning broadly, shevroomed away from the schoolhouse.

It was exhilarating. The powerful engine propelled the car to not-technically legal speed in mere seconds, but her body remained suspended in plush luxury. She could really get used to driving around in a fancy toy like this.Not a chance, idiot.It was a luxury she couldn’t afford anymore. Freedom had a price, and she’d gladly paid it.

Aubrey glided to a stop in front of the villa and killed the engine with a satisfied sigh. After a lingering touch on the dashboard, she stepped out of the car and let herself inside the house. It felt empty, dark, and chilly with Landon away, and the thrill of the joyride faded into a dull gray. Feeling listless, Aubrey headed to her room.

Maybe she should draw herself a bubble bath. She wished Landon were there to join her.Ugh.This was getting pathetic. She could entertain herself for one evening without Landon. As she walked into her bedroom, the ominous shower music fromPsychoplayed from her back pocket.

“Tara.” It was her best friend’s ringtone. “Man, I miss you.”

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