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I just need to get through this shoot before I freak and do something stupid like stamp my name across his chest. Branding him with my government name for good measure.
But August isn’t mine to claim, and I somehow keep needing that reminder. I know in my heart of hearts, it’s only a matter of time. I just need time to process the infatuation of his curiosity with us. Or should I say, the possibility of there ever being anus.
Knowing August has feelings for me is almost as scary as it is tempting.
Do I have feelings for him back?
A part of me says no, that this connection we have is purely physical and circumstantial. But the other part that feels like my stomach is tearing to shreds right now, blessed with a front seat to the August and Layla show, has no place pleading the fifth.
“They look good together,” Briggs comments, standing beside me.
I cut him a sharp look, expecting him to catch my drift.He doesn’t. But thankfully, Kodi does, despite being the one pushing the two excruciatingly perfect people together.
Kodi eyes Briggs and shakes her head. “Idiot.”
“What?” He holds his arms up in delusion. “Was I not supposed to say that?”
“Shouldn’t you be naked in front of a camera or something right now?” I ask, consumed by a feeling I’m not proud of.
A cheeky grin spreads across his face. “Oh,” he chuckles. “I see what’s happening here.”
I shuffle through my oversized bag, searching for a snack to keep my mind entertained and my hands occupied. I’m two seconds away from snapping, and Crew Briggs does not deserve to be the recipient of my freak-out.
Pulling out a granola bar, I open it and take a large bite before responding in mumbled sentences, “And what’s that, Briggs? Enlighten me.”
He throws his heavy arm around my shoulder, body clothed in a thick black robe, and whispers louder than I approve of, “Someone’s jealous.”
“Am not.” I rear back, crunching my way through chewy caramel and almonds. “I’m just moody. And hungry.” I hold up my granola bar to really pack the punch.
“That’s not what I’m seeing, TT girl.”
My eyes shift back to where Layla is now straddling August’s lap, and his hands are firmly secured on her butt. Hands that have touched me in places I crave, leaving their own personal stamp on me.
Great. It just keeps getting better and better.
“Oh, come on. Is that even necessary?” I holler, waving my hands at their compromised position. “Might as well be fucking.”
My head swivels, meeting at least seven sets of eyesstaring me down in silence. “I’m only saying what everyone else is thinking. Next thing you know, we’ll be asked to leave the room.”
“Tenley,” Kodi whispers harshly, cutting her hand across her neck. “Shut it down.”
“You know I’m right. Tell me those abs don’t feel like Chicklets against your skin, Layla?”
Layla actually looks concerned for me, and that’s precisely the moment I realize my fuckup.
I turn beet red as panic strikes me.
Oh, no. No. No. I did not just say that out loud. Shoot. Shoot. Think fast, Tenley. How can I fix this?
Run away. That’s how.
But it looks like I can’t because Kodi is glaring me down like she’s ten seconds away from kicking me out herself, and August…well, he’s grinning.
Like a goddamn alpaca being sung to.
“God, I love shit like this,” Briggs comments but it translates to nothing.
“What’s going on?” Layla asks, still confused.
