Page 48 of Off Script
With every word that flows from Becky's and Jada’s mouths, my stomach sinks a little further. I don’t want to move forward with a showmance, but if I’m forced to, then all I can do is hope that Carlisle will be amenable to this truly fucked up scenario.
I shove those thoughts aside, compartmentalizing my apprehensions because I fear that what Carlisle and I have is too new to weather that particular conversation.
After leaving the meeting, I make one stop and then drive directly home. I only left Carlisle a few hours ago, but I’m eager to see her again. I miss her.
I utilize the drive home to get my head on straight because I'm still reeling from the showmance proposal. Unfortunately, my choices are limited.
To begin with, I can’t be romantically linked to Carlisle right now. If I can pacify the studio by keeping my burgeoning relationship with Carlisle out of the press, hopefully I won’t be forced to give into to their latest demand.
Maybe the mere idea that Willa and Imightbe dating will be enough to grab the fans' attention and satisfy the studio.
When I arrive home, I find Carlisle in the kitchen raiding my pantry. My eyes rove over her from head to toe. Her long blonde locks look like as if they’ve been tousled by the sea air, and she’s applied some light make-up that highlights the blue of her eyes and the curve of her high cheekbones. She’s dressed casually in a t-shirt and denim cut-offs that show off her toned legs.
What I wouldn’t give to have those legs wrapped around me.
Like an Etch-a-Sketch, I give my head a gentle shake to clear away my dirty thoughts.
“God, you’re gorgeous,” I say in lieu of hello. "A sight for sore eyes."
“Stop, you’re going to make me blush.”
Noticing the delicate flush arising on her cheeks and neck, I comment, “Too late, babe.” Stepping into her, I slide a finger through one of the belt loops of her shorts and pull her body to mine. Snaking my one arm around her waist, I rest my cheek on her head. Being tall, I’m used to women being shorter than me, but Carlisle fits perfectly under my chin. Just like she was made for me.
Angling her head towards mine, she shines the full wattage of her double-dimpled smile at me and sniffs. “What smells so good?”
"Besides me?" She rolls her eyes. I laugh. "I brought home Thai take-out. I hope that's okay."
“Sounds great,” she shrugs. "I'm easy."
Winking, I tease her, “Easy, huh? I like easy," which earns me another eye roll.
While we eat around my kitchen island, Carlisle fires questions at me, mostly pertaining to my career.
"What's a role that you auditioned forbut lost?"
"I was up for Isaiah inDeparting Chaos." I shake my head, feeling a little disgruntled. "I still can't believe they gave it to Louis Hamlin instead of me."
"That movie was terrible, Ben!"
"I know because they picked that douche canoe over me!"
Carlisle smooshes her lips together to stop her smile from growing. "So humble."
I grin and nod. "Indeed, I am."
Snagging a bite of Thai basil beef from my plate, she chews thoughtfully before she resumes her questioning. “Favorite role you’ve had to date?”
“Hmmm… probably Charlie fromFriday Night Gridiron. I got my first onscreen role on that show. Without it, I’d probably still be bumming around Austin doing who knows what.”
“I can’t believe that we talked aboutFriday Night Gridiron,and you never said anything! I feel kind of stupid when I think back on it.” Carlisle’s eyes swirl in embarrassment and she covers her face with her hands.
“Don’t feel stupid.” I pull her hands away from her face and grip them tightly. “If anything, I feel terrible for not telling you the truth sooner.”
Her unease slowly dissipates. “Okay,” she relents. “I’ve been wondering… Why did you tell me that you were a bartender the first time we spoke?”
“When you asked, you caught me off-guard. I played a bartender inTruly, Madly, Deeply, and it was the first thing that popped into my mind.” Smirking, I add, “Better I said bartender than superhero, right? You never would have talked to me again.”
Her snicker makes me smile. “100%! I absolutely would have declined every call from you.” Polishing off the last bite of her spring roll,she changes the topic. “Tell me more about the movies that you have coming out. You mentioned that you have to travel for them soon.”
