“Liz…”
“No, seriously, stop.” I close my eyes and imagine myself on a stage, in front of an audience. “Forget what I said the other night. I was a little carried away.” I give him a bright smile. “Understandable, really. You’re very intense up close.” I pause. “And as for letting things get as far as they did…come on, Aidan…It was only third base.”
His eyes narrow. “Liz...”
“You’re making a big deal out of nothing! It was nothing,” I force a laugh. “I like you, but it has more to do with your work than with your personality.” I shrug. “I got a little carried away that night. Now, I’m over it.”
My insides are shriveling under the force of his gaze, but I stay in character. “I’m glad you’re back Aidan. The play needs you.” Then to show him how little I care, I go to him, and standing on the tips of my toes, place a kiss on his cheek. “Goodnight.”
I almost lose my resolve when my lips touch his skin and my nose fills with his scent. Stepping back, I give him another easy smile. As I walk away, I can feel his eyes boring into my back.
Chapter Fourteen
Aidan
You’re making a big deal out of nothing.
I could tell that she was lying. She’s a good actress, but I know a performance when I see one.
Still, I allowed it.
What was I supposed to do, insist she acknowledge that what happened between us meant something? Tell her how I can’t help being insanely attracted to her, how I’ve dreamed about her every night, and then reject her all over again?
No. It’s best to let her go.
Whatever she’s feeling, she’ll get over it.
Too bad I can’t say the same for myself.
After a few moments, I make my way backstage. Liz is long gone, but Cruz is only just heading out.
“Hey.” He stops when he sees me. “Just saw Liz.”
I try not to glare at him. “And?”
He sighs. “Look. She’s doing a great job. Everybody can see that.”
“And you think I can’t?”
“I’m just saying, man. She’s your star. It doesn’t serve the production if you’re in a continuous conflict with her.”
“I’m not.”
“Good then.” He looks me over. “It’s great to have you back…and don’t disappear on me again. I’m getting too old for that.”
I nod. He doesn’t ask me why I left. We’ve worked together and have been friends long enough for him to know that sometimes, I need to be alone.
He turns his concerned gaze away from me. “I was heading home, but if you want to hang out for a while, get a drink…”
I shake my head. “I know you’d rather go home to Cherise.”
“Who wouldn’t?” He laughs, his face brightening at the mention of his wife’s name. “See you tomorrow, man.”
We go outside, and after he rides off on his bike, I head toward my apartment. The sounds of traffic and pedestrians barely intrude on my thoughts as I walk.
You’re making a big deal out of nothing.
I’m tempted to call Landon and unload everything on him, but after the events of the last two days, I’m hesitant to give him license to worry about me. Especially now that he’s back in San Francisco with Rachel.