Page 136 of Let’s Make a Scene

“She even has another couple of names for us,” Jasmine says.

I press my lips together. “This thing is really snowballing.” Lilah is actually the second person Jasmine put me on to. The first, Sarah, asked me if I was going to do something about Shawn.

“He needs to be called out,” she said tearfully, over the phone. “And you’re the only one of us with the platform to do it. I know it’s not fair, but I hope you’ll think about it.”

I have been. A lot.

“Honestly, I wish I was more surprised.” Jasmine squints out over to where Jack is warming Reckless Ed up by putting him through his paces. “I get the feeling there are plenty of people who have been waiting for an opportunity to talk about this. Have you decided what you want to do yet?”

“I think I’m going to speak to Brooke.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“No, but I have a feeling she’s already interested in the story, and I like her. I know she’s green, but the work she’s done already is solid.”

Jasmine nods. “Yeah, I really enjoyed the short she made about book banning. I was surprised she took on this project.”

I smile. “I think she’s genuinely a fan of the first film.”

“And why wouldn’t she be?” Jasmine lifts her brows.

“Exactly.”

“Fine, well, if you need anything just let me know,” Jasmine says briskly. “But right now I’m going to go and make sure my brother has allowed Jack to keep all his clothes on.”

“I’m not going to disagree with him that shirtless Jack on the back of a horse would make for compelling viewing.”

“Philistines,” Jasmine huffs, striding off.

With a grin, I take the seat that Arjun has saved me near the monitors and spend a very enjoyable hour watching Jack look commanding on horseback. Tragically for his audience, he remains fully clothed at all times.

“He’s gorgeous,” a voice says from beside me.

“Jack or the horse?” I ask, my eyes glued to the screen.

Brooke laughs. “Both.”

I turn to her and find Declan filming me. “Too right,” I agree.

“Is it true that you filmed the kiss scene in the last movie in a single take?” Brooke asks.

“Yeah.” My eyes stray back to Jack, who has finished the current take and is looking down at a gesticulating Logan, laughing. “We only needed one.”

“That’s hot,” Brooke says, matter-of-factly.

“Do you know what?” I say. “It really was. But in real life? It’s even hotter.”

Brooke is practically fist-pumping at catching that little nugget on camera, and I grin back at her. It feels good just to say what’s on my mind.

“I actually wondered if I could have a word with you?” I ask her. “In private.”

“Sure,” Brooke agrees easily. “Dec can shoot some B-roll of Jack, right?”

“No worries,” Dec agrees.

I get to my feet and catch Jack’s eye, waving to let him know I’m leaving.

“Hang on,” he calls, trotting over to the two of us. “I needed to ask you something.” He’s not wearing a hat and his hair is wind-tumbled, his cheeks pink. He looks so handsome that I find it difficult to focus on what he’s actually saying. “Are you free tomorrow night?” he asks.