Page 38 of Let’s Make a Scene

I can’t do anything but stare at her, while I still feel the ghost of her touch, hot on my cheek.

“I can’t believe you did that, Arjun.” Patty’s voice is a welcome distraction, interrupting us, as she glares daggers at the man in question.

Arjun’s smile only widens. He shrugs. “Maybe I’m not such a nice guy after all.”

There’s a beat of silence.

Liam lets out a little hoot, and I choke on a laugh. Even Cynthie looks amused.

Patty blinks, dazed, and I’m pretty sure my friend’s chances just increased exponentially.

I return my attention to Cynthie, my galloping heart mostly back under control. It’s just the rush of the prank, that’s all. The thrill of victory obviously feels a lot like being painfully turned-on.

“I told you that you’d regret messing with us.”

“To be fair, we didn’t know Scott and Arjun would get involved.” Cynthie crosses her arms. “We were only gunning for you.”

“I quite liked it,” Scott says now. “The glitter was a good touch. Clever.”

I shake my head, but Cynthie’s smile grows. “Thanks, Scott,” she says, pleased. “At first I thought water balloons, but then I realized glitter was so much more…”

“Evil?” I supply.

“But now we’re even, right?” Scott asks innocently. That sweet, summer child.

Cynthie and I both laugh like a pair of maniacs.

“Even?” I say, glaring at her. “You must be joking. She’s been pranking me since filming began.”

“We haven’t even started,” Cynthie hisses. “I won’t be satisfied until he’s face down in the dirt, weeping for his mother.”

I don’t even want to think about why the weird feelings of arousal intensify at this—that’s going to require the intervention of a qualified psychoanalyst.

“Bloody hell, Cyn.” Liam’s eyes widen.

“Very cool,” Patty whispers with a look of respect.

Hannah only chuckles fondly, as if her friend is being adorable.

My lip curls. “And I won’t be satisfied until you’re on your knees, begging me to stop.” The words come out in a low rumble.

I watch as Cynthie’s pupils are blown wide, two pools of black swallowing her green-gold irises, her breath catches, her teeth sink into her full bottom lip.

“Good Lord,” Liam murmurs. I tear my gaze away from the thorn in my side and see Liam fanning his hand in front of his face, while the others try (and fail) to stifle their laughter.

“That’s enough,” I snap, annoyed that my skin feels too tight for my body, and I have to resist the urge to run my finger around the edge of my collar.

“Yes, sir,” Patty purrs.

“Whatever this is,” Liam stage-whispers, “I think it’s my kink.”

I let out a huff of annoyance.

“Did he just… growl?” Hannah asks, and her cheeks are pink too.

I choke on a reluctant laugh, clearing my throat. “All right, you perverts,” I say. “We’ll let you get back to your trailer. Don’t want to delay filming.” I glance over at Cynthie, just long enough to meet her eyes so she’ll know how unaffected I am. “See you on set.”

“Oh, yes. See you there,” Cynthie replies.