Chapter 15
fifteen
. . .
Finn
Reese and I had driven to the city this afternoon, as we’d both been swamped with work this week.
I’d had several meetings, the most exciting being with my agent, where we’d finalized everything for the big-screen movie production I’d been offered the lead in.
My career had really launched since Big Sky Ranch was the hottest streaming series out there at the moment.
The movie had a tight timeline, and they’d agreed to work around my schedule, which meant I’d be leaving for Tokyo right after New Year’s, and I’d be there for four weeks, and then I’d come home and start shooting season two.
I knew that I needed to strike while the iron was hot.
Reese’s business was also taking off. She had two clients, one being that dick weasel of an ex, who I doubted was really hiring her because he wanted his office professionally decorated. I had a hunch that jealousy was eating him up, and he would do just about anything to keep her close.
She hadn’t said much since her meeting with him at his house earlier in the week, so either he hit on her or said something she wasn’t ready to tell me because she’d been tight-lipped ever since.
I was at a fork in the road. I wanted the best for her—first and foremost, that was what I always wanted for Reese.
I was struggling with what to do at the moment. A part of me wanted her to have everything she wanted, and if that was Carl, I wouldn’t interfere with it.
But something had shifted in me. Maybe it was the lack of sex. Maybe it was the realization that I’d missed the shit out of her during our time apart. Maybe it was that hot-as-fuck night in my bathroom, or the fact that I wanted her in a way I’d never wanted anyone.
And that was fucking scary.
At first, I thought it was because she was off-limits because we’d made a pact.
That maybe I just wanted what I couldn’t have, wanting the unknown.
But being with her in London and seeing her so vulnerable after not being with her for so long—I think I knew I wanted her with me then.
And not just in a friendly way. In a future sort of way…
the way she wanted to be with Carl. And that sucked for me unless Carl was to fall by the wayside.
Fuck.
I wasn’t a relationship guy, so I didn’t have much to offer her. I didn’t know what I was capable of, and fucking anything up with Reese would be… unacceptable.
The worst move I could ever make.
Because there was no world that I existed in that she wasn’t a part of.
And she knew me better than I knew myself.
The potential for me to fuck things up was high—not that she’d shown any signs of being willing to go there either. Hell, she was still shaming herself for that drunken night in the bathroom weeks ago.
So, it wasn’t like I could tell her I wanted to give things a try for real. She’d laugh in my face. And she’d have a damn good reason to.
So, I’d fake date her. Continue being her best friend. And if the opportunity to cross the line and rock her fucking world presented itself, I would take it. See if we were as good together in the physical way as I hoped we were.
Give her a chance to see me in a different light.
I was older now. I’d played around enough to know what I wanted. I was tired of the game. Sure, I wanted to get laid; I was a sexual dude. But the problem was, I didn’t want anyone else.
I wanted Reese.
But it would have to happen on her terms. I sure as fuck wouldn’t push her, only to have her end up hating me.
Tonight, we were at a cocktail party at a swanky hotel in the city, and I’d gotten us a suite so we wouldn’t have to drive back home.
Reese looked hot as fuck in her strapless black cocktail dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.
Her hair was pulled back in a knot at the nape of her neck, a few pieces falling out around her pretty face.
She’d been off with Angelique, chatting with the crew, while the directors, Charles and Sadie, pulled me aside to talk about the new season.
“Congratulations on finalizing the movie deal. That’s big news, Finn.” Charles held his glass up and clinked it against mine.
“Yeah. I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for being flexible and pushing the start date back by a few days for me.”
“Of course. Are you going to be okay being on set with Jessica?” Sadie asked as she sipped her martini.
The private room they’d rented at the hotel restaurant was buzzing, as everyone was excited to be reunited.
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and we’ll make it work.”
“You are a big part of the reason that this show has taken off, Finn. And it’s important to us that you’re happy.
I know you’re going to be getting a lot of offers, and I want you to do what’s best for you.
But you’re part of the Big Sky Ranch family, and we want you to be with us for the long haul.
We’ll keep you and Jessica apart on set, and you won’t have any scenes together if we can help it.
” Charles’s gaze locked with mine. These two had been great to work with, and I was grateful that they’d taken a shot on me.
“Listen, I know this isn’t your fault,” I said, looking around, relieved that Jessica hadn’t shown up to the party yet. “I appreciate you trying to navigate this to make it easier on everyone.”
“Hopefully, it’s been put to rest. I heard that interview by The Hollywood Moment is getting a lot of buzz. Everyone’s excited to read it and meet your new lady, and I’ve got to say, she’s spectacular.” Sadie waggled her brows.
“Yeah. They don’t get any better than Reese Murphy.” My gaze moved across the room to find her with her head back in a full-bodied laugh. The group around her had grown, as people were just drawn to all that goodness.
I could attest to that.
“It’s good to see you happy. And I know Jessica is going to make things challenging, but with her contract right now, we don’t have a ton of options.
” Charles cleared his throat. “She’s got us all by the balls at the moment.
Just know that things are in the works. We’ve got your back.
Now that’s enough shop talk. Go enjoy yourself. ”
I nodded, and they both stepped away just as Lacey hurried over. “Finn, I’ve missed you.”
Lacey did our hair on the set, and she was one of my favorites to work with. She gave me a big hug and glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was listening. “So, I’ve got some news. Edward and I have been seeing each other since shooting ended.”
Edward was one of several camera guys. Cool dude.
I’d planted the seed that Lacey liked him because the girl had been crushing on him for months.
He wasn’t here today as he’d taken a gig on another set during our downtime.
Not everyone could afford to take months off between seasons, so it was common to find other jobs when we weren’t filming.
“That’s what I like to hear,” I said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“We’re actually moving in together. Looks like things worked out for both of us in that department,” she said, beaming up at me.
“And thank God that it shut Jessica the hell up. Everyone is so pissed at the crap she’s pulled with this shitstorm she started.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with all that drama.
But maybe that’s what pushed you into getting into something serious with Reese.
I need to meet her. I feel like I’ve heard so much about her for so long, and now you’re a couple. And you’re in love, Finny.”
She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me again, her head falling back in laughter. She was goofy by nature, and she made work a lot of fun for everyone.
I looked up, and my gaze locked with Reese’s.
I wasn’t sure what I saw there. Was she upset about something?
I quickly scanned the room, but there was no sign of Jessica.
When I looked back, Reese wasn’t looking at me any longer, but her shoulders were squared, and there wasn’t the usual lightness there.
A loud ruckus had my attention moving to the door just as Jessica came walking through with an entourage.
She had security on each side of her, and her own hair and makeup team behind them, as she refused to use the on-set crew.
Why she felt the need to bring hair, makeup, and security to a work event was beyond me.
But the girl was definitely not predictable, so I never knew what kind of stunt she’d pull.
The air in the room shifted with her presence, and I excused myself from Lacey and beelined over to Reese.
“Hey, y’all!” Jessica yelled out. “Let’s get this party started.”
I reached Reese just as Jessica approached her. My hand came around her protectively as I pulled her back up against my chest.
I’m here.
The lines were blurring for me with Reese, but I needed to keep my head on straight.
Reese’s hands came over my forearm that rested against her chest, and she tipped her head back to look at me.
“Well, isn’t this just adorable,” Jessica said as her gaze locked with mine. “I heard you two did an interview together. I’m sure everyone can’t wait for it to release. Way to keep the focus on the show.”
“Hey, let’s not start any drama. This is a party,” Brenna said. She had a supporting role on the show, and she and I had become good friends. Her husband stood beside her, shoulders squared, as if he were ready to defend her at all costs.
I understood that.
“This doesn’t seem like much of a party, at least not until I got here.” She moved closer, and her security guard stood slightly in front of her, giving her a warning look.
“If you have something to say, you don’t need to make a scene. Use your words,” Reese hissed, catching me off guard.
“Oh, the little country girl has a voice. How nice.” Jessica laughed. “I knew you were trouble when you came to the premiere party, you home-wrecking whore.”