Chapter Two #4
Felicity paused, and her cheeks turned red when she remembered the answer to his question. “Um ... You know, some of the scenes in the book.”
“I know.” Nathan leaned forward, and she could almost swear it was the first time he had given her his full attention. “What scenes exactly?”
A tingle swept up the back of her neck and face. “You know ... The romantic ones. Like when he told her he loved her the first time. And that scene with the boat...”
Nathan was quiet for a few seconds. “That’s not true, is it?” he asked, and Felicity said nothing. Her face was already betraying her. “I’m sure you loved the boat scene, but I think you really meant to say the scene just after the boat scene. You know, the one where they...”
“Nathan,” John interjected. “I think that’s enough. You’re making her uncomfortable.”
Nathan did not take his eyes away from Felicity. “Am I making you uncomfortable?”
She was quiet for a few seconds before shaking her head. “No.”
“So what scenes did you enjoy the most?” he asked softly.
Felicity stared back at him, held captive by his gaze. She knew he was challenging her and cursed her rebellious streak, which made it nearly impossible for her to walk away from a challenge. Even if it meant embarrassing herself in front of a man she’d only just met a few hours ago.
“The spicy ones,” she replied, her voice cracking a little at first. It got stronger as she continued talking. “The kiss in the shed, the first time they made love at his house, and yes, the scene after the boat scene ... when he fucked her.”
She’d meant to shock him with her answer.
He simply looked amused and grinned at her as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs under the table.
“And what do you do while you read those scenes, Felicity? What does Felicity do when she reads how Kane held Ashley down and fucked her until she was crying and begging him not to stop?”
She sputtered, her cheeks going bright red as her jaw dropped.
“Okay, that was definitely too far,” John said. “Pay him no mind. He likes to play these games when he gets bored.”
“Wasn’t playing a game,” Nathan said, still looking at her. “And I promise you, I have not been bored for a single second since you walked into this room.”
Felicity cleared her throat. “I’m glad I could be a source of amusement for you.”
“Do you want to read a scene with us?” Nathan asked, and she blinked.
“Read a scene with you?”
He nodded. “John and I are considering the possibility of bringing in a third person to play Ashley’s part.”
She frowned. “Why would you need a third person to play Ashley’s part? I thought you and John just choose one character to play.”
“Usually, but these people required a third voice. It can work with two, but it will be better with three ... and great if that third voice is yours.”
“What are you doing?” John snapped at him.
“What does it look like I’m doing? Getting the third voice we need for the story.” He glanced at his partner. “It was your idea to get a third person, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, and when I said that, I meant someone professional. You know, someone who knows what the hell they’re doing. Let’s not forget you shut that idea down...”
As the two men bickered back and forth, Felicity was busy trying to figure out what was strange about their request. And then it clicked.
“There are two men!” she gasped.
Nathan and John both turned to her.
“There are two men,” she said, barely able to contain her excitement.
“There’s going to be another man trying to win her from Kane, isn’t there?
” They didn’t answer, but she was already on a roll.
“It’s Harvey, isn’t it? I knew from the way the last book ended that he would be in the second book, but I assumed it would be with a new female character. ”
“That’s right,” Nathan said. “Two men are going to be battling for Ashley’s heart. That’s three main characters. So are you interested in voicing Ashley for us?”
Felicity paused. “Me? I don’t know ... I don’t think I’ll be very good at that.
“This is a bad idea,” John said. “Nothing against you, Felicity, but Nathan is being an idiot.”
“You’re right,” Felicity said, agreeing with him. “I don’t know anything about recording audiobooks. My voice...”
“Is perfect,” he said. “Soft, sweet, with a hint of innocence. Just like Ashley.” He leaned forward. “Listen to her, John. Imagine Ashley’s words in her voice. Listen to that voice beg Kane not to let Harvey steal her heart and tell me you don’t see Ashley in your head.”
Felicity chuckled awkwardly. “I don’t think that’s ... That can’t be true. I’m nothing like Ashley. She’s like a boss CEO, and I teach multiplication tables to fourth graders.”
“Doesn’t matter,” John said, his mind slowly changing as he listened to her. “You are a woman, and that’s all that matters. I hate to say it, but Nathan’s right. You sound perfect for it.”
Nathan turned to her. “So what do you say? Are you interested in being a part of our audiobook?”
Felicity looked at both men, unable to believe what was happening. “I don’t know...”
“Yes, you do.” He was holding her gaze again. Deep pools of gray and green, his eyes pulled her deeper and deeper until there was no escaping. “I’m not asking you to jump from a plane with a backpack or climb Mt. Everest. I just need you to read a few lines on a page. How hard can that be?”
It was hard not to be excited by what they offered.
“We can go to the studio right now and get it done,” Nathan continued. “Read one chapter with me, and if it doesn’t work out, that’s fine.”
“It would be amazing to have you,” John said, smiling softly at her. “Now that Nathan’s gotten me to think about it, I honestly cannot imagine someone else playing that role.”
“You can say no,” Nathan replied. “But ask yourself how you would feel in a few months when you listen to the book and know you turned down a chance to be a part of it.”
Felicity looked at them and knew her answer. “Okay,” she finally said. “Let’s do this.”
It was hard not to be excited after everything they’d said, and she shook with excitement as Nathan summoned a server to ask for the check.
A few minutes later, the three of them were in the car, driving to the studio.
Felicity could not believe that she’d gone from having dinner with her two idols to now on her way to record an audiobook together.
This was officially the best day of her life, and she couldn’t wait to see what else the night held for her.