Page 52 of Broken Romeo
Missy’s gaze narrows at Holden. He looks like he wants to argue, but instead, he stares into his cup.
“I bet you did,” Missy says.
I clear my throat, forcing myself not to look at Holden. I need to focus on Missy.
Defuse, defuse, defuse.
“Yeah, Reid Bradley was really impressed when he saw my Fringe performance. Before he handed the director gig to Holden, he called my agent and set up my audition. I’ve never even met the man, but I owe him so much.”
Missy’s no longer looking at me. It’s like I’m no longer in the room or even part of the conversation. She’s talking directly to Holden as she says, “Is that so? That’s not what I hea—”
Nolan interrupts Missy and nudges my almost empty martini glass. “Want another drink?”
I could kiss him right now for the change in subject.
When I glance up at him, his smile is soft and friendly, and he gives my shoulder a quick reassuring squeeze.
I’m about to answer that I shouldn’t when Holden growls, “It’s a work night.”
I glare at Holden. He’s not wrong, but the fact that he thinks he can answer for me simmers my blood, causing it to run hot through my veins.
Who does he think he is?
Nolan snorts a laugh. “Okay, Dad. I wasn’t asking you.”
“Tomorrow’s rehearsal is going to be a long day,” Holden snaps.
I lift my glass and toss back what little is left at the bottom of the cup.
“They’re all long days if you ask me,” I murmur.
“The best actors I know immerse themselves in a role during the discovery of the rehearsal period.” Holden’s amber gaze is steeled onto me. There’s an implied added statement especially when they’re on a trial run that he doesn’t say.
I inhale a long, slow breath before smiling at Nolan. “Actually, I should probably get home. Thanks for inviting me out. It’s been…” My gaze circles around the table, pausing at Missy. “Enlightening.”
I push back from the chair and grab my jacket and purse.
Nolan jumps to his feet with me. “I’ll walk you to the subway.”
Normally, I would insist that’s not necessary. But it’s late, and as much as I love this city, it probably doesn’t hurt to have a guy walk with me through the streets of New York.
“Sure,” I say. “Just give me a minute to hit the restroom.”
I bring my stuff with me to the bathroom so that I don’t have to go back to that table after, if I can help it. I finish my business, and as I’m washing my hands, the door swings open and Holden’s reflection is looking back at me in the mirror.
“What the hell are you doing?”
The door shuts behind him as he steps closer to me.
“Don’t sleep with Nolan,” he blurts out.
“What?”
He takes another step forward as I spin to face him. “You heard me. Don’t go home with Nolan.”
A thrilling spark explodes in my belly. I shouldn’t be so affected by Holden’s reaction to me and Nolan… but I am. Never mind the fact that I don’t have any intention of going home with Nolan tonight, it feels good to know that Holden cares.
My throat burns, and as I swallow, all I can taste is cranberries and vodka.