Chapter 2 Where You End Up When You Stay

"What's so funny?" I demand, tossing a dish towel at him.

He catches it effortlessly and holds up two fingers-his silent request for two minutes. I roll my eyes but give it to him.

"Time's up," I say, glancing at my watch.

He clears his throat. "What was your question again?" His brow lifts, and I know he means your name.

"Hadley," I reply, reaching for the towel he hands back. "Now-what was funny?"

He takes a long drag from his cigarette, then exhales slowly. "The way you realized who I was... like someone flicked on a light in your brain. It was comical."

I snort. "Glad I could provide some comic relief."

"You know smoking reduces your face's elasticity, right?" I wrinkle my nose at him.

He frowns, touching his face. "Wait-do I have wrinkles? Do I look old?"

"No," I laugh. "But smoking messes with your skin over time."

He glances at the cigarette and makes a face. "It's herbal. Probably not the same."

"Sure," I say, not bothering to hide the sarcasm.

He chuckles again. "You're really not like the rest."

"Who's 'the rest'?" I ask, raising a brow.

"Humans," he answers, deadpan.

I grin. "Who says I'm human?"

He leans back. "If you're not, you're either a fairy or a genie."

"A genie?" I laugh. "How did you get there?"

He plucks a spring roll from the tray and bites into it. "Because only a genie could whip up something this good, this fast."

Pride blooms warm in my chest. "You've got a smooth mouth, I'll give you that."

He grins. "I've got to head back. Do you mind waiting for me?"

I blink. "Waiting for you?"

He gives me his first real smile-no smirk, no teasing curve. Just honest.

"Yes, waiting. You're leaving soon, right? I assume you've already arranged a ride home."

I shake my head. "Nope. I've been asked to stay till you wrap up. No ride home yet."

"So... you'll wait?" he asks.

I shrug. "Don't exactly have a choice."

"Great. I'll find you when we're done," he says, rising to stamp out his cigarette before heading toward the director. Halfway there, he turns and flashes another grin.

That was too easy, Hadley. Now he thinks you're just another girl with no sense once a famous face smiles your way.

I make a quick decision: if he even remembers me later, I'll lie. Tell him I have a ride. Then I'll disappear.

Satisfied with my plan, I sink back into my book and let the hours pass.

When a shadow falls across me again, I already know who it is.

"Hadley, you ready?" he asks, voice low and almost... dangerous.

I swallow and nod. "Just need to put the cart and supplies away," I say, pointing at the storage room. "Then grab my coat."

"I'll take the cart. You get your coat," he says, already pushing it like it's weightless.

"I can do it-"

"I know. But I want to. Go."

His voice brooks no argument. I give up and head to the closet. When I return, he's locking the storage

"All set?" he asks.

"Yeah. My ride'll be here soon," I lie smoothly.

"I thought you didn't arrange one?"

I shrug. "Apparently, my best friend-slash-partner did."

He's quiet for a moment. "C'mon. I'll wait with you."

"There's no need. Really. You can go."

He frowns. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait."

"You don't have to!" I snap, louder than intended.

He stops, looking at me. "Hey," he says gently, peeling my hands from my face. "I get it. Long night. What you do isn't easy."

I nod, flustered.

"Plus..." He grins. "You probably don't have a ride."

I say nothing.

"I'm right, aren't I?" he teases.

I bite my bottom lip.

"C'mon," he says, taking my hand.

He leads me across the lot, stopping in front of a sleek black Camaro convertible.

He unlocks the door. "Go on. Get in."

I freeze.

I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this.

"Hadley," he growls, voice low and commanding. "I won't say it again. Get in."