Page 153 of Hard Rock Tease

“I’m surprised to see you here,” I said.

“The film crew has been working hard. I decided we needed a break. How have you been?”

“We see each other every day, Neil.”

“Yeah, but—” He cut himself off, then seemed to switch gears. “We haven’t really worked together since…” he trailed off.

It was true. We had seen each other in passing, but that was it. Every so often I would feel eyes on me and I would turn to find Neil staring. He always turned away as soon as I caught him. I couldn’t help but think he looked almost heartbroken.

“I hope things haven’t been too awkward,” he continued.

“We’re all professionals here.” That sentence had become a staple in my vocabulary.

He nodded and took a sip of his beer, looking up at the second-floor balcony.

“You here with Jayce?”

Did he know we were together? The two of us didn’t want to broadcast our relationship to the world, but maybe Neil had found out somehow.

“I’m here with all the guys.”

We were both silent for a moment before he spoke up.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t make the time to be with you.”

I stopped with my glass half-raised to my lips, surprised that he was bringing it up.

“I know I should concentrate on my work. I’m trying to move up in the film industry. I won’t have a lot of free time.”

“It’s all right, Neil. I understand.”

“But I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Neil looked lost, unsure of himself. I’d never seen him that way before. He always looked in charge, commanding. It was odd to see him so adrift.

“I still want you, Ailey.” His eyes met mine. My breath hitched at the look in those bright blue eyes, earnest and sincere. “But I know it’s not fair to you. You were right.”

“Right about what?” I murmured into my drink, not knowing how to respond.

“Maybe a relationship is just too much to ask for.” He sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

I looked down at my glass and swirled the liquid around. Neil had been a constant presence in my life for months. We used to talk online every day, but he’d stopped sending me messages. The lack of alerts on my phone had been starting to get to me. I checked every five minutes by habit, always forgetting for a moment that the man I’d walked out on at the hotel bar was the same man who’d been messaging me for almost a year.

“You should probably get back before Jayce starts wondering where you are.” Neil raised his glass in farewell. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I followed him with my eyes until he disappeared among the crowd of dancers.

I was happy with Jayce, I really was. But I had to admit it, if only to myself.

I still had unfinished business with Neil. I didn’t want to say goodbye. Not yet.

***

THE GUYSAND I stumbled back to the hotel, mostly under our own power, although Kell needed to be dragged between Morris and Ren’s shoulders. The three of them took off to Kell’s room to lay him down, so Jayce and I took the opportunity to sneak into his hotel room together. I gave Jayce what I hoped was a sexy look and pressed myself up against him.

“I think you’re overdressed.” I reached for his belt buckle, but he moved away, walking toward the hotel room window. I followed him, confused.

“What’s wrong?

He was silent for a moment before speaking. “I saw you with Neil.”