Page 76 of Reckless Hearts

Saskia takes a swig of her water bottle. “I didn’t realize that would be so amusing.”

“Oh, trust me, it is.”

“Saskia! Come over for a photo,” one of her friends calls.

“Those acting lessons definitely paid off,” Seb says to me in an undertone after Saskia turns away, and I flick a grin at him.

Later that afternoon, when we’re lying in bed after a more enjoyable form of exercise than hiking, Seb tells me about the different species of frogs, explaining how some Fijian frogs lay their eggs on land, skipping the tadpole stage entirely.

I don’t know why listening to Seb talk passionately about something makes me feel more centered than I have in years.

Maybe I just like the idea that the world has people like Seb in it.

“Sorry, that’s probably more than you ever wanted to know about the evolutionary adaptations of tropical frogs,” he says.

“Are you kidding me? If they ever do a remake ofThe Princess and the Frog, I’ll definitely impress the casting directors with all my knowledge.”

Seb gives me a grin. “I’m sure it’ll be ribbeting.”

I groan, covering my head with the pillow. He pulls it off, laughing his deep chuckle.

“So, what’s the next movie you’re releasing?” Seb asks.

“It’s calledLove in Zero Gravity.” I can’t help screwing up my nose slightly as I say the name.

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I’m never going to win awards pretending to be a Martian matchmaker, am I?”

Seb props himself up on one elbow, his brow furrowing slightly as he studies my face. “I think you’re devaluing the movies you make, Marcus. They make people laugh. They let people escape from their own reality, even if it is just for a couple of hours.”

His words give me pause.

Because he’s right. The movies I make do have value to people, and I shouldn’t ever dismiss that.

But how can I explain the drive I have to be an award-winning actor, to make beautiful movies that leave a lasting impact on the world?

My life has to mean something to compensate for all the pain I’ve caused.

I sit up, putting my hands to my eyes, trying to banish the memories crowding my head.

“What is it?” Seb asks.

“Nothing.”

I can see he doesn’t believe me.

Luckily, he doesn’t press me. He just kisses me instead.

The next day,there’s a snorkeling trip in a glass bottom boat out to the reef, and on the return trip home, I have to stare out to sea to avoid salivating over Seb. He’s only a few feet away from me, looking sunkissed and relaxed, his wet hair curling wildly, drops of water clinging to his lean body.

When we’re getting off the boat, he glances at me, and from the change in his expression, I know I haven’t managed to completely hide my desire.

“Marcus, we’re thinking of trying out the resort’s cocktail-making class. You in?” Saskia asks. I snap my attention back to her.

“I actually think I’m just going to take a nap,” I say.

“Oh, is it naptime for the Hollywood princess?” she smirks.