Page 40 of Too Far

Josephine

“Josephine.Couldyoupleasepass the peas?”

I press my lips together to stop myself from outwardly reacting to the ridiculousness of this whole charade.

At least he didn’t ask for nuts.

Beside me, Locke snorts, clearly not as in control of himself.

I offer the bowl to Locke, but don’t release it when he’s got it in his grasp. He gives me an over-the-top assessment as he playfully fights me for the dish. Then, just as quickly as the game began, he schools his expression.

During our little exchange, the camera operator—Nate—circled the table and now has his obnoxiously large lens focused on the two of us.

Decker clears his throat, and both cameras whip around to focus on him.

“Let’s take the pontoon out after dinner.”

Kendrick raises his brows and locks eyes with Cap. In the span of a blink, they hold an entire silent conversation.

K relaxes—an imperceptible tip of his chin that I only catch because I’ve become so familiar with his mannerisms.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. If K’s okay with this plan, then we’ll all be safe.

The other person hiding behind a camera—Tina? Tonya, maybe?—lowers her equipment and moves around the table. She can’t be more than a few years older than us, with bright blue eyes and a watchful, knowing gaze.

She wears heavy makeup—dark eyeliner whipped into a cat eye, bold lipstick perfectly painted on her cupid’s bow lips. She’s a tiny thing. Next to Locke and Kendrick, her frame is comically small. She’s quiet but clearly perceptive as hell.

She’s the one to watch out for.

Heat creeps up my neck as she stops at Misty’s side.

Misty, who hasn’t left us alone during waking hours since the cameras arrived.

Misty, with her clipboard in hand, as if she’s part of the production team.

Maybe she’s looking for film credit.

I snort quietly at the thought.

At the sound, she directs her venomous gaze at me. Unblinking, she listens to the cameraperson chirping in her ear.

Her brows furrow, then she nods once. Stepping forward, she puts a hand on Decker’s shoulder from behind and caresses.

Startled, he sits up straight and goes eerily still.

I bristle and hold back the indignant huff threatening to escape as she claws at my man.

Mine. She’s touching what’s mine.

“Decker,” Misty purrs.

With a subtle shrug, he dislodges her hand, then he turns his head to give her his ear. His onyx eyes settle on me, his gaze sweeping over me with so much vigilance it makes my heart rate accelerate.

Not deterred by his lack of attention, Misty crouches until she matches his height.

“Per your contract, the camera crew can’t follow you out onto the water. They need you to stay—”

“They don’t need me to do anything,” he snaps, his tone so harsh she shuts her mouth with an audible snap.