Page 38 of The Golden Scoop

I huff, wishing I had the guts to come clean and tell her I can’t stand the thought of her with another man. Of her saying yes to someone who isn’t me.

“That’s so far off from what’s gotten me this way.”

She scoffs.

“Whatever, Matthew. It was fun while it lasted,” she deadpans. “I swear… I’ll never understand you Hollywood stars with all your mood swings.”

If only she knew how much more she is to me than a bad mood I can’t shake off.

NINE

Emma

I almost kissed Matt Hunt. There’s no denying that. And even worse, I’m certain if Tom hadn’t interrupted us we would’ve. It’s a mystery, how my hate for him is dissipating the longer I’m around him. I thought after this project I would never want to see him again, but now that’s so far from the truth.

It’s happening slowly, in ways I can’t keep track of. One minute I’m waiting for him to slip up, and the next I’m noticing the way he looks at me with wonder in his eyes. Like he’s trying to see the real me too. And that’s dangerous.

Because if this is all an act, I’m the idiot falling for it. And if it’s not… I don’t know what to do with that version of him.

Maybe it’s not a bad idea to go out with Tom. I’ve never wanted to date someone I work with, but how much damage can something casual do? It’s been a while since I’ve been involved with anyone and my mind clearly knows this. Why else would I be letting my guard down with Matt? Nothing more than physical attraction. That’s all it is. It has to be.

Normally, I’m pretty good at ignoring my urges, but something about the actor has me on edge, to the point where I haven’t been able to write anything I’ve been happy with. The way he went from hot to cold yesterday has me questioning what I missed for that to happen. I mean, he did okay for his first time. It can’t be that, unless his ego is that fragile. Which… possible.

I’m munching on my sandwich, with my laptop screen split in half, one with my thoughts, one with my draft, and there’s only one theory that’s making sense. The same I refuse to believe.

My phone rings with a text message from ‘My man.’ I haven’t spoken to him since we got back yesterday.

My man

Sports clothes. Wear sneakers.

I’ll pick you up in fifteen.

He’s so to the point I can’t tell if he’s still in a mood. Lucky for me, I’m not afraid to push back.

After your grumpy showdown? No, thanks.

I didn’t agree to another day of this.

A few seconds later he’s calling me, and for the first time, I’m nervous to hear his voice. Ridiculous, I know. It’s Matthew. I don’t get this way around him.

“You said we would alternate,” he says, voice soft and pleading. “It’s my turn. I dealt with surfing. This is easier.”

My willpower lasts for a whole thirty seconds, then I end up strapped into the passenger seat of his SUV as we head toward Mount Lee.

“I don’t understand the obsession hot people have with hiking mountains,” I grumble.

“Oops, watch out there,” he teases. “Can’t let your true feelings show.”

That’s what he does every day. Keeps himself behind a mask, I think.

“It is what it is. I live by the truth.”

“Well, I’m glad you came. Compliments and all.”

“Only because you bribed me with coffee,” I answer, taking a sip.

It’s in a travel mug, and I’m almost certain it’s homemade. Annoying because somehow, it’s better than ever. But that’s too big of a compliment say out loud. By the way he’s looking at me, I’m pretty sure he knows anyway.