Page 47 of The Star in Room 7

“You’re bolder today. You’re not afraid to let me know what you want anymore.”

“That’s good?”

“Yes, baby. I hope it means you’re regaining your confidence.”

I smile tentatively. I hope so, too.

Without bothering to put clothes or robes on, we wander to the main bathroom, where Nate runs us a bath. He adds bubble bath, and we climb in together, me sitting between his splayed legs, with my back against his chest. I rest my head on his shoulder, and we trade kisses as we enjoy the warm, soapy water.

“Tell me about your family,” Nate says. “You said your parents were supportive, but that’s really all I know about them.”

“I’m number two of four.”

“Four kids, wow?”

“Yup. I have an older brother and two younger sisters. None of them is as star-struck as me, though. My brother, Anthony, is a doctor.”

“A doctor? Impressive.”

I stroke his knee. “More impressive than acting?”

“Different. You’ve certainly impressed me in lots of ways.” He kisses my neck.

I resist the urge to tell him I doubt that. All I’ve done since we met is jog and fall apart on him. Oh, and apparently I just gave him a good blow job, so I guess there’s that.

“Mum sends me an email every week to keep me updated on what everyone’s doing. It’s fun reading about all their antics but, fuck, do I miss them.”

“Enough to go home?”

I sigh and stare at the bubbles floating around our legs. “I didn’t think so. Now, I’m not so sure.”

“I know it’s hard, but you shouldn’t let one person destroy your dreams.”

“Easier said than done,” I mutter, pressing against him. “You have a sister and a niece?” I ask, to change the subject. “Any other siblings or nieces and nephews?”

“A nephew, Rylan. He’s thirteen. He has bad taste in movies, though.”

“Oh?”

“He didn’t like Confessions of a Teenage Jock.”

I laugh. “I’m not sure liking it means you’ve got good taste in films, either.”

“Why Zach Taylor, aren’t you proud of your debut movie?”

I half-smile. “Yeah. Yeah, I am. And shocked it was so popular. Did you know we filmed it in one month, including reshoots?”

“Really?”

“Yes. Super low budget, remember? We had to get it filmed during the summer break so we could use a school building. They roped loads of the kids who went there into being extras. Can you imagine that? Volunteering to pretend to be in school when you’re meant to be on holiday?”

“Did they get paid?”

“I guess they must have. I have no idea how much.”

Nate kisses my shoulder. “You had good chemistry with your co-star.”

“Stacey? It was all acting, believe me.”