Page 58 of Billionaire’s Game

“That’s a good idea.” His voice was soft and his eyes clearly said he wanted to say more but wasn’t going to.

There was a little bit of mud, I realized, right below his ear. I reached out and attempted to dust it off when he caught my hand in his.

“Lesli, I—”

“You guys are still here? Better get a move on. We’re set to start filming the next group,” said one of the production assistants.

“Sorry. I’m just heading that way...” my voice trailed off and I realized that Magnus was still holding my hand.

I tugged my hand away from his slowly.

“I’ll see you,” I said, and then with a voice that didn’t hide my regret, I added, “You shouldn’t keep Violet waiting. She’s not the most patient person.”

He nodded and smiled a little although he looked lost in thought. “You’re right about that.”

He turned and I watched him walk away as the production assistant whisked me away.

“Hey, Lesli,” he called to me, turning back again.

“Yeah?”

“I...” he shook his head and tried again. “I—I’ll call you.”

I smiled, knowing that he wanted to say much more. “I’ll answer.”

He turned away then and walked toward the studio exit and I sighed deeply. I didn’t know love was so complicated, but then again, it probably hadn’t needed to be. I’d messed up. And now I didn’t know how to fix it. And even if I did fix it, I’d end up hurting a friend in the process. Feeling defeated, I let the busybody production assistant escort me to the dressing room. I could wash off the ickiness of the day, but unfortunately, getting rid of the icky emotions I was feeling wasn’t going to be as easy.