A Tale of Two Centuries

only makes my smile grow larger.

When Reid straightens, he still does not let go of my hands. Sliding his thumb along the underside of my wrist, he says, “You should know that receiving praise from Marilyn is pretty much like money in the bank, so I declare that the two of us must celebrate. Wherever you want to go, Ms. Future Star, I’ll take you…well, except for maybe Paris. You do have school in the morning.”

He flashes that easy smile, and the knowledge comes to me that this is about more than celebration. This is Reid once again wishing to court me. That truth settles in my gut and brings with it my first real twinges of guilt.

But for mere twinges, they are powerful.

I’ve never encouraged Reid’s attention, but I’ve also never been direct about where my interest and affection lie. The day of our first rehearsal, Austin made a puzzling, false claim that he and I were in a relationship, but even then, I knew it wouldn’t deter Reid. He is someone who thrives on a challenge. At every rehearsal since, he’s proven that, maintaining his own unique brand of lighthearted flirtation. And if I’m being honest, I’ve even enjoyed our innocent banter—but it no longer feels so innocent.

I care about Austin; Austin cares about me. I don’t wish to do anything that will harm our budding relationship, nor do I wish to hurt Reid’s feelings. He has been a good friend to me here, and no one who has suffered heartache wishes to bestow that upon another.

Smiling affectionately—but not too affectionately—I squeeze the hands still clasped around my own. “That is a very generous offer, Reid, and I am grateful for the compliment, but I fear that I already have plans for the evening.”

That easy smile fades a fraction, but then quickly perks back up. “Oh, yeah? Who with, that guy from the other day?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation. “And his name is Austin.”

Heavy footsteps echo behind me. Even before I turn, I know whom I will see. My heart beats faster as I watch Austin walk across the scuffed floor, sharp eyes targeted on Reid. He comes to a stop beside me and slides a hand across my waist, settling it over my stomach, causing it to plunge again. The sensation is not unlike the roller coasters he took me on at the park, only safer. And much more thrilling.

I press into Austin’s side and shiver at the affection in his stare. Turning back to Reid, I nod again, knowing I need to be clear. “Yes, Reid, my plans tonight are with Austin, as they are most nights. Because the truth is…” I look into Austin’s eyes and return the words that I did not get to say last night. “I’m falling in love with him.”

Austin’s blue-eyed gaze glows with warmth as his mouth lifts into a knee-weakening smile.

“But I will see you tomorrow,” I say, turning back to Reid with reluctance. “And thank you for a splendid rehearsal.”

“Hey, that’s what I’m here for.” Reid gives a casual shrug of his shoulders, but I notice the tension in his posture, and twinges of guilt jab again at my insides. “You guys have a great night. I’ll see you tomorrow, Alessandra.”

“Tomorrow,” I repeat, but I’m unsure if he hears me, for he’s already walking away.

A silent, awkward moment hangs in the air. Then Austin says, “So, we have plans,” bringing my attention back to him—back where it belongs. “And when exactly were you thinking about telling me this important information?”

“As soon as I saw you,” I say, placing my hand over the comforting beat of his heart. “I figured you would be here with Jamie, or I’d call you when my scene was through. But if you already have plans for the evening, you don’t have to come. Cat and Lucas just invited us for pizza and a movie at the house, nothing as exciting as one of your challenges.”

“Anything with you is exciting, Princess.” He moves his hand beneath my thick hair and plays with the wisps at the nape of my neck. He brushes his lips against mine, just a tease, then lifts his head and grins. “And it just so happens I like pizza”—another light brush—“and movies.” His mouth presses more firmly this time for a prolonged, lingering touch, and then he shrugs. “And I guess the company is decent enough.”

“Oh, is that right?” I ask, trying to feign insult, but mostly succeeding in sounding breathless. “Only decent?”

He glides the tip of his nose against mine. “Mm-hmm.”

I pinch the taut skin at his waist, and he chuckles. The sound does glorious things to my insides. Then, finally, Austin strengthens his hold around me, crushing me to his chest, and tilts his head, capturing my lips in a long, searing kiss that has me clinging to his shoulders.

Chapter Twenty-four

The glow of the television flickers across Cat’s face as Lucas and she battle each other. “I’m not watching Entertainment Tonight, TMZ, or anything on E!,” my cousin says as she wrests the remote from his grip. “As far as I know, Mama Dearest is laying low on the scandal scene, and I don’t need any gossip-spewers destroying that lovely illusion. I’m sure I’ll learn all about her latest embarrassment soon enough.”

Lucas and I share a look. This isn’t the first time Cat has brought up her mother when we’ve watched television at night or happened past a row of newspapers and magazines in a store. And it appears as though the longer time ticks without any salacious news, and the happier Cat grows in her relationship with Lucas, the more on edge she becomes. It’s as if she believes she’s only allotted so much happiness in life and is waiting for a villain to reveal the turning point.

Such as she experienced during her journey to the sixteenth century.

Lucas shrugs his shoulders, clearly more concerned with the girl beside him than what is on television. “Not like I’d ever watch that garbage, anyway, dear.”

Cat sticks her tongue out at his teasing tone and shoves his chest when he leans in to nibble the side of her neck. I smile, impressed with his diversion techniques, and Lucas tosses me a grin as he slides his arm along the back of the sofa.

“Or ESPN,” my cousin continues, her tone much lighter than before as she scrolls through the options on the menu screen. “And all those testosterone-filled, boy-like sports channels are obviously out for oh, so many reasons. But—aha!—see, here you go.” She presses select and the screen switches to a man with a comically wide smile, acting as host and mediator between two sets of boisterous, screaming, and frankly somewhat frightening, people lined up behind a long desk. “You can never go wrong with the good old Game Show Network.”

A bright red x blazes on the screen, accompanied by a startling bong sound, and the entire audience boos in empathy. “Family Feud,” she says with a nod. “An American TV classic.”

Lucas rolls his eyes but pulls her into his arms, snuggling her close as they watch the bizarre program. Unaccustomed to the garish colors of the set and the chirping noises emitting from the speakers, I begin straightening the coffee table between our two sofas and attempt to ignore the adorable couple opposite me. It is not that I begrudge them their affectionate display; I’m just impatient for Austin to arrive so that I can have my own. I find that I’ve become addicted to his presence, and the last few days have only added to my obsession. I stack empty soda cups and toss in the crumpled napkins littering the smooth mahogany tabletop, and grin when I spy the half-empty box of pizza.

If Austin doesn’t arrive soon, I’m going to have one hungry boy on my hands.

The skin on my backside tingles at the memory of his playful swat. And when the doorbell finally rings, following another red x and loud bong from the television, I spring to my feet.

It’s about time.

Taking off at a near sprint, I call over my shoulder, “I’ll get it!” As I hasten my pace, my sock-encased feet lose traction on the smooth hardwood floor. I slide into one wall, push off, and grab the corner of another to keep from crashing again, and the disembodied sound of Cat’s laughter trails behind me. “Don’t go hurting yourself now.”