Free For Both Are Infinite (Hearts in London Book 1) by Stephanie Alba Page B

meal that Rhys had catered from his favorite restaurant. It was one of the best meals I’d had and the conversation was just as agreeable. Michael discussed costumes and props they’d acquired, as well as other castings they’d done throughout the last two weeks. Rhys’ demeanor became clearer though when Michael mentioned our practices would be one week shorter. Due to all the press the play was gaining, they’d be touring through news stations and interviews, thus limiting our time together.
    My heart dropped at the announcement, and when Rhys’ eyes met mine, I suddenly understood. I felt the same disappointment, my expression became sullen, and I hoped that was the reason for his sadness. I contained my emotions; internally my heart was wincing as the night continued with dessert. John and Michael opted to leave together and once they’d parted, Rhys asked if I’d like some tea in the living room before leaving. I agreed, suddenly greedy for any minute I had with him.
    I sat on the sofa and crossed my legs, noticing that he studied the muscles in them. He curled into the corner near the opposite end seeming tense as he crossed his ankle over his knee. I couldn’t bear the silence any longer.
    “So are you really this well read?” I asked, indicating his bookshelves.
    “Yes, I’m not just pleasant to look at,” he joked of our previous texts.
    “Apparently not,” I rolled my eyes.
    “People tend to think I’m just an actor with a pretty face—”
    “You’re not that pretty,” I interrupted jokingly.
    “True,” he nodded, smiling for the first time since he left me outside. “But, I like to think I’m intelligent. You learn about yourself when you read, the world, others.”
    “I knew you were intelligent, but you only asked if I found you handsome.” He laughed gently, and we continued our playful banter, clearly avoiding the topic that was hurting us both.
    After a half hour he leaned forward, placed his hand on my knee, and asked, “Can I drive you home, instead of Bruce?”
    I grinned, “Wow. You’re handsome, can read, and you can drive, too. How are you still single?”
    “Aren’t you clever?” he asked, extending his hand to me.

CHAPTER SEVEN

    B eing trapped in the car with him was overwhelming. I loved how the proximity allowed me to breathe in his sweet, citric cologne in the air. He opened my door while avoiding my gaze, again nervous unlike I’d ever seen him, and after a few quiet minutes in the car he began, “You know, I don’t invite many into my home, but it was nice having you there.” He paused, looking over at me with vulnerability in his eyes. “As a celebrity, you try leading a normal life, but also have to protect yourself from overzealous fans.”
    “The crazies?” I laughed.
    “Essentially,” he smirked. “I’m grateful for their support, but it makes closeness difficult.”
    “Hmm, you know you took a risk having me over, you don’t know me well enough. I could be crazy...”
    He looked over again having stopped at a red light. “I know you well enough. Don’t diminish our time together.”
    His tone was clipped, offended, and it made me uncomfortable. Was I diminishing things? And who was it that I was trying to convince? Him or myself?
    After turning again his smile returned, though not in full force. “I’d like to know you better, Ellie. I promise that when the show starts, our time doesn’t end.”
    How I wished his words would hold true. I knew my addiction to his company wasn’t healthy, but he was irresistible and brought me to life. I’d been trying to convince myself otherwise, but it was clear as day that Rhys made me cheerful.
    We arrived at my building shortly after and he parked at a meter, grabbing my door from across the console to keep me inside. “Wait, not yet,” he said.
    Blood rushed through my ears, panic settling over the prospect of him kissing me, or telling me something I wasn’t sure I could hear. I wanted to hear