Page 12 of Love: Take Two

She taps on her clipboard in thought before continuing hesitantly.

"He's not the only one on set battling that particular demon. Some of them even have impromptu meetings overthere." She jerks her head toward what I thought was an empty trailer in the corner of the lot. "It's nothing fancy, but sometimes it helps to know you're not on your own in this, even on set."

I smile. Of course Rory has it covered. We may not know each other well—yet—but her work and reputation are impeccable.

"Thanks, Ror."

She nods before adding sternly,

"But it's still up to him not to fuck it up. See that he doesn't."

I nod in return as she walks back to the soundstage. The show must go on. I trust that Yong-rae will do the work needed to stay in it.

Chapter eight

Awa

October 2005

I say another silent prayer that I'm able to keep my wits about me during Noah and I's first study session, but I don't hold out much hope. Books, romance movies, the law—those are my strengths. Maintaining my composure with the cool new guy who, for whatever reason, is also extremely nice to the nerdy girl lacking in social skills? That's an impossible task.

But I can do the impossible, right? If I can convince the world's most overprotective parents to let me move halfway across the world for university and keep my major a secret, certainly I can string a few sentences together without making a fool of myself. We'll simply stick to classwork, where it's safe.

Right then, Noah bursts through the doors of Leavey Library, and all the breath rushes from my lungs at once. I won't be safe. Nothing about this boy—thisman!—is safe. I nearly swoon just looking at him!

He's wearing jeans slung low on his hips, an open flannel over a t-shirt for a band I've never heard of, and his backpack hangs off one shoulder; even the way he carriesbooksis cool! Meanwhile, I'm strictly a two-strap girl.

And his hair!His hair is a little long, but not messy. A loose curl hangs down to rest on eyelashes most women would envy, and a rakish grin spreads across his face when he sees me. Never in my life have I inspired the type of smile he's giving me, and I squirm in my seat before catching myself.

You're here to study, Awa! Not ogle a man who's way out of your league.

I offer a shy wave as he makes his way to my table in the far corner, aware of the many eyes tracking his movement. His chair screeches as he pulls it out to sit, and he drops his bag on the table with a loud thud that has me looking apologetically at the people sitting nearby.

"Sorry!" he whispers as he takes out the books for our shared classes, a notebook, and a pen. "I'm not really a fan of libraries," he says, turning to me. "You have to be so quiet."

I clear my throat and open my own notebook.

"Should I book one of the private study rooms next time?" I offer. I might faint if I have to work so closely with someoneso attractive. Alone. Forhours. But I also hate to distract the other students.

He shrugs.

"Either that, or we could just pick one of our dorms next time. I really only come here to check out books and then take them back to my room." He fidgets in his seat. "The chairs aren't even comfortable!"

I release a laugh, relaxed by his casual demeanor.

"They're not supposed to be comfortable. If they were comfortable, you'd just fall asleep."

"You're probably right," he concedes, returning my smile, "though I think the fluorescent lights kill any chance of that." He gestures upward with his pen.

"Well, next time we can meet at my dorm," I suggest, my smile turning shy. "But if we end up asleep and my grades suffer, I'm blaming you."

He raises his hands in mock offense.

"Why would I want to mess with the grades of the top student in Entertainment Marketing? It's not like I want that honor for myself or anything."

I roll my eyes while pressing my lips together to contain a giggle at his antics.

"Like all villains, you just couldn't help but reveal your dastardly plan."