Page 57 of Love: Take Two

I clench my fists and force a smile on the way to find Rory. She'll know where Awa is. Why I've been in the video village all by myself since nine this morning getting absolutely no work done.

Rory's exiting the production trailer when I find her, and I do my best not to snarl.

"Hey, Rory! How's it going?"That's good. Don't be a psycho, Noah.

"Uh…It's going fine, Noah. How about you?"

Her face is equal parts amused and confused. OK, so obviously I missed "normal" and "natural" by about a mile. I clear my throat and try again.

"Good. Good. Have I told you you're doing an amazing job managing everything? I've heard from cast and crew alike that this is one of the most organized productions they've ever worked on."

She rolls her eyes and starts walking back to the soundstage.

"What do you want, Noah? Shooting resumes in ten minutes."

I break into a jog to stay beside her.

"Nothing major," I answer, panting now. She's faster than she looks! "I just noticed Awa isn't here today and wanted to make sure nothing happened."

She stops so suddenly, I almost run into her. I straighten my suit and look up to find her assessing me, eyes twinkling.Here we go.

"Why, Noah," she says, her voice teasing. "What makes you ask about Awa? Could it be that you're harboring the tiniest crush on the dazzling attorney?"

Dammit, this is exactly why I put off asking until lunch. I was trying to keep my cool, play it nonchalant. But one hour late turned into three, and how the hell am I supposed to woo her if she's not even freaking here?!

"It's nothing like that," I lie through my teeth. "I just thought we were both here for the duration of principal photography. Did something change?"

Rory smirks but resumes walking, this time slow enough that I don't have to run to keep up.

"No, nothing happened. She said one of her other clients needed her and she'd probably have to cut down on site visits. Why don't you give her a call? Unless you don't have her number…"

"I have her number," I protest without thinking.

Her look turns sly, and I brace myself for more teasing. It seems my new sister-in-law is just as bad as my brothers when it comes to busting my balls.

"If you have her number, then there's no reason you need to askmewhere she is, is there?"

I curse under my breath. Awa only gave me her number last night in case we got separated during the event and wanted to share her car again. I doubt she expects me tocall hercall her. Rory laughs at my apparent distress, and I sigh.

"Fine, Rory," I mutter. "I like her—"

"I knew it!" she interrupts triumphantly.

"But I don't want to scare her off by coming on too strong," I insist, and she nods encouragingly. "Is there any way you could keep this between us? I'm not trying to have everyone telling my business before there's even anything to tell."

She mimes locking her mouth with a key, but I'm still doubtful. She became my sister the moment Henry andCamila said "I do", but does that automatically mean I can trust her?

"Your secret's safe with me,brother."

I grin. I guess I'm not the only one fumbling through the new family dynamic.

With a parting wink, she's off toward the stage, directing several crew members as she passes. I make my way back to the village, phone already in hand.

Awa Faye

Hey, Awa. Is everything good? I noticed you weren't on set.

I snort at my lie. I may as well give up playing it cool; I'm officially jonesing for Awa Faye. When the three dots appear indicating she's writing a message, my heart rate picks up.