Wicked Heart (Starcrossed #3)(36)

“Good. You?”

“Good.” I shake my head as I reach the stairs leading down to the fountain. I’ve never felt awkward with him before. Why am I starting now? “How’s everything going? I haven’t heard from you in a while. I mean, I’ve tried a few times. I wanted you to know how much I loved your last message. I loved it. Really. Why didn’t you call me back?”

There’s a pause. “Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve been crazy busy. Actually, I’ve been meaning to call. I . . . uh, got a movie. Well, a movie franchise, actually.”

My heart skips a beat. “What?! Seriously? Tell me everything.”

“I auditioned for it when I first got here. They’ve made me do about twenty screen tests since, but a couple of months ago, they told me I got it. Have you heard of Rageheart?”

I stop dead in my tracks. “Are you kidding me? I read the script when it was leaked online. Please tell me you’re playing Zan. Oh, God, on second thought, no. He’s already too sexy. If you were playing him it would be disastrous for women everywhere, and me in particular. Okay, wait.” I take a deep breath. “Break it to me gently.”

He chuckles. “I’m playing Zan.”

I actually squeal and do a little jump. I don’t think I’ve ever done that before, but this is news worth squealing about. “Liam, that’s incredible! I’m so happy for you! This is it. Your big break to mega-stardom.”

As I come down the stairs, I pause to watch a group of people milling around near the fountain and wonder what’s going on. Knowing New York, someone’s filming here. It’s a daily occurrence.

Down the phone, I hear Liam sigh. “The whole thing has happened so fast my head is spinning. We’re already rehearsing and doing press.”

“Who’s playing Areal?”

He pauses. “Uh . . . Angel Bell.”

I frown. “Really? I didn’t know she was an actress. I just thought she was a professional famous person.”

“She’s done a few small movies recently, and I guess someone thinks she’s ready for the big leagues.”

“Well, that makes two of you. You’ll look incredible together.

People are going to lose their minds.”

He pauses. “Listen, Liss, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“I have something to talk to you about, too. That’s why I called.”

“Okay.”

“Since I got your last message, I’ve been wanting to tell you . . . Well, I need you to know that . . .” As I get closer to the fountain I see a group of people setting up for a photo shoot. Over to the side I spy the back of a particularly gorgeous male model. My whole body flushes at the sight of him.

Helloooo, handsome.

I frown. That back is awfully familiar. “Wait, Liam. Where are you?”

“Uh . . . talking to you on the phone.”

“Yes, but where? In L.A.?”

“Actually, no. I’m back in New York for the weekend. I have a photo shoot for some entertainment magazine. So strange.”

“You’re shooting in Central Park?”

He pauses. “Yes. How did you know that?”

I smile. “Turn around and look halfway up the stairs.”

He turns and scans the crowd behind him. When he sees me, his face goes through such a range of emotions, I have trouble deciphering them all. Finally, he gives me the most dazzling smile I’ve ever seen. He strides toward me, and I head toward him, and when I reach the bottom of the stairs, I launch myself into his arms. I swear we both stop breathing as we wrap around each other in the world’s tightest hug.

“Liss.” It not even a word. Just a sigh.

“Hey, you.” I’m so happy I could cry. He feels just as good as I remember. Smells even better.

I dig my fingers into his back as he breathes against my neck, “God, I’ve missed you. A lot. More than I should.”

“Likewise. I can’t believe you’re here. And I’m here.”

He pulls back and shakes his head without looking at me. “Finding each other randomly in the middle of Central Park? Yeah. That sounds about right for us.” He glances over his shoulder, then back at me. “Listen, we’re about to start shooting, but I . . . I really need to talk to you. Can you meet me somewhere? After?”

“Of course. Call me when you’re done. I’ll be around.”

“Okay. Sure.” He shuffles his feet, and it’s clear he doesn’t want to go. I don’t want him to go, either. After our being apart for so long, having him close is intoxicating. He studies my face, like he’s trying to figure out what to do. I really want him to kiss me, but I understand that he’s working. It can wait until we’re alone.

“Mr. Quinn?” We turn to see a scrawny kid in skinny jeans and Chucks hovering nearby. “We’re almost ready for you.”

“Thanks. Be right there.” The boy disappears, and when Liam turns back to me, his face is drawn.

“Mr. Quinn, huh?”

He gives me a wry smile. “Yep. I hate it.”

“Well, get used to it. It won’t be long before we’re all calling you that.”

I expect him to smile, but he doesn’t. Instead, he takes my hands and mutters, “I’d better go.”