The challenge in Mitch’s gaze was filled with humor. I had a feeling he didn’t expect much from me on this project. He’d probably script easygoing dialogue and throw in a random kiss to throw people off. No doubt I was his third or fourth choice, filling in for someone else...like Rory. In fact, I was suddenly sure of it and the idea pissed me off for no good reason at all. His lack of confidence and my niggling sense of misplaced jealousy made me want to surprise the hell out him.

“Okay, fine.” I wiped my mouth then stood abruptly and moved to his side.

Mitch looked up at me and frowned. “Are you leaving?”

“No.”

“Then wha—”

I cupped his face in my hands and pressed my lips against his.

The kiss was meant to shut him up and throw him off stride. And okay, maybe I hoped he’d forget his name for half a second and realize I should have always been his first choice. A harmless kiss to seal the deal seemed like a good way to counteract negativity and prove I was fully onboard.

But I hadn’t counted on his lips being so damn soft. I sank into the connection and lost myself for a moment. He was sweet and seductive and fuck, he felt amazing. I wanted to taste him and smell him. I rubbed my thumbs over his jaw and sucked on his lower lip to keep myself from pushing my tongue inside his mouth. The desire was real but my timing was off.

I backed up slowly and moved to my chair with a lopsided smile I hoped exuded confidence I didn’t feel. It could have been a total fail. Mitch’s shocked expression didn’t bode well. I had to say something. Anything.

“How was that?” I winced. Fuck, that was lame.

“What was that?” he asked, touching two fingers to his bottom lip.

“A boyfriend kiss. The spontaneous in public kind that should convince the average passerby that I’m into you. How’d I do?”

Mitch nodded slowly and absently reached for his water. “Very very well. You’re hired,” he deadpanned.

I busted up laughing and held my hand out for a high five. “Gee thanks.”

“I appreciate this, Evan. I know I’m asking a lot. More than the average friend of a friend should. If you want to think about it and get back to me tomorrow or—”

“Let’s not overthink this. It’s an assignment or a friend helping a friend.” I pulled my wallet out of my pocket and set my credit card over the leather folder the waiter left between us. “The way I see it, life is short. I don’t want to be cautious or careful and I don’t want to say no to any challenge that comes along. When I die, I want to know I lived. That’s all.”

Mitch nodded slowly. “Okay. Well, next step... we need to go over a schedule. We’ll have to rehearse before we film for the first time. We need to check lighting, angles and go over material. And we’ll have to plan a few appearances. Nothing major. A trip to a coffee shop will work. Be prepared for selfie central. If your selfie game is weak, I can give you pointers. I’ll create a joint account for us on other platforms, like Instagram. Do you have Instagram?”

I shook my head and chuckled at his flabbergasted expression. “I don’t have time. I barely check Facebook.”

“Oh boy. I’ll handle it. And not to worry, I won’t post anything without your approval.”

“I trust you, Mitch.”

“Thanks. For everything. I think we’re about to do something amazing. I can’t wait,” he gushed.

We shared a smile that felt like a handshake or signing our names on a dotted line side by side. Or some version of a commitment that came with a virtual eraser. This wasn’t binding. It was just for fun. A new way to push old boundaries and to remind myself that complacency was a form of death. And I wasn’t giving in or giving up until I’d done it all.