Once I'm out, and it's locked, I motion for her to join me on the sidewalk.
"Kit." She tugs at my leather jacket as she looks up at me. "Tell me. Please."
"Maybe if you sweeten the deal."
She rises to her tip toes to press her lips to mine. She digs her fingers into my chest, over my clothes.
I have her exactly where I want her.
But she has me exactly where she wants me too.
I slide my hands to her waist and pull her closer. The way she melts into my touch makes skipping this really fucking tempting.
Somehow, I manage to resist the impulse. I pull back. My lips curl into a smile. It's of their own accord. Being around Piper does things to me.
Makes me the kind of guy who smiles just because.
I nod to the blacked out storefront on the far right of the strip mall.
She raises a brow. "Looks suspect."
I take a step towards the theater and offer her my hand. "Up to you."
She drags her fingertips over my wrist and palm. "Let's do it."
I intertwine my fingers with hers and lead her. There are two people smoking outside the storefront. They're about my age and they must be up on music, because they look at me with curiosity. Then it flares in their eyes—they recognize me.
Piper looks up at me. You sure about this?
I nod as I lead her through the door. Beyond the narrow hallway is a tiny theater. The stage is in the front. The rows of seats—there's room for about thirty people—are in the back.
At the moment, there are a dozen people here, including one guy in front with a clipboard and a stack of scripts. He must be the teacher. He looks like the photo on the website.
Piper's eyes go wide. "This is an acting class?"
I nod.
She leans close enough to whisper. "You're doing this too?"
I nod.
"Everyone is going to freak that you're famous."
"I'm not that famous."
"Yes, you are." She looks to the smokers outside. "They had that look. Oh God, if I like this class, and I want to stay, everyone is going to ask where Kit Lockhart is. And if I have his number."
I chuckle. "I'll be so bad they'll pray for me not to come back."
"Have you ever looked in a mirror?" She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head on my chest. "You'd have to be horrible."
"Mission accepted."
"Really awful. Arnold awful."
"You shouldn't speak ill of your former governor."
She laughs as she pulls back. Her eyes meet mine. "If even one person asks for your number..."