Notes of Attraction - B.E.

Part 15 | OFF-SCRIPT

[EVELYNS POV]

I chose this café because it's quiet, tucked away, and mostly ignored by the industry people. I come here when I want to forget who I'm supposed to be.

So when Billie walks in—slightly late, hood up, sunglasses pushed into her hair—I don't expect the way my breath catches.

She spots me instantly. No hesitation. Like she was already looking.

"Hey," she says, settling across from me.

"Hey," I echo, trying not to let my eyes linger on the sliver of tattoo peeking from her sleeve. Or the way her lip curls when she's amused. Or the fact that I'm... relaxed. Which I shouldn't be.

It's my day off. Maybe that's why.

No cameras. No lines.

Just Billie and me, with coffee and quiet.

She glances at the drink I ordered. "Green tea? That's your personality drink?"

"It's soothing," I say, arching a brow. "Not everyone wants to feel their heart seize from caffeine."

She lifts her cup in mock salute. "I like to live on the edge."

I huff a small laugh, then catch myself. My edges have softened today, and I don't know if that's a good thing. I should bring the conversation back to work. Keep it neutral.

"So—music?"

Billie pulls out her phone, opens a notes app, and scrolls until she lands on something. She slides it across the table. "Just started sketching ideas for the love scene. Not sure what the vibe should be."

I glance down. The lyrics aren't finished, but they're beautiful in a raw way. Honest. Something about the ache of wanting, the burn of restraint. I try not to read them too personally.

But I feel seen. And that's worse.

"These are intense," I murmur.

Billie studies me. "So was the scene."

I meet her gaze. Hold it, just a second too long. "You don't usually talk like this."

"Like what?"

"Like you're trying to get a rise out of me."

She smirks. "Who says I'm not?"

My breath catches—just barely. And I hate how easy it is for her to make me feel off-script.

I should change the subject. I should say something snide. But I don't.

Instead, I ask, "You always flirt in meetings?"

She leans back, slow, confident. "Only when it's working."

The air between us pulls taut. Charged. Flirtation disguised as banter, or maybe the other way around.