Chapter 3

Three

MADDOX

“That's great, Mad, just one more shot and you're done,” Lena shouts, taking more than one more photo.

I give her a smirk and bite my bottom lip as her camera continues to click.

“Thank you for meeting with us today,” Lena says with a smile, lowering the lens and offering me her hand to shake.

“It was a pleasure as always.” I give her a wave and take my robe that Andre is holding out for me.

“Damn, I forgot how cold it is in these warehouses,” I mutter, moving as fast as I can to the dressing room.

“They always keep it below freezing when doing underwear shoots. Have to make sure your dick stays down around the hot models,” Andre murmurs, not even looking up from his phone.

I laugh, rolling my eyes. But it's true.

Reaching the room, I quickly change back into sweats and a sleeveless hoodie.

“What else do we have to do today, and do we have time for a snack? Fucking starving.”

Andre grunts finishing his email or whatever he's doing. “We have a meeting in an hour, but we can grab something quick.”

Joe, my bodyguard, meets me at the door, and I wave goodbye to everyone, then let him escort me to my waiting SUV.

Mike, my driver gives me a smirk as I climb into the backseat. Andre almost sits on me not paying attention.

“Who are you talking to?” I mumble, shoving him gently off of me, then yawn.

I've been up since four after going to sleep at one. We had a movie premier event that ran late.

“Janet, your new co-star’s assistant. She's feisty.”

I shake my head at how much of a player he can be, then lean back against the door and close my eyes.

Shit is crazy right now, and things are only going to get wilder, but I'm looking forward to the three month break.

Being a normal college student while trying to keep Harmony’s identity hidden. I thought the studio was insane when they suggested this little experiment, but maybe it'll be fun.

I mean who wouldn't want to live with the girl of his dreams, being the only one to know she's a girl.

I have had too many fantasies lately about what we could do in the cover of night.

HARMONY

Niko reaches for my hand and I tug away, raising my hand and slapping him across the cheek.

He gives me a perfect puppy dog look, but I'm not buying it.

“And cut! That's a wrap people. Congratulations.” We all clap and I give some of my cast members hugs.

Niko tries to move closer, but I side sweep by him. He's been blowing up my phone full of apologies, but I don't have the time or honestly the desire to listen or forgive him.

Case is back in Kansas, and I've also got his number blocked now. My aunt threw a royal fit made for a queen, but I don't care.

He knows he fucked up.

Leaving the set, I grab a bottle of water and an apple on the way out. Backing up, I bump into someone.

Firm hands grip my hips, and the scent of sandalwood and vanilla makes my mouth water.

“Careful Melody, wouldn't want to twist an ankle,” someone mumbles into the back of my neck, and I arch closer to the delicious smelling stranger.

Moving away, I spin around and pause.

Maddox fucking Daniels. God, he's so pretty. Smirking at me, he bites his bottom lip and runs his fingers through his messy hair.

“Hi, what are you… I mean, are you here for me?” I try to stammer out something to say to him, and I sound like a bumbling idiot.

“Wait? Did you call me Melody?” Gaining some space from him my mind clears a little bit.

“Isn't that your name?” he asks, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms. Shaking my head, I place my hands on my hips.

“No, I'm Harmony.” I'm about to turn on brat mode and give him a piece of my mind when he tips his head back and laughs.

“Chill, babe, I know who you are, and yes I'm here for you. The studio wanted us to spend some time together. Get to know each other before we leave.”

I look over his shoulder, and Niko is there. His fists are clenched, and he looks mad. Smirking, I move closer to Maddox and place my hand on his arm.

I really shouldn't do this, but Karma can be a real bitch sometimes.

“I'd love that. I need to change so follow me to my trailer?” I look up at Maddox under my eyelashes, and I'm surprised to find his blue eyes hazy with lust.

I brush by him and begin the walk to my trailer. Janet is fanning herself with her clipboard, and I roll my eyes at her.

“So we don't have much time until we leave. How about we do a five question crash course to get to know each other?” Maddox suggests once we reach my trailer door, and I nod.

“That sounds great. You start.” Opening the door, I walk inside and sigh. The AC is on and it feels amazing on my heated skin.

Taking a seat on the couch, he crosses his foot over his knee and gives me a thorough once over.

“We are going to be living together so I'm assuming nudity is going to happen. Are you good if I change?”

I don't want to make him uncomfortable, but the dress I'm wearing belongs to the costume department.

Maybe I should have made him wait outside.

“You're fine. We're professionals,” he grunts and looks down at his phone to give me a semblance of privacy.

Reaching into the small closet, I pull out my shorts and slide them on under the dress, then remove the poofy costume and tug a tank top over my bra.

“Okay first question… Are you a morning or night person?”

Reaching into the mini fridge, I pull out some drinks and grab a bag of cheese cubes, bringing them to the small table.

“Depends. I was born and raised on a farm, so the morning doesn't bother me. I like to go for a run before starting my day, unless I was filming the night before or at an event. I mean who doesn't appreciate a sleep in.”

“Agreed. I will go on runs with you if that's something you wish to do on campus.”

I give him a smile and take the seat next to him.

“As for nights. I'm not a party animal, but you can catch me reading until the early morning.”

“I'm not much of a reader, but I do have a guilty pleasure myself.”

I turn to face him, pressing my knees into his thigh. I offer him some cheese, and he pops a few in his mouth.

“Which is…”

“Nothing scandalous, I'll be sure to bring headphones, but I like to play video games.”

“Oh. I'd love to play with you some time.” His eyes widen and I bite my lip. “I mean…”

Laughing, he stands and offers me his hand. “How about we grab some lunch?”

“Yeah. That sounds good.”

POTTER

Walking along campus, I'm waiting for Maddox to call. I still can't believe that he thinks he can go to college in some disguise and not be spotted.

It's the middle of the night and campus is pretty quiet. Only the late night studiers, or people coming home from a party are out.

Plopping down on a bench, I text Mason, Mad's twin brother while I wait. He's excited for his brother to be here, but I see this as a huge recipe for disaster.

A black SUV rolls up, and I shake my head. I'm not usually a pessimistic person, but my life is pretty standard.

I don't like change or when people come into it and fuck things up.

A man who looks like he's the size of Shaquille O'Neal climbs out of the driver's seat and opens the back doors.

I roll my eyes at how pampered Mad is. I hope he knows that no one will be catering to him while he's here.

“Ready?” I hear someone inside say and then Mad hops out, offering his hand for someone.

It's dark and the lights are casting shadows, so I can't see very well. Rounding the car, the driver tells them something, then climbs back in and drives away.

Maddox and some guy walk over to me and he pulls me into a tight hug. Back slaps and all.

“Fuck, Potter, it's good to see you,” he says, backing away and waving his hand in the guys direction.

“This is Har… I mean Henry.” I offer my hand for the guy to shake and wince at how hard he squeezes.

“Hey,” I grunt, then turn back to Maddox.

“This is an asinine plan dude. It will never work.” I repeat what I have been telling him over the phone for weeks.

Laughing, he smacks my shoulder, grabs Henry's arm and starts tugging him toward the dorms.

The driver is walking behind them now, carrying bags. “Does he need help?” I ask and Mad shakes his head, releasing Henry.

“Joe is fine. But we're exhausted. Where's Mason?”

“Inside. He's talking to Ember.”

“How's that still going?” he asks, then checks back on his friend, with a smile.

I give the guy another look, but it's still too dark to see much.

“They fight more than they make up. I don't know, dude, you will have to talk some sense into him. Models are too much work.”

Laughing, Mad nods and we reach our place. I open the door with my badge and hold it for him and his friend to enter.

Joe drops the bags inside, then tells Maddox he will return in the morning. Henry steps forward to grab his duffle and Mad stops him, taking it and walking off toward the elevator.

“It's busted,” I grunt, taking the other suitcase. Henry looks around confused at why we are taking all the luggage, and honestly I'm just as bewildered.

“Shame. Looks like we are getting our steps in today, Har… Hen,” he says with a cough and shakes his head.

Henry sighs, rolling his eyes and slouching. Now that there are lights I can tell how small this guy is.

Maybe Mad was worried the bags were too heavy or something.

“Yeah, let's hurry the fuck up. I'm tired,” I mumble, shoving ahead and stomping up the stairs.

The halls are empty and only a few grunts and moans can be heard behind the doors as we walk down the hall.

Reaching my room, I curse. Mason is screaming inside, and I drop the bags and slam my head against the door.

“Damn that sounds heated,” Henry mutters, and I think this is the first time I've heard him speak.

Shivers run down my spine at the gravel tone and my eyebrows furrow.

“So you guys want another roommate tonight. I really do need to sleep. I have to grade some papers for Professor Adlins in the morning.”

Maddox laughs, then slams his palm against the door, right by my head, making me jump.

“Hey fucker, open the damn door,” he growls, and I scoff.

Henry smiles, and I can't help noticing how it makes his eyes brighten. He's cute… I guess.

Catching me looking I wink at him and his cheeks turn pink.

Maybe having a new roommate won't be the worst thing after all.