Carly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and Lauren took in the smooth column of her neck. She had flawless skin, perfect for a cinematic close-up. Lauren wanted to run one finger down that neck, to her collarbone, down the center of her chest to the round—

“I’m free tomorrow night. You pick a place. I’ll drive.” Lauren gave her head a tiny shake to wake herself from the fantasy. Carly quirked an eyebrow and glanced down at her chest. She wore an open collared Henley, and yes, there was a hint of cleavage. “Please tell me you were checking me out.”

Lauren sipped her latte in a very obvious, playful manner. “Fine,” she confessed. “I was, a little.”

“Am I going to be objectified at work today?” Lauren exited the car with a smile, as Carly called after her. “Do I need to report you to my stage manager? Is there a union rep to call?”

“Maybe.” She shut the door to punctuate her point just as Carly’s laugh escaped. Lauren couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such an invigorating morning. She felt alive and ready for all that lay ahead.

As they walked from the parking lot to the theater, the sizzle between them was almost palpable. Lauren felt like she could reach out and touch it. Carly looked back at her with a sly smile. Yep. They were on the exact same page. She didn’t know what this was—a flirtation, a fling, or something legitimate. What she did know was her life sparked into color every time Carly Daniel was around, and she was really looking forward to the rest of their day together. Honestly? That’s all she needed to know.

“Lauren?” Carly said, pausing in front of the door to the rehearsal hall.

“Yes?”

“Just so you know, I plan to objectify you right back.”

* * *

Carly couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone out of her way to pursue a woman. She’d have to study a calendar, but it had definitely been before she’d become a recognizable name in entertainment. Generally, women wooed her. They chased her. They sent her gifts and made huge overtures to win her attention. Sometimes, she let them. Other times, she said thank you, but passed. Just part of the hookup game in Hollywood.

Lauren Prescott was different.