The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1444

“What do you mean?”

Emily’s heart was thumping out of rhythm, and all she wanted was to put some space between her and Kenneth. She lifted a finger, pointed to her bruised lip, and shot him a half-smile. “Kenneth, you’re really not a great kisser.”

Kissing skills?

Wait, was she actually talking about his kissing skills?

Kenneth just stood there, his pride taking a hard hit, stuck in place.

“Emily, I…”

He wanted to defend himself, maybe even say that was his first kiss, but then he noticed the crew nearby. They were all sneaking glances, doing a terrible job hiding their amusement.

“You what?” Emily asked, arms crossed, that smug little grin dancing in her eyes as she stared at him.

“You just wait and see.” Kenneth’s face darkened, and he dropped his head, warning her in a cold voice, “Next time…”

“Next time?” Emily jumped in, her tone slow and dismissive. “With those moves? I don’t think so.”

“Emily…”

Kenneth took a step closer, reaching out as if to grab her, but she slipped away before he even got close.

“Emily!”

Just then, Jarrod came in holding a script. “Hey, the next scene’s ours. Director wants us to go over it ahead of time.”

“Come on in.”

Emily was honestly relieved to have an escape. She turned and led Jarrod into the break room without even a glance back.

Kenneth was left standing there, staring at the closed door. The whole scene replayed in his head. He touched his lip.

Without realizing it, a smile crept across his face.

***

Imperial Heights.

Anthony brushed her hair behind her ear, his voice low and full of affection. “You really think they’ll end up together?”

“Want to make it interesting?” Charlotte looked at him, her mouth curving into a mischievous smile. “One week.”

“What are the stakes?” Anthony laughed, totally playing along.

“A case of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Deal?” Charlotte’s eyes sparkled, deadly serious despite the topic.

Anthony’s smile froze. He gave her a long look, then quietly stood up and started for the kitchen, calling back, “Helen, get started on Charlotte’s herbal meal.”

“Half a case!” Charlotte tossed down her phone and hurried after him, her attitude way more demanding than negotiable. “Half a case, and not a crumb less!”

“I…”

“Done. That’s settled.” Charlotte cut him off, one elegant brow arched in victory.

She looked exactly like a little queen getting her way.

Anthony just stood there, at a total loss for words.