~Xena's POV~
We stayed there for another moment, the distant sound of Skai's breathing from the other room grounding me back into reality.
"You should go," I said, gently but firmly, smoothing my sweater as it could steady me. "It's getting late."
I looked away, unsure if staying would stop me, so this was my only choice. He smiled in a way that didn't show he won, but like he was willing to wait.
"Okay."
And for the first time in a long while, I wasn't sure which feeling scared me more: how right that kiss felt, or the fact that Xade's presence lingered somewhere in the back of my mind.
**************
After that day, the shoot became easier in ways that mattered and harder in ways that didn't.
The crew found its rhythm. Every line and dialogue flowed better. Marks were hit on the first take more often than not. Even my nerves learned when to settle and when to sharpen.
