Zach was getting ready to get Chantel, but his irritation faded quickly when Chantel gave Johnny a polite smile and said, Sorry, cowboy, but Im actually here to see Zach. A smile tugged at Zachs lips. Hearing her say that she was there for him stirred something fierce and possessive in him. Without wasting a second, he walked over to her, ignoring Johnnys raised eyebrows. He leaned down and gave her a light kiss on the cheek, making his intentions clear. Chantel looked up at him, a smile spreading across her face, then turned to Johnny. Excuse us, she said sweetly, takingZachs hand and leading him away. As they walked off, he caught Clovers eye across the room, and she gave him a playful thumbs-up. He chuckled, feeling a little lighter. When they reached a quieter corner, Zach turned to her, a smirk on his face. What would you like to drink? Chantel smiled, tilting her head as she looked at him. Id love a whiskey sour, please. Whiskey sour it is. He grinned, feeling that warmth settle in his chest again, that familiar spark from the kiss rekindling. ??? As Chantel stepped into the pool hall with Clover, she felt a wave of excitement mixed with a little bit of nervousness. Shed been looking forward to seeing Zach all day, even though shed tried to keep herself busy cooking in the kitchen with his mom. Spending the afternoon preparing for tomorrows Thanksgiving feast had been surprisingly relaxing. Being with Zachs family felt so much different than at the restaurant. There was no pressure, just the warmth of good company and the scent of fresh spices and fresh-baked pies filling the air. She couldnt ignore the thrill of catching Zach sneaking peeks at her as she worked. She couldnt stop thinking about that amazing kiss theyd shared in the pantry. She smiled to herself, thinking about how the pantry seemed to be the go-to spot for hookups in the Walker household. As soon as she entered the pool hall, her eyes immediately found Zach. He was sitting with his brothers and Joker, looking as relaxed and handsome as ever. Clover made a beeline for Joker while Chantel kept moving toward Zach, unable to stop the fluttering in her stomach. But just as she was about to reach his table, someone stepped directly into her path. She stopped, a bit startled as the tall, okay-looking cowboy stood in her way. Well, hello, gorgeous. Where did you come from? Chantel looked the guy over and realized that this was the guy that Clover had warned her about. Apparently, he had a reputation for being a man-whore. Sorry, cowboy, but Im here to see Zach. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder, and when she turned, she found Zach there. He didnt hesitate, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek, his touch sending butterflies swirling in her belly. It was a sensation shed never felt with Mario. Zach turned and looked at Johnny, keeping his hand on Chantels shoulder. Shes with me, he told Johnny. Johnny raised his hands in surrender, clearly taking the hint, and backed off with a disappointed shrug. But Chantels heart was still racing from Zachs touch. He made her feel so seen, so special. It was completely different from Mario, who always seemed more focused on himself than on her. Zach seemed to truly notice herher laugh, her smile, even her small quirks. But as much as she was enjoying this moment with him, a small voice in her gut warned her not to fall too hard. After all, this was just a holiday. They hadnt talked about what might come next. So, she told herself to enjoy it but not to get carried away. Come on, Zach said, taking her hand and leading her over to the table. As they reached his brothers, he turned to her with a smile. You look beautiful tonight. Chantels cheeks heated up, and she laughed softly, looking down. Thank you, she said, her voice quiet. She couldnt remember the last time shed blushed like this. Just as she took a seat next to him, a waitress came over. What would you like to drink? Zach asked her. Ill take a Whiskey Sour, please, she told him. She settled into her chair, watching as Zach and his brothers went back to their pool game, but her gaze drifted around the pool hall. She noticed a few pretty girls here and there, all eyeing the Walker siblings, their looks full of interest and curiosity. A small twist of anxiety gripped her stomach. She wasnt usually one to get jealous, but seeing how easily Zach drew attention from other women made her wonder if she was setting herself up for heartbreak. She was falling for him, hard and fast. Chantel took a sip of her drink, hoping the strong drink would steady her nerves. ??? Chantel was having the time of her life. Surrounded by Zach and his family, she couldnt remember the last time shed had this much fun. Zach had been teaching her to play pool, and although shed started out shaky, she was getting the hang of it. And from the grin on Zachs face, she knew he was impressed. Every time he found a reason to touch her, whether it was a light brush on her arm or a lingering hand at her waist.Each touch left a warmth on her skin that lingered, making her head feel a little light, though that could have been from the drinks, too. In the latest episode of ReelTalk EP 37, titled "Confessions of a Casting Director" by CrushReel, dive into the behind-the-scenes world of bringing your favorite stars to the big screen. Casting Directors reveal the intricate process of selecting actors for roles and share insights into what they seek in fresh talent. Explore the nuanced themes and character elements that shape the casting decisions, shedding light on the unique aspects that influence the final choices. Discover the artistry and expertise involved in assembling the perfect ensemble to breathe life into each character on screen. What sets this episode apart is its candid exploration of the casting process, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of matching actors to roles. Uncover the passion and dedication that drive Casting Directors in their quest to create captivating performances. For an exclusive look into the world of casting and to learn more about this ongoing series, head over to CrushReel. Experience firsthand the magic of bringing characters from script to screen by delving into "Confessions of a Casting Director," available to read online at CrushReel.