“Did I know who you were in relation to George?” I asked in return.
He shook his head. “Well, yes, but also, did you know I was a”—he cleared his throat—“an actor?”
“No. I had no idea that you were super mega star Harrison Evans.” I dropped my arms as a thought occurred.
The tips of his ears flushed, and he looked away. “I guess I thought when you came up to me—never mind.”
“Wait. Wait. Did you think I was a fan?” I asked, amusement growing.
He ducked his head, cringing. “Maybe.”
I snorted, “And then I …” I sucked in my lips to keep from laughing. “I’m the last person on the planet who would ever recognize a celebrity.” I couldn’t help a small laugh that escaped.
“Okay. Very funny. In my defense, that had never happened before,” he said.
“The theft or the lack of an autograph?” I laughed harder. The relief of having the truth out there lightened me more than I’d felt in years.
His smile grew as I continued to lose my composure. “Both. Stop laughing at me.”
“I’m not. Sorry. I’m just—” I waved my hand at my face, where tears gathered at the corners. “Laughing with you. It’s sweet.”
“Hardly.” He pretended to frown but only looked more charming.
“Okay. Sorry.” I gained some composure.
He had a quirked smile as I took a deep breath in and out. Somehow, as I bent forward to hide my laughter, he had moved even closer so that when I straightened, he was within arm’s reach. He stood a few inches taller than me; his intense eyes flicked, moving over my face as if trying to figure out the feelings I kept locked away. His strong jaw had just a hint of a five-o’clock shadow. A tangible heat radiated from him, carrying the warm scent of something slightly spicy and exotic but laced with the familiarity of fresh laundry.
And these were all things I didn’t want to be noticing. This kept happening, this drifting together. The smile melted off my face as determination filled his eyes.
One breath.
Two breaths.
He cleared his throat to speak, “It’s just that the day we first met, it seemed—”
The door swung open, and Collette burst in. “Frankie! I finished the movie. Can I have a snack?”
Harrison and I stepped apart in a flash, as if there were any reason to feel guilt. I avoided his gaze as George came in behind my niece, heading to his desk. All evidence of his previous accusations gone.
I rubbed at my temple. Break over.
“Frankie. Good. There you are.” He moved to his chair with effort andoomphedas he slumped back. “And Harrison, my boy! Did Frankie tell you the news?”
Harrison took a moment of blinking before he caught up. “Yeah, yes.”
“You can have an apple or string cheese,” I said to Collette. “Tea, George?” I asked.
Collette wrapped herself around my thigh with one arm and Harrison’s with another. He smiled down at her with a little wave.
“Cheesy crackers?” she asked.
“Or a yogurt. No junk food.”
“Cheese crackers aren’t junk. They’re delicious.”
“Those are your options. Dinner will be soon.” I started to walk, weighed down by Collette.
“Ugh, fine. Stupid healthy food.”
