“You know, I really didn’t mean to insult you before,” he says. “I’m sorry if I offended you. You’re right. I don’t know anything about your life.”
“It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not. Sometimes I flap my mouth before I think things through. Just smack me upside the head if I do.”
A laugh tugs at my lips, but I keep it locked down. “It really is fine. You’ve been very nice so far. Confusing, but nice.” I tilt my head, studying him.
“Confusing? Really? That’s the last thing in the world anyone around here calls me. Most people think I’m a pretty wide-open book.”
“You’re just not like anyone I’ve met in a long time.”
“Well, you’re not in Hollywood anymore.” He shrugs. “Things’ll probably look a little different around here. You’ll get used to it.”
Will I? Once everyone else descends on the place, I’m not so sure this quiet ranch will look the same anymore.
He pushes off the door, his energy shifting into time-to-go mode. “Come on. Looks like it’s about time to head in for lunch.”
He wants me to stay for lunch? I can’t do that. I don’t belong here, and the longer I stay, the more obvious that’s going to be. Not to mention, I need to do something about the blisters from my new boots. The thought of the depressing motel isn’t great, but I can head into town, grab some food there, and hang out until I have to go back to get some sleep.
“No, I’ll just head out if you’re going to be busy this afternoon.” I glance toward the door.
“If you say so. But you’re welcome to stay. There’s always more than enough food around here. Everyone is welcome.”
I shake my head, too off-balance to even think about staying. Staying here, with him, could get dangerous. He’s too easy to be around, and I feel like my guard is startingto fall. I could end up doing something I regret. “Nah, I gotta go shower.” Hopefully that barn smell won’t cling to my clothes.
“Ok, Hollywood.” He gestures for me to go in front of him. “Ladies first.”
I take my time, but reach my car way before I’d like. The rental car chirps.
“Hey, are you staying at Eden’s place—sorry, Chicory Crossing? Or are you at Shadow Creek?”
“Neither, I’m at the Lone Pine.”
His hand drops to my car door. “What? You can’t stay at that dump. It’s not safe.”
I sigh, fidgeting with the car key. “Didn’t have any other options. Everywhere else was full, and even if I moved for a couple of days, none of them have availability for six weeks. I’m stuck there until the rest of the cast and crew get here. They’ve got Chicory Crossing booked for the length of filming.”
Then his entire demeanor changes from concerned to charged up. He bounces on the balls of his feet, eyes wide, smile bright.
“Wait, I’ve got an amazing idea! You can stay here.”
“What?” Shocked, I glance at the sprawling house with the wraparound porch. “I can’t intrude on your family.”
“No, seriously, you don’t have to. You can stay in the guest house with me. I moved in there when I got home from school to have a little space to myself. You won’t be intruding. It’ll be great.”
He looks like a little kid on his birthday. Excited, happy. An open book. And also like it never occurred to himthat it’s kind of a weird request when you barely know someone.
I can’t take him up on it. I don’t know this man. Or…can I? My gaze darts back and forth between the eager smile on his face and the ranch house. No. I definitely can’t. I shake my head. “No, I can’t do that. I’ll be fine.” Might not get too much beauty sleep in the crappy motel bed, but at least there are no photographers around here to catch me at my worst.
He tilts his head to the side, the excited energy slipping away. Straightening up, he gives me a nod like he clocked my reaction and reevaluated the idea.
“Suit yourself,” he says, clearing his throat and walking backward toward the house as I slide behind the wheel of the rental car. “But if you change your mind, the offer stands.”
Chapter 6
Quint
I’mrushingoutofthe big house after lunch faster than Shayla’s horse Scorch can take the turn around the first barrel. Everyone is in a foul mood, and I’m so glad I snagged the guest house. I’m happy to be home, but I could use a little less drama from the family. Blink bounces in front of me, racing ahead and then back as if to hurry me along.
