Page 21 of One Weekend in Los Angeles

Andrea came down the steps carrying a small suitcase and duffle, both of which I took from her hands.

“I can drive my own car over so that Callie’s hair won’t get on your pretty leather seats.”

“It’ll be fine. She’s already loaded up. Nice shoes, by the way.” Although she still wore her formal dress, she’d taken off her heels to put on slippers. It was a look that had me smiling.

“My feet never were great in heels. We should probably go. Jeff will have seen us on the front door camera.”

We exited, and she locked the front door. “Camera, you say?”

“Yeah, one of those doorbell cameras.”

I didn’t think, I just moved, framing her face with my hands and touching my lips to hers. There it was again. The enchantment of our first kiss. However, once again, our time was limited.

Pulling back, I nearly groaned at the way Andi looked, her eyes still closed, her lips open as if she hadn’t been ready for the kiss to end. “Let’s go.” My voice was thick, my entire body humming with adrenaline.

Andi was quiet once she got in the car, and I regretted my impromptu kiss. Here she was having to deal with one immature asshole; she didn’t need another one putting on a show instead of considering her feelings.

“I was selfish doing that little stunt for your camera. I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. There’s a petty part of me who thinks it serves him right.”

“It does serve him right. Do you know the woman he’s involved with?” So much for my promise. “Never mind. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s fine. Frankly, it’s refreshing to know someone hasn’t heard all the details from the press. Paula came onto the TV show mid-season when she started dating another cast member. Nobody cared for her at first because she was a little ditzy and would flirt with all the guys. I chalked it up to her being young and naïve, and I guess thirsty for the attention. That was the worst part of being on the show. All of the thirsty people competing for screen time. Anyhow, I befriended her because I thought I could be a calming, big-sister influence. Even convinced the other women on the cast to give her a chance.”

“You never suspected the affair?”

“Regrettably, no. Paula even came over for Easter and sat at my dinner table asking questions about our in vitro journey. I thought she was becoming my friend. Little did I know she was only getting close to me in order to spend time with him.”

My swallow was painful. “You were trying to get pregnant?”

“Only weeks away from starting the process.”

Once again, jealousy flared. I’d spent little time with Andrea but already knew she’d make an incredible mom. “I’m sorry, Andi.”

She let out a long breath. “I’m not. I can’t imagine trying to co-parent with him. I suppose the timing could be considered a silver lining. Now, then, at the risk of sounding demanding, I do believe someone promised me a milkshake?”

My chuckle filled the car. “Yes, ma’am.”

Even something as simple as getting a milkshake turned into a big deal when I was in LA. The moment the cashier realized it was me, the entire staff rushed to the window wanting pictures. I didn’t mind, but I was curious as to Andrea’s response. It turned out she was an incredible sport, offering to take the photos and air drop them to people’s phones.

Once we pulled into my garage, I cut the engine, hit the button to close the door, and turned to Andrea.

“How’s the cookies and cream flavor?”

“Delicious. Want a taste?”

I knew she meant to offer her cup, but I took the opportunity to take it straight from her instead. The cold of her lips was a delicious juxtaposition to the heat of the kiss.

“Is this still faking it?” She posed the question in between kisses.

“It hasn’t truly been faking it since I kissed you on that stage the first time.” I pulled back to cup her chin. “But you’ve been through so much, and I don’t want to hurt you, Andi.”

“Kissing you is the best part of the last few days. Whether it’s fake or not.”

Her grin was contagious, and suddenly we were kissing again. I felt like a teenager making out in my car. The attraction I’d been fighting roared to life, and this time there was no reason to hold back.

The soft mewl in the back of her throat when I kissed her deeper had me anxious to get her inside.