Page 42 of A Simple Love

“Don’t you have to stay? I mean work?”

“No. I know Davis was letting us off early today, because for the next two days, the schedule is brutal. Rain is coming, and he wants an enormous number of scenes filmed and in the can before that happens. And with Shawna being hurt, that could change the plans yet again. My presence isn’t needed the rest of the afternoon.”

“Ah.”

“Can you walk?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll take you to my trailer, check in with Davis, and drive you home.”

“I can⁠—”

I cut her off. “I’m taking you home. And you’re going to tell me your story. You know mine.”

Our eyes met, mine determined and steady. Hers nervous and anxious.

I cupped her face between my palms.

“You need to tell me.” I drew in a deep breath. “I need to hear it.”

“Okay,” she agreed softly.

I pressed my mouth to hers. “Okay.”

15

KASSIE

Istared out the window, the late-afternoon sun turning the fields brilliant gold and green with new crops. Flowers dotted the horizon, their bright colors standing out. In town, Oliver drove slower, his silence screaming. He was worked up. Already mad. Determined. I knew the signs. They hadn’t changed since we were kids.

He’d get quiet. Deadly quiet. His hands would clench and unclench. Grip on to the nearest item so hard, often it would break or tear. A cushion. A piece of bric-a-brac. His jeans. Whatever he clutched was destroyed.

His eyes became blue ice. Intense, penetrating. He watched you like a hawk, analyzing your words, movements—ready to catch you in a lie. To pounce.

And his jaw ticked. It was constant and something he had no knowledge of.

Right now, there was a steady rhythm happening on his firm jawline. Even the heavier scruff he sported for the role couldn’t hide it.

I took a deep breath. “Oliver, I think I need⁠—”

He cut me off. “I will bring you whatever you need, Kassie. You aren’t getting out of this.”

“Maybe I don’t want to talk.”

“Too fucking bad.” He slammed the door of the car so hard, it shook. Before I could blink, he was on my side of the vehicle, opening the door and extending his hand in silence.

In contrast to his tension-filled aura, his touch was gentle as he helped me from the car. I tried not to moan as another spasm tore through my back. I needed some medication and heat.

“I have to lie down.”

“Fine. Give me your keys.”

I handed them to him, and he walked beside me, his arm around my waist. He unlocked the door, allowing me to go first. I went directly to my en suite and found my medication, shaking two pills from the bottle and swallowing them with a mouthful of water.

“Heating pad?” he asked.

“I usually soak in the tub.” I sighed and ran a hand over my head. “Give me a couple of hours, Oliver. I promise we’ll talk.”