Page 65 of You Fall First

“I figured there’s always room for tacos, even if you’d already had lunch.” He drops into the seat and pushes the bag of food across the desk. “I put extra napkins inside. I’ve seen what you do to tortillas.”

I huff a laugh. “Let’s do this, then.”

“Nope. Those are all yours, my friend.”

“You on some kind of special diet for your next movie? As your former PT, I can write you a note. Claim you need to feed your muscles more pork.”

“Nah, I’m meeting my lovely wife at Fig & Apple,” he says. “Hadley and I just got back into town. She’s visiting her dad and stepmom over at their place, so I thought I’d check in with my favorite PT and my favorite senior citizen.”

That particular senior citizen is none other than Harlan Cane. Link is almost as big a fan of Loren’s dad as I am, and the fact that Lincoln James stops by to see him on the regular does not go unnoticed by our staff.

I’m pretty sure more than one of the female employees gives Harlan special treatment in the vague hopes of attracting Link’s attention. Which would never happen, since the man is permanently obsessed with Hadley.

She’s his college sweetheart, and their second-chance love story was splashed all over the tabloids. The whole thing was a publicity stunt forced on them by Link’s studio.

Stars. They’re just like us, except not really.

“Please. Eat, man.” He nods at the bag.

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” I dig out a taco and stuff half of it into my mouth while Link looks on, laughing. He points at the al pastor juice running down my chin. “You got a little something there.”

“Yeah, thanks,” I mumble around a mouthful. Then I snag a napkin from the bag and wipe my face. “I had no idea how hungry I was until you walked in, so thanks. Seriously.”

“I’m living vicariously through you, man. I’ll probably be stuck with skinless chicken and salad for lunch.”

“Sucks to be a heartthrob, huh?”

His smile goes lopsided. “Don’t tell anyone, but Hadley usually sneaks me half of her burger. That woman is a lifesaver.”

“You are too,” I say, pushing the second half of the taco down my throat.

“Hey, now. I’ve only done the Heimlich in movies, not in real life, so try not to choke.”

“I’ll do my best.” A genuine smile stretches across my face, and a weight lifts off my shoulders. I feel lighter than I have in months. Except for maybe last night.

Around Jo.

But honestly, Link is so down-to-earth, I sometimes forget how many red carpets he’s walked. Or that me being friends with a celebrity like him could be weird to other people. He’s such a regular guy, though. He and Hadley were the ones who recommended I move to Harvest Hollow in the first place. I only left because Paige insisted she’d be fine.

And she was. Until she wasn’t.

My phone vibrates on the desk next to a pile of napkins smeared with taco sauce. I almost expect it to be Paige, channeling me.

But it’s a text from Jo.

Without waiting to wipe my hands again, I snatch up the phone.

Jo

This is us not interrupting you.

She sends a pic of her and Dutton huddled together in some kind of blanket fort. Dutton’s got his mouth open wide, probably mid-dinosaur growl, and both Jo’s dimples are on full display. Something warm spreads throughout my abdomen.

Unrelated to the tacos.

It’s a sense of rightness. Of the certainty that all will be well, no matter what comes our way. We’re making this work, Jo and I. When I clock that they’re playing in my bedroom, the warmth inside me turns to heat. A flicker of desire. Not safe for work.

I flip my phone over.