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“I’m just trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up,” he said, adding a laugh to keep things light.
But truer words had never been spoken. He felt like he was a rancher trapped in a film executive’s life. This wasn’t him. Being here, in front of this barn, made it all too clear that he belonged outdoors. He belonged on a ranch.
“You ready to go in?” he asked.
Audrie didn’t move at first, and he could tell she wanted to ask more. He wasn’t ready to open up to her, though. Not yet. He wanted her to think he had it all together just a little while longer.
9
Staying focused on Jessica’s hair wasn’t easy. Not when Audrie wanted to turn and see what was going on.
She could hear Christian and Landon behind her, joking around and laughing. Somewhere along the way, the two of them had formed a friendship of sorts. Maybe it was the fact they both had ranching backgrounds, but Audrie was touched at the sight of the two of them working alongside each other as they helped Peter and Jessica with their scenes.
But it was clear Landon’s priority was on the horse. He was focused on making sure she was comfortable and taken care of as he advised the director and co-stars on various grooming techniques.
“Can’t they get some air conditioning in here?” Jessica asked Audrie as she applied what must have been the sixth dose of anti-frizz spray to her hair. “It’s hot in here.”
It was August, and they were inside a barn. Yes, the shade provided a little relief from the late summer heat, but there was no denying it was hot. The problem was, they were dressed like it was December.
“It’ll start cooling off in a couple of weeks.” Audrie’s words were meant to be reassuring, but she knew as soon as they were out of her mouth they’d missed the mark.
“How’s that going to help me?” Jessica asked. “We’ll be wrapped by then.”
It would help the next cast, but Audrie knew better than to say that. Instead, she stepped back and pulled her mirror out of her apron pocket. “How’s that?”
Jessica looked at it, fussed with a tendril near her forehead, and handed the mirror back to Audrie. “It’ll do,” she said.
By now, Audrie knew not to expect a compliment from the actress. She couldn’t say “looks great” or “thank you.” “It’ll do” was the best Audrie could hope for.
Jessica spun on one heel and stomped back over to where Christian and Landon were standing. She squeezed in between the two men, angling her body toward Landon and shutting Christian out completely. Shrugging, Christian turned and walked back to where Audrie was standing.
“She’s something else,” he muttered quietly enough so only Audrie could hear.
She nodded. “Agreed.”
“Okay, everyone,” Michael called out. “Places.”
“Come on.” Christian pointed toward the door.
Audrie looked back over her shoulder at Landon, who was finishing up some last-minute instruction with Peter. Maybe he’d wonder where she went if he turned around and she wasn’t standing there. Maybe not. Either way, she could use a break from Jessica’s syrupy sweet acting voice.
“What’s up?” Audrie asked as soon as they were out of the barn.
But Christian didn’t stop walking. She should have known better than that. Christian rarely stopped walking. She’d spent most of her life trying to keep up with him.
“Where are we going?” she asked as she rushed after him.
“To the pond,” he said.
He was heading toward the path that led to the water. Each of the barns on the property had been stationed in close proximity to the massive pond. She wasn’t sure if that was deliberate or not. She’d always assumed someone in Christian’s family liked being near water.
“I was watching you and Landon this morning,” he said once she was just behind him on the path. “It seems like there’s something there.”
Audrie wasn’t sure what to make of his directness. It was unlike Christian to get involved in her love life. Well, aside from being a sounding board when she needed one. He’d spent many nights listening to her cry over some guy.
“What makes you say that?” she asked. She was finally walking next to him, looking down at her feet as they scattered small puffs of dirt into the air.
“He’s only going to be here a couple of months, you know,” Christian said.
