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“Well, I appreciate the loan.” Crystal tilted her head, and the corners of her lips turned up.
Zach stilled. What was wrong with her? People would think she and Levi had sex with his talk about a wild night and her acting like the clothes were his. Did she have no self-respect?
Levi rested a hand on Crystal’s arm. “The important thing is you’re okay.”
“Like you said, clothes will dry.” She shrugged.
“I gotta go, I have a pontoon tour soon, but my mom’s a big fan of yours, and she makes a huge dinner every Sunday. We all go. If you’re allowed off the set for a meal, I’d love for you to come tonight.”
Zach shook his head as blood rushed to his brain. Unbelievable. Now Levi was inviting her to the family dinner and making up stuff about their mom being a fan. What BS. She only watched gardening shows and an occasional Hallmark movie.
“I’ll have to check with the producers.” Crystal glanced at Sydney, who nodded and gave a thumbs up.
Levi beamed. “Looks like you’re cleared. I’ll swing by to get you at five.”
Trevor filmed Levi as he rode off and then lowered the camera.
Crystal’s shoulders slumped, and her face fell.
“We won’t be able to film that dinner tonight,” Trevor said to Sydney.
“Don’t need to. All that matters is he asked her out, and she’s going.”
Seething, Zach pumped the sprayer hard. What an idiot he’d been, feeling sorry for Crystal. She played everyone. He paused to wipe the sweat off his face and caught her gaze.
She swallowed, took a step in his direction, then turned back to Sydney.
“Wait. We can’t use that. I…I changed my mind.”
Zach snapped the sprayer arm into the side slot and headed back to his side-by-side.
“Don’t go, Zach. I need to talk to you,” Crystal yelled.
Chapter Nine
Crystal jogged after Zach. By the time she reached the back of the building, he’d pulled away. He probably hadn’t heard her over the sound of the engine.
Damn.
Her heart fell into the dust trail.
She’d had no idea he was working in the area and would see that scene with Levi. Zach’s red face and clenched jaw told her all she needed to know. The man was furious. He’d gone out of his way to loan her his clothes, and she’d given all the credit to Levi. She’d had a good reason, though. If Zach would only listen to her, he might understand.
What a mess. She should cancel the dinner plans, but maybe she’d have a chance to talk to him there. Levi made it sound like the whole family attended.
Only one way to find out. She texted Levi and asked him to pick her up outside of the designated film area before they went to his mom’s. She didn’t want their conversation to be recorded. He agreed and they chose a place to meet at five.
When it was time, she jogged to the spot and sat on a curb. She pulled out her phone, clicked on her social media sites, andgasped. Wow. More followers. A lot more. And the last picture she’d posted, the selfie of her and Levi on the motorcycle, had gone viral. Some people commented on her attire and how hot she looked, and others argued that the clothes weren’t appropriate for camping. Who knew she’d start a controversy and get a following by posting camping pictures? Hey, any attention was good publicity.
She flashed back to Zach’s expression as she’d rode off with Levi, and her mood dampened.
A motorcycle engine grew louder, and Crystal stood and dusted off her jean shorts.
Levi came to a stop. “Hey, pretty lady, what’s up with the sad face?”
“Thanks for picking me up here. I wanted to talk to you in private. I feel horrible. I never should have done that scene with you. I apologize for putting you in such a hard spot. I was just trying to keep your family out of trouble.”
Levi hopped off the motorcycle. “I know. Same here.”
