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“They’re wonderful.” She relaxed into her chair. “I’ve been very lucky.”
I snorted. “Luck has nothing to do with it, and you know it.”
She shrugged. “Luck plays a part, but so do hard work and sheer bloody-mindedness, as I’m sure you know.”
“You’ve got me there.” Hollywood was much the same, although I’d lucked into a certain amount of success, so I hadn’t had as much of a difficult time as some of my costars had. “Tell me what else is new with you.”
We chatted for an hour or so, and when I left, it was with the promise of returning to share a meal with her soon.
I was making my way back to my car when I heard someone call my name. I flinched, looking around on instinct in case it was the person who’d photographed me the other day. My gaze fell on a man with an expensive haircut who was wearing designer jeans and jogging down the steps toward me. He had a classically handsome face: symmetrical, with a strong chin, cool brown eyes, and a hint of a flirtatious smile. He was vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on where I might have seen him before.
“I thought that was you.” His accent was similar to mine. A dimple appeared in his cheek. “It’s great to run into you again.”
Uh-oh. Clearly, I was supposed to remember this guy, but my mind was coming up blank. Given the recent issues with my unidentified stalker, that sent alarm bells pinging. I fell back a step, putting more space between us.
“You don’t remember me?” He deflated, looking like a kicked puppy.
“I’m sorry,” I said out of politeness more than anything else. “Have we met?”
“At the premiere ofHung Up On You,” he said. “We chatted for a while at the after-party.”
“Oh, right.” That sounded familiar. I tried to recall his face, but I met so many people that I really couldn’t summon a clear memory.
“Aiden Waldron,” he added, visibly disappointed that his prompt hadn’t helped.
“Nice to see you again, Aiden. Are you staying at the resort?”And is your being here a coincidence?
“Yes.” He flashed a set of teeth that must have cost a fortune based on how white and straight they were. “My friends and I are considering investing in a property nearby and establishing an exclusive lodge for wealthy international travelers. We’re scoping out the area and the competition.”
I frowned. “Does Tabitha know?”
He nodded. “We’ve discussed it with her. She obviously doesn’t love the idea of competition, but she knows that having more businesses like what we’ve got in mind would bring more money into the area. But I didn’t come over here to talk work.” He grinned. “How are you? And what on earth are you doing here?”
“I’m good.” Although a little unnerved. The presence of a group of men from L.A., at least one of whom I’d previously met, in Destiny Falls made me nervous. I’d have to get my security company to look into them, just to make sure there was nothing red-flag-worthy going on.
“My plans are still up in the air.” I didn’t intend to tell this practical stranger that I wanted to move to the area permanently.
“In that case, you should join us,” he offered, oblivious to the anxiety rocketing through me. “We’re driving to Queenstown today to do more reconnaissance. We’ll stay for a few nights and have plenty of fun—bungee jumping and hitting the clubs. We’ve got room for one more.”
“Uh.” The fact he’d just invited me—someone he’d met once—to a multi-day event with his friends had tendrils of unease unfurling within me. Perhaps he thought it was okay to extend the invitation because I was famous and he wanted to party with me for social standing. Whatever the case, I didn’t see why any woman would take off with a guy they barely knew. That was how people ended up in trouble. “Thanks, but I’ve already got plans.”
He cocked his head. “Are they as exciting as bungee jumping with some seriously cool guys?” He moved closer. “I’ll make it worth your while.”
And nope. I was out.
“I’m afraid I really can’t.” I backed off again. “Have a good time.”
“We will.”
I grabbed my keys and started toward the car.
“I’ll see you around,” he called after me.
I cringed. Not if I could help it.
I started the engine and drove away. When I was safely back at my cottage, the first thing I did was contact my security company and ask them to do a background check on Aiden Waldron.
ChapterTen
