Fall Into Love

by Melody Anne

  “Yes, sir.” Gavin pulled his hand back and shoved it in his pocket. “I think you’re an incredible writer. And Carnivore’s Teeth has to be one of the best books of all time.”

  “Well, thank you. That means a lot.” Professor Creed’s face lit up. “That’s my favorite, too. It was one of those books that just poured out, you know. I find those to be the best ones.”

  I nodded. “I love when that happens.”

  “Oh, so you are a writer,” Professor Creed said. “I had my suspicions after reading your essays. You’re very good at it, my dear. Maybe I can see some samples? I do have some expertise on the craft.”

  “Um, well, I don’t really have anything to share.”

  Gavin nudged me. “Come on, Elise, you have a notebook full of stories. I saw it earlier.”

  I gaped at him. What was wrong with him? There was no way in the hottest of hells Duncan Creed would ever get a glimpse at my scribbled short stories.

  “What?” Gavin shrugged. “The parts I read seemed great. There was even some kissing. In fact, in one I skimmed over it went past that and into—”

  “Okay!” I thrust him toward the stairs. “Don’t you need to get to the set? I’m sure you have lots to do. Scripts to memorize, costumes to be sized for . . .”

  “I probably have a few minutes.” The smirk on Gavin’s face fueled me to push him harder to the exit.

  “Nope. You don’t.” I grinned through what had to be the reddest of faces at my professor. “Bye, Professor Creed. Thanks.”

  “Duncan.”

  “Right.”

  “See ya, Duncan,” Gavin said with a wave. “If they ever make a movie of one of your books . . .”

  “You’ll be the first person I call, Mr. Hartley.”

  The pride that flashed across Gavin’s face warmed me from my toes to my head. As we finally left the classroom, Gavin slung an arm around my shoulders and pulled me into a side hug. I struggled to keep myself from closing my eyes and resting my head against his taut chest. His now familiar cinnamon scent did little to help. When his grip loosened and I looked up at him, he gave me an excited smile.

  “I can’t believe I just met Duncan Creed! Thanks, Elise. I owe you one. Anything you need, you let me know.”

  “I had no idea stars could get starstruck.”

  “Of course. We have people we admire, too, you know. Creed’s books got me through some pretty tough times. I’m not sure I would’ve made it to where I am now without them. There’s something to be said about the escape reading gives you.”

  It was there again, that sadness in his eyes. But then the sunglasses were back on, the hood pulled forward, and everything was lost behind them.

  “I suppose acting provides a similar escape,” I said. “Always playing someone else.”

  “That it does,” he said. “It’s why I love it so much.”

  “I can’t imagine someone like you would have much you’d need to escape.”

  He stared at me over the rim of the glasses. We all have our secrets, he signed. I’m sure you have yours.

  I bit back a laugh. I guess I have a few.

  He pushed the sunglasses up his nose. “Well, I’d better get to set. Makeup’s gotta give me some cuts and bruises today. Mind you, you shoved me so hard back there, they may not have to do much.” He pouted and rubbed his bicep.

  “Oh, please. Like I could hurt you. Now, go to work, you big baby. I’ll see you there after my next class.”

  “Fine, fine. Jeez, you’re forceful sometimes. I see why Aubrey hired you.” He reached for the door and then turned back to sign, Thanks again. That was one of the more awesome moments of my life. And it’s because of you.

  He leaned forward and brushed his lips across my cheek before opening the door and stepping into the sunshine. My fingers traced the place on my cheek where he’d lingered, noting it was right beside my scar. I took a deep breath and a few moments to compose myself before following him out of the building. I tripped on a wayward branch on the first step, and my heart met my throat as I fell toward the concrete. A pair of strong arms grabbed me.

  “Easy, darlin’,” Clint said as I looked up at him in surprise. “First you reject me kissin’ you, and then you’re fallin’ right into my hands like a baby calf. You’re givin’ me mixed signals here.”

  “What are you still doing here, cowboy? Don’t you have another class to get to?”

  He righted me and helped me down the rest of the steps before we headed across campus. October kicked up a crisp breeze as we walked, and I pulled my cardigan tighter around my shoulders.

  “I wanted to make sure everythin’ was okay. You were actin’ strange in class. Now I know why.”

  He pointed to the right, where Gavin stood in the center of the quad. He was surrounded by surprisingly pushy girls, all clamoring to get his attention. He waded expertly through them, signing autographs and posing for selfies as he headed to his car.

  “That’s the dude from the show you’re workin’ on, right?”

  “Yeah,” I said. “Sorry I couldn’t tell you back there. He was trying to remain inconspicuous. Guess it didn’t work.”

  “It’s all good, darlin’. As long as you’re okay. And at least now I know why you keep sayin’ no when I ask you out. You two sure were lookin’ mighty cozy.”

  I almost choked. “Ha! No, it’s nothing like that. He’s dating Aubrey. Remember? They’re all over the news.”

  We made it to the building for my next class. Based on the empty entranceway, I was late again.

  “I know, I saw them at the bar. But I also know he didn’t take his eyes off you most of the class.”

  “I think you’re seeing things, cowboy. Maybe you’re just jealous.” I rubbed at the knee of my jeans, where the hint of a brown coffee stain was evidence of the fact that Gavin had spent the entire lecture with his leg pressed against mine.

  “Could be, darlin’. Could be. But I know when I’ve been outdrawn.” Clint tugged on his hat. “Will I at least see you at the café tonight?”

  “You’re performing again, right?”

  It had become routine, when I wasn’t on set, for Reggie and me to trek down to the crowded coffee shop and watch Clint read poetry. Reggie would scream and clap for him, pulling me back onto the couch each night when I tried to leave the moment he was done.

  Reggie always took extra time getting ready when she knew we’d be seeing Clint. I couldn’t figure out why she didn’t just ask him out. She didn’t appear to have any confidence issues. But when I’d bring it up, she’d stammer and turn a deeper shade of crimson than my sweater.

  “A-yup,” Clint said. “Nine o’clock.”

  “I’m heading to set after this class, but filming’s supposed to wrap at eight. I’ll try to get there for sure. If I don’t see you beforehand, good luck.” I paused. “And, cowboy . . . if I’m not there, I think you should make sure you spend some time with Reggie. You two have more in common than you probably realize.”

  He regarded me for a moment. “I will. Thanks, darlin’. Have fun on set today.”

  “Honestly? I’d rather go home and sleep for about thirty hours.”

  “You could quit,” Clint offered.

  “I can’t, actually. It’s kind of complicated. Later, cowboy.”

  “Bye, darlin’.”

  I pried the door open and watched Clint disappear across the lawn with the light glinting off his hat, like an old movie character walking into the sunset.

  • • •

  Two gleaming swords met in the skyline. In my mind, the sound rang across the horizon as they became one. Gavin kicked out at Tanner Dryden, the actor playing Elof, and the man stumbled into the sand. As he tumbled, Tanner kicked sand into Gavin’s face and Gavin coughed as the grains entered his open mouth.

  Everything stopped as the director yelled “Cut!” and Gavin left, presumably to clean himself up.

  Veronica tapped my shoulder. “Be a dear and get me a coffee from craft se
rvices, would you?”

  She mimed picking up a cup and drinking it.

  “That’s not the sign for coffee.” I placed my fists one on top of the other and rotated the top fist in a counterclockwise direction. “That is.”

  My attempted ASL lesson was in vain, however, as Veronica had already pulled out her phone and no longer looked in my direction. She swatted me away like a pesky mosquito, and I curled my hands into fists as I spun on my heel.

  I weaved through the cameras and crew members, nodding at the people who offered a wave in my direction. As I passed Dag’s shack, I glanced around. No one seemed to be watching me. The shack had been given a removable fourth wall for exterior shots since my first day. If I had to do such stupid things as bringing Veronica coffee, I should at least be allowed a few moments alone in the home of the character I created.

  The door had been carved from a deep-grained wood and I slid my fingers across its surface, grinning as it rose and fell beneath my flesh. I turned the handle and slipped into the dim cabin. It took a few minutes for my eyes to become accustomed to the lack of light in the small space, but soon, I could make out the long dinner table and rolls of maps piled in the corner.

  A movement to my left caught my eye. I eased forward, squinting at the abundance of furs. I clapped my hand over my mouth.

  A bear.

  Somehow a bear had gotten into the cabin. And I was alone with it. I took a step back, almost colliding with a spotlight. I wrapped my shaking hand around the stem and found the power switch. White light filled the room, bringing the shadows into focus. At the exact same moment, the pelts fell to the floor, revealing the deep honey of perfectly tanned and toned skin. The creature turned and I gasped.

  So . . . not a bear, then.

  It was Gavin Hartley.

  And he was naked.

  “Elise?”

  I probably should’ve focused on Gavin’s lips after he asked the question, but my eyes roamed lower of their own accord. Past his toned shoulders, down his well-defined abs and . . .

  Well, then.

  No wonder the man got all the women in Hollywood. Michelangelo would’ve wept at Gavin’s form and tossed David right into the Tiber River before retiring to the Italian countryside for good.

  I licked my lips. “Uh, so sorry. I came in here to be alone for a second.”

  I ordered my eyes to move back to his mouth, despite their insistence at remaining focused on . . . other areas.

  “No problem,” Gavin said. “I was just cleaning off the sand. Turns out, it gets everywhere.”

  “Right. I can . . . yeah . . . I see that.”

  He grabbed the furs from the floor, giving me a perfect view of his behind. It was almost as good of a sight as his front.

  I took another step backward, the back of my head colliding with the spotlight. “Ow. Shit.”

  Gavin tugged up his costume and I exhaled with a combination of relief and disappointment.

  He stepped around the table and touched my shoulder. “You okay?”

  Was I okay with seeing last year’s sexiest man alive naked and glistening with sweat? Yeah, I was pretty okay with that.

  “I’m fine,” I said. “Though I feel like I’ve been saying that a lot lately. I seem to always get hurt when you’re around.”

  “So you’re saying it’s me?”

  “It’s a working theory.”

  His hand remained on my shoulder. He trailed his fingers up my neck and touched my chin. Despite the warmth of the cabin, I shivered.

  “I’d never want to be responsible for hurting you, Elise.”

  Gavin was so close I could feel the heat pulsing off his body. My breath came out ragged as he studied me. He still smelled like cinnamon—which was exactly how I thought of him, a perfect combination of spicy and sweet.

  My heart jumped in so many directions it felt like it was on a trampoline. His fingers traced my jaw and tilted my face to his. He leaned forward. He was so close, his breath whispered across my cheek and I could make out the minty traces of his toothpaste. All of a sudden, he dropped his hand and took a step back. He slumped onto the bench behind him.

  Do you think I’m doing a good job on this show? he signed.

  I took a shallow breath and let it out slowly. What do you mean?

  I don’t think Aubrey is happy with me as Dag. She never wants to talk about it. She’s sweet, and I know she likes me. But I can’t tell if she thinks I’m doing her character justice.

  “Oh.” I sank onto the bench beside him, rubbing the back of my head where a small bump had already started to form. “Well, maybe she just doesn’t know how to talk about it with you. But I know for a fact Aubrey Lynch thinks you’re doing a wonderful job as Dag. You’re perfect.”

  His lower lip twitched up. “Really? She’s told you that?”

  I bit the inside of my mouth. It was insane—this amazing specimen of a human being feeling insecure about anything. But the doubt that lingered on his face ground my heart into little bits and turned the rest of me to mush. If I hadn’t been sitting on the bench, I might have dissolved into a puddle on the floor.

  “Trust me. You’re everything she pictured for this role. Better than she pictured. She just . . . she just can’t tell you. She’s afraid to.”

  “Aubrey doesn’t seem like a girl who’s afraid of anything.”

  I glanced at the wall. My throat felt dry and tight in the confined space of the cabin. “She’s more afraid than you think.”

  Gavin touched my chin and turned me to face him. “Are we still talking about Aubrey?”

  “Yes,” I said. I had to tell him. None of this was fair. To him. To me. He had to know that the real person who wrote Viking Moon adored him and thought he was more than perfect. I’d just have to hope he’d understand. Besides, he’d already confessed to liking the author. All I needed to do was explain that it was me. Nothing to it. I took a deep breath. “We’re still talking about her. Because, Gavin, I’m—”

  Gavin held up a hand to cut me off and turned from me suddenly, as something else caught his attention. I followed his gaze. The shape of a crew member filled the entrance.

  Gavin touched my shoulder to get my attention. I’ve gotta go. They need me.

  I closed my eyes for a moment. Once again, I’d been so close. I licked my lips. Of course. Go ahead.

  He walked to the door and pulled it open before turning back to me. “You’re coming to the Halloween party on Friday, right?”

  “I’m not really a party kind of girl.”

  “You have to come,” he said. “It’s mostly the cast and crew. You’ll know almost everyone. Nothing threatening, I promise. Please say you’ll be there.”

  “How can I say no when Gavin Hartley personally invites me?”

  “You can’t.”

  His grin was infectious and I found myself mirroring it.

  “Okay, I’ll be there. Can I bring some friends?”

  “Bring anyone you want. And don’t forget your costume.”

  Gavin disappeared through the door and I was alone in the darkness. My entire body shook and I sank lower onto the bench.

  For the briefest of moments, I’d thought Gavin was going to kiss me. Then I’d almost broken and told him all my secrets. For the second time that day. What was I thinking? Just because he liked my books? I could’ve wrecked everything. Stupid, stupid Elise. Besides, knowing who I really was wouldn’t have made a difference. I wasn’t the kind of girl movie stars fell for. I was the kind of girl who wrote about things like that happening.

  I buried my face in my hands and closed my eyes as one other thing crossed my mind. Then I bolted up in my chair and moaned.

  Shit. Now I needed a costume.

  • • •

  “I look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. You know, pre–rich guy makeover.”

  “No way, Elise. You do not look like a hooker. Besides, the whole point of Halloween is to look like someone other than yourself.”

&nb
sp; My and Reggie’s reflections disappeared as she spun me away from the mirror. I tugged at the hem of the tight skirt, willing it to stay at midthigh, where it was supposed to. I’d fought the skirt tooth and nail, but Reggie had insisted it was appropriate for a celebrity party, despite the fact that she’d never actually been to one.

  I’d won the argument on the top, though. Instead of the tight, revealing V-neck number she’d chosen, I’d gone with a simple peach blouse that was sheer enough near the top to reveal the fancy straps of the pale pink bra Reggie had insisted I buy, but covered me enough that I wouldn’t be worried about showing off my scars in a room full of perfect people. I buttoned the top button, ignoring my roommate’s protests.

  Reggie pulled my hair into a high ponytail, brushed one more layer of powder over my cheeks, and spun me back to face the mirror. I had to admit, she’d done a good job of accenting my features and hiding my flaws. The white scar down the side of my face was merely a whisper of light against my skin. If you weren’t looking closely, you might simply mistake it for a slip of the highlighter brush. To be safe, I pulled some tendrils out of the ponytail to frame my face.

  My blue eyes popped with the addition of brown eyeliner smudged around the rims and my lips glittered with a baby-pink gloss that caught the light when I moved.

  “I declare you fit to mingle with celebrities,” Reggie said to my reflection.

  Veronica sat on my bed, painting her nails red and doing her best to pretend my roommate and I weren’t there. It seemed strange to me she’d insisted on getting ready with us. But when I’d suggested we meet at the party, her lips had taken on a pout I usually saw only around Gavin. I couldn’t help but wonder again at the state of her life. She lived alone, in a house that barely looked broken in. She had no photos of friends or family I’d seen, and despite the fact that she acted like she hated me, she was almost always around.

  I’d tried to ask her about her family once on set, but she’d walked away as though she hadn’t heard me. The stiffening of her shoulders, however, hinted that she’d absorbed every word.