“Here we are,” he echoed. “How am I doing so far?”
“Good, but the night is young. Still plenty of time to ruin your chances of getting lucky. What next?”
“Tell me something no one else knows,” Brian said.
Alex opened her mouth and to her surprise, her biggest secret spilled out. “When I lived in Texas about five years ago, my boyfriend asked me to marry him.”
Brian frowned. “No one else knows that?”
Alex looked at her plate of edamame husks. “No. I broke up with him right after and moved to Oregon.”
“You didn’t tell your parents?” All the humor left his face.
“No. My mother would’ve loved him. That’s why I ran away. He wanted me to quit my job and settle down. Start a family. There he was, the kind of man my mother told me to find, asking me to marry him. I couldn’t do it. Relationships scare me. That’s why this is perfect,” she said motioning between them because she couldn’t admit she wanted more with Brian. He had clearly defined what they had—a fun vacation. Not a relationship. There was no sense in wanting more because she wouldn’t get it from him.
Silence surrounded them, and for a minute Alex regretted sharing that information with him. And then he spoke.
“I was high for most of the movie I filmed two years ago,” he admitted.
Her mouth hung open. “Seriously?”
“At first it was for fun, but after a while, I couldn’t function without it.”
“No one noticed?”
“I got sloppy near the end of filming. The director said he would never work with me again. I may or may not have punched him at a Christmas party. That got the attention of my agent.”
“Did you go to rehab?”
“Not at first. I thought it didn’t matter where I woke up, or the fact that I couldn’t remember driving somewhere. Ozzie brought me back.”
“Your dog?”
“Ozzie wouldn’t understand if I never came home.”
“I’m glad you did it for him.”
He squeezed her hand. “Me, too.”
Everything she felt for him came to the surface. It was more than happiness. It was love. Not that it mattered because his vacation was coming to an end and that meant he would be going home. There was no room in his Hollywood life for her, so she took all her feelings and swallowed them down, keeping them locked up where they belonged.
When he cleared his throat, he interrupted her thoughts. “Tell me something else. Something that’s maybe not so—”
“Depressing?” she finished. When he nodded, she went on. “I tried to steal a candy bar when I was in junior high, but couldn’t follow through with it. I overcompensated by paying for it with a five dollar bill and telling the guy to keep my change.”
Brian laughed. “When I was little, I loved peeing outside. In Kindergarten that didn’t go over too well. My mom didn’t think to warn me.”
A laugh bubbled up out of Alex. “That must’ve been an interesting call from the principal.”
“It’s one of my mom’s favorite stories to share…at dinner parties.”
“Oh, here’s an obscure one. I love the sound of really sharp scissors opening and closing. When I was little, I used to steal my dad’s best scissors so I could sit in my room and listen to the sound while snipping tiny pieces of paper.” She laughed at the memory. “He always knew where to find them when they were missing.”
Brian laughed, too. “Here’s something most people don’t know: I hate going to the gym.”
“That must suck, considering your occupation. As Maggie said, you’re paid to look good.”
“You two talk about me, huh?” he asked as he lifted an eyebrow.
“Of course we do.”
If she wasn’t already smitten, his dazzling smile would’ve done her in. “Anything you want to share?”
She shrugged. “The usual. How good of a cook you are, how much Koko loves you. That sort of thing.” The truth was Maggie knew almost every detail of their relationship, but Brian didn’t need to know that.
Their conversation lulled when their meals came out. Their server filled their drinks and then disappeared.
They shared food and continued talking about everything and anything for the next hour. Most of the time passed with Brian talking about the places he had visited. Alex hadn’t been out of the country, so his stories captivated her.
“This is, by far, the best first date I’ve ever been on,” Alex said.
“I’m glad you gave me a chance.”
When the server came with the check, Brian put his finger up, indicating he should wait while Brian opened his wallet. He slid two large bills into the black folder with their check and said, “Keep the change, Mark.”
“Thank you, sir. I hope you have a wonderful night,” he replied before disappearing one final time.
“How did you know his name?” Alex said.
“He said it earlier when he told us the specials. I waited tables when I was in college. It always made my night when someone called me by name.” He smiled. “A big tip didn’t hurt either, so I always make a point to do both.”
Just what she needed, another reason to love him. “Thank you for taking me out. It was perfect.”
“Thank you for letting me.”
She took his arm and he led her to the car, unlocking the passenger door for her and guiding her into her seat. “Thank you, kind sir.”
“My lady,” he replied, kissing her hand before letting it go.
****
Brian sat in the driver’s seat and started the car. Once he pulled onto the highway headed to Twisted Juniper, Alex grabbed his hand and laced her fingers through his.
“What a great night,” she said, her voice sleepy. She leaned against the headrest and closed her eyes.
“You make every night great.”
A smile spread across her face, but she didn’t respond.
During dinner, her revelation about her marriage proposal had shaken him. What did that mean for him? The only way to find out was to ask. “Do you think your mom would like me?”
“You’re kidding, right? Do you remember how excited she got when she recognized you during our video chat?” Wiggling her shoulders deeper into the seat, she yawned and then said, “She would love you.”
That sealed the deal. Didn’t it?
While he drove, her breathing slowed and evened out and then her grip on his hand loosened.
“Does that mean you’re going to run away from me?” That was the question he really wanted to ask, but the only reason he asked it now was because he knew she wouldn’t respond. “I have a better idea. I’m leaving the day after tomorrow. You should come with me.” As the fantasy played through his mind, he smiled. Alex would run after the plane and demand to get on. And then he would tell her he loved her and she would move to California because he would ask her to marry him. Only that time, she would say yes.
Except she wouldn’t. He knew that now. If her long term boyfriend in Texas couldn’t convince her, what made him think he could? What did he have to offer? A tiny knife twisted in his heart.
When they finally got back, he parked in front of her house, took her keys out of her purse, and unlocked the front door and greeted Koko. “Your mom is asleep. Stay here.”
Koko got onto the back of the couch and watched through the window as Brian lifted Alex out of the passenger seat. Alex wrapped her arms around him, nestled against his chest, and mumbled in her sleep.
“Shh, it’s okay, we’re home.”
“Home,” she echoed in her sleepy voice when he closed the front door behind them. “That sounds nice when you say it.”
He put her down gently on her bed. “I need to move the car.”
Koko returned to her perch by the window while Brian moved the car, and then followed him to bed. Alex had tried to undress but hadn’t gotten very far. One shoe still clung to her foot and she had only managed to get the zipper halfway down on her dress,
making the material sag against her shoulders.
“Help, please,” she mumbled against the pillow with her hand still wedged behind her back where she fumbled with the zipper.
Brian chuckled and pushed her hand out of the way. When he got the zipper down, he tugged while she lifted. They were the perfect team. Lying face down, she didn’t stir while he undressed, but when he joined her in bed, she wiggled toward him.
“Sorry, I’m so sleepy. No getting lucky tonight,” she murmured as she wrapped her arm and leg around him.
“Good night,” he said. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her. He did, but holding her was just as good. Maybe better. In the moments before sleep and again before waking, she was unguarded and vulnerable. It made his heart ache to think he wouldn’t get to experience it again, so he stayed awake as long as possible.
****
In the morning, Alex rolled onto her back, covered her face with a pillow, and groaned. “How is it Sunday already?” Two whole days of domestic bliss were coming to an end.
“I don’t know,” Brian answered. “The wrap party is tonight.”
She peeked at him to see how he felt about that, but his face was unreadable.
“Is everyone going to be there?” he asked.
“Lynn offered to stay behind. We can’t all be gone at once.”
“You’re coming, right?”
“Well, not at the moment, but…” she trailed off and smiled at him.
“I can fix that,” he said.
And he spent the next half hour making that happen.
Alex marked the occasion in her brain—the last time they would have morning sex. The list grew throughout the day. The last time she checked in with Steve. The last time she anxiously watched a cameraman hug a cliff to get the best shot. And the last time the crew gathered on the set.
A list of firsts grew as well.
It was the first time in a while she dreaded the end of the day. When work was done, Brian would have to leave. Watching him pack was also a first. She didn’t like either.
“Are you sure you have to go?” she asked. “No one would notice if we didn’t show up, would they?”
Brian laughed. “Pretty sure everyone would notice if I wasn’t there. Especially Nate.”
Instead of crying, she went into the kitchen and grabbed the apron hanging on the side of her fridge. With any luck, it would remind him of the week they spent together. After folding it neatly, she tucked it into his packed bag. He was leaving. Really leaving.
As if he could read her mind, he said, “We still have tonight.” And then he caressed her cheek and kissed her sweetly before stuffing his toothbrush into his duffle bag. “I need to go. Travis wants to grab a few drinks before the party.”
“I’ll see you there,” she promised, kissing him again. It wasn’t goodbye. Not yet.
Koko’s tail swished against the floor when he bent down to hug her. Over the past few days, he and Koko had spent a lot of time together and it showed.
It took twenty minutes for her to stop crying and another hour before she could consider facing a crowd.
Maggie and Henry had gone into town with Jim in the afternoon to prepare for the party. Everyone would be there. Even though she wanted to, she couldn’t stay home and wallow. A promise was a promise.
By the time she arrived at Dembi Brewing, the party was well underway. Jim had arranged a few servers to come and help, but he buzzed around the room delivering beers and appetizers. Maggie stood near the bar with Henry tucked in the sling wrapped around her torso, rocking back and forth and chatting with Neal. She waved across the room, beckoning Alex to join them.
“How’s it going?” Alex asked as she joined their conversation.
“Good,” Maggie answered. “I think everyone is here.” The everyone she was referring to was Blaze, who was sitting with the stunt team, laughing loudly and taking pictures in the Dembi Brewing T-shirt Jim had given him, which would be featured in dozens of selfies and most likely boost the popularity of the local pub.
Alex nodded. “How are you, Neal?”
“Not as busy as you, but I’ve been good.”
The heat of a blush crept up her neck.
“I meant work,” he said, but he followed her gaze to the loudest table in the room. Looking from Maggie to Alex he whispered, “Does she know, too?”
“Wait, Neal knows?” Maggie said.
Alex hushed them both. “You’re the only ones. Please keep your voices down.”
Neal pressed his lips together. “I thought everything went well,” he said, changing the subject. “You’re a good boss.”
The blush spread. “I survived,” she said. “I’m anxious to hear what Mr. Reid thinks.” Worry creased her forehead as she glanced at the director, who was deep in discussion with Steve. Mr. Reid only seemed to have one emotion—serious.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Maggie said.
As the night wore on and the beer started to work, Alex relaxed. Just like on the set, she avoided Blaze. Making her way around the room, she shared stories and laughed with the crewmembers she’d come to know.
Steve waved at her, signaling her to join him. “Alex.”
“Are you having fun?”
“I am. Have you given any more thought to my offer?” he asked, his words slurring together a little.
With everything else going on, his offer was more than she could process. Accepting would mean moving and being in charge full time. “I’m not really comfortable being in a managerial position,” she admitted.
He blew air out loudly. “You’re a natural. You’re the only person I would trust with the job. Will you think about it? Please?”
“I, um…” The hem of her brown shirt had a loose thread she couldn’t resist, a nervous habit she couldn’t break.
“As a favor, to your friend?” he added, pointing to himself with both of his thumbs.
“I’ll think about it.”
A little later, Mr. Reid sat alone, so she took the opportunity to ask him the question she needed and dreaded hearing the answer to.
“Hi, Mr. Reid,” she said, approaching him.
“I’ve been hoping to speak with you tonight.” The somber lines around his mouth became more visible.
Oh shit. She held her breath and braced herself.
“I wanted to express my gratitude for everything you’ve done to make filming this movie a success.”
Alex blinked.
“Thank you for taking our safety concerns so seriously and educating the crew. I look forward to working with you again.”
“Thank you, sir,” she said once her brain started working again. “Thank you so much. That means a lot.”
“I’ll have my people handle things with the governor’s office.”
Two weeks of worry erased with one sentence. “Thank you, sir. Thank you,” she repeated, and then, to her horror, she bowed. Mortified, she gave him a tight smile and then darted for the hallway leading to the bathrooms. Leaning against the wall, she closed her eyes.
“What did he say?” Brian asked.
A squeak of surprise escaped her lips and then she glared at him. “You need to wear a bell.”
He smiled. “Mr. Reid. What happened?”
“I bowed for some reason. I’m so stupid. But he said he appreciated me and he would make sure his people would handle things with the governor’s office.” For a moment, she forgot where they were, and she grinned and then threw her arms around his neck.
“I told you there was nothing to worry about. You’re amazing. Everyone can see that,” he said, his mouth inches from hers.
When she kissed him, she let her worries slip away and focused on the tingling feeling spreading through her body as his hands spread across her ass.
Their moment of bliss didn’t last long.
Something flashed and then Nate said, “Holy shit.” The bathroom door closed behind him. “This explains everything.”
Brian stalked toward him.
“Hand it over, Nate.”
“Or what?” Nate asked, trying to stand his ground as Brian pushed him into the door. “Why didn’t you just tell me you were slumming it?”
“Fuck you.” Brian jabbed Nate in his chest.
“No, fuck you.” Nate smiled and looked down at his phone.
Brian grabbed it and threw it against the far wall. Pieces of plastic and glass rained down, clattering onto the floor.
“Asshole,” Nate shouted before grabbing the mangled remains and storming off.
“What just happened?” Alex asked, stunned.
“He’s looking to get his ass kicked, that’s what. He doesn’t know me,” he said with disdain.
Nate had looked at her like she was pathetic, and Brian had stood up for her. It made her heart race. “We should probably get back to the party before someone else notices us.”
“Can I see you later? I’m in room 212; it’s right by the stairs.”
Someone’s voice traveled down the hall.
“Please? It’s our last night together.”
“Yes, I’ll be there.” Before they got caught again, she kissed him quickly and then pushed him toward the men’s room before joining the party.
Eventually, the party wrapped up and Alex stayed behind to help Jim clean up long after everyone else left.
“Will you keep Koko tonight? Maybe tomorrow, too?” Alex asked Maggie as she stacked chairs on tables. Without a clue about Brian’s travel plans, she had arranged to take Monday off.
“Of course,” she said, smiling. “You should go. We’ll take care of the rest.”
“Thanks,” Alex said, jogging toward the exit.
Chapter Twenty
The wrap party moved from the brewery to the hotel. No one wanted the night to end, least of all, Brian. With one last glance at Alex, Travis dragged him outside to the waiting vans, but she didn’t look at him. When she showed up, he would get to see her again. What if she didn’t show up? It wasn’t a good idea to think about that. After all, she had promised.
Back at the hotel, several rooms on the second floor were open. People flowed in and out, moving from one conversation to another. Brian led Travis into the room across from Nate’s, which was just a few doors down from his own. He had to keep an eye on his door.
Love on Location Page 19