Page 35 of Rescued Heart

Only a country music song filled the truck cab.

Back to business, apparently.

Pops of color on the store signs filled the street in front of them. None of them gave Bianca the right words to ask more about Eddie’s hometown.

Perhaps, like her, his past wasn’t filled with only happy memories but also mistakes that still affected him.

He turned down a one-way street and stopped for a row of people on the crosswalk. He released a low whistle. “Main is packed. Guess the picketers have to eat sometime too.”

Bianca secured her purse against her lap. “Better here than breaking into the studio again.”

That stunt had cost them two hours of filming. Longer production time meant she went longer without her much-needed bigger paycheck.

Eddie put on his turn signal. “We’re going to have to walk. Those heels may not have been a good idea. If you want me to swing back by your trailer to get you another pair of shoes, I can. Or I can drop you off at the door and then park.”

In the movies, this moment would be when the audience murmured an “aww.” Instead, Bianca simply smiled. Was it really him thinking of her needs, or was he postponing going out with her?

The money for the kids’ rec center was probably the only reason he hadn’t already made a U-turn. “As much as I want to be in a pair of flip-flops, I’ve got to play the part. We both need to walk.”

Eddie put on his turn signal. “More pretending it is.”

Silence fell until he finished parallel parking.

She went to open her door, but a car zipped past her window.

He opened his driver’s-side door and paused. “Want me to come around and open your door, or do you want to slide across and climb out my door? Though the second option won’t exactly be movie-star worthy.”

She slid right over the truck’s bench and then realized her mistake. He hadn’t exited fully, and she was pressed right against his side.

He swallowed. Then hopped out. But instead of leaving her to catch her breath, he extended his hand to her.

She took his offer, his grip strong and warm, and the urge to lace her fingers through his shot through her.

She dropped his hand and locked all her fingers around her purse.

Boundaries, like in acting with any attractive costar, needed to be set. Didn’t matter that the butterflies in her stomach were confused.

People flowed down the sidewalk ahead, some looking at their phones, others carrying shopping bags. One woman struggled with the wheels of her baby stroller.

Someone here would recognize her, and the plan would run smoothly.

Bianca slipped her hand onto his elbow.

Eddie tensed and stopped walking.

She removed her hand. “Sorry. I’m so used to?—”

“Pretending.” His voice was flat.

She shifted on her heels. “Are you changing your mind about tonight?”

About our deal.

He extended his elbow. “No, we both still need each other. I’m not used to…”

Dating. Actresses. Me.

He slid his keys into his pocket. “To the spotlight.”

---