Page 1 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood

Chapter One

“You want me to do what?” Liam Blackwell rolled his eyes and squeezed his phone. “Pat, I don’t know the first thing about small towns.”Christ.How could his agent think he’d be right for the part of a farmer in Ohio or that he knew a damn thing about farming? He’d never been on a farm. If she were there in the same room, rather than on the phone, he could explain better.

“I knew when you did that audition for the superhero movie that you were a candidate for this film. I sent the producers and talent scout that audition and that’s what got you the job. The director asked for you by name,” Patricia Michaels said. “Just do it. It’s a starring role, great pay and you get a percentage of the residuals. Why turn that down? You can get experience with this director.”

“How?” He tamped down his irritation. He needed the money. He had a lifestyle to maintain. He was still trying to get his last girlfriend to keep quiet about his sexuality. He wasn’t ready to come out. How was he supposed to play convincing leading roles in rom-coms if no one believed he was attracted to the heroine and not the other hero?

“Don’t you have a ballplayer friend? Tanner Fox, right? He lives in Cedarwood, Ohio. The last time I checked, it’s a sweet little town. They have quirks, but you might get the experience you need if you live there for six months. Call Tanner and get info about the town, then accept the damn role.”

Well, fuck.“I’ll call Tanner.” He groaned. “And I’ll take the role.” He massaged his temple. He had few options. The last time he’d worked had been over a year before. “I read the script. It’s not the kind of role I like. It’s simple.”

“Of course it is. He’s a farmer. He’s not a tortured artist or playwright. Jesus. You need a winner and this film is it,” Pat said. “I’ve never steered you wrong before. The studio and the director want you. No one else.”

“I’ll do my best.” He sank onto the bar stool. “You’ll send me the extra details, right? Like anything about Cedarwood?”

“On the way. Call Tanner.” She hung up, leaving him in silence.

Liam tossed his phone onto the bar and grumbled.A freaking small-town movie. God help me to not bomb.

His phone rang.Patricia.He should answer, but she’d hung up on him. He wasn’t in the mood to have his ass chewed again. He hated to be pushed, even if he deserved it. He waited until the ringing stopped before he retrieved the device.

A notification appeared on the screen. One voicemail.

He tapped the screen and retrieved the message from his agent. “Get your butt in gear. I sent the details in an email and I’ve got the contracts on my desk. You’ll report to the set in Washington in November. Now call Tanner and stop dicking around.”

He frowned. She wasn’t about to let up. November. He had until November…that was barely enough time to prepare for the role, let alone understand the small-town situation. He dialed Tanner’s number. There was no guarantee Tanner would answer. He’d seen a press release saying Tanner had married a doctor. There might have been a kid involved, but he wasn’t sure and didn’t remember.

After four rings, the call connected. “Hello, Liam. How are you?”

“Tanner,” Liam said. “I’m good. How’s life treating you?”

“Fantastic. I’ll resume my role with the local team as the assistant coach. Our son is starting the first grade and Dane and I are solid. I’m living the dream. What about you?”

“You have no regrets that you’re not in the major league?” He’d have been crushed to not be a star. He loved the spotlight.Doesn’t Tanner love it, too?

“I thought I would, but I’m good where I am. It’s funny. I never thought I’d like Cedarwood. It’s a small town. It’s quiet—save for the Coalition—but even they’ve slowed down their assaults. Why? Are you thinking of leaving show business?”

“Not really. I love the excitement.”

“Understandable. You love attention.”

“I do.” He chuckled. “I live for the spotlight.”

“I know,” Tanner said. “So what? We haven’t talked in ages. I’d ask you want you want because you never call just to talk. Look, I can’t set you up with anyone because I don’t know who to ask.”

“Huh? No.” His irritation showed up again. Why couldn’t Pat get him in with the right people in Cedarwood? She liked to convince people to fall into line. “I’m interested in visiting Cedarwood.”

“You are? Who is she?”

“No one,” Liam said. “I’m researching a role. I’m playing a guy who has a farm. A girl ends up stranded on the road in front of my farm and walks back to the house to get help. I take her in since it’s a stormy night. I think it involves snow. Anyway, it’s sweet and schlocky, but it’s a job. It should lead to something meatier the next time around.”I hope.“I called because I wanted to know if you knew the right place to stay when I come to town. Like a house for rent or something?”

“I do. We have a friend who has a duplex. You could rent half of the house. It’s in town, but it’ll give you a feel for Cedarwood,” Tanner said.

“Fine. When I fly in, I’ll find you.”

“How about I send you the information? You can set it all up and do what you want, rather than depending on me,” Tanner said. “I’ve got a house, man and child to worry about. You’re not on that list.”

“I know.”

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