Page 21 of Taking Chances in Cedarwood

He’d long tired of the intruding fans, but he knew his place. If he showed anger or frustration, it’d end up in the tabloids. For all he knew, this woman was a plant to get him to react. He signed the magazine, writing his name along his collar in the photo. “You’re a fan?” He’d learned to ask this question. True fans gushed about him, but the planted people bristled.

“Since age twelve.” She batted her lashes. “And you’re here in the middle of Nowhere, Ohio. Are you hiding?”

“No.” He offered the magazine back to her. She hadn’t asked for her name with the autograph, and his antennae twitched. “I’m researching a role.”

“You are?” Her eyes lit up. “Well, if you need an acting coach or just want someone to show you around town, I’m your girl. My name is Tina, and I’m a lifelong resident of Cedarwood. We’re a good place to live, but we’re quirky.”

“How old are you?” She seemed rather young.

“Seventeen.” She clutched the magazine. “I’ll be eighteen in six months.”

“Good to know.” He smiled. “I need to get moving, but it was wonderful to meet you, Tina. I’m enjoying my time in Cedarwood and I hope to see you again.”

“You’re really getting into character,” she said. “Because no one comes to Cedarwood otherwise. It’s boring.”

“I’m working on making my character authentic, so I need to prepare in the right atmosphere.” He nodded to his car. “Have a good afternoon.”

“No picture?” She held up her phone. “Please?”

“Sure.” He stepped in next to her. She hadn’t said anything about a picture before. He smiled as she lined up the image. In his years of celebrity, he’d learned not to touch people during photos. Most didn’t care, but some fans claimed having an arm around them meant the celebrity was interested.Nope.He, like many of his friends in the business, was just being nice.

She snapped the photo. “Thanks.”

He nodded again. “You’re welcome.”

“Remember what I said.” She winked, then walked away.

He sighed. He’d have to find another place to live. She’d found him, which meant he wasn’t incognito enough any longer. It wasn’t like he’d made a point of telling anyone he was in town, but once one person knew of his existence there…everyone would show up.

He checked the area around his car, then ducked behind the wheel. The coast seemed clear, but he knew better. He’d been found out. There weren’t guards there to keep him safe, no walls to block anyone out and no way to escape.

God damn it.

Chapter Nine

Fifteen minutes later, Cain pulled into the spot behind Andrew’s truck. Wild excitement filled his chest. He’d escaped the apartment for the safety of the farm. He’d grown attached to Andrew. Now he’d be able to talk to him in private.

Andrew drove up on the tractor. He’d ditched his shirt and his skin seemed to glow. Perspiration glistened on his bare shoulders. His ballcap sat low over his forehead and his jeans strained against his hips.

Cain shifted in his seat. Andrew was a walking wet dream. He rubbed the bulge in his jeans. He needed to get laid—by Andrew. He wanted to lick him all over like a popsicle.

Andrew stopped the tractor and parked. He left the seat of the massive vehicle and ambled up to Cain’s car. “Hi.”

Cain scrambled out of the vehicle. “Hi.” He rammed the door into his hip but managed to get it closed. “I wanted to help and see how a farm runs.”

“You do?” Andrew’s lips twitched in a slight smile.

“Yeah.” He launched himself at Andrew. The move was impulsive, but he needed to kiss him. He loved the way Andrew tasted—perspiration and salt, but sunshine, as well. He smoothed his hands over Andrew’s torso.So taut and lean.Andrew’s nipples beaded, too.Damn.

Andrew broke the kiss first. “Whoa.”

Cain’s lips tingled. Hell, his entire body vibrated. “Good whoa? Or stop?”

“Good.” Andrew stayed close to Cain. “You kissed me.”

“I did.” He caressed the lines of Andrew’s abs. “I’d like to kiss you again.” He stared into Andrew’s eyes. Hunger shot through his veins. “May I?”

“Kiss me?”

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