Page 5 of Small Town Prince Charming

“It took determination. I had to believe in my abilities, and it took time, mistakes and some hardship, too.” Tracey walked with her into the theatre. “But I celebrated my little victories and learned from the misfires. I knew I could do it—costuming—and I learned everything I could to sharpen my skills.”

“Then I will, too.” The girl walked off and disappeared backstage.

Derek thundered up to her. “Let me guess, you did your perfect magic stuff and bolstered her, right? You told her she could do this and to keep trying?”

“I did. Is that a problem?” Tracey pulled her phone from her pocket. “I have a job to do. If you don’t have input on the costumes, then leave.”

Derek growled as she walked away. She had work to do and didn’t need his annoyances. Plus, she wanted a chance to speak to Ryan. Something about Ryan made her want to do her best.

She’d come back to Blakes Creek to get away from the craziness of the city, but she could be persuaded to accept a little complication in the form of Ryan Greene.

Chapter Two

Ryan stood on the ladder and finished securing the last piece of the drop in place. He listened to Tracey give Derek hell and cheered her on. Someone had to stand up to Derek. Ryan’s acts of belligerence weren’t enough, and Derek needed to ease up on the cast. No one would want to be in the production if he kept running them off with his attitude.

He climbed down from the ladder and folded the equipment up before carrying the ladder from the stage. Tracey said she wanted to speak to him. Part of him wanted to chat with her. They’d been friends, and he missed her.

But the rest of him worried she’d give him hell, too.

He’d heard the arguments before. He didn’t deserve to raise his niece. He wasn’t father material. He needed to sort out his life before he cared for another. If she wanted to chew him out for trying to keep body and soul together for Maisey, then she could save her breath. He didn’t have time for another lecture.

Derek marched up to Ryan. “Are you done? You took forever. Is the paint still wet?”

“First, no one painted anything today. Second, yes, I am done with the backdrop. It’s in place and will pull just fine for the meadow scenes,” Ryan said. “Third, we’re ahead of schedule. Tracey’s right. You need to ease up or you won’t have a production, because no one will want to be in the musical.”

“No? Because you’re such a well-known director?” Derek snorted. “Or because you want her attention? Everyone knows you still have a thing for her.”

“Shut up.” He didn’t want to dwell in the past. Tracey might be back and want to talk to him, but she wouldn’t be single.

When he swept his gaze over Tracey, the old feelings rushed over him again. Derek was right—he’d never forgotten his crush on her. The attraction lingered. He wanted to hold her again, sing songs with her and listen to her laugh. Back when they’d performed together in high school, they’d connected.

He ignored Derek’s verbal barrage and watched Tracey. She’d filled out a bit and still stole his breath. He liked women with curves, and she fit his bill. When she smiled, she warmed him all over.

“Did you hear me?” Derek stepped in the way, blocking Ryan’s view. “Excuse me?”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t listening.” He glared at Derek. “What?”

“Focus on your job. You’re being paid to create the sets, not stare at my costume mistress. You’re dismissed for the evening.” Derek flicked his hand, then strode away.

The nerve... Ryan rubbed his forehead. A dull ache started behind his eyes. He needed to pick Maisey up from the rehearsal room. He couldn’t afford the lessons or costumes, but he wouldn’t deny her the chance to spend time with Miss Donnah. He didn’t have the heart to tell Maisey she couldn’t participate.

One day, things would work out, and he’d be able to give Maisey more opportunities. Not today. At the moment, he still had to pay off Jessica’s debts.

“Ryan?” Tracey held a clipboard and one of the glittery chorus girl dresses. “Do you have a second?”

“I do.” He’d rather run. “How are you?”

“I’m good. Busy. You seem busy, too.” She smiled. “You’re doing well with the sets. I can’t wait to see them in action.”

“Thanks.” Was he blushing? The tips of his ears burned. “The costumes looked good. I haven’t seen them all, but I bet they’re great.”

“Oh, they’re not done yet. I still have to get everyone fitted properly and figure out where to add more glitz like Derek wants.” She fiddled with the garment in her hands. “I wanted to talk to you about Maisey.”

“What did she do?” He steeled himself for her answer. Maisey could tell tales and made things seem worse than reality. She craved attention, too.

“It’s not anything she did.” Tracey left the stage and strode out to the audience. “Here. This is less invasive. No, it’s what happened.”

“What happened? Did she try to set us up? She thinks I need another wife.” Shit. He shouldn’t have said that. “Sorry.”

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