Page 90 of Love like the (Real) Reel Thing
“You made that sound you make when something’s wrong.” He shot her an amused look. “You sort of huffed.”
“I didn’t huff.” Jess tried not to sound even more annoyed.
“My mistake,” Adam said, cheerfully. “So, apart from Snuggles being poisoned by chocolate, most of the cast and crew being poisoned by dodgy chicken curry, and the local river being poisoned by a paint spill, how do you think things are going?”
Jess looked over as his mouth twitched, and she started to laugh. “Shit, thingshavebeen a bit disastrous. Okay, but on the upside, I’ve a whole new social media campaign ready to go. Doug and Mel have been great about letting me use some behind-the-scenes footage.”
Adam chuckled. “That’s a new departure for you, isn’t it?”
“What?”
He shook his head. “I remember you hated the idea of Linford playing host to over-the-top celebrity weddings. Now you’re embracing movie stars.”
“It’s not the same thing,” she protested.
“You’re right. A six-week, on-location Hollywood movie is way less disruptive.”
“Whatever.” Jess smiled reluctantly. “People change.”
He looked over. “Yeah, I guess they do.” He held her gaze for a moment before turning back to the road. An uneasy silence settled between them and Jess was grateful when she spotted the sign for Kilshanley.
Adam changed down gears quickly as they came into the village. “Right,” he said briskly. “Let’s get this dog sorted.”
“We’re lucky we got him here as fast as we did,” Jess said as they walked back to the car hours later. Snuggles had had his stomach pumped and the vet had insisted they stay for some time after the procedure to make sure he was okay. “He must have eaten that full batch of brownies.”
Adam checked the new muzzle he’d bought at the clinic, before giving the dog a bit more lead. “I wonder if Spencer will be able to get pet insurance for him back in the States?” He clicked his tongue. “We can’t afford to let anything like this happen again. Gerry needs to do his job properly.”
“Are you going to say anything to Anthony?” Jess asked.
“No, I don’t think so, but I’ll tell Gerry he’s getting a warning.” He seemed to think for a moment. “This fellah could probably do with a short walk before we get back. Just to make sure he’s okay.”
Jess checked the time. “Yeah, sure.”
Adam swapped the lead to his other hand, the freed hand brushing lightly off Jess’s wrist, and she suppressed a sudden temptation to slip her hand into his. She folded her arms tightly across her chest.
“So, how did you meet Robert?” Adam asked conversationally.
Jess rolled her eyes. “Oh puh-lease!I know exactly how you feel about Robert.”
“He’s not my favourite person.” Adam’s tone was even. “I’m just asking how you met him.”
Jess shrugged. “He’s a structural engineer. When Blue Star Studios needed somebody to oversee their set design, Anthony put Robert in touch with them. And he also checked over the old cottage I’m staying in.” When Adam said nothing, she added, “He’s been invaluable to Blue Star Studios.” She had no idea whether that was true, but it was a fair guess. Anyway, she reminded herself, she shouldn’t have to defend him.
They walked in silence for a few moments. Then, Jess gave Adam a quick side glance. Hiss mouth was set in a firm line, his jaw so tight his teeth were probably at risk.
He stopped and turned to her. “That’s just a resumé, Jess. How well do you actuallyknowthis guy? How involvedareyou?”
“Oooh, a two-part question!” She resumed walking.
“I’m just concerned,” he said, falling into step beside her.
Like you were when you ghosted me? When you pissed off back to Switzerland?“I don’t need you to be concerned, Adam. I’m quite capable of looking after myself.”
He started to say something but, as they reached the corner of the street, Snuggles started to growl and strain on the lead.
“What’s wrong, boy?” Adam kept a tight grip.
At that moment, a couple of teenage boys, walking an unmuzzled German Shepherd, rounded the corner and Jess watched in horror as it broke free, ran and jumped at Snuggles, snapping and growling.
