His Larkville Cinderella

chapter NINE



THE appearance of Firebreather cast a pall over the table. Conversation screeched to a halt. Excitement died.

Kenna and Rosie stared at their plates. Megan, too. She wanted to avoid making eye contact with their boss, if only to keep from being sent on an errand.

“All set for their night on the town,” Adam said, rather bravely, Megan thought.

Eva arched a brow. “With you?”

Kenna looked up. “We know better than that.”

Rosie nodded. Megan, too.

“So you’ve explained my rule to the intern,” Eva said.

It wasn’t a question.

“I heard about it, too.” Adam’s jaw tensed. “Not that they have anything to worry about from me.”

Eva’s hard gaze didn’t waver from Adam’s. “Did you know Lane had Annie Rockwell fired because her fiancé made a passing comment about how attractive the woman was?”

Megan hadn’t heard that. But she knew who Annie was. The pretty assistant camerawoman had a Zumba-instructor-worthy body.

“I’m not like that,” Adam said through clenched teeth.

“Maybe not,” Eva agreed. “But better safe than sorry. These three women are important, talented members of my team.”

Important? Talented? That was the first compliment Eva had ever given Megan. Pride flowed through her.

“I’d hate to lose any of them due to an...indiscretion,” Eva continued. “And finding a replacement in the middle of a production would be a real pain.”

“No worries.” Adam cracked a smile. “We’re all friends here. Just friends.”

He hadn’t been treating Megan like a friend lately. More like an acquaintance, a not so fond one, or a stranger.

“You can’t have too many friends.” Eva looked around the table until her gaze came to rest on Megan, who shifted in her chair under the watchful stare. “The shoot has been delayed two hours. Be back before nine.”

With that, Eva walked away, but kept glancing back.

“Firebreather is on the warpath,” Rosie mumbled.

Nodding, Kenna stood. “I want to go find Tony.”

“Have fun,” Megan said. “This is my chance to check out some of the other sets on the lot.”

“I’ll see you ladies, later.” Adam stood. “I’m off to soundstage three to say hi to my agent.”

Rosie stood. “Maybe you could get Texas headed in the right direction so she doesn’t get lost?”

Spending time with Adam appealed to Megan, but not this way. She didn’t want him to feel obligated to be with her. “Thanks, Rosie, but I drove all the way from Texas on my own. I’m sure I can figure out which way to go.”

“We don’t want Rosie to worry,” Adam said. “I’m happy to show you the way.”

Megan leaned back in her chair. This wasn’t what she wanted. Adam, either. He wouldn’t have offered to escort her without the prompting from Rosie. Hurt pricked at Megan. She would prefer him to want to be with her. Not be so much like...

Rob.

The realization took Megan’s breath away. Her insides twisted. No way did she want another situation like that in her life. Once was bad enough.

Time to grab a brownie or two and find something else to do.

No, Megan realized. That would be stupid. She wanted to see the lot, and she would. But she didn’t need Adam pointing her in the right direction. She could find her own way.

* * *

Adam was alone at the table with Megan, but didn’t dare sit again. Not when he felt like a moth to her flame. He’d been trying to stay away from her. Not flirt. He should have eaten dinner in his trailer.

Except, he’d missed her. Like Rosie, he didn’t want her wandering off and getting lost. “Ready?”

Megan rose and walked to the garbage can with her plate and cup.

What the... He did a double take.

She wasn’t wearing jeans. He’d noticed she was wearing a button-up shirt with a lace-trimmed camisole underneath when she was sitting, but now that she stood he could see her complete outfit...

He blew out a puff of air.

The stylish tunic and leggings showed off her long legs and accentuated the curve of her hips and narrow waist. She’d exchanged her sneakers for a pair of leather flats. Pretty. Fashionable. Hot.

He followed after her. “New clothes.”

She nodded. “I went shopping.”

“You look great.” He’d wondered what she had done on her time off. Not that he’d been thinking about her 24/7. Okay, maybe he had. “You must have had fun shopping with Kenna and Rosie.”

Megan raised her chin. “I didn’t go with them.”

Her reply surprised Adam. Unless Kenna was with Tony the gaffer, the three women hung out during breaks. “Did you go shopping on your own?”

Her nose scrunched. “Huh?”

“Never mind,” he said. “Let’s go.”

“Thanks for telling Rosie you’d get me going in the right direction,” Megan said. “But I have a map. I’ll be fine on my own.”

No way. For some unexplained reason, Megan brought out his protective instinct. Must be some leftover character stuff from that SEAL commando he’d played. But Adam couldn’t deny he liked being with her, too. Even if it went against his better judgment. “I’m going that way. It’s no problem.”

She stared at him.

He stared back.

Stalemate.

“Okay,” she said finally, sounding annoyed. That bothered Adam. He’d hardly seen her. He would have thought she would want to spend time with him.

Megan walked alongside him in silence.

“How are things going?” he asked.

“Well.” She looked at each of the buildings they passed, as if they were more interesting than him. “How about you?”

“No complaints.” At least he’d had none until now. They’d never lacked for subjects to discuss. “Is something wrong?”

“No.”

“You’re quiet.”

She shot him a sideways glance. “I didn’t think you wanted to talk to me.”

“Why would you think that?” he asked.

“You’ve been avoiding me since that night in your dressing room.”

Damn. She’d nailed it. He hedged. “We’ve both been busy with the shoot.”

Her gaze met his. “I made you uncomfortable.”

Hell, yes. She made him uncomfortable. Not only then, but now. The scent of her shampoo filled his nostrils. He remembered the taste of her lips.

What was going on? Adam brushed his hand through his hair.

“You don’t have to answer. It’s pretty clear I do.” She stopped at an intersection. “This is where we part ways.”

He wasn’t ready to say goodbye. “I’ll go with you.”

“Soundstage three is the other way.”

The hurt arcing through him caught Adam by surprise. “You don’t want me to go with you.”

She set her jaw. “No.”

Her firm tone dug into him, as did her answer. “Why not?”

“The truth?”

He nodded once, bracing himself for what she might say.

Hurt clouded her eyes. “I thought we were friends.”

He tried to understand where she was going with this. Tried and failed. “We are.”

“Your actions imply otherwise.”

Once again she’d called him on his bad behavior. Okay, he had been acting like a jerk. But being with her confused him. He wasn’t sure what to do or say. Avoiding her meant he didn’t have to deal with the uncertainty, something that reminded him too much of his childhood. “I’m a guy. I don’t put a lot of thought into what I’m doing or saying.”

“Sounds like most men.”

Rob? No, Adam didn’t want to go there. He wanted Megan thinking about him. “Would it help if I apologized?”

“Only if you mean it.”

“I do,” he admitted. “I’m sorry for acting like a jerk. Again. I’d promise not to do again, but I’m a guy so who knows what will happen?”

A smile tugged on her lips. “At least you’re honest.”

“I am.” He grinned. “And so are you. You don’t hold back what you are thinking or feeling.”

That familiar V above her nose returned. “With you, no.”

He wanted to see a big smile back on her face. “Hey. Before you head off on your own, let me show you one thing.”

“Your agent...”

“Sam can wait,” Adam said. “Please.”

She looked off into the distance, not really focusing on anything. But she wasn’t zoning out. She was...thinking, no doubt performing a pro/con analysis to his offer.

“One thing,” she said finally.

Relief washed over him. He took her hand.

She stiffened, but didn’t pull her arm away. “What are you doing?”

“Showing you something.”

Holding her hand, he led her across the street and through the alley of two buildings. This part of the lot was empty except for a helicopter flying overhead.

A few minutes later, anticipation revved through him. Adam hoped she liked this. He released her hand and covered her eyes.

She tensed. “What is going on?”

“Hold on.” He coaxed her forward around the corner. “I want this to be a surprise.”

“I’m not big on surprises,” she said, sounding irritated.

“Trust me. You’ll like this one. Keep your eyes closed.” He positioned her in the middle of the street and removed his hand. “You can look now.”

Megan opened her eyes and gasped. “It’s New York.”

They stood in a replica of Times Square, complete with large video screens and neon lights. He motioned to the street with both hands. “Welcome to the Big Apple.”

Excitement filled her eyes. She spun around. “The set looks so real.”

The same awe filled her voice as the first time they’d walked through the lot together. He was happy she hadn’t lost that sense of wonder after being on the set. “Movie magic.”

Her mouth slanted. “Or a talented group of set designers and carpenters.”

Adam grinned. Practical. That was his Megan.

Not his, he corrected. Well, his friend.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “I’ve never been to New York, but I feel like I’ve been there now.”

“Never been to New York with your interest in costume design and fashion?”

“Nope. I’ve always wanted to go. Experience the city that never sleeps. Get a taste of some glitz and glamour.” She touched the brick facade of one of the buildings. “But I...”

As her voice faded, sadness filled her eyes.

He touched her shoulder. “What?”

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s something.” Adam gave her a reassuring squeeze. “I understand if you’re still angry at me for the way I’ve been acting, but I am your friend and I’d like to know what’s going on.”

Megan took a breath. And another. “My mom never wanted any of us to go to New York. I finally realized why after my sister found an unopened letter hidden beneath my mother’s jewelry box. It was written by my dad’s first wife, Fenella. The return address on the envelope was New York City.”

“The rancher and a city girl.”

“Yep. I’m assuming my mom didn’t want my dad anywhere near his first wife. Nor any of us.” Megan peered in the window of a storefront. “Fenella was pregnant with twins when they divorced. I have a half brother and sister that I never knew about.”

“That had to be a shock.”

Megan nodded with a pained expression. “It’s been a little weird.”

Adam guessed more than a little. Losing her dad, finding out about new siblings. Megan had been through a lot in the past year. “Have you met them?”

“No, but one, Ellie, is now living in Larkville,” Megan said. “I didn’t have time to go home before leaving college for L.A. so I haven’t met her. I’m glad to be here and not have to deal with it. Is that bad?”

Adam gave her a half hug. “Sounds smart to me.”

She glanced up at him. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” Something seemed to draw them closer. A part of Adam liked the feeling, but another part of him wanted to get the hell out of Dodge. “I have no idea what my father’s life was like before or after us. I’ve always wondered if I had any secret half siblings.”

“Is there any way to find out?” she asked.

“I hired a private detective, but he couldn’t find any trace of my father. He told me Noble most likely wasn’t my father’s real name.”

Megan gave Adam a squeeze.

The gesture, her warmth, comforted him. This time he wasn’t about to shrug it off. Or her.

“My father was a con man. A charming liar. If he kept the same M.O. and moved on to another town and woman, I could have half siblings all over the place.” Adam gazed down at her. So pretty. Compassion gleamed in her eyes. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

She nodded once. The light from the streetlamp made her lips glimmer. “But we’re very different, too. Small-town girl and a famous movie star.”

Adam didn’t care about their differences. He wanted to kiss her. Badly. He could if he wanted to. The set was deserted except for the two of them. Silent except for their breaths. No one would have to know.

Megan parted her lips, a sign she wanted a kiss.

All he had to do was lower his head a couple of inches, to capture her lips with his. He knew how she would taste and feel.

His pulse quickened.

But something held him back.

I want my first time to be with someone I love and trust and who feels the same way about me.

A kiss was a long way from having sex, but he couldn’t forget what she’d told him. He liked Megan, more than he’d liked anybody in a long time. Maybe ever. But he knew better than to love and trust anybody. Going down that path only led to heartache and disappointment. Places he had no intention of going. Watching his mother experience it over and over again was enough.

Gold flecks flamed in Megan’s eyes.

He wanted to kiss her, but he wouldn’t. Not until he explained what he was willing to give and what he couldn’t. As soon as he figured out what that would be. Until then, he’d better stop thinking about her that way. “You’ll get a taste of the movie star life at the after-parties.”

“I can’t wait to see all the dresses in person.”

Her excitement pleased him. He wasn’t that surprised she was more interested in the fashion than the stars wearing them. “You should be at the red carpet.”

“That would be so cool,” she admitted. “But attending an after-party is more than I imagined I’d do out here. I’m happy with that.”

The hint of wistfulness in her voice stirred something within him. She might be content going to the after-party, but he felt the urge to do something more for her, to make her forget all she’d been through these past months with her family.

Megan had never been to New York. Larkville didn’t sound like the most happening place. But he could give her a taste of the glitz and glamour she wanted to experience. More than she’d get attending an after-party. “Go with me to the Viewers’ Choice Awards.”

She let go of his arm. “What?”

“I want to take you to the awards show. You can experience one of Hollywood’s big nights from start to finish,” he said. “Rosie and Kenna can meet us at one of the after-parties.”

“I...I don’t know.”

“What’s not to know? Awards show, after-parties, a handsome escort.”

“I appreciate the offer, but—”

“No buts,” he interrupted. “All you have to do is say yes and you’ll get to walk down the red carpet with me at your side.”

That got her attention. Anticipation sparkled her eyes.

“Imagine seeing all those gowns up close and personal.”

She moistened her lips. “That would be...nice.”

“Not nice. Awesome,” he countered. “I promise you’ll have a great time.”

“I’d really love to go.” Concern clouded her gaze. “Except I...can’t.”

He hoped this had nothing to do with Rob. “Why not?”

“Eva. If she found out...”

Not Rob. Adam smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Eva and any concerns she might have about you and me being...friends.”

Megan threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “Thanks.”

He hugged her back, inhaling her sweet scent. She felt so good in his arms. Sweet torture. “Thank you.”

* * *

Megan felt as if she floated through the rest of the evening. Not even the lighting delays could bring her down. She couldn’t believe Adam had invited her to the awards show, especially when he was up for an award. She wanted to tell Kenna and Rosie, but not until he’d had a chance to talk to Eva about it.

The only thing that would have made things better was if Adam had kissed her. She thought he might until she realized he saw her as only a friend. The way she wanted him to see her, Megan reminded herself. She shouldn’t complain about that.

Except his invitation made her wonder if more than friendship was...possible.

The next day, she double-checked the racks of clothing for the background artists. Excitement had kept her awake most of the night. She still felt as if she were floating.

“So Adam Noble invited you to the Viewers’ Choice Awards.”

The sound of Eva’s voice made Megan spin around. She held a clipboard in front of her chest and took a steadying breath. “I hope that’s okay.”

Eva pursed her red-glossed lips. “Are you sleeping with him?”

“No.” Megan’s voice came out sharper than she intended, but she hadn’t held on to her virginity this long to give it up to the first gorgeous guy who’d paid attention to her. No matter how tempting. “We’re...friends.”

Friends who had shared kisses in his trailer hot enough to melt the rubber soles of Megan’s tennis shoes and had her dreaming of more kisses, but Eva didn’t need to know that. Especially since no more kisses had followed. And wouldn’t.

Friends, Megan reminded herself. She wasn’t ready to take that plunge into something more.

Eva studied Megan’s face. “He said the same thing. That you were just friends.”

Disappointment bounced down to Megan’s feet and back up again. Maybe she was more ready than she realized. No, she needed to be smart about this. Her internship came first. Not romance with a guy who’d told her and her boss they were just friends. She tilted her chin. “It’s true.”

“I didn’t believe him, but I believe you.”

Megan blushed. “May I go with Adam?”

“If I say no?”

“I won’t go. This internship is more important than attending an awards show.”

“Good answer.”

Eva wasn’t going to allow it. Megan’s shoulders sagged.

“Stand up straight,” Eva snapped. “You can’t have bad posture when you’re on the red carpet.”

Megan straightened. Excitement stirred beneath her chest. “I can go?”

Eva narrowed her blue eyes. “Yes, but you’d better not do anything to make me regret this.”

“I won’t. I promise. On my father’s grave.” Megan wanted to hug Eva, but thought better of it. “Thank you.”

Eva’s assessing gaze traveled the length of Megan. No doubt assembling an inventory of all the things wrong with her. It would be a long list.

She fought the urge to squirm. She wouldn’t give Firebreather the satisfaction.

“The Viewers’ Choice Awards is a formal event,” Eva said finally. “Do you have anything appropriate to wear? Shoes? Accessories?”

Her boss’s critical tone bristled. “I have a dress.”

“Off the rack?”

Megan raised her chin. “I made it.”

“For a class?”

“For me.”

Surprise flashed in Eva’s eyes, but vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

The dress was one she’d mentioned to Rob. Stunning, if Megan said so herself. Glamorous, sexy even. Not the typical style she would ever considering wearing, but that had been part of the challenge. The fun. The dress wasn’t doing much good hanging in her closet.

“Bring the dress in tomorrow,” Eva ordered.

The thought of showing a talented costume designer like Eva Redding her dress knotted Megan’s stomach. “I... I...”

“You’re my intern,” Eva said. “I’m not going to allow you to embarrass me and Adam by showing up at a huge media event in the wrong dress.”

Good point. “I’ll show you the dress tomorrow.”

* * *

In his trailer, Adam played a game on one of his consoles. His cell phone beeped. A text message had arrived. He glanced at the touch screen. The text was from Megan.





Thanks for talking to Eva!!!! I can go to the awards show with you!!!!!





All the exclamation points made him smile. He typed a reply back.





Great!





Adam had looked for her this morning, but hadn’t seen her. He missed her smile. He typed another text.





See you at lunch?





As soon as he pressed Send, he winced. Why was he torturing himself like this? Hanging out with a woman he couldn’t have was stupid.

Her response arrived quickly.





Yes!!!!





A thrill flashed through him at the thought of being with her. What was a little bit more torture, especially when she had such gorgeous eyes and a very pretty smile and made him feel like the king of the world? Even though he knew better, he typed.





See you then!





The next day, Megan carried a garment bag containing her dress into the costume department. She was awash with nerves, but a hint of excitement that Eva might like the dress kept Megan from wigging out completely. She found most of the wardrobe crew waiting for her.

“Show us this dress of yours,” Eva ordered.

With a trembling hand, Megan unzipped the bag and removed the dress. The purple fabric shimmered and sparkled. She showed the front of the dress to them.

Kenna gasped. Rosie grinned. Two others stared in disbelief.

Eva studied the gown. Her blank expression gave nothing away as to her opinion of the dress. “Show me the back.”

Megan turned the dress around.

“Interesting,” Eva said.

Megan had no idea if interesting was good or bad. She was afraid to ask so she kept her lips pressed together in a half smile.

“With a couple fixes, it’ll work for the Viewers’ Choice Awards,” Eva said. “The bow has to go. The slit needs to be higher.”

Megan tightened her grip on the hanger. It was already slit to her midthigh. Any higher...

“What shoes?” Eva asked.

Megan pulled out a pair of sandals. They were the dressiest shoes she owned.

Every person in the room shook their head. A few looked horrified by her choice of footwear.

“No,” Eva said. “You need a higher heel. Slingbacks or a T-strap. Silver.”

The others nodded their approval.

“I’ll buy a pair,” Megan said.

Eva shook her head. “I’ll take care of it.”

As Megan stood there holding her dress, her coworkers debated what accessories she needed as well as what to do with her hair and makeup. More people joined in on the discussion until a plan had been made, one without any input from her. She felt like a mannequin in a store window. Was this how Adam felt during a fitting and when he was being dressed for a shoot?

“You’ll get ready here.” A rare smile brightened Eva’s face. “You’ll be feeling like Cinderella by the time we’re finished with you.”

Megan wiggled her toes. She would have never believed Firebreather had it in her to be a fairy godmother. Or Adam her prince. “Thanks.”

She would happily enjoy the fairy tale for the night. Even if a part of her wished it could last a little longer.