Drew speared her with a withering look. “You know better.” He was happy for her, but he was sticking to his rule: no dating anyone in the industry. And since this was Hollywood and everyone he knew was in the industry somehow, that meant no dating. So far his dick hadn’t fallen off, and he was too busy to be lonely.
“I do, but I’m going to tell you disgustingly sweet and true romantic stories to seduce you to the dark side.” She gave him another quick hug. “Now if you weren’t kidding about needing to be on set, I think you better haul ass. You’re gonna be late.”
Drew wanted to stick around and ask more questions about her new—or not-so-new—love interest, or even just catch up on other stuff. But he really did have to leave. “I’m looking forward to those stories.” He kissed her cheek. “Have fun in Hawaii. And let’s hope the traffic gods are smiling on Jorj, or Nina’s gonna have my ass.” Normally driving Drew around wasn’t one of Jorj’s PA duties—Drew preferred autonomy and privacy inasmuch as they were practical—but his schedule was tight today.
Leigh smiled. “Tell her hi from me.”
Chapter Six
WITHDrew gone for the morning, Steve went back to his usual morning MO. He got up early and went jogging, showered in his microscopic bathroom, and then took his laptop to the café down the street. Carlos the barista kept him supplied with a steady stream of coffee until he realized that was going to wreak havoc with his shooting schedule in the afternoon, and ordered a breakfast sandwich and a cookie instead.
Two hours passed with the tap of fingers on keys. Finally the crumbs ran out and Steve pulled himself out of his script long enough to check his phone.
Heads-up, our private party might get some publicity soon. Drew’s talking about you onGloria.
Steve barely refrained from squawking. Drew did what? Why would he do that? What would he even say?
He didn’t have to wonder long, though; Hilary followed that text with a link to a clip on the show’s website.
With no small amount of trepidation, he took out his earbuds and plugged them in. Then he clicked.
His palms were sweating and his cheeks warm by the time Drew said, “Besides, he’s good.”
He watched until the clip ended, then pulled out his earbuds and put them away.You think I’m safe?he replied, not knowing how to address anything Drew had said.
Hilary must have been watching her phone, because only a few seconds went by before it buzzed on the table.For now. Might get some paparazzi hanging out around the set. I’ll have a word with security on Drew’s behalf.
Thank God he had friends he could rely on.You’re the best.
After that, though, he had to pack up or he was going to be late to set. He emailed Nina and the producer the updated script, closed his laptop, and shoved everything in his shoulder bag. He made it to Makeup just in time to almost bump shoulders with Drew as they both reached for the door.
Their camaraderie had always been easy. Steve wasn’t prone to starstruck moments, and Drew might be a diva, but usually only about his Perrier and the way his pants fit. But now for the first time, Steve felt awkward.
“Hey.”
Drew smiled back. “Hey. Nice morning off?”
“Youhad a morning off,” Steve retorted, trying to find his conversational feet. “I was writing your lines.”
“And yours, I imagine.” Drew held the door and let Steve through, even though he obviously had leftover stage makeup on and would need to get started first.
“And mine,” Steve agreed. He proceeded to the farthest chair, then went another step and opened the minifridge to grab two bottles of water. He tossed the Perrier to Drew.
“Thanks.” Drew caught the bottle and plopped into the chair. “Any idea where Chantelle is?”
“Nope.” Steve looked around, but there were no notes, and he knew nobody else had texted him. “Guess we wait. Maybe you can de-goop in the meantime.”
Sighing, Drew reached for the dispenser of makeup-removing cloths. “Seems a waste.”
Steve nodded wordlessly, mulling over the right phrasing.Did you have a nice time pimping yourself and our movie on television this morningjust didn’t have much of a ring to it. “Productive day?” he asked instead.
Drew huffed and waggled his hand in a so-so gesture before raising the cloth to his face. “Parts of it were good. Parts not so much.” He broke into a grin. “I bragged about you on TV today. Watch out, you’ll be famous any second now.”
Oh goodie. “Can’t wait,” Steve said dryly and hid his smile in his water bottle when Drew laughed, unrestrained and unscripted, his face tilted toward the ceiling. Ignoring the tightening in his stomach, he prompted, “What parts were not so good?”
“Ugh, I don’t want to tell tales out of school.” Drew wiped vigorously under one eye, then apparently gave up and reached for his water bottle. He cracked it open and escaping gas hissed into the room.
Steve snorted. “Oh, I don’t think so. You’re a better liar than that. You don’t even want me to buy that.”
