“It helps,” Fin agreed. “When training for a new role, I often have a workout partner because they push me to keep going and reach whatever goal we’ve set for the day, keeping me accountable.”
“Exactly. Plus, it motivates you to do better.”
Alex tensed as arms slipped around her from behind. She recognized Melissa coming in for a hug and relaxed.
“Hey, lady. Long time no see,” Melissa said as she kissed the top of Alex’s head.
Alex turned around in her seat and squeezed Melissa’s arm, then introduced Fin. Scott, Melissa’s boyfriend, pulled up another chair as Melissa took the one next to Alex.
“Melissa is one of my closest friends. She ranks up there with Eddie and Gabe,” Alex told Fin.
“Hello, tall, dark, and movie star. How’s it hanging?” Melissa looked at Fin with eyes of innocence.
Alex snorted and Scott looked down, trying to suppress a laugh. Fin looked back and forth between Alex and Melissa before commenting, “Hanging well, thank ye for asking.”
Alex and Melissa burst into laughter, and Scott thumped Fin on the back a couple of times.
“Nice to meet you, Fin. And a little weird, but kind of cool. How do you like Houston?” Melissa asked.
Fin gave Alex a long speculative look and answered, “I’m liking it.”
Daisy came to take orders and Melissa answered greetings from those seated at the table. She and Scott got caught up in a debate about the proposed zoning laws for the city and how those changes would affect several of their favorite haunts around town.
“She’s a bold one. Are all Texas ladies so confident?” Fin murmured as he leaned closer to Alex.
“Melissa’s originally from California. I think she’s used to movie stars, so she’s not as awestruck by your celebrity as the rest of us mere mortals,” she teased. “So, did you do more sight-seeing with Blake today?”
“No, but I got a good workout in at the gym he introduced me to earlier this week. It’s set up to do boxing, Krav Maga, and other martial arts as well as plain old-fashioned weightlifting. I’ve gone every day since he first took me.”
“I didn’t know you did all that martial arts stuff. Did you get into it because of your films?”
“Aye. I had to do some training for an action film early in my career and I loved the workout and how it made me feel, so I incorporated it into my regular workout routine.”
Fin’s phone buzzed and his brow furrowed as he read the text.
“Something wrong?” Alex asked.
“Eh, apparently fans have swarmed my hotel, and getting back undetected by the media will be a challenge. With the press junket last weekend, it’s no secret we were in town, but things had died down. Apparently, all this focus on you and me has stirred up more interest.”
Fin rubbed the back of his head, making his hair stand up in places. Alex squeezed his hand, then reached up and smoothed the unruly curls back into place. Fin blinked at her, making Alex realize the gesture had been an intimate one.
“I’m sorry. I was feeling your pain and… you messed up your hair… um…” She trailed off.
Fin smiled and took her hand in his. “You can run your fingers through my hair any time you want, Alexis.”
She blushed and he beamed at her. Damn the man! He knew full well the effect he was having on her. That knowing smile gave it away.
He broke the gaze and looked off into the distance. “I suppose I’ll have to move hotels now.”
“Is that common?” She frowned at the idea of having to adjust your life because of over-exuberant fans.
“Not usually, but it happens. Although moving doesn’t address what I need to do tonight. I dismissed Blake for the night when he dropped me off, assuming you’d give me a lift back, but I don’t want to drag you into the spotlight again. Those vultures—the media, I mean… not the fans—have a way of finding you. They once harassed the guy where I dropped off my dry cleaning. They have no shame. And don’t care if people get hurt.” He frowned at the memory.
“I’m done for the night, but we could stay and hang out longer. Maybe they’ll get bored and disappear,” Alex suggested.
“That hasn’t been my experience in the past,” he replied tiredly. “If it were just me, I wouldn’t worry, but they can be vicious as you’ve seen and your safety is important.”
“My safety?” Alex asked, wondering at the tension appearing in his eyes.
