Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I straightened. “Keep your foot up. I’ll check on you later.” I strode to the door, stopping before I left. “Kassie?”
She looked up, her emotions riding high as well. “Yeah?”
“For what it’s worth, I think we had a shot at a lifetime. I’m sorry I fucked that up.”
And I left.
8
KASSIE
Iremained in the chair, my foot propped up, long after Oliver left. His story repeated itself in my head. I could hear the pain in his voice, the embarrassment he carried to this day. The loneliness that permeated his world—even now.
I shut my eyes, remembering reading about his “new” career direction. Different management, a more mature focus. The massive success of Brace Yourself, where he played a charming, awkward leading man who fell in love and hadn’t a clue what to do about it. He was praised for his comedic timing. His charm on the screen. That was only the start. He became a sought-after leading man and was constantly in the headlines, interviews, and known as box office gold. He flew high on a seemingly never-ending wave of success.
Until the recent change. Suddenly, there were rumors of trouble on set. Excessive drinking. Arguing with costars. The supermarket rags often featured him on the front page, the photos anything but complimentary and no doubt doctored. Yet, the whispers persisted, and much to my chagrin, I’d found myself watching and reading.
And, if I was honest, worrying.
Now, more than ever, I wondered why. What set him off? Had something upset him to the point he’d tried to self-destruct?
I sighed and rubbed my face. What caused it, I had no idea. And it wasn’t my business to know any longer.
I stood and tested out my foot. It hurt a little, but I could manage.
The truth was, I didn’t know this man anymore. Or what made him tick.
And it irked me that I might want to.
Oliver
I worried about Kassie all evening, but I was too afraid to go downstairs and check on her. I was still raw from telling her my story, and regardless of the praise for my skills, I didn’t think I was a good enough actor to fool her into thinking I was fine.
Even though it had been years, and despite what I had said to her, she still knew me better than anyone. She’d see right through me.
The next morning, I left to meet Davis at the restaurant. Walking in, I inhaled deeply, the aromas making my stomach grumble. I spotted him in a booth and joined him, grateful for the coffee already being poured by a pretty waitress wearing a pair of overalls and a plaid shirt. Her hair hung down her back in a thick braid, and her smile was warm.
“Thanks.” I flashed her a smile, which she returned with a brief moment of “Wait, don’t I know you?” before her expression cleared. She didn’t say anything except to rattle off today’s special.
Davis and I agreed the meat lovers omelet sounded great, and we both ordered it.
“Home fries and toast okay, or do you want pancakes?” she asked. “Or fruit?”
I carbed it up, asking for all of it, while Davis chose whole wheat toast and fruit. She left, stopping at the counter and speaking to a man, who glanced over, his brow furrowed. He looked familiar, but I wasn’t sure why. He was massive, with thick muscles and sun-drenched skin. A local, obviously, and probably a rancher or a farmer.
I sipped my coffee with a happy sigh. “Good,” I muttered.
Davis chuckled. “I had four cups the other day and got one to go. I was pumped full of caffeine.” He indicated the script on the table. “I see you brought your notes.”
I nodded eagerly. “Colton is a complex character. I like him, even if he is a stubborn ass.”
Davis winked over the rim of his cup. “Maybe you recognize a kindred spirit.”
I laughed at his dry wit.
“I thought this was going to be cheesy, but it’s not,” I admitted. “Lots of depth, some great banter, and some hot tension.”
“It’s a good script,” he admitted. “I bought the rights and decided to direct and produce it myself with my company. Stick to the vision I had without interference from an outside studio.”
“That’s a huge risk and a lot of work.”
He nodded. “I know. But I had a good feeling, and I enjoy a challenge.”
“You said you hadn’t even thought of me for the role. Who were you thinking of?”
“Dan Sinclair.”
“What changed your mind?”
He grinned. “Annie informed me Dan had the emotional depth of a saucer. And as usual, she was right. Once I studied the two of you side by side, you were the right choice.”
“I won’t let you down.”
“I know. Annie assured me of that.” He grinned again. “Something about your ability to father children in the future,” he added.