The Callback

by Brandy L Rivers

  He nodded.

  She sighed. “Today was hectic, but it wasn’t too bad. As long as I’m not cornered, I can handle more cameras.” She hoped.

  He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I understand why you’re leery of them. I’m hoping eventually they won’t bother you.”

  “Hopefully. But I can worry about that later. I plan to enjoy myself, as long as this isn’t simply a ploy to impress me.”

  Part of it was, but not how she might think. He didn’t want to flash his money around. He wanted to absorb every detail she shared with him, prove he remembered it all.

  Besides, real dates generally included some wining and dining. The only reason he chose the restaurant was the exclusivity. No one there would ask questions, take pictures, or interrupt their evening.

  Leona turned to him with a gorgeous smile. “Luke, I see the wheels turning in your head. Stop overthinking. Just be real with me.”

  The only thing he was holding back was that he wanted to promise her he’d be there at the end of filming. But before they left LA, he would make that promise.

  * * * *

  While getting dressed, Leona decided to roll with whatever came her way. She was done stressing over shit she couldn’t change. Luke wanted to make this time special, she’d let him.

  And if he continued to call, she’d be happy she listened to her heart. If not, she might break apart, but she would have these moments to remember. Whatever happened, he gave her that spark that had been dwindling for the last three years as her marriage fell apart around her.

  Sitting back, she wound her fingers through his and enjoyed the contact. Something she hadn’t had from Russell in ages. They had grown so distant it wasn’t a shock to find out he’d been cheating. She couldn’t talk to him about her books because he didn’t want to hear it.

  Seeing Russell the day before had only ticked her off. There was no emptiness, no hurting. He managed to prove he was a selfish asshole. And that sometimes relationships have a strong start but go up in flames.

  “Do you like horses?” Luke asked, breaking her out of her thoughts.

  “Sure.”

  “To ride?”

  “Honestly, I haven’t done much horseback riding. I think I was fifteen last time, and it lasted all of a few minutes.”

  “Would you be interested in riding? A picnic?”

  Smiling, she nodded. “With you, right?”

  “Of course. Not another soul in sight.”

  “Then it sounds wonderful. A new experience.” And one that would never leave her.

  First, he drove toward LA, but then he took a detour, up into the hills, away from businesses. Either he was taking a scenic route, or he really was taking them away from all the things that threatened to freak her out.

  Finally, he pulled into a parking lot full of expensive cars. Things she didn’t recognize, but she’d never been big into fancy wheels.

  He squeezed her hand and shot her a smile that made her melt. Gorgeous, sexy, and sweet. Three things that worked for her.

  Luke came around the car and she unbuckled, waiting patiently. The door opened and he offered his hand. The moment she slipped her hand into his, he pulled her into his arms. “God, you’re beautiful, Leona.”

  Blushing, she looked into his eyes and couldn’t find a single word to offer. He kissed her softly, chasing away coherent thought.

  Before her brain caught up, he pulled her toward the door to an unmarked building. No sign, no number, nothing to indicate where they were.

  Must be a celebrity secret.

  “Where are we?” she murmured.

  He nodded to the doors. “Minae’s. There’s a list of people allowed to bring their guests. Another actor’s wife is a chef, and they had an idea that it would be nice to have a secret place we could dine where the food was good, the atmosphere was quiet and romantic. Plus, no cameras are allowed.”

  “That’s amazing. And how is it kept a secret?”

  “Non-disclosure agreement to be put on the guest list. They expect whoever we bring will keep the secret. So far everyone has.”

  “I can do that, but I won’t promise the concept won’t wind up in a book.”

  “Change the name and where it’s located and I doubt there will be a problem.”

  A nervous laugh bubbled up. “Let’s go inside.”

  Dipping his head, he met her gaze through his lashes. “Sorry, you distract me.”

  “In a good way?”

  “Very.” He led her to the doors, his arm around her waist.

  The hostess offered a smile. “Right this way, Mr. Chance.”

  “Like it so far?”

  She nodded. “Not at all what I would expect, but it’s perfect.”

  He held her hand as she took a seat in a deep booth, then followed her in, sitting close. “Can’t resist you.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know how to resist you either.”

  “We’re good together, Leona.”

  She couldn’t deny that. Maybe once reality settled in, but the fantasy was too good to pass up.

  He tapped the menu. “Look at the menu.”

  She wanted to stare into his eyes instead. Pulling her gaze away, she asked, “Know what you want?”

  “Yeah, which is a plus because I can’t concentrate on anything but you.”

  The last of her barriers fell. There was nothing left to protect her heart.

  “Tell me about your family.”

  He grinned. “Only if you tell me about yours.”

  “Sure.”

  Chapter 21

  The next morning, while Leona sat curled up on the couch, typing a million words an hour, Luke got a call. He ran upstairs to answer.

  “Hey, sis, how are you?”

  “Good, I have a little free time and I know you’re leaving for Italy in a couple weeks. Want to hang out?”

  He squeezed his eyes shut. “Normally, I would say yes, but right now, I have to pass. I’m spending the time with a woman.”

  “The same woman the whole two weeks?” Carrie asked.

  He nodded. “Yes. And it’s new. She’s convinced it won’t last, and I’m trying not to scare her off. So how about after filming?”

  “Wow, you’re falling in love, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, I think so. Look, I’m sorry.”

  Carrie laughed. “No, this is good. Wish you told me sooner.”

  Luke grinned. “It’s only been a few days.”

  “Like Mom and Dad, huh?”

  “Yeah. Pretty much. I’m taking her horseback riding. In a bit.”

  She giggled. “Oh, you’re so cute. Am I still watching your house while you’re gone?”

  “Yeah. If you don’t mind. I’ll send you something extra good.”

  “Don’t need to, but thanks. And when you get back, I want to meet her.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Mom and Dad know?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I talked to them yesterday.”

  “Then I’ll let you go. Have fun.”

  “You too,” Luke answered.

  “Love ya, big little brother.”

  “Love ya, sis.” He hung up, shaking his head.

  * * * *

  Later that afternoon, Leona sat under a tree next to Luke. The lake stretched out before them. The horses they rode were tied up at a patch of grass while they ate a picnic.

  “Who taught you so much about horses?” Leona asked after finishing her sandwich.

  “My grandparents, on my mother’s side.” He nudged her shoulder. “They owned a ranch until about ten years ago. I spent most of my summers there as a kid.”

  “Miss that?”

  He lifted a shoulder. “Sometimes. It was hard work. Rewarding, but that life isn’t for me. It’s a lot of responsibility to take care of that many animals.”

  “That why you haven’t found a new pet?”

  He blew out a breath. “After I moved out and started traveling for films, I realized how dif
ficult it was to have a pet that relied strictly on me. My cat stayed with friends or family for months at a time. Losing her was bad, but I decided to wait to get another pet after life slowed down some. Or I had someone with me who loved the animal as much as I did, who could travel with me, at least most of the time.”

  “You never told me the cat’s name.”

  He chuckled. “Strike, like lightning strike. She was all black except for a jagged white stripe down her back.” He pulled out his phone and brought up a picture. “Here.”

  There was a whole gallery full of pictures. “I like it.”

  He took her hand. “Ever had a pet?”

  She nodded. “I had two cats for years. Our neighbor’s cats had kittens senior year. All but two were taken, and no one wanted the runts, except me.” Trailing her other fingers over his wrist, she smiled. “Mom convinced Dad to let me bring them home. I had them for fifteen years. Russell hated them, but I refused to get rid of them.”

  “What happened?”

  “They were older. One got sick and died. A few months later the other one died.”

  “That’s hard.”

  “Yeah, but by then I was wondering if Russell and I would make it.” Sighing, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

  “Why did you stay?” he asked.

  “Don’t know anymore. Guess I thought it was a rough patch. Hoped it would get better, but it didn’t. And now that it’s over, the only thing I regret is not seeing the signs sooner and ending it then.”

  “Never had a relationship as long as that. I do admire your strength and for trying to make good on your vows.”

  “Yeah, well, it didn’t do me a lot of good.”

  “I fell apart for a while when my first love stomped on my heart.”

  Leona looked into his eyes. “Was it someone in the public eye?”

  “No. I met her before I got the part on the show. We didn’t start a relationship until later. I thought it could work. I was filming, she was in college. Apparently, she couldn’t wait for me to get back, and her closest friend made sure I knew by posting her and her new man in a private message on my Instablast.”

  “A picture?”

  “No, video. Apparently, her best friend hated the show I’d been in with Ryan. She got hold of Samantha’s phone, took the video, and sent it. Samantha tried to deny it until I told her to look at the video.”

  “I’m sorry. People can be such assholes.”

  “Very true.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “It was a rough patch. The movie right before that message had flopped. I was starting to think it might have been me. Then I opened the message and fell pretty low. Ryan dragged me out of that funk. Raven helped. They’ve both been through their share of shit. So, it helps to have someone who understands.”

  “At least I wasn’t in the public eye when I went through my mess.”

  “Yeah, but it didn’t break you down, either.”

  “No. I got angry and I had to keep it locked up tight. I was good to him. I fought for him. And now I feel like I can’t say anything horrible without looking like the asshole.”

  “I already know he’s the asshole,” he growled.

  “Hey, I’m not talking about Russell with you. He’s very much in my past. I kept it off my Instablast and everywhere. I just took all the references to him out of my acknowledgments.”

  “Ouch.” Luke shook his head, humor dancing in his eyes.

  “Yeah, he burned that bridge. It would be one thing if it ended amicably. But even without Mindy being involved, he brought a battle to court and made himself look like a fool in the process.”

  “Sounds like it. People get so hung up on themselves, thinking they deserve more than they do.”

  Leona leaned her head against his shoulder. “What do you think you deserve?”

  “Happiness. And I’m willing to work for that.”

  She turned her head and looked into his dark eyes. “You’re stealing my heart, Luke.”

  “That’s almost fair. You’re holding on to mine with both hands, and you don’t even realize it.”

  She couldn’t turn away from the emotion staring back. “What do you want me to say?”

  “That you’ll give me a chance to prove this is more than two weeks.”

  Nodding, she couldn’t put her response into words. Fear held her back, but she wanted to believe. Every moment made it harder to think she could go back to how things were when he was gone.

  “That’s all I need.”

  “You have it,” she whispered, looking out over the water.

  Chapter 22

  Only hours left before Leona went home and Luke left for France to start filming. After two weeks, they wouldn’t see each other for three months.

  And the cynical side wanted to believe she would fade from his memory, leaving her empty.

  The romantic wanted to cling to him no matter what.

  There was no happy middle ground. Ending things now would be safest for her heart. Telling him she’d wait had potential to crush her when he lost interest.

  No matter how much she wanted to protect her fragile heart, she didn’t have the strength to end things. So, she busied herself, packing the last few things in a suitcase, and grabbed her laptop bag.

  Luke moved in front of her. “You’re too quiet, Leona.”

  My heart is breaking. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Tell me it’s not over when you get on that plane.”

  The conversation she dreaded. Promises could be broken. “Three months is a long time, Luke. What if we’re only meant to have these two weeks?”

  “I’m going to call you every day and every night. Even if you can’t talk, I’m going to call just to hear your voice.” He trailed his fingers into her hair and brought her closer. “Don’t want you to slip away.”

  “Does it help if I say I’m not moving on with anyone else? If you still want me at the end of your job, you can come to me.”

  “I’ll be there. No matter what happens, I’ll be there, ready to prove this isn’t over. That it’s not ending.”

  Blinking back a tear, she whispered, “Why?”

  He stared into her eyes and he opened his mouth to form the word I.

  Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. “Don’t say it. I’m giving you an easy out in case things change.” Her voice cracked the tear fell.

  His eyes glistened. “You don’t want to give me that.”

  Nope, not at all. “I need to.”

  “You need to let me prove to you what you mean to me.”

  “You’re going to be busy filming. I don’t want to be a distraction.”

  “Leona, I can film and still be with you. Let me be with you.”

  “I’ll talk to you when you call. I’ll be there when you’re done. If you don’t come, it’s okay.” God, her heart nearly shattered on the last sentence.

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “Maybe not right now, but by then, I might.”

  “I’ll be there. I can’t imagine not coming to you.”

  And she could. Not because she wanted to, but she was trying to prepare for the worst.

  Luke framed her face in his hands, forcing her gaze to stay locked on his. “I won’t forget about you. I need you too damned bad to ever forget you.”

  She stopped fighting the tears that wanted to fall. What if he couldn’t keep his promises? They were so new, and she was still raw from the divorce. The two weeks hadn’t been long enough.

  He pulled her chin up and his mouth crashed over hers. She dropped her things and fell into the kiss as he crushed her against him.

  Two perfect weeks. A fantasy. Soon reality would sweep in.

  He broke the kiss and his voice was rough. “Let me love you.”

  Not I love you, but let me love you. Either he did, or he didn’t. Shit, she wanted to believe none of it meant anything, but he wound the cords of love around her heart so damned tight it was a miracle it still beat.
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  “I know you’re afraid, Leona. I want to abolish that fear, but you won’t let your walls down.”

  “What if this wasn’t enough to keep you interested for three months?”

  “And what if I’m there as soon as filming wraps? What if I’ll love you more than I do right now.”

  “Shit.” Her knees gave out.

  He caught her, pulling her close. “I love you, Leona. You stole my heart. I love you.”

  “Love you too,” she whispered. And sometimes, that wasn’t enough to make things work.

  “Then tell me you’ll be waiting for me. That you’ll answer every call. That you’ll remember my promise and not try to slough me off.”

  She nodded. She couldn’t form the words to argue, to agree, nothing. Three months, three long months without him. She wasn’t even sure how to deal with being in another state, and he would be on a different continent. She couldn’t expect him to call every day.

  “I’ll be there as soon as it’s a wrap,” Luke vowed.

  Two weeks with Luke was better than twenty years with Russell. Nothing had ever felt as intense or real as it did with Luke. And yet, she was terrified that a little distance would evaporate his resolve.

  “You’ll see, Leona. I’m going to be there, and you better be ready for me.”

  “I will be,” she whispered. Because if he did show up, if he was still in love with her, she would give him everything. “I’m sorry I’m a mess.”

  “I get it. I hate it. I want to beat the shit out of him for breaking your faith in love, but I’ll show you the real thing.”

  “Better get us to the airport.” She’d taken the Jeep back before they went to his parents’ house for a week. Then they came back to his home.

  He’d managed to keep her out of the spotlight the entire time, and the paranoid, fucked up part of her head was convinced it was so they weren’t tied together, not that he wanted to protect her anonymity.

  Not that she had much left. She’d already been splashed all over the tabloids, even though there was nothing solid, other than a dozen pictures from a club they had one dance in the night they met.

  The memories would last, even if they didn’t. “Hurting Russell wouldn’t solve anything.”