He’d deserve it, and I can already think of some upcoming projects he’d be perfect for if he’s interested.
As we take our seats, Donovan laces her hand through mine and leans in close. “You’re too good for this world, Derek Riley.”
I chuckle. “Why’s that?”
“I know what’s going through that head of yours.” She brushes her fingers through the hair at my temple. “You’re planning out Jonah’s whole career, aren’t you? I think becoming a producer has gone to yourhead. Remember.” Narrowing her eyes, she gives me a stern look. “You promised when we got married that you wouldn’t take on more than you can handle, and if you’re going to start getting behind the camera more, it means you can’t be in front of it as often.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Married for three months, and you already think I’m going back on that promise?”
Unfortunately, she might be right, which means I’m going to have to have another talk with Janie about putting her foot down when I try to add too many things to my schedule.
I can’t help it. There are so many good stories to be told. So many brilliant actors who need a chance to shine.
Donovan sighs, obviously recognizing the look in my eyes. “What am I going to do with you, Superman?”
Chuckling, I lift our clasped hands and kiss her knuckle. “Love me unconditionally now that you’re stuck with me, obviously.” Though I’ve been trying to ignore it, I look down at the white silicone ring on her finger and do my best to keep my expression neutral. I’m not sure I manage it. “You do realize the ring I bought you would have matched your dress perfectly, right?”
Donovan snorts as she glances at her stunning green gown. “The ring you bought me is insanely beautiful and expensive, and I want to keep it safe.”
I narrow my eyes, sighing when she bites her lip to hide her grin. “You have no idea where it is, do you?”
“Not a clue.”
“I guess it’s my own fault for buying you an emerald when I know you better than that.”
She pats my cheek. “If it makes you feel better, I’m like sixty-seven percent certain that it’s at the ranch.”
“Honestly, that’s a pretty good chance. I’ll take it.”
The lights dim, signaling the rest of the audience to take their seats, and a mixture of excitement and nerves builds in my chest. Ireallyhope Donovan likes this one, as much for the cast and crew as for my own pride. It’s been almost two years since she taught me how to row, and I want to have done her job justice.
“Three more months until I’m back on a river,” Donovan says wistfully, dropping her head onto my shoulder again. “You’d better not ruin it for me with this movie, Derek.”
“You really have so little faith in me?”
She smiles and looks up. “You know I’m just teasing you, right? I’m sure this one will be just as amazing as all the others.”
“The other whitewater movies?” I grimace. “If that’s all you’re expecting, then—”
“Asyourother movies,” she corrects, rolling her eyes. “It’s been a long time since you made a bad one. Except, I’m not sure how I feel about that thriller you’re filming next month. Still can’t figure out why you agreed to play a villain when I’m pretty sure it’s impossible for you to be villainous, even when acting.”
“I told you,” I say, my nerves growing for reasons other than the movie we’re about to watch. I’ve been hoping she would bring this up eventually, though I didn’t expect it to happen here. “I’m not kissing anyone but my wife, pretend or not.”
“Okay, yes, I love you for that.” She proves it by planting a quick peck on my lips. “But that romcom screenplay you showed me a few weeks ago? It sounded amazing!”
“And I would have had to pretend to be in love with someone other than you,” I argue. “I can’t do it. You’ve ruined me.”
Wrinkling her nose, she studies me for a long time, and I can practically see her thoughts working behind her eyes. I hold my breath and wait, desperately hoping I haven’t been seeing signs that aren’t really there. “What if…” She pauses, biting the inside of her lips. “If another romance came along, what if I—”
“Yes.”
She pulls her eyebrows together. “You don’t know what I was going to say.”
“Let’s be real, Donovan. I say yes to just about anything you say.”
That brings her smile back, dissipating some of the tension that entered her shoulders. “Mm, yeah, you did agree to marry me after I got a little overeager during that promo we did for WanderLove. I thought Maverick was going to faint when I proposed on camera.”
I can’t hold in a bark of laughter, even though I’d rather get back to what we were talking about before. “You’re not taking credit for our marriage, Tate.”
