“How do you know that?”
“I train with guys. They’re usually trying to bulk up. Putting on muscle past what’s natural for any one particular body isn’t easy. Some people are meant to be bigger that way, but if you’re kind of rangy, it’s hard work to pack it on.”
She studied him for a second. “You’re carrying an extra, what? Ten or twelve pounds of muscle? It’s a constant struggle to keep it on, and just when you get cut the way you want, you get busy, don’t eat enough, and it’s gone.”
One eyebrow rose. “You know what you’re doing in the gym.”
“I know what I’m doing in a lot of places.”
He flashed her a grin. “I’m sure that’s true. And you’re right about me. I bust my ass to keep the muscle.”
“You’d find life a lot easier if you accepted your natural body type. You’ll always be strong, but you’re not meant to look quite so buff.”
“I want to look good.”
“Oh please. You know you already do. But it’s your free time. If you want to spend it lifting, then go for it.”
“What’s your natural body type?”
“Athletic but with curves. I’m strong, but like you, I’m fighting nature. This weight is a constant battle. Ten pounds heavier and I can maintain without even trying.”
He frowned. “Then why not accept the ten pounds? They’d look good on you.”
“Have you seen a movie lately? Or a TV show? The women are unnaturally thin. I have to slip in, do my thing and then get out of frame without anyone figuring out it was me. Nobody wants a fat stunt double.”
“You wouldn’t be fat.”
“Not in the real world, but for stunt work, I have to make sure I’m job-ready.” She paused. “Sometimes I think about what it would be like to not care about my appearance so much. I’d have a lot of free time.”
“Last time you said you were thinking of leaving the stunt work. Is that still true?”
“I don’t know. I go back and forth.” She took a couple of bites as she considered her answer. “I don’t want to go through another injury like this one, but if I walk away, I have to figure out what to do with the rest of my life.” There was the screenwriting, but she didn’t want to talk about that. She didn’t know him well enough to trust him with something so precious.
“Do you have any interest in acting?” he asked.
“God no.” She grimaced. “Never.”
“Because with your dad, you’d be able to get auditions.”
“I could probably get cast without one,” she said. “My father has a lot of power in the business. But I’m not that person. I’ve never wanted to take over the stage and be the star. Despite my love of going and doing, I’m still a bit of a background person.”
“But you could be famous.”
“I’ve seen famous. It’s less fun than you think.” She looked at him. “Do you want to be in the business?”
His smile was easy. “I’m happy where I am.”
“You’re pretty enough.”
“Thanks. So are you.”
“It’s not the same. You have those smoldering good looks. Dark hair, dark eyes. A great smile.”
“You’re making me blush,” he teased.
She ignored him. “I’m telling the truth. You’re the classic ideal. I’m not. The world still responds to tall, lithe, blue-eyed blondes.”
“Not my type.”
