They’re all way too much together. I don’t know how any of us females are still standing.
“It’s good to finally meet you, Poppy. The dress looks fabulous on you,” Emma interrupts the squabbling stars.
“Ronan said you helped pick it out for me,” I say to the pretty assistant. “Thank you.”
She tilts her head. “It was fun. I don’t get a chance to pick out women’s clothes enough. Usually, it’s suits, tuxes, suits, tuxes. Super boring.” She gives me a once-over. “Ronan was right about the red on you. You’re glowing.”
I blush and sneak a glance at him. As usual, he’s taking a back seat in the interaction, but the proprietary look in his eyes makes me flush even more.
“So how are you liking our little town?” Sadie asks the group, watching Chase and Sebastian with wide eyes.
“It’s charming,” Emma says.
Sebastian shrugs. “It’s cool, but I haven’t seen much of it.”
“The director has us on a tight timeline for shooting this movie,” Chase explains.
“You never get out even when we’re not on a tight schedule,” Emma teases. She speaks directly to Sadie and me. “Chase has a very avid fan base. So, everywhere he goes, he causes a scene, which means he mostly stays in his hotel room.”
“When Olivia’s not around,” Sebastian adds. “Where is she, anyway? I thought she’d visit you on set by now.”
I remember reading something about Chase James being in a relationship. The media and fans made a big deal about him falling for a girl who worked in a bookshop, someone who wasn’t famous. Maybe that means there’s hope for us ordinary girls.
“She’s in the middle of a book deadline. My girlfriend’s a writer. She writes mysteries,” he explains with a proud smile.
“Well, we’re surprised to see you all here, though we’re also very grateful,” Sadie says. I could be wrong, but she seems a little glum now that Chase has just confirmed he’s off the market.
“When Ronan asked us to come, we had to do it. He never asks for favors,” Sebastian says. “But checking out Hot Nanny, I can see why he did.”
I blush a fiery red. Again. Now I’m sure I will match my dress. Sometimes being a redhead with pale skin sucks.
“Blake.” Ronan gives him a warning look. “Call her ‘hot nanny’ one more time, and you’ll regret it.” He says it almost lazily, but with an intent that is unmistakable.
“So you don’t think she’s hot?” Sebastian teases. “’Cause I think she’s pretty hot.”
Ronan lunges for Sebastian, but I step in with a hand to Ronan’s arm. I don’t want him to get in a fight with his friend, especially not because of me.
“Hey,” I say. “He’s just teasing. Plus, it’s a nice change to be called hot. It’s flattering.”
“But you are hot,” Sebastian says. “Why wouldn’t dudes call you that?”
I smile. “Thank you. But it’s a small town, and I’ve known everyone here forever. People don’t see me that way. If anything, I get called cute. There’s not much sexy about being an elementary school teacher.”
“Whoa. You’re a teacher too. That’s—”
“Hot,” Chase James finishes, with a teasing smile.
I can’t help but laugh. I like these guys. They’re good for my ego. I slant a look at Ronan. While he still looks a little annoyed, he doesn’t seem like he’s about to use his fists anytime soon, so that’s good.
“Well, whatever the reason you’re here, we appreciate it,” I say. “This night is important to our community.”
“The Kid’s Creativity Center is a wonderful initiative,” Emma says. “I did some research on it.”
Chase looks at me, his green eyes intense. “I’d like to learn more about your program. Maybe I can help.”
Whoa.Chase James wants to help our little center? “That would be amazing. I’m happy to tell you all you need to know.”
“I hate to break this up,” Sadie cuts us off in a hurried voice, “but half the party is heading our way.”
