“Wh-What?”
“I can’t have you as a friend if we don’t spend time together. That’s what friends do.”
He was teasing her again. Bethany smiled, but a surge of shyness hit her like the waves crashing against the shore. She was beginning to like Hank Haverill. And that emotion was dangerous. Last time she’d liked a man enough to value his friendship, he’d fooled her into believing he loved her, then broke her heart and stole her life savings.
“What do you say, Miss Parker? Can you stomach watching TV with Apollo?”
Bethany took a deep breath and allowed a tentative smile, although she knew he couldn’t see her face. She crossed her arms. “Okay, but only if we watch your TV show.”
Hank paused. “Nah.”
“C’mon, think what a thrill it will be for me to watchApollowith Apollo.” She laughed again and drew a curvy line with her big toe in the sand. “I’ll post it on Facebook tomorrow. Impress all my friends.”
Hank turned the flashlight on, blinding her, before tipping it again toward the sky. “You’re making fun of me.My massive ego can’t take it. Next, you’ll be offering acting advice.”
Bethany raised a brow. “So you won’t do it?”
“I didn’t say that.” His tone grew serious. “I don’t watch my shows.”
She drew closer; close enough to tap him on the arm. “Why not?”
He turned toward her, and the flashlight illuminated his entire face, revealing the vulnerability she’d glimpsed the previous day when he’d told her about his dad. And then he was looking back toward the lake, taking the light with him. The beam revealed little whitecaps that broke the water. “It’s hard to see yourself playing a role. Everyone’s a critic. Even me.”
“Hank.” This time she touched his arm and kept her hand there. A tingle of nervous energy traveled from her hand to her stomach, but she brushed it aside.
The first hill on this roller coaster had been a drop. And there had been lots of twists and turns on the ride. Now she was coming in for the landing.
Her voice had not been much above a whisper, but still he turned toward her. She took another breath and tightened her seat belt. “I won’t critique your acting.”
His breath was warm on her cheek. “Promise?”
His hand settled on hers where she touched his arm, and it felt like he’d stroked a thousand nerve endings. Her breath hitched, and her voice when it came out sounded breathless to her ears. “Yes. I’m sorry I haven’t watched much of your show before now.”
“Okay. Let’s do it.”
“It’ll be fun.”
“Fun,” he echoed. He dropped his hand, and Bethany was shocked at how much she felt its loss.
He pointed the flashlight toward the house. She imagined he smiled, but she couldn’t tell. “Let’s go have some fun.”
She should thank him for the dinner. She should say it’s time to go. Instead, Bethany let him lead her up the steps and into the house. After all, what was a little fun between friends?
The evening was going betterthan Hank had dreamed. Bethany seemed relaxed and happy and willing to get to know him—both as Hank the actor and the man. Not as her landlord.A friend.
He ushered her into the house and led her into the family room, where a giant flat-screen TV faced a pair of oversized white sofas. Okay, he was not a huge fan of the white sofas; they were a little too stark for his tastes. But they were comfortable and complemented the liquor tray on the sideboard. Besides, they made a great backdrop for Bethany in her stunning purple dress.
“Make yourself comfortable.” He waved a hand in their general direction and watched as she settled her small frame among the cushions, looking like a vibrant jungle flower.
Hank searched until he found the remote on the sleek coffee table and flicked through the menu until he located his TV series. He cocked his head in Bethany’s direction. She sat straight and tall, not even leaning against the back of the couch.
“You go ahead and get started,” he said. “I’ll bring you another glass of wine.”
“Okay.” Her lips tilted up. This time she showed some teeth.
Every time Bethany smiled or laughed at something he said, Hank felt like he’d won a prize. He was starting to understand her moods and adjust his actions to suit. Her smile now meant she was nervous—would he take the seat next to her or would he go for the recliner? He wasn’t sure which she wanted, but he knew what he wanted. To sit as close to Bethany as she would let him. To occupy her personal space until she craved his touch as much as he craved hers. But neither of them needed complications. So friends they would stay.
He pressed play on the remote and then made his way to the kitchen where he poured the last of the Riesling into her glass. He opened another bottle, then took it and the glass back to the family room. He returned in time to hear the end of the show’s theme song. As usual, he cringed inwardly at the lyrics. “Who battles darkness with a bright desire? Who employs a sword forged in fire?”
