And there he was garbed in an outfit that made the most of his pecs, though he knew every woman who watched was looking at more than his muscles. This particular episode was the one where he wrestled a python.
He was in top physical form when they’d filmed the show last year, and the camera angles made the most of his muscular physique. For months after it had aired, men wrote asking for his personal exercise regimen. Women had asked if he needed a partner. One crazed fan showed up at his home in LA claiming to be his wife, and he’d filed a restraining order.
Hank gave the glass of wine to Bethany and then sat next to her, leaving a comfortable distance between them. Despite his efforts, she tensed like a mouse who’d been discovered by a cat. She took a large swallow of wine and then another, before setting it on the coffeetable.
Hank refilled her glass. He wasn’t trying to get her drunk—he wanted her to relax. He yawned and stretched and placed his arm on the back of the couch. Bethany leaned forward and stared at the television. On screen, Apollo raised the golden python above his shoulders and threw it in the air. She sank against the cushions, and Hank held his breath, realizing how close his fingers were to tangling in her hair.
Her gaze remained on the television screen. Hank spared it a glance in time to see the rescued woman throw her arms around the god’s neck, while the crowd cheered. The camera zoomed in on their kiss. Hank grimaced, remembering how cold the actress’s lips had been. They’d tasted like wax.
He slid his gaze back to Bethany. From the corner of one eye, he could see she was intent on the TV. She didn’t even flinch when she leaned farther back, and his fingers brushed her hair. Hank settled them there and bit his tongue. He wasn’t putting the moves on her. Friends could touch a little, couldn’t they?
Bethany blinked and closed her eyes.
What would happen if he pulled her into his arms? For some reason, watching her watching him kiss his costar cranked up his desire. He was a man, after all. And the smell of her next to him, as good as a lemon cream puff, didn’t help. She dropped her head on his shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world. Hank forgot to breathe.
She didn’t move, so he stroked her scalp, running his fingers through her soft waves. He moved his hand back and forth, first in small motions and then covering more territory.
Hank didn’t know how long they stayed like that, himrubbing her head. Did she enjoy his touch? The way his body reacted to her closeness, you would think he’d never held a woman before. If he kissed her, would it change the budding friendship between them? Maybe she wanted more from him?
Hank turned his head to the left so his lips landed in her hair. That was when he heard a soft grunt. Had he frightened her?
Hank tilted his head to check her face and stilled. Bethany hadn’t been coming on to him; she had passed out on his shoulder.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Hank didn’t know how long he remained there with Bethany sleeping on his shoulder. Thirty minutes? An hour? He stayed until his arm fell asleep. Then he managed to rest her head against the cushions and shake his arm until the pins and needles disappeared.
Even then, he stayed where he was, watching her sleep. Some magic he couldn’t name shimmered in the air around them until his cell phone buzzed, breaking the spell.
Elizabeth.She’d been worried about him. He owed her some attention. Hank grabbed the phone and went into the kitchen to take the call so he wouldn’t disturb Bethany.
“I think you should shelve Fitaholics for now. Head back to LA.”
He frowned but kept his voice low. “Not even a hello, first? I thought you wanted the fitness center?”
“Sorry, it’s late. I do want the fitness center. Scout’s honor. But Blackie has some movie roles he wants you to audition for. We’re done here for a while.”
“Since when? Yesterday, he told me all he could find were cheesy car commercials.”
“Since today. He told me you’re up for a major award forApollo. He wants you back in LA.”
“I’m not going back there yet.” His voice came out sharper than he’d intended, although it was exciting to learn he was up for an award. He ran a hand through his hair.
There was a pause. “Why? What’s keeping you in Cleveland?”
Hank sighed. “I need a little downtime. I’m not flying out on Monday. I’m staying here a few weeks.”
Elizabeth paused. Hank could picture her running through all the arguments in her head. She settled on one. “If you need downtime, we’ll go to Barbados. At least there we’ll have sunny skies every day and beautiful beaches.”
“I don’t need sunny skies and beaches. This is the city where I was born. I want to visit a few places while I’m here.”
“It’s the girl, isn’t it?”
Hank paused, flicking a glance toward Bethany.
“What girl?”
“Don’t play dumb. You know who I mean. The restaurant owner you invited to dinner. Have you slept with her yet?”
