Moments later, she and Hank had Tana in the house and tucked away in Bethany’s bed for the night. She left a nightlight on in case the child woke and was afraid or needed to use the bathroom.
She gestured for Hank to precede her, and then she followed him into her family room. His presence dominated the small space. The room seemed to shrink and take all the oxygen with it. She rubbed her neck and struggled to think. “How much longer until your ride gets here?”
He checked his cell phone. “Fifteen minutes.”
Bethany pointed to the couch. “Why don’t you grab a seat. Thirsty?”
“Don’t wait on me. You’re exhausted. Sit and rest.” He patted the spot next to him.
She shouldn’t sit that close to him, but she was too worn out to remember why. “Thank you again for saving Tia’s life. I’m so grateful you were there. You were amazing.”
“Grateful enough to tell me what you meant in the kitchen earlier tonight?”
His deep voice sent a chill through her body. Her cheeks warmed, so she bowed her head to hide from his sharp eyes. “I’m not sure.”
The soapy smell of Hank’s aftershave hit her senses like a cool breeze.
“You said you can’t be with me? Why?”
Several thoughts flashed through her mind in quick succession, starting with:I’m too busy with the business, moving to:You’re my landlord,and ending on:I promised Elizabeth. All were valid excuses, but gazing into his ocean-blue eyes turned those ideas to mush. She finally managed, “I’m not interested in a one-night stand.”
Something glittered in his eyes. Disappointment? Hurt? Anger? Whatever it was, he shook his head. “If that’s all I wanted, don’t you think we’d have done the deed by now?”
Irritation swept through her bloodstream. Did he think her such an easy target? She straightened her spine. “That’s just like an egotistical actor. What makes you think you’d get that far with me? Not every woman would take their top off at the thought of spending the night with the glorious god Apollo.”
As soon as she flung the words at him, she regretted them. He’d saved Tia’s life tonight, and all she could do was hurl accusations.
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I know you think all celebrities are slime-buckets, but if all I wanted was sex, don’t you think I would have moved on long ago?” He spoke as if his words took him by surprise. “I’ve stayed in Cleveland when my agent and publicist want me to return to LA.”
“Hank—”
“I’ve asked for your friendship—even watched my TV show with you.”
“Hank—”
“Do you really think I’d spend time getting to know you if all I wanted was a one-night stand?”
“Hank, it’s late, I’m tired. I didn’t mean to be hurtful.”
“Then be honest. Why can’t we spend time together? What are you afraid of?” His eyes held hers, demanding answers. And really, what would be the point in keeping secrets? Hank said he wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship.
Bethany wished she could invent a lie and make it sound convincing. But lies deserted her, so she resorted to the ugly truth.
Blood rushed to her face, and her cheeks burned, but she didn’t flinch from his hard gaze. “I promised Elizabeth I’d stay away from you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Hank stood, the tiredness in his bones vanishing in an adrenaline flow of pure frustration. “What the...? Why would you do that? And don’t give me any bull, I deserve the truth.”
To Bethany’s credit, she didn’t cower from his anger even though he towered over her. Her oval face looked pale but calm in the lamplight. “Elizabeth promised to get Grandma Lou’s the votes it needs to final in the contest. She said she has a pretty active following on social media. In return, I’m to keep my distance from you. I had every intention of doing so until Rosie invited you to princess night.”
Her voice sounded almost accusatory, like he was the one at fault, which fueled his annoyance. He clenched his jaw and injected plenty of sarcasm into his voice. “Ah, yes, let’s not forget the contest and your never-ending quest to save the restaurant. It appears you’ll do most anything to accomplish that feat, even make bargains behind my back. Well, I have news for you: Despite her bossiness, last time I checked the payroll, Elizabeth works for me.”
She didn’t flinch, although her face grew paler, if that were possible. Or maybe it was his imagination.
She lifted her chin. “Why do you allow her to tell you what to do?”
“She’s good at her job, that’s why. And she tells it like it is.”
