“Once or twice.”
His fingers stroked the skin on her neck, sending a shiver into her nether regions.
“Yeah? What did you wish for?”
She cleared her throat. “I don’t remember.” But she lied because she did remember.
Hank’s hand stilled. “Why do I feel like you’re withholding your wishes?”
“We’re not supposed to reveal what we wish for. Then they’ll never come true.”
He laughed, the sound rich and deep and dreamy. “So your wishes were denied as well. More proof that wishing is childish. I prefer to make my own destiny.”
“Like buying this house?”
He turned her to face him and tipped her chin until their eyes met. He looked like one of those famous Greek gods chiseled in stone. For a moment, she forgot to breathe.
“I like to go after what I want. I want you to come to LA with me. I want to show you my world.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Bethany gazed into Hank’s eyes and struggled to convince herself it wasn’t wise to go to LA with him. For starters, she couldn’t leave Grandma Lou’s.
“Before you say no, I’m only talking three days the weekend after next—Friday through Sunday.”
“Hank, I can’t leave town. I won’t be able to keep the pantry open, and people depend on it for food.”
“I’ll hire all the help you need so you won’t have to worry about being away, and since you won’t close the business, you won’t lose any sales.”
“But the expense?—”
“I’ll pay for your plane tickets and all your travel expenses.”
“But—”
He placed the tip of his finger on her lips, silencing her protest. “It’s only a long weekend. This isn’t a big deal. When’s the last time you had a break? You deserve a weekend away from all your responsibilities, don’t you?”
She removed his finger and stepped away. “It sure sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”
“I got a call from my agent with some good news for a change. I’m being considered for the role of Robin Hood. I really want this part. I have to fly home to talk to the producers, and I want you to come with me.”
“I don’t know. . .”
“And I’m up for a major award for my role as Apollo. There’s a real chance I could win. I’ve been invited to the awards ceremony, and I can bring a date.”
“Well. . .”
“And I want to introduce you to my brother, Connor. And you haven’t met my roommate.”
“Roommate?” She took another step backward.
He moved forward. “Yes. He’s five, furry, likes treats, and goes by the name of Woodrow.”
She refused to smile. “I’m happy you’re being considered for the role, and you’re up for an award, but my coming with you isn’t a good idea. As much as I want to. As much as I’d like to see what your life is like in Los Angeles—meet Connor and Woodrow. Hanging out with you for an entire weekend is just going to make me want what I can never have.”
“Youcanhave it.”
“I won’t have a fling with you, Hank. I’m not the kind of girl who sleeps around.”
