She could hardly believe it herself. But hearing the words aloud made it seem even more real. “Tell me I’m not crazy. That I haven’t just made the biggest mistake of my life.”
“You’re not crazy. You haven’t made the biggest mistake of your life.”
Chloe gave her the side eye. “But really.”
“Really... Have you thought it through? This seems so sudden.”
“I know, but I can’t pass up this opportunity. He seems really open to my direction now. He seems... different than I assumed he was at first. I just don’t know how I’m going to show him who Ledger is.”
“He could start by reading the book.”
“Definitely my first goal. But I want to go deeper than that. He has to be in Ledger’s skin to play this part.”
“Maybe you should start with your list—the top five qualities.”
“That feels so personal. I haven’t shared that publicly.”
“I know, but don’t you think it’s necessary to understand Ledger at that level?”
Maybe she could just focus on the qualities and not necessarily why she chose them. “You’re right about one thing. Unpacking those characteristics is important. I can’t assume even after he reads the story that he will have deduced them all.”
“Some readers don’t see beyond the surface.”
A long, thoughtful moment passed as Meghan’s gaze sharpened on Chloe.
“What?”
“I’m just worried about you, that’s all. This could bring a lot of attention your way. If he’s in the spotlight, you’ll be right there with him, and who knows what they’ll say about you.”
“The publicity could be good for the book and the movie. And I forgot this part: Remember how Rosewood wanted me to up my social media game because of the genre switch?”
“I guess this is one way to do it. But are you sure this is what you want?”
Chloe reflected. “It’s only temporary. How bad could it be?”
“Well...”
“Don’t answer that. Liam and I will just be a quiet, steady couple. No drama, no antics, just a nice simple romance.”
“There’s nothing quiet or simple about Liam’s life, sweetheart.”
Meghan’s words gave her pause, but she dredged up a cheeky grin. “Well, there is now.”
Chapter9
Chloe waited until Liam pulled into her drive—in a shiny red Camaro—before she stepped down from her porch.
He exited the coupe as she approached. “I was gonna go to your door like a proper gentleman.”
“No need. I don’t see any cameras.” She gave his fancy rental a once-over. “I guess you weren’t planning on blending in around here.”
He flashed that Hollywood smile as he opened her door. “No point in making money if I can’t enjoy it.” He circled the car in navy shorts and a navy tee that did nice things for his biceps. He wore a matching ball cap but no sunglasses—basically half his disguise.
She’d apparently dressed appropriately in white shorts and a red wraparound shirt. She’d done her makeup and curled her hair, putting the top back in a barrette because, the wind. In short, she was at her casual best. The plan, after all, was to be photographed, and she could do without disparaging remarks about her appearance.
Liam lowered himself into his seat, then swept his gaze over her, lingering an extra beat on her legs. “You look very nice.”
Before the compliment went straight to her head, she checked herself. He’d no doubt splintered many a heart with that silver tongue and those dashing good looks. Hers would not be one of them. “Eyes off the legs, big shot.”
