Frowning thoughtfully, she scooted from the chair. Her feet got hung up on the footrest, and she nearly took the chair down. She steadied it, glancing around sheepishly to see if anyone had noticed, then strolled toward him.
Rex and company arrived at the video village just as Chloe reached Liam’s side, a rosy blush blooming on her cheeks. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s just...” He gestured toward the seats, now filled with bodies. “You were in the wrong chair.”
Her eyes widened as they fell on the chair’s caption. Shecovered her mouth. “Oh my gosh! I was sitting in the director’s chair.”
“It’s okay, nobody noticed. It’s not a big deal.” But it was a big deal to Chloe, and he didn’t want her feeling embarrassed today. Her first day on set should be perfect.
She leveled a gaze at him. “I’m an idiot. Thank youso much.”
“No worries.” He took her by the shoulders. “Hey, try to relax and enjoy this. It’s your big day.” And with a wink he set off toward the pier.
Chapter16
The smell of books welcomed Chloe as Liam ushered her through the back door of the Beachfront Bookshop. He’d set it all up. Upon their exit they’d run into the photographers out front (his manager had tipped them off to the time and place), answer a few questions, and be on their way.
The bookshop had been Liam’s idea.“Would your friend like a little free publicity?”
Why, yes, she certainly would.
Sadly, they hadn’t had a break in their schedule until Thursday. Liam wasn’t on today’s call sheet, and Chloe didn’t have to be at work until four.
Meghan came around the checkout counter, aiming a big grin at Chloe. “They’re already gathering on the sidewalk, making a nuisance of themselves—and hopefully getting a nice shot of my display window, which still features your book, by the way.” She glanced at Liam. Her smile slipped a little but remained congenial as she extended her hand. “I’m Meghan.”
He shook her hand, flashing his handsome Hollywood grin. “Liam. Nice to meet you. I’ve heard good things about you.”
Meghan tilted her head. “Hmm. I’ve received mixed reviews about you. The jury’s still out.”
Chloe speared her friend with an appalled look. “Meghan!”
Liam chuckled. “That’s okay. That was very, um, honest of you. I can appreciate that.”
Chloe huffed. Meghan was only trying to protect her. It was hard to be angry about that. Chloe glanced at Liam. “So, what’s the strategy?”
He let his gaze drift around the rows of new books, looking a little like a kid in a candy store. “Well, first we browse these shelves. I haven’t been inside a bookstore in ages. Where’s the crime section?”
“In the next room, three rows down on the right.” Meghan watched him go.
Chloe caught the flicker of female appreciation in her eyes. “Hey, stop checking out my boyfriend.”
Meghan turned to her with an arched brow. “Yourpretendboyfriend, you mean?”
Good point. “Well, he’s—he’s not a sex object either.”
“He kind of is. But enough about him. Tell me about the filming. I’ve been dying to know, and those cryptic texts you keep sending are exasperating.”
“I’m sorry, but this week has been crazy. The filming is going great. Liam’s doing an amazing job as Ledger. All those hours prepping and reading lines with him are paying off. The director and studio are pleased, and I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I know how anxious you were. What’s Daisy Hughes like? She’s a diva, isn’t she? It would be unfair if she was beautiful, talented,anda decent human being. You can tell me; I won’t say a word. And also, when do I get to meet her?”
“Sorry to disappoint, but she’s actually really nice and down-to-earth. And you can meet her when you decide to take one darned day off work and come on set with me.”
“Let me just call my manager and—oh, wait, I don’t have a manager because I’m trying to eke out a living after they raised my rent on this place.”
“All right, all right, I get it.” Meghan had part-time employees, but they were mostly high school students. “Maybe you can make it on a Sunday when the store’s closed.”
“It’s a deal.”
