“Great. Now everyone knows where I live.”
Meghan pulled a face. “‘Number three: she has a close-knit family. Chloe values intimate relationships because it’s all she’s ever known. Her stable roots have made her into the kind of woman Liam can count on.’”
“That’s not even true.”
“‘Number four: she brings out Liam’s lighter side. Since the couple began dating they’ve been seen laughing and canoodling on the regular. Liam needs a mate who will help him unwind from the rigors of his job. Number five: she makes Liam happy. Our sources say Chloe is positive and fun by nature. We think Liam agrees.’”
Meghan beamed. “Then it has the photo of you and Liam gazing all googly-eyed at each other. Isn’t that great?”
Chloe rubbed her temples. “They mentioned sources. What sources?”
“Oh, you know, they’ve probably interviewed people around town. Or maybe they just make stuff up. They tried to pry information from me, but I decided to stick with ‘No comment.’”
Meghan’s eyes narrowed on Chloe’s face. “I think you need to rest, honey. Is there anything else you need before I go? Here’s some crackers and Sean left your favorite muffins and brought Popsicles for your throat.”
“I’m good. Thank you for everything.”
“Of course. Give me a call if you need anything at all.”
She felt a long nap coming on. And sure enough, moments after the front door snapped shut, Chloe drifted into a deep sleep.
Chapter24
Where was Chloe?
Liam had been filming scenes with Daisy all morning. The sun was now high in the vibrant blue sky, bright and scorching. The waves rolled into the shore relentlessly, and the wind tugged at their hair and clothes, causing delays.
When it was time for a costume change, he headed for wardrobe, feeling sluggish. It was only his second day back on set and the long hours had drained him. Veronica, the barista to whom he’d offered a set visit, was here today. She’d been a perfect guest, and he’d introduced her around and tried to make her comfortable. But his energy was fading fast.
After he’d donned a pair of trunks he stepped from the trailer, hoping to have a minute to call Chloe. But he was immediately beckoned for the next scene—a picnic on the beach. As he headed that way he ran through his lines quickly, and then it was time to shoot.
Midafternoon Liam grabbed a quick sandwich at crafty with Simone, Rex, and Daisy. They hadn’t heard from Chloe today either. Maybe she’d had errands to run before work. After all, she’d had a busy week taking care of him. But it was unlike her to be uncommunicative.
She’d be arriving at work soon, but he sent her a quick text anyway.Everything okay? Missed you on set today. It’s goingreally wellthough.
But soon he got tied up with the next scene and was left to wonder—and maybe even worry a little.
The golden-hour scene, shot as Liam and Daisy walked along the shore, was stressful. Golden hour actually lasted about twenty minutes, and because of the camera angles, the scene had to be shot many times. They finally wrapped for the day just after nine, and that’s when Liam was able to check his phone again.
He’d received several messages, but it was the one from Chloe he tapped on first.Sorry I didn’t call. I’m sick and I’ve been sleeping most of the day.
His stomach dove for his feet even as guilt settled in. Poor Chloe. She’d been so thoughtful to take care of him, and look what it had gotten her.
I’m coming over, he texted.
He said good-bye to the cast and crew, then his driver shuttled him home. From there he headed to Chloe’s house. By the time he arrived, she still hadn’t responded to his text. But rather than wake her, he hunted for a key—and found one under a gnome statue in her landscaping.
He had second thoughts about invading her space, but she’d been letting herself into his house all week—and he had let her know he was coming.
“Chloe?” he called as he entered the house. “It’s just me.”
Buttercup met him in the foyer.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Liam whispered. “How’s your mommy?”
Buttercup meowed and wove between his legs, her tail wrapping around him. Liam stroked her back. That little smooshed face was growing on him.
The house was quiet and lit only by the moonlight coming through the wall of windows at the back of the house. He headed down the hallway where he assumed her bedroom would be. A night-light guided his steps.
