Their gazes held for two full heartbeats before the trailer door opened and Church’s attention returned to his ward. Miss Collins stepped out, and he escorted her to the wardrobe trailer. Even from this distance Zee could see the way he scanned the area, constantly watching for danger.
The memory of the break-in and her poor night’s sleep pushed back into her thoughts. She set the pastry down on the table and reached for her phone.
A quick website search brought up the same security equipment she’d owned before. Cameras. Motion sensors. Door wedges. She ordered it all again, tapping her way through the checkout screen.
The tea had warmed her a little, but she still felt shaky.
Playing Church’s wife earlier in the trailer had stirred up things she hadn’t expected. Standing close to him, feeling his arm around her waist like it belonged there…
It pulled memories loose she’d spent years trying to keep carefully packed away.
She took another sip of tea and forced her attention back to the set. The day passed in a blur of bustle and voices. The sun slid slowly across the valley until the crew finally called it a wrap.
By the time Church walked her back to the truck, the sun was setting over the mountains.
They talked little as he drove her to the small Airbnb she was staying in. She pushed open the door and climbed out.
“See you tomorrow, Zee.”
“Why don’t I meet you at the facility next time?”
“That sounds good.”
“Tomorrow,” she echoed, trying to give him what she hoped was a warm smile.
Inside, she kicked off her boots and sank onto the couch before pulling out her phone again. She checked on the website to see if there were any more available days she could extend.
Nothing.
Booked solid.
Tomorrow was her last night.
Panic hit.
This wasn’t the first time she didn’t know if she’d have a place to sleep. She pulled in a deep breath. She could find a place. She was resourceful.
A quick message to the owner brought an answer within minutes.
Sorry. No openings. Leaf peepers booked everything weeks ago.
She stared at the screen.
No other options? Do you have any other units?she typed back.
The reply came quickly.
I don’t have any and I don’t know of any others. Town fills up this time of year.
She let the phone drop onto the cushion beside her. For a moment, she sat there, acknowledging the familiar heaviness settling over her and leaving her feeling flat after the brief lift she’d experienced earlier.
One more night in this place.
After that…she’d have to figure out somewhere else to go.
Chapter Four
As Church stepped through the front doors of the training facility, Zee’s voice carried across the lobby.
