Page 73

Delaney Rae Cole!

Nick’s staring at me, his eyes narrowed in amusement, while the tiny devil on one shoulder and the tiny angel on the other bicker like they’re in a school yard – they’re even sticking their tongues out at each other.

And then I remember what he told me about his family – his parents in particular. That was two courses ago, but I keep coming back to it.

‘Penny for your thoughts,’ he says.

‘That’s not much – inflation’s a bitch – it’d be more like a dollar.’

‘Or a pound.’

I hold my hand out and he pats down his pants as if he’s looking for his wallet. ‘Dork,’ I say again.

‘I’m going to get a complex.’

‘Sorry.’

I hold his gaze,reallywanting to learn more about his family. I can’t imagine that kind of pressure.

‘Just say it,’ he says. ‘Or ask – whichever.’

‘I feel bad for you.’

He winces and looks away.

‘No, not like that – notpity,’ I add quickly. ‘But I hate that your parents don’t see what I do.’

‘Which is?’ he asks, his eyes darting to meet mine.

On the surface, it’s a simple question, but off the back of three intense days together, it should come with a warning label.

Caution: Nice, hot, creative guy fishing for compliments.

Maybe I shouldn’t have led us down this path. But we’re here now, so…

‘Well, you’re obviously successful.’

He scoffs. ‘Not in their eyes,’ he says.

‘That’s all I meant. I know how hard it is to work your way up in this business – and you’re not just a “stunt guy” – you’re in charge. You’re working with the director, you’re designing the stunts, you’re coordinating entire teams. And your colleagues trust you to keep them safe – you are literally saving lives.’

‘I never thought of it like that. Could you please tell my mum and dad?’

‘Happily,’ I reply. ‘And, not satisfied with killing it in the stunt world, you’re a really good writer, Nick. And they’ll get that – once we make this movie and they’re invited to the premiere and we get your dad a new tux and your mom a stylist. We’ll roll out the red carpet for them – literally – then they’llhaveto be proud of you.’

‘I thought you said “no promises”,’ he teases, the twinkle in his eyes restored.

‘That was before I knew we had to impress Mom and Pop James.’

‘Hah!’ he laughs again, the tautness along his jawline giving way to a smile. ‘Thanks, Delaney. That means a lot.’

I shrug it off. ‘Just doing my job.’

‘What, talking a screenwriter out of his self-imposed gloominess?’

‘Oh, you have no idea the shit I’ve had to do to grease the wheels of progress. But that’s a story for another time,’ I say, stifling a yawn. ‘Sorry.’

‘It’s okay. Should we head off?’ he asks, checking his watch.