“She and Aunt Sherry will be here in two weeks to meet you.” He studied me as he said, “They think we’re serious, Ally. Serious enough to come out here.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond, so I said the only thing that came to mind. “We must be doing a good job acting, then.”
“Everyone thinks we’re serious. Did you see the latestFilmDaily?”
“I don’t read those magazines if I can help it.”
“There was an article in there about the situation at the park with Vicky. The young woman managed to take a picture and sold it to the magazine, offering an exclusive story. Thankfully, she didn’t really understand what was happening, but she said things looked serious.”
“Idon’t really understand what’s happening with Vicky, either.”
“She’s jealous.”
I looked away. No one liked to admit they were jealous or accept that someone was jealous of them. “She has no need to be.”
“She has every need to be.” He touched my chin, his hand gentle, as he turned my head to face him. “You’re beautiful, talented, and...” His gaze slipped down to my lips. “Very kissable.”
I shook my head and pulled my chin out of his grasp.
“Why not?” he asked. “I like you, and I think you like me. At least, I hope you like me.”
“Of course I like you.” I played with a pleat on my skirt, unable to meet his gaze. “We need to stay professional, Spencer.”
“Our professional agreement is to date, Ally. And usually dating involves kissing.” He touched my cheek.
I put my hand on his, suddenly realizing why I didn’t want him to be so affectionate with me.
All I could think about was the other man who had quickly become an important part of my life. I hadn’t given my heart to Sam or made any promises, but when I imagined what he would think of me sitting here with Spencer, alone, I didn’t like how I felt.
What in the world did that mean?
Spencer sighed and lowered his hand. “Fine,” he said, resigned but not irritated. “I’d still like you to meet Mother and Aunt Sherry. They’re coming all this way for that purpose.”
“Of course I’ll meet them. But I hate for them to think this is real.”
“I’m having a hard time remembering it’s not.” He smiled and shook his head. “What are you doing to me, Ally Bennett? Do you know, I haven’t gone out with any other women since I started dating you?”
I lifted an eyebrow. “Is that a record?”
“Actually, yes. I’ve never just dated one woman at a time—and I’m not even really dating you.”
“You haven’t had a lot of free time on your hands.”
“That might be true.” He pulled up a leg and wrapped his arm around his knee as he looked out at Los Angeles. “But I always seemed to make time before.”
I laughed. I couldn’t help it. “Spencer, you are a funny guy.”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t begin to figure you out.”
“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
“I don’t know. You tell me. You’re the one who likes to be so mysterious.”
“I’m a private man, not mysterious. They’re two different things.”
I leaned back into the sign, so many heavy things on my heart.
