Page 34

“Ah no, that’s not a good idea.” Her defenses were up. He was surprised she’d let them down at all. Didn’t she realize how weak he was? How hard it was for him to uphold his promise to leave her alone? Defense mode was a good thing.

“Okay, if you don’t want my money, which I have plenty of and have been looking to invest in production opportunities, I totally understand. But I can hook you up with other producers.”

She swiveled in her chair and met his eyes again. She held his gaze for several long seconds. Finally she spoke. “Don’t be nice to me, it confusesme.”

He grinned. “Sorry. I won’t let it happen again.” She returned his smile and he had to force himself not to wrap her up in his arms. Why did he have to be such a shit with her? Maybe he could try to be something different with her. Could attempt a real relationship.

But even if her hesitancy wasn’t from fear, his was. He was scared. A big fat chicken. And he didn’t see that changing anytimesoon.

He straightened and pulled his bag to his shoulder. “Consider the offer, okay?”

She turned back to her computer. “Okay.”

“You don’t mean that, doyou?”

A small smile crossed her lips. “No, not really. Now goaway.”

He scrutinized her, studying the soft features of her face, wishing he could get inside her head. She was proud, but not haughty, simultaneously strong and fragile. She longed to be free, to fly, so to speak, in her own way, but refused to take a handout. It was so refreshing in the world of show business, where so many people were pompous self-serving assholes. He loved that abouther.

Though he shouldn’t be loving anything about Maddie. That completely broke his no-stringsrule.

She shifted in her chair under his long stare. “What?”

“Just…you never cease to amaze me, Maddie from the party.” He walked toward the door, refusing to look back at her. He knew if he did, he wouldn’t be able to turn away from her again.