Wilde Horses. Jannine Gallant

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ style="font-size:15px;">      “Not until Griff and Sawyer tie the knot with their respective brides in June. Speaking of which…Tripp talked to Sawyer yesterday, and he said something about filming a movie on the ranch staring Blake Benedict.” Curiosity filled her voice. “Why am I hearing about this secondhand? Have you met him yet? Is he as gorgeous in person as he is on the screen?”

      “They’re filming a Western here. I was against it, but apparently my vote didn’t count.”

      “Why would you be against hanging out with movie stars? Sounds fun. Definitely exciting.”

      The memory of Blake’s rock-hard thigh beneath her hand as she’d pushed off the ground surfaced. Ignoring the tingle sliding through her, she forced her attention back to the conversation.

      “It’s crazy around here with people everywhere.” She let out a sigh. “I’m hiding out in the barn as we speak. Not that I don’t have work to do…”

      “Typical Eden.”

      “How’s this for atypical? I agreed to double for Kara Fox in scenes where she needs to ride a horse. We shot the first one this morning.”

      “You’re kidding?” Her friend’s voice rose. “That’s amazing. You’re going to be a movie star.”

      “Hardly.” Eden shifted and winced when her bruised hip connected with the chair.

      “You didn’t answer my question about Blake Benedict.”

      “We’ve met, and he’s incredibly good looking. They had a group of extras out here yesterday evening to pick up costumes, and he signed autographs. It was downright embarrassing the way women fawn all over him.”

      “I’d probably fawn, too.” Hannah was quiet for a moment. “When we were last at the ranch, you said you wanted to meet someone you haven’t known since childhood. Hello. Sounds like you have a barnyard full of new and interesting men. If you don’t like Blake’s stardom, chat up the crew instead. Put yourself out there, Eden.”

      Exactly what she’d been thinking before her phone rang… “Yeah, yeah, I know.”

      “Well, then, do something about it.”

      “I’ll give your advice due consideration.”

      Hannah’s low laugh echoed through the connection. “Good grief, we’re not discussing a business deal. A date, Eden. Go out and have fun for a change.”

      “I turned down a date not fifteen minutes ago.”

      “With whom?” Indignation filled her friend’s voice.

      “Zane.” Eden pressed fingers to the back of her neck and rubbed. “Yes, I know he’s perfect for me and we have everything in common, but I can’t force feelings that aren’t there. He’s a nice guy. I like him just fine, but—”

      “You don’t love him.”

      “No, I don’t. We split up a year ago, and he still won’t accept that it’s over.”

      “Maybe he would if you started seeing someone new. Just one more reason to make an effort. You can be charming when you aren’t ordering people around. Go smile and play nice.”

      Eden grinned, not the least bit offended. “Fine. I’ll do my best.”

      “You can report on your progress in a few days. Right now, I have to go. Tripp and I are going for a hike, and I need to pack lunch.”

      “Have fun.”

      “We will.” Hannah’s voice softened. “I just want you to be as happy as I am.”

      “I’m not sure that’s possible, but I’ll try.”

      “You do that. Bye, Eden.”

      “Bye, Hannah.”

      She clicked off her phone and laid it on the table then closed her eyes. It probably wouldn’t kill her to be a little friendlier to the Hollywood contingency. A couple of the cameramen were pretty cute… Sure, they’d be leaving in a month, but a quick fling might be just what she needed to add a little excitement since her life had been stagnating lately. Straightening in her chair, she opened her eyes and picked up the supple piece of leather. But first, she had work to do.

      Chapter 3

      His cell phone vibrated on the counter as Blake stepped out of the shower. He ignored it and reached for a towel. After shaking his head to send water drops flying, he rubbed the soft terrycloth across his shoulders and chest then wrapped the oversized towel around his waist as a precaution before opening the bathroom door. Wouldn’t be the first time he’d walked out naked only to find some obsessed fan had somehow gained access to his bus. Although out here in Middle-of-Nowhere, Wyoming, he felt pretty safe.

      After rummaging through his drawers for briefs and socks, he dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a black T-shirt. Sitting on the edge of the queen-size bed in the back of the bus, he tied on a pair of running shoes then rose to his feet. Ready to head over to the food truck where the caterers would be serving breakfast, he paused in the bathroom doorway to scoop up his phone. He swung the door of the bus shut and took the steps to the ground in a single leap. The scent of coffee and bacon in the crisp morning air made his stomach rumble.

      “Good morning, Blake.” Kara hurried up to his side and gripped his arm. Her fingers were cool against his skin. “I wanted to thank you again for sharing your insights into my character last night. I know your suggestions will make my performance stronger.”

      “Sure.” He glanced over at Hayden Yarbrough, Kara’s husband and manager, and offered a brief smile. “I’m happy to help anytime.”

      She flashed a bright smile. “I might take you up on that again.”

      Yarbrough’s neutral expression deteriorated into a frown as he jammed his hands into the pockets of his slacks. The man was a good twenty years older than Kara and didn’t usually have a lot to say, but this morning his silence had an edge to it.

      Blake pulled his arm out of her grasp and took a step away. “Go on to breakfast without me. I need to check my messages before I eat.”

      Her eyes darkened. “Don’t take too long, or all the bacon will be gone.”

      “That’d be a shame.” He spoke lightly to ease the sudden tension then, with a nod, headed in the opposite direction. Despite his protesting stomach, keeping his distance from Kara’s tendency to cling was probably a smart move. With a sigh, he pulled out his cell. A glance told him he had three missed calls, all from Pris. “Ah, hell.” His gut clenched, and his appetite fled. He closed his eyes as tears burned behind his lids.

      She wouldn’t have called three times unless the worst had happened. He drew in a ragged breath and resisted the urge to shout out his pain. Such a tragedy. A damn waste of a beautiful soul.

      When the phone vibrated in his hand, he nearly dropped it. Juggling the cell, he tamped down sadness and regret then pressed the button to confirm what he already knew in his heart. “Pris?”

      “She’s СКАЧАТЬ