Tempted By The Movie Star. Anna DePalo

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СКАЧАТЬ shook his head. “We’ve already been out here long enough to raise suspicion. And you must be exhausted.”

      “I used to be.” She glanced at him. “But thanks to you, I’m all revved up again.”

      “Sorry about that.”

      “Are you really?”

      He grinned. “No, ma’am.”

      “I didn’t think so. When I first arrived and saw your face, I thought I’d made a terrible mistake by coming here. But it wasn’t a mistake, was it?”

      He met her gaze and his eyes crinkled with laughter. “If it was, I hope you keep on makin’ ’em.”

      Dear Lord, his kiss had been enough to seduce her without adding country charm to the mix. Apparently being in this setting highlighted all his considerable attributes. She could hardly wait for tomorrow’s trip to his ranch so she could sample every one of them.

      * * *

      The woman was hotter than the griddle at a Chamber of Commerce pancake breakfast. Matt was forced to call on his acting skills in order to appear in control as he walked back into the living room with Geena. He was congratulating himself on his smooth entrance when he tripped over a footstool and barely saved himself from a face-plant.

      “I saw that!” Cade smirked at him. “It was totally the stool’s fault.”

      His face heated. “I was...uh...”

      “Distracted?” Lexi gave him an innocent smile.

      “Poor guy’s worried about Briana.” Geena’s color was high and she avoided looking at him.

      “That’s the truth.” He appreciated her attempt to excuse his clumsiness but he could tell the rest of them weren’t buying it. Even his dad, usually the last to catch on, wore a knowing expression.

      His mom stood. “Briana’s lucky I don’t live in her town. Miserable woman.” She turned to Geena. “I’m sure you’re ready to crash. Let me show you where everything is. Your bathroom’s down the hall and the shower has some idiosyncrasies you’ll need to know about.”

      “I appreciate that, because I would love to take a shower before I go to bed.”

      Great. Now he’d picture her naked in the shower in the bathroom they’d be sharing during this visit.

      “I’m going to turn in, myself,” his dad said. “See everybody in the morning.”

      Once all three had left, Matt sank down on the sofa and blew out a breath.

      Cade pushed back his hat and gazed at him. “I don’t know if it was good or bad, but whatever happened out there sure has you going, bro.”

      “It was obviously significant,” Lexi said. “You’re one of the most coordinated guys I know. You took fencing lessons, for God’s sake. You don’t trip over footstools.”

      Matt rubbed the back of his neck. “I kissed her.”

      Cade nodded as if he’d expected to hear that. “Judging from the glazed look in your eyes, she kissed you back.”

      “Yes.”

      “Ah.” Lexi chuckled. “What a wealth of information is contained in that one little word. So is it okay for the rest of us to like her, now that you’re kissing each other? Because we all pretty much do.”

      “Yeah, sure.” He had trouble collecting his thoughts when his brain had been hijacked. “Do you think Mom’s matchmaking?”

      “Good question.” Cade scratched his chin where the shadow of a beard was starting to show. “Normally I would say yes, but I don’t get that vibe from her. We talked about Geena while you two were out there smooching, but—”

      “It was one kiss.”

      “Then it must have been a dandy.” Cade studied him. “I’m happy for you.”

      “Me, too,” Lexi said. “Earlier tonight, before she showed up, I got the impression from the conversation that you haven’t been dating anyone in the past six months or so.”

      “I haven’t. After auditioning for every commercial in the world, it seemed, I was finally in demand, which was great but kept me really busy. Then this bonanza hit, but a role like that takes a hell of a lot of prep work.”

      “I’ll bet.” Compassion shone in her eyes. “You looked strung out when you arrived, but you’re a lot perkier after stealing a kiss from your PR rep.”

      “As well you should be,” Cade said. “Geena’s great. I regret the nasty things I said about her before.”

      “But you don’t think Mom’s up to her usual tricks?”

      “I don’t think so.” Cade turned toward Lexi. “Do you?”

      “Why do I get the feeling you three are talking about me?” Rosie walked into the living room looking more amused than upset.

      “Guilty.” Lexi spoke up immediately. “We were wondering if you were matchmaking between Geena and Matt.”

      “I’m not.” Rosie claimed her favorite chair before gazing at him. “I came out to tell you that I moved her to the room down by us. That way she can have her own bathroom.” She paused. “And you won’t be neighbors.”

      He was very likely blushing. “Okay.” He calculated whether the added distance would help him sleep any better. Probably not.

      “Should’ve done that in the first place, but I was feeling a little put out with you, so I thought it would serve you right to have her next door. I figured sharing a bathroom might force you to be more civil.”

      Cade snorted. “I don’t think that’ll be a problem anymore.”

      “I can see that.” She smiled at Matt. “I don’t want to torture you, son. Or her, either. She confessed the strong attraction between you two but said she would never take advantage of my hospitality.”

      “She said that, straight out?” He gaped at her.

      “You sound surprised,” Lexi said. “Don’t you know people tell Rosie everything? I’ve never met anyone who inspires people to spill their guts the way Rosie does. It’s a gift.”

      “They don’t tell me everything.” Rosie surveyed the group. “For example, nobody has bothered to mention why Briana Danvers orchestrated that photo op. It was clearly planned and executed for a reason. Appears to be the work of an angry woman, if you ask me.” She speared Matt with a look. “I’m sure you have noble intentions, but she doesn’t deserve considerate treatment after the way she’s behaved.”

      “That’s what I said when he—” Cade groaned. “Sorry, Matt.”

      Rosie nodded as she studied the two of them. “As I suspected, it all came out on the drive from the airport.” She turned her attention to Matt. “Well?”

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