6. Chapter Six
Chapter Six
Jonah
O n Dexters recommendation, I did not pay the ice cream parlor to have the place to myself, and I am regretting that with every passing second. Richie is just as bothered by the many stares Im getting, and when Richie is nervous, I get nervous. And when I get nervous, I get sweaty. A first date is not a time to be sweaty.
Maybe shes not coming, I mutter, tapping my fingers on the table in front of me. Honestly, Im surprised June agreed in the first place after I missed our first date attempt. Okay, technically she didnt agree. But she also didnt say no. Because I didnt give her the chance. I doubt I made a great impression when she got the trailer door open and found me lying face down on the floor.
Id stupidly forgotten my phone in my personal trailer in my haste to get back to town, and Richie is notoriously bad at letting his battery die. Which, honestly, is something we should fix. But as soon as I realized we were stuck inside the props trailer, panic set in, and I thought for sure I would be trapped there for hours.
Someone from set would have heard us eventually, and Dexter is good at keeping tabs on me, even when I dont want him to. But its hard to think logically when youre trapped in a few square feet of space.
I was a mess, but June still didnt say no.
Groaning, I drop my head onto the table and do my best not to relive every interaction Ive had with June. Honestly, its been impossible to do my job the last few days because I keep thinking about her. That, and things are still going wrong on set. With all the disasters threatening the stability of my career, I hoped I could at least count on June. I think I messed this up, Rich.
Already? a female voice says. I just got here.
My head snaps up, adrenaline surging through me at the sight of June in a sweater and jeans standing next to the booth I picked. Shes beautiful . As always. Thats not going to help the sweating situation. You came, I practically whisper. Talk about pathetic, but I am both relieved and terrified, which is a lethal combination.
Junes lips twitch as her eyes shift to the bouquet of red roses sitting on the table. I seem to recall you promising a charming smile to go with those.
My grin is fully natural as I stand and present the flowers to her. Youre going to have to decide if I live up to the charming part, but these are for you.
Someone loudly clears their throat in the next booth over, which a moment ago had been empty but now is occupied by three middle-aged women who are all giving me judgy stares, as if flirting with the resident hardware expert is an egregious error on my part.
I clench my jaw and try to keep smiling as June accepts the flowers. If Im lucky, shes not set on this ice cream thing. Maybe, I say, keeping my voice low, we could go on a walk instead? I subtly nod toward our irritated audience.
Richie clears his throat. After the trailer-trapping on top of everything else happening on set, he has been convinced someone is out to get me, and hes not thrilled about the idea of me wandering around town.
I ignore him and offer my hand to June. What do you say?
She looks at the women behind me, then nods and reaches for my hand. Sounds great. Im not big on ice cream anyway.
I hiss dramatically and pull my hand back. That might be a deal breaker, Harper. Where am I supposed to take you out next time if you dont like ice cream?
Rolling her eyes, she grabs my hand and pulls me out the door. You are ridiculous, Jonah James.
I wait until weve walked most of the block and turn onto a quiet side street before I shift our hands, lacing our fingers together. I hope Im not too ridiculous for you, Harper. Im determined to learn everything there is to know about you, so I cant go scaring you off before Ive done that.
She scoffs. Why would you want to know anything about me? Im just a small-town
There is nothing just about you, June. Trust me.
She studies me for a long time after that, like shes trying to dig beneath the surface and get to the good stuff. I know the feeling; its the same way Im looking at her. What do you want to know? she finally asks. Your assistant already got all the details.
Dex got town gossip. I want to know the real June.
Color brightens her cheeks, and I praise the fact that its not freezing outside because it means I can try to extend this walk as long as possible. I meant what I said, and I want to know as much as I can about this woman while Im still in town.
Tell me about where you grew up, I say.
Giving me a sidelong glance, June fights her smile but gives in when she sees mine. I had a pretty normal childhood, though maybe a farm boy like you doesnt know what that would be like.
Youre right. I spent my childhood milking cows and collecting eggs at the crack of dawn. Did you grow up in Denver?
We walk and talk for over an hour, comparing city life to farm life. June tells me about how she was an only child, which is so different from my family of five kids, of which I am the youngest. She talks about being a high achiever and going to law school because her parents wanted a good life for her, but now they have started bemoaning the fact that they raised a career-oriented woman and havent gotten any grandkids yet. June gets quieter when she mentions that part, and I honestly cant tell if she wants a family or if shes happy running her store in this small town.
To take the attention off of her, I tell her about how my siblings are all married and settled, living respectably quiet lives within forty miles of where we grew up in Idaho, so my parents are happy with their horde of grandkids. Although, it doesnt stop my mom from wondering when Ill move back home and add to the chaos despite being at the height of my career right now.
How did you end up in Hollywood? June asks.
I make eye contact with an older couple sitting on their porch even though theres not much to see this late at night and its on the chilly side for porch sitting. Weve passed them twice already, and Im pretty sure their glares get stronger every time. I dont answer Junes question until were out of earshot, though I dont have any good reasons to be suspicious. Sure, they kept their eyes on us the whole time we walked past, but theyre probably just nosy neighbors.
I glance back at Richie to see if hes noticed them too, and his scowl is pretty telling. At least its not just me being paranoid, though I cant decide if thats a good thing. What is up with this town?
I clear my throat and force myself to pay attention to my beautiful date. I cant remember the last time I met someone this easy to talk to, which is saying a lot because Ive never struggled for conversation. I hope its not only me who feels a connection here. It may come as a shock to you, June, but I have a flair for the dramatic.
June snorts out a laugh and leans into me. What? You? I never would have guessed!
Yes, give me all the sarcasm. Her willingness to joke around with me means shes warming up to me, and nothing could make me happier. Its crazy, I know. My parents thought it was a good idea to throw me into every community production they could because they didnt know what to do with me otherwise. An agent came across a video of me someone posted online when I was seventeen. She got me my first gig in LA, and the rest is history. I chuckle. Pretty much everything about my life after that is online, so I might as well stop talking now.
I like when you talk. Junes steps falter as she blushes again. I mean youre fun to talk to. Obviously, since talking is your job. I just mean yourenot as annoying as I thought you would be. She grimaces, making me laugh.
Wow, coming in hot with the compliments.
She joins my laughter, shaking her head at me. Im saying youve surprised me, Jonah James. Not many people are interested in knowing much about me. And I dont remember the last time someone got me to talk this much. Especially a man.
Do you talk to men often? Thats a stupid question. She runs a hardware store, which is the average mans playground. But I dont like the idea of her being surrounded by men who would notice how attractive she is. Was I one of many to take an interest in her after stepping through her door?
June rolls her eyes. No, I tend to avoid men. But something about you has piqued my curiosity.
I laugh, though this feels too close to most peoples reasons for interacting with me. Most people dont care who I am, just that Im famous. I know, I know. These good looks are impossible to resist.
No, she says without hesitation. Its more than that. Its something about you . Youre genuine and easy to talk to.
Oh, shes playing with fire now by saying nice things, and I pull her to a stop so I can look her in the eyes. And by eyes I mean mouth because Im a simple man, and a compliment like that makes me want to kiss her til the cows come home. Huh. Apparently talking about home has pulled the farm-speak out of me. I could talk to you all night, June Harper.
She lifts her chin, which feels a lot like an invitation. Is that so?
I nod and lean in, my heart picking up a frantic rhythm. Shes giving me all the signs, signs I couldnt ignore even if I wanted to. I could also do other things.
June blinks slowly, her gaze slowly shifting from one of my eyes to the other. Like what, Jonah James?
I reach up and brush a finger along her jaw. I could kiss you. If youd let me. I hold my breath.
Humming, she lifts her tempting lips in a crooked smile as one of her hands grabs the front of my jacket and pulls me closer until were practically breathing the same air. She smells incredible, drowning out the rest of my senses with the soft floral scent that envelops her. Youre asking permission?
I like to think Im a gentlem
June rises up on her toes and presses her mouth to mine. Her lips are soft and warm and disappear far too quickly, leaving me buzzing and dizzy. She smirks, her dark eyes dancing in the glow of a nearby street light as if she knows exactly how deeply her actions affected me just now. Ive always had a thing for gentlemen, she says with a soft laugh.
Im not sure I can form words. I hoped for a kiss, but I never expected one, and June has left me completely dumbstruck. Its ridiculous, considering I spent a good chunk of the day working with the chemistry coach on set to make sure Bonnie and I are selling our relationship in the movie. But Bonnie isnt June, and none of the on-set kisses felt like this one.
None of them left me wanting more.
Walk me home? June asks, and I nod dumbly.
Were quiet until we reach her house, where the mangy orange cat sits on the porch with a disgruntled expression, like hes angry that I kept June out past curfew. I glare at himhes standing right where Id like to give June a proper kissbut then he pads down the steps and rubs up against my leg, purring loudly.
June shakes her head, bending down to pet the cat. He darts away from her touch and disappears into the bushes. She huffs. I dont understand that cat.
The shift in subject knocks some sense back into me, giving me the power to speak again. He makes perfect sense. I happen to be incredibly likable.
June matches my smile, warming the air around us by ten degrees. I guess I can agree with him on that. Thanks for the walk tonight, Jonah. This was nice.
Nice? This was epic . I would walk with her every night if I could, just to hear her talk about herself. Especially if I can get a kiss out of it too. Im filming most of the day tomorrow, but My words trail off as something sparks into memory. Something I learned this afternoon but conveniently forgot until now because I was so focused on June.
Bonnie and the authorHankarent really dating. Their relationship is a publicity stunt, which is a pretty normal thing in our line of work but causes problems for me because today I was enlisted as backup. If their relationship falls apart, Im supposed to step in as Bonnies new flame to make sure her tenuous popularity doesnt drop.
I agreed because saying yes is my default setting and I like Bonnie enough to want to help her, but I dont think I thought it through. Besides, that was before June kissed me. Before I thought I had a chance.
I clear my throat and lead June up the steps to her door, wondering if I can tell her about the Bonnie thing. It may never happen. Bonnie and Hank look pretty into each other despite their relationship being a sham. But what if it does happen? I cant date June if Im putting on a show with Bonnie.
But? June pushes when I never finish my sentence.
Smiling, I tuck some hair behind her ear. But Ill try to stop by your store if I get a chance. I hold back a wince at such noncommittal words. They make me sound like a tool, and June already has plenty of those in her life. One problem at a time . If I need to step in as Bonnies fake boyfriend, Ill tell June everything. Until then, Ill continue as normal and hope for the best.
My stomach lurches, but I ignore the discomfort and press a kiss to Junes forehead, lingering there and breathing in the floral smell of her hair. Mm, Im definitely coming to your store.
Whats your real name? June whispers.
I cant help but laugh. I knew you were curious.
And?
Pulling back, I give her my most charming smile and walk down the steps. And you still need to earn it. We never did have ice cream. I wink, and her groan of frustration washes away my worries. Optimism will be a much better approach with all of this.
Hank and Bonnie will do fine, which means theres nothing standing between me and June Harper. I have to believe that.
I stand on the sidewalk, Richie waiting in silence a few feet away, until June goes inside and locks her door. Almost the instant shes gone, the orange cat returns to my side. This time, he has a torn piece of paper in his mouth, which he drops at my feet before head-butting me.
Curious, I bend down and pick it up, reading the words scrawled on the lined page. If youre going to make moves on the actor, youd better be planning to leave town with him when the movie is finished. Or else.
Or else what? Cold dread ripples through me. Handing the page to Richie, I take one step toward Junes door but stop myself. It might not even be relevant to June, so why bother worrying her over nothing? Right before June turns off her porch light, I catch sight of a strip of something shiny in the middle of her door. Tape. With a scrap of paper that matches the tear on the note.
They left that for June while we were out walking, I say in horror.
Richie grunts. You dont know that.
June would have said something about it if she knew. The cat must have pulled it from the door before we got here. I look down at the cat, who stares back up at me with ugly yellow eyes, like it knows exactly what it brought me.
Its not necessarily a threat, Richie says, though he hardly sounds confident in his assessment.
It looks like a threat to me. Now, more than ever, Im convinced someone is trying to get rid of us. All of the set disasters, the props trailer, Bonnie getting stuck Thats one thing. Now theyre going after June because she agreed to go out with me? Thats not cool.
Rich, I say, hands clenched into fists as I start heading back toward Main Street where we left the car.
Where are you going? He hurries to catch up to me.
I dont know. My thoughts are spinning, leaving me dizzy and disoriented. I feel like I need to jump into action and do something, but I dont know what to do. I hate that. But I cant sit still. I pick up my pace, nearly in a jog now.
Jonah! Richie grabs my arm.
I tug myself free and keep moving. Theyre going after June now, I growl. Im going to stop them.
Grabbing me again, this time Richie holds fast so I cant escape. Youre being irrational, Jonah. Think for a second. You dont even know whos doing this.
I groan. Its not a ghost.
I know.
His admission seems to settle something in me so Im less amped up, my thoughts slowing. Oh. I thought
There have been too many events targeting the movie for it to be anything but sabotage, he says with a shrug. Sorry for losing my mind for a bit there.
That gets a tense chuckle out of me. Richie is usually the logical one, and it bothered me more than it should have that he thought it was a ghost behind all the nonsense. Glad youre seeing the light, Rich.
He rolls his eyes. Yeah, yeah. As for this thing with June, Ill look into it. But maybe you should reconsider
Theyve gone too far with this. We need to figure out who it is and make them stop before someone gets hurt. Before June gets hurt. Its my fault that she got dragged into the mess, and guilt settles heavy in my gut. I should have shown her the note instead of walking away, I mutter, looking at the paper in Richies hand. Were only a block away. I could go back
Richie grimaces. Its late. I should get you back to your trailer. Show her tomorrow.
But
Let me do my job, J. A bit of worry enters his expression as he looks at the dark houses around us. I dont like you being out in the open like this after everything thats been happening.
I want to argueJune deserves to know about the threatbut Richie rarely gets worried like this. Even when I slip past him to interact with fans in a crowd. Hes nervous, and the last thing I want is to stress him out so bad that he quits. I wouldnt lose just a bodyguard; Id be losing a friend.
Okay, I murmur and reluctantly follow him the rest of the way to the car. I would much rather be back on Junes doorstep to make sure nothing happens to her, but Ill listen to him this once.
I dont like that look in your eyes, Richie warns as we climb inside. You should stay away from her.
I narrow my eyes. Not going to happen.
Jonah, youre only going to be here for a few weeks.
Though its one of his defining features, I hate when Richie gets logical. But hes right. Am I really going to get worked up over someone who can only be a temporary part of my life? Staying away from her would keep her safe, and its not like she wanted me to pursue her in the first place.
But shes the one who kissed me . No one can claim shes indifferent.
I try to get my body to relax as Richie makes the short drive back to the production field. Its not working. I should keep my distance, but I dont know if Ill be able to.
She kissed me, Rich, I mutter, staring out the window at the dark town.
He barks out a laugh. I was there. Hes always there. And shes not the first person to do that.
Women kiss me all the time if they make it past Richie and the rest of his security team, but this was different. Theres something about her that I cant get out of my head.
I know.
I groan. I dont want to keep my distance.
Even if it would keep her safe?
Something tells me June can take care of herself. At least, she can when she has all the facts. Grabbing my phone, I send a message to Dexter, who is more than likely still awake because I swear the man doesnt sleep.
Jonah:
Did you ever get Junes number?
Dexter:
Of course I did.
I grin when he sends the number, and I add June to my contacts before sending a text to her.
Jonah:
I think that cat of yours is both highly intelligent and incredibly stupid.
It takes ten minutes for her to respond, and by that point Im already back in my trailer, which sends a shiver through me every time I step inside because its smaller than I prefer. But its not like I have anywhere else to stay, since Laketown doesnt have a hotel and the only bed and breakfast in town doesnt have locking doors because the owner doesnt believe in that kind of thing.
Yeah, I think its weird too.
I settle on my couch and try not to fidget while I wait for Junes text to come in, and when it does, I am way too quick to unlock my phone for anyone to call my scrambling dignified.
June:
Why do you say that, Jonah James?
Jonah:
Hes stupid because he doesnt like you.
June:
And why is he smart?
I send her a picture of the note.
Jonah:
Because he made sure I saw this after he stole it from your door.
Dots pop up, telling me shes typing, but they disappear after a moment. Pop up again. Disappear. Its a full minute before her text shows up.
June:
That was on my door?
Jonah:
I think so. The cat brought it to me after you went inside.
June:
Small towns are seriously the worst.
Jonah:
Why do you live here?
Once again, it takes her a long time to respond, which makes me think theres a lot more to the story than what she tells me.
June:
Because I got tired of the city.
Im tempted to ask for the real reason. I learned a lot about young June tonight, but I know very little about the woman she is now. Ignoring my curiosity, I stick to the topic at hand.
Jonah:
Your best option is to ignore me and go about your life so they dont have a reason to threaten you again.
June:
I could do that, yes.
I grin, imagining her sarcastic tone as she says that. She may not match my enthusiasm about spending time together, but shes interested. I know she is.
Jonah:
Or you could say screw it and hang out with me whenever possible, which is the option I like better.
June:
I have no idea how you make cocky look so good, Jonah James.
Jonah:
Lots of practice.
June:
I dont think I need to be worried about this, honestly. Laketownians are annoyingly tame.
Jonah:
Except when they sabotage our movie sets.
June:
Have they done that?
Jonah:
I dont have proof, but its either that or a ghost.
June:
Its obviously a ghost.
I chuckle at her dry humor and wish I could have had this conversation with her in person instead of over text, but Id rather give Richie some peace of mind where I can. Hes a permanent fixture in my life, and I need him to stay that way. But I wouldnt mind adding June to the mix, which means I need to keep trying to prove to her Im a good guy. By some miracle I havent messed things up so far.
Jonah:
You are absolutely right. How could I suggest it was one of your neighbors? Ridiculous.
June:
It wouldnt surprise me if someone in town is trying to get rid of you guys. No one is happy youre here.
Jonah:
No one? Youre stranger than I thought if your tactic for getting rid of a guy is kissing him.
The dots pop up. Disappear. Pop up again. Disappear. When she doesnt respond, I send another text and hope I didnt push things too far.
Jonah:
Im glad you kissed me, June. And Im mad that I didnt return the favor on your porch. I would blame the cat, but that idiocy was all me.
June:
Youre right. That was pretty stupid of you.
I debate for only a second before hitting the call button. Im riding pretty high after that response, and hearing her voice would only make the night better.
Is texting not enough for you? June says instead of hello.
I chuckle. I dont think anything is enough for me when it comes to you. If I come to your store tomorrow, can I kiss you?
Youre really asking that?
Call me crazy, but Im a firm believer in consent, and Im not about to
Youre not crazy. Im glad you asked. Shes quiet for a moment. My I was engaged back in Denver, before I came here. He never asked.
Cursing under my breath, I sit up straight as my blood pounds through my ears in anger. Did he
No. Nothing like that. June sighs. For the most part he was a decent man, but there were moments Hes the reason I left Denver. Why I dont generally trust charming men. You never know whats lurking under the veneer.
Well there goes my good mood. Again, I wish I was with her so I couldI dont know. This doesnt feel like it would be a good time to hug her, and patting her arm would be the lamest form of comfort. But I want to do something . Why does this town always leave me feeling helpless? June. I swallow a thick knot of regret that sticks in my throat. Im sorry if I pushed you into anything. I shouldnt have
Jonah James, you are far too perfect for your own good. You didnt push me into anything.
Thats debatable.
If I didnt want to go out with you, I wouldnt have. I learned a few things from my ex, so that relationship wasnt entirely worthless.
Do I want to know what you learned? What was his name?
The Ex. I dont use his name because he doesnt deserve that.
I shake my head, smiling despite myself. She is the most intriguing woman Ive ever met. You are remarkable, June Harper.
And you owe me ice cream and a real name, Jonah James.
I laugh. Im getting a little too used to you calling me Jonah James, so I dont know if I want to tell you anymore. Youll be sorely disappointed. But ice cream? That I can do.
Tomorrow?
Wow, someone sounds eager. And I wish I could say yes, but thats going to be a tough one. I cant do tomorrow. Ill find a time to get away and give you that kiss you agreed to, if you still want it, but Im going to be shooting until midnight, most likely.
That sounds horrible.
Its part of the job. Particularly when that job is a murder mystery. We havent shot any of the night scenes yet, and Bonnies going to be out of town next weekend for a wedding or something, so the director is trying to pack a bunch in while he can.
Bonnies leaving town? Isnever mind.
Chuckling, I settle back into the couch now that our conversation has strayed from her stupid ex. I stretch out and get comfortable, hoping this conversation ends up being a long one. Her author is going with her, if thats what youre asking, though I hope youre asking something else. Im still not convinced you arent interested in the guy, and I want to keep that interest for myself.
Im not sure I like jealous Jonah James.
Oh, you havent seen me jealous, June Harper. Its taking all my power not to be my usual clingy self.
She laughs, and the sound is music to my ears. There is no world in which I can imagine you being clingy.
Is that a challenge?
I may not be able to see her, but Im convinced June rolls her eyes. You are
Something else? I finish for her. You do have a habit of telling me that. But I should know if you like clingy or not, because thats going to change how I act around you.
Ah, see, this is why I dont like actors. But I can hear the smile in her voice, so Im not worried. How am I supposed to trust anything you say to me, Jonah James?
Because I might be falling in love with you, June Harper, and I dont have any plans to mess things up.
Youre not falling in love with me, she says, her voice thick with derision.
No, I agree with a chuckle. But I could.
She doesnt respond for several seconds, and her voice comes out soft. You dont even know me.
Now that is a challenge if ever I heard one. Especially now that I know she has an idiotic ex who didnt deserve her. My eyes land on the note, which I left on the table across the trailer from me. I still want to figure out whos messing up my movie need is a better wordand I wantneedto spend as much time with June as I can while Im here. Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone. Hey, June?
Yeah?
I have an idea. How do you feel about solving a mystery?