7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
June
I dont see Jonah for three days. Not even when I try to visit the set, though I can never get close to where he is. I would be worried that I did something wrong except for the fact that he sends a million texts during the day and calls me each night, talking to me long into the morning hours even though he should be getting way more sleep than he is. The director, Beckett, has gotten paranoid and wont let anyone near his movie, and Jonah is almost desperate for a chance to get away once Bonnie and Hank head to New Mexico for the weekend.
I thought getting locked in a trailer was bad, but this is a million times worse, he says over the phone. Even Richie is feeling trapped, and hes one of those weirdos who likes small spaces.
I smile as I sit on my porch with a pinch of tuna, trying to coax Samson out of the bushes. I dont know why I even try, when he hasnt shown any signs of warming up to me. I guess Im feeling weirdly lonely. Probably because Hank has been spending all his time with Bonnie, and hes the one person in town I ever talk to.
Thats not true. Ive talked to a lot of people around town the last few days, trying to get any hints at who might be sabotaging the movie set, with no luck. What a waste of limited small talk energy.
I dont know if I would call an entire field a small space, I tell Jonah.
It is when you have several hundred people all trapped together. And even with all of Becketts precautions, we still ended up with a busted water tank this afternoon.
Samson pokes his head out of the leaves, nose working hard, but his eyes are locked on mine, and he seems to be saying, I wont fall for your tricks .
I toss the tuna onto the sidewalk and roll my eyes when the cat darts out to grab it before returning to his hiding spot. Did no one see who did it?
You cant see ghosts, June Harper. Thats the problem.
I laugh. Okay, but you said I could help you figure out whos causing all these problems, and so far I am missing out on all your promises. The chance to solve a mystery, ice cream
Making out with a super hot movie star? Jonah adds.
Heat flushes through me, and Im so glad he cant see me right now. We video chatted last night, but I didnt want him to see my pitiful attempts at buying Samsons love tonight, so I stuck to a phone call. Making out? I repeat. Jonah James, that is quite a leap from a simple kiss.
There is nothing simple about the way you kiss.
I am so glad he cant see me blushing. Bonnies leaving tomorrow, right?
My question makes him laugh, though maybe thats because my voice came out strained. I would love to make out with Jonah James, and somehow over the last few days hes come to know me too well for me to hide that fact. I didnt realize it was possible to get to know someone this well over the phone, but this man gets me talking in a way no one ever has. Yes, shes leaving tomorrow, which means Beckett will be focusing on all the side character scenes and filler shots over the next few days. And that, June Harper, means you can have me all to yourself.
Every time he says my full name like that, another part of my wall crumbles. Although, I think it would have started collapsing anyway after I told him about my ex. His initial reaction was so perfect, even without knowing the things my ex did or said, and Im pretty convinced now that I dont have anything to fear from the charming Jonah James.
I didnt think anyone would ever convince me to try dating again, but Jonah has been building up an impressive case in favor of giving him a chance while hes here.
Whats your real name? I ask.
No matter how many times Ive asked that question over the last few days, his answer has always been the same. You gotta earn it. You know that.
At this point, Im not sure Ill ever learn his real name. Maybe his name is actually Jonah James and hes messing with me, but I wouldnt even care.
Scooping out another chunk of tuna, I hold it toward Samsons bush and try not to think about the fact that Jonahs life is in Los Angeles while mine is in the middle of nowhere, Colorado. We are from two completely different worlds, and as soon as he finishes filming, hell have no reason to come back here.
You havent had any trouble today, have you? Jonah asks. He does this all the time, asking questions out of nowhere and changing the tone of our conversations, but I kind of love it. He is so easy to talk to, and we can go from teasing to serious and back again without any awkwardness in between.
I shake my head, forgetting Im talking to him on the phone when Samson pokes his head out again, this time taking a step toward me. Oh, um, no. I was at the store all day, and it was pretty dead.
A little too dead. Business is always slow in a small town like this, but the last few days have felt extra quiet. I may not make enough to cover overhead next month, but Im not too worried. My profit margins have always been small, and I still have some money in savings to cover a bad month here and there.
The perks of winning a lawsuit after your ex trades emotional abuse for physical abuse and pushes you over your limit. In a strange way, Im glad he was my boss. Because we were at the office, he was on camera when he hit me; I never would have had any proof otherwise, and I might not have had a way to start a new life if not for that lawsuit.
Why did you decide to buy a hardware store? Jonah asks.
Samson gets close enough to reach the tuna with his tongue, but as soon as my fingers twitch with excitement, he vanishes back to the bush.
I groan.
Sorry, Jonah says. Should I not ask about that?
No, its not that. Its Samson. I nearly had him before he bolted.
Jonah laughs, and I try to picture his wide grin. Its only been a few days, but the details of his magnetic smile are already fadingseeing him on a phone screen isnt the same. I hope hes right about being able to get away from the production field tomorrow. I wish I knew how to help you with that cat, but Im as baffled as you are.
Says the cat whisperer. I squint as a car turns onto my street, the headlights blinding until it makes the full turn and passes my house. I should go insideits after eleven and too cold to be outsidebut I am determined to make some progress with this dumb cat. Did you have any cats growing up?
Do barn cats count? Because they were kind of evil, so I dont know if I would call them pets. One of them bit me when I was seven, and I half expected to turn into some sort of were-cat at the next full moon.
I still cant picture you on a farm, Jonah James.
Then youre not thinking about me often enough, June Harper.
Geez, this guy knows how to make me blush. And it doesnt bother me in the slightest, which is a strange feeling. My ex liked to make me blush, but never in a good way. I think he liked having that kind of power over me every time he embarrassed me or called out my flaws.
I bought the hardware store because it was available, I say.
Thats it?
Thats it. Pretty boring, huh?
Nothing about you is boring. I could spend my whole life learning about you.
Im used to honesty. Hank, the only real friend I have here in town, is always very open about what hes thinking or dealing with. Granted, it took some time for him to trust me, but I think he needed a friend as much as I did when I moved here from Denver. But despite my being accustomed to my incredibly honest friend, Jonah keeps catching me off guard when he says things like this.
He chuckles. Did I freak you out again?
No, I lie. Well, its only a partial lie. I love that he says whatever hes thinking; my reaction is the part that freaks me out. Ive spent so long thinking I would live the rest of my life alone that its hard to come to terms with trusting a guy like Jonah.
I did freak you out, he argues. And thats fine. We have a mystery to solve anyway, so I cant have you getting all moony-eyed every time were together.
Scoffing, I grab one more scoop of tuna. If Samson doesnt go for this one, Im giving up for the night. You wish I was moony-eyed.
I do, but Im under no illusions that youll fall for me overnight. Im prepared to put in the work.
This man And you think solving a mystery with you will win me over? My eyes lock on the yellow ones staring at me from the bushes. Come on, kitty kitty.
Jonah hums thoughtfully. I think you miss aspects of your old job and are champing at the bit for a little excitement in your otherwise mundane life.
His response catches the breath in my throat, leaving me stunned. The tuna slips from my fingers, but I dont care. How?
Believe it or not, he says smugly, I pay attention to what you tell me, June Harper.
I have not told you I miss my old job. Ive told you the opposite, in fact.
You told me that you hate your boss, The Ex, which is understandable, but every time you talk about the work you did, something in you lights up.
Now I wish we were on a video call so I could see the expression on his face. I dont even know what to say to him. Im in complete awe of this man who has somehow become one of the people who know me best in only a matter of days.
Jonah James, I whisper as another car pulls onto the street.
I frown. That looks like the same car from earlier, its white paint scuffed and rusted in places, and its moving way slower than it needs to. I watch it go, not liking the fact that I cant see the license plate well enough to read the number. It turns at the end of the street, like it might make a full circle of the block.
How goes your cat project? Jonah asks.
Hang on a sec. Wiping my hand clean on my jeans, I move to the porch and crouch behind the bush where Samson is hiding. If anyone were to come up to the porch, they would find me, but no one should be able to see me from the road.
Is he getting close to you?
Yeah, I breathe, but Im not talking about the cat. Im talking about the headlights that pull onto the street a moment later and slow, shining on my front door for several seconds before moving on at a glacial pace. Heart pounding, I shift my stance so I can watch through the leaves as the car heads down the street.
Itll be back.
Jonah, I say, keeping my voice low. Im going to tell you something youre not going to like.
Have I lost my cat whisperer status?
I think someone is watching my house.
He curses, and his tone instantly shifts into something hard and protective. Who is it? How do you know? Are you okay?
Theres a car that keeps driving past the house. I dont know who it is, but I think theyre waiting for something.
Are you still outside?
Im afraid to say yes, but my silence seems to answer his question anyway.
Get inside. Now . Im sending Richie over.
I check to make sure the street is dark and empty, and then I dart into the house and lock the door behind me. Why would someone case my house like this? I mutter as I double check the locks on the back door and all the windows. I havent even seen you in days.
I expect a witty quip, but Jonah remains serious. Maybe someone heard you talking to me, or me to you. Maybe it has nothing to do with me at all. Are you inside?
I turn off the light in the front room and peek through the blinds. Yeah. I havent seen the car come back yet. Maybe I was being paranoid?
Id rather be sure than take a chance. He says something away from the phone, his voice muffled, and I hear Richies deep voice reply. They talk back and forth for a minute while I keep an eye on the street. June, I think
Hes back. As headlights flood my yard once more, I step away from the blinds so the person in the car doesnt see me, and I feel strangely separated from my body as I stand in the middle of the room. Waiting. The last time I dealt with something like this, I was helping one of Hanks neighbors avoid a guy trying to take her kids from her. It was less terrifying when it wasnt about me, but now Im shaking. What should I do?
Call the police , a voice in the back of my head says. But if I do that, Ill have to disconnect from Jonah, and thats the last thing I want.
Whats he doing? Jonahs voice wobbles and fades, like hes moving his phone to the other ear or something.
I dont know. The headlights are shining right on my window.
Faster, Jonah says. Not to me.
My eyebrows pull low, and I look down at my phone in alarm. Jonah James, tell me you are not with Richie.
Cant tell you that.
Jonah! Youre way too valuable to
He barks out a bitter laugh. Im a farm kid from Idaho with a pretty face. Lets not pretend Im anything special.
But he is something special. He has only known me for two weeks and only taken me on a single date, and yet hes rushing to my rescue without any idea of who or what is waiting outside my house.
Were almost there, June, he says.
Only a few seconds later, the headlights seem to grow brighter, and then the light shifts, leaving my window. Theres still light outside, like the car hasnt left, but Im too spooked to peek out there to see whats happening. What if they dont go away?
Someone knocks on the door, scaring me out of my wits, but then Jonah says, Its me.
I scramble to the door and tug it open, though I should have been more cautious. But at the sight of Jonah standing on my doorstep, phone to his ear, relief floods through me. Exhaling, I throw my arms around him and bury my face in his chest. He wraps me up tight, holding me in a way Ive never been held before.
Youre okay, he whispers, stroking my hair as I tremble against him. Ive got you.
He does have me, and I feel myself start to fall apart in his arms. Its like whatever bravery I usually have slips away beneath his touch, leaving me bare and vulnerable.
I got the plate, Richie says from the porch. I can make some calls, but my guess is they wanted to scare her, whoever they are.
It worked, Jonah growls. June, we can stay here tonight if youd like. The hard edge to his voice tells me he isnt really asking.
My instinct is to say no, to brush off the fear and look after myself like Ive done my whole life. But now that Im in Jonahs arms like this, I dont want to leave. I feel so safe. Stay, I whisper. Then I tilt my head back and look up at him. Will you get into trouble?
He smiles. Nah. Were still standing in the doorway, so he gently nudges me backward so Richie can follow us inside and lock the door behind him. The bodyguard moves to the window, but Jonah keeps his arms around me. Ive indulged Becketts paranoia long enough, and its not like he can kick me out of his movie for sneaking out at night. Who would he get to replace me? Derek Riley? Please . Im way better looking than him.
I pull in close to his chest again, glad for once that Im not tall. Im relaxing nowIm pretty sure I overreactedbut I have no desire to leave this spot. I fit so perfectly. I dont know if you can call it paranoia. I think I was asking questions about the things happening on set. I clearly asked the wrong thing at some point and made someone angry.
Jonah tenses. You were asking questions?
As if Id let you solve the mystery on your own. I figured I would get a head start while I waited for your prison guard to ease up. I sound braver than I feel right now.
Chuckling, Jonah returns his hand to my hair and runs his fingers through it. I am both annoyed and impressed, June Harper. Rich, might as well run that plate. It could be a good place to start in the morning.
Got it. Richie moves to the kitchen, already talking to someone.
Again, I think about calling the police, but I already know what the sheriff would tell me. Hes as against this movie as anyone, and he would tell me Im being paranoid and to let him know if there are any actual crimes.
He would be right. Driving past my house isnt doing anything wrong, no matter how much it freaked me out.
You can go to bed, Jonah tells me. Richie and I will hang out in here.
I look at my couch, which isnt all that large. Itll fit one of the guys, but barely. I hardly expect either of them to stay up all night, so where will the other one go? Besides, I doubt Ill be able to sleep knowing someone out there is vindictive enough to stalk my house. My hold tightens around Jonah as I imagine someone trying to get through my bedroom window because the locks are old and flimsy. Ive been meaning to replace them all, considering my house is older than me, but Ive never felt unsafe in Laketown. Not until tonight.
Or, Jonah says softly, I could sleep on the floor in the hallway, if that would make you more comfortable. Tell me what you want, and Ill do it.
I dont know what I want outside of the fact that I do not want to be alone tonight. Taking a deep breath, I reluctantly pull myself out of Jonahs hold and offer a sheepish smile as I run my hands over my hair. Thank you. For coming over. I dont usually get spooked like this, so I My words falter when I get a good look at the concern in his eyes. Hes so worried, and warmth spreads through me from my head to my toes. Will you stay in my room? I ask. I immediately regret being so bold and shake my head. Forget that. I shouldnt have
I trail off when Jonahs fingers brush my cheek. His smile is so soft and gentle that I feel it everywhere. Whatever youd like, June. As long as it makes you feel safe.
In all the times I talked about my ex over the last couple of days, I didnt tell Jonah that my ex hit me. That the class ring he always wore left a small scar over my cheekbone, right where Jonah touches now. But he seems to know, and his quiet offer of protection leaves me feeling dizzy and overwhelmed.
Tears welling up in my eyes, I lean up on my toes and press a kiss to Jonahs cheek. Thank you, I whisper and lead him to the back of my house.
Grabbing a spare blanket, I look around the small room and try not to think about the fact that my full bed might get awfully cozy.
But then Jonah takes the blanket out of my hand and lays it on the worn hardwood in front of the window seat that looks into my backyard. Do you have an extra pillow? he asks, like offering to sleep on a hard floor is a normal thing for a guy to do.
I furrow my brow. I cant ask you to sleep on the floor, Jonah. And what happened to his flirty side? The one who less than half an hour ago was joking about making out with me? Not that I want to make out while Im frazzled like this, but still.
As he sits on the blanket, legs stretched out in front of him, he looks up at me with a crooked smile and shakes his head. If youre suggesting I share the bed with you, then you have a much higher estimation of my self-control than you should.
I cant help but smile back at him, and my body relaxes even more. The tightness in my chest eases, letting me breathe fully. I overreacted, but Im glad hes here. Are you saying I should be worried about your intentions, Jonah James?
Im saying I havent seen you in three days and Im still thinking about that kiss you gave me. But Im not one to take advantage of a traumatic situation. His eyes darken as they drop to my mouth. No matter how much I want to.
A shiver runs through me.
Before I can say anything, Richie lumbers down the hall and stops in the doorway. We should have a name in the morning. He raises an eyebrow at Jonah, but he doesnt say anything to him. Instead, he looks at me and asks, Is there anything you need tonight, Miss Harper? Ill keep an eye out for any trouble, but you should be safe the rest of the night.
I havent talked much to Jonahs bodyguard before now, but I find myself tempted to wrap him up in a tight hug. Which is ridiculous because Im not much of a hugger, except when it comes to Jonah, apparently. Richie doesnt look like the type to appreciate a hug, but Id be okay with giving Jonah another one as a proxy.
Thank you, Richie, I say after a longer pause than Id like to admit; I was imagining Jonahs arms around me again. I think Ill be okay in the morning, but Im woman enough to admit I wouldnt be okay if you werent here. I look at Jonah. Both of you.
Jonahs smile fills the room with light. Im not one to ignore the chance to be a knight in shining armor, June Harper. Even if my daring rescue is mostly me sleeping on the floor.
As Richie heads back to the front room, I grab a pillow and hand it to Jonah. You dont snore, do you? Not that I have any right to complain if he does.
Chuckling, he shakes his head and stretches out on the floor, one hand behind his head. In his t-shirt and sweats, hes showing off all his trim lines and muscles. I need to change into pajamas and brush my teeth, but I spend a moment looking at him and trying to figure out how a movie star ended up happily sprawled on my floor.
You are not anything like I expected, Jonah James, I mutter and head for the bathroom. If I get any sleep tonight, itll be a miracle. And not because Im scared.
Nope, Im going to be dreaming about Jonah James all night.