Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
Jo had never felt so much like hugging a man in her life. Thank God for Dick, jerk that he was. Apparently his appearance had tipped the scales in her favor and made Quinn decide to help her.
“It’d be real hard to pick a favorite movie,” Dick said. “Which one did you like the best?”
“Couldn’t say. Never see my own films.”
Emmy Lou hovered nearby. “Except for the daily rushes, of course. I’m sure you see those.”
“Well, yeah.” Quinn gestured vaguely. “The daily rushes and sometimes the weekly rushes, but I don’t bother with the monthly rushes.”
Dick stared at him. “Monthly rushes?”
“Hollywood!” Jo threw up her hands. “Who can keep up with the funny little terms they use? Hey, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I crossed two time zones twice today and I’ve had no sleep for twenty-four hours, so if you don’t mind, I think I’ll turn in.
” She glanced at Quinn. “Brian? You look pretty bushed, yourself. I’m sure you’ll find the guest bed comfy. ”
Dick’s jaw dropped. “He’s staying here?” He turned to Quinn. “But where are the rest of your people? Your what d’ya call it... entourage?”
Quinn flexed his shoulders and looked bored. “I sent ‘em off to Bimini, told ‘em to relax, catch some rays. I need to be here alone, get in character.”
“Wow. I never knew you guys were so dedicated. That’s impressive, Brian. Is it okay if I call you Brian? You can call me Dick.”
“I sure will, Dick.”
“How many Oscars have you won, anyway?”
“You know, Dick, it’s easy to lose track of things like that, after the first few.” Quinn glanced quickly at Emmy Lou, who discreetly held up three fingers. “Three.”
“Dick, I hate to be rude.” Jo linked her arm through Quinn’s.
“But Brian’s so polite he’d stay here answering your questions all night, when he really needs to get some sleep.
I’ve appointed myself as his personal watchdog, to make sure he takes care of himself.
Stars become so involved in their art that they sometimes neglect the essentials, like food and sleep. ”
She loved watching Dick try to hide his jealousy. He hated seeing her getting cozy with this movie star, but he also wanted to suck up to that same movie star. Jo hadn’t counted on this little perk when she’d created her plan. It was a nice bonus.
The warmth of Quinn’s body next to hers was a pleasant extra, too. She had an idea she’d enjoy working with him. He had lots to learn about being a Hollywood cowboy, and teaching him promised to be fun.
“Then I guess I’ll be going,” Dick said with obvious reluctance.
He started toward the entry hall but paused.
“Listen, I know people probably ask you this all the time, but seeing as how we’re neighbors, in a manner of speaking, I was wondering if there’d be a part in this movie for me? I ride and rope real good.”
Quinn took his time giving Dick the once-over. Jo caught Emmy Lou’s glance and had to turn away and bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Finally Quinn nodded. “There might be,” he said.
“Hey, that would be great. I really—”
“If...” Quinn said, and paused dramatically.
“If?”
“If you lose some of that flab. You’re soft in the middle, Dick. Can’t have that. I suggest lifting weights, an exercise bike, maybe a little jogging.”
“Jogging? An exercise bike? Cowboys don’t jog, and they sure as hell don’t ride no exercise bike!”
Quinn shrugged. “Up to you. I’m just throwing out suggestions as to how you can become more acceptable for the role. You can do it or not.”
Dick sighed. “Hell, I’ll do it. I just hope none of my men see me. I’ll be the laughingstock of the county. When will you start shooting?”
“When it’s time.”
“Huh?”
Jo choked back a burst of laughter.
“It’s all about light, Dick,” Quinn continued. “I have to wait until we have the perfect light. I’ll know it when I see it. Might take months, might be in two weeks. Better buy that exercise bike and start jogging.”
“Yeah. Guess so. Well, see you around, Brian.
“See you, Dick. Oh, and about your vegetable garden. Do you think, under the circumstances, that you could—”
“Hey, I don’t really give a damn about the garden. I’m a meat and potatoes man, myself.”
Quinn lifted an eyebrow. “And it shows. I’d suggest you switch to broccoli and carrots if you want to lose that spare tire.”
Dick reddened. “I guess the cook can plant another garden. It was probably too early, anyway. No problem. Forget it, Jo.”
“Don’t worry, I will.” Jo managed to contain herself until Dick closed the front door and headed toward his truck. Then she collapsed into a chair and clutched her stomach while she laughed until the tears came.
Emmy Lou joined her, stopping every now and then to pound on the table with glee.
Finally, Jo glanced at Quinn, her voice choked with laughter. “You’ve just given me the best laugh I’ve had in months. Thank you.”
He smiled. “You’re welcome.”
“If I ever get depressed, I’ll just think of Dick pedaling away on that exercise bike to get rid of his spare tire. And forcing down broccoli.”
Emmy Lou took off her glasses and wiped her eyes.
“Or jogging in his boots. I’m sure that boy doesn’t own a pair of running shoes.
” She chuckled. “Good thing Dick doesn’t know any more about making movies than Quinn, here.
Monthly rushes. I almost lost it.” She shook her head.
“Here’s my first bit of advice, Quinn. Don’t ad-lib.
Before you go to bed I’ll get you some of my back issues of Premiere magazine to study. ”
“I think your best bet is to keep me mostly out of sight. I can do mysterious.”
“That’s no fun!” Jo said. Then she gazed at him. “I really do appreciate this, you know. I realize you didn’t want to do it.”
“I still don’t, but I couldn’t resist going a couple of rounds with your ex. Don’t take this personally, but if he’s any indication, you have lousy taste in men.”
“I like to think I was having an out-of-body experience when I agreed to marry him.”
Jo felt a noble impulse coming. Try as she might, she couldn’t sidetrack it. “Quinn, you can still leave tomorrow morning if you want. Now that at least one person believes you were here, I can use that to convince the bank the deal is on. I’ll just say you were suddenly called away.”
Quinn rubbed the back of his neck and stared into space. Finally he met her gaze. “I’ll stay a few more days.”
“Spoken like a true hero,” Emmy Lou said.
Jo had to agree. And heroes had been in short supply in her life recently.
As she looked into Quinn’s eyes her heart took on a jerky rhythm she hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
She wondered if she was risking more than she realized, if in the process of trying to save her ranch she was in danger of losing her heart.
“I promise we won’t be too rough on you,” she said.
“Oh, I can take rough.” He grinned. “The way this is shaping up, I’m just hoping I make it through alive.”