12. Kassie
KASSIE
Once again, my night was restless. Endless dreams of Oliver kept me tossing and turning.
Fractured memories, things I hadn’t thought about in years, drifted through my mind.
Laughter we shared. Private jokes no one else understood.
Tears we’d dried for each other. Pain we’d shared.
Moments of intense passion. Secrets and hopes we’d talked about in the dark of the night.
Fears we’d confessed to each other we’d never breathed to another soul.
And the love.
Young, rich, filled with promise.
Until it was over.
I sat up, rubbing my aching temples. The what-ifs had started along with the memories I had buried.
What if I had kept writing?
What if he had called?
What if I had flown there as I wanted to one summer? Found him and demanded to know why he’d stopped loving me. Would he have told me everything and we could have found our way forward together?
I swung my legs out of the bed and stood. There was no point dwelling. The past was in the past, and that was where it would remain. There was no going back.
I pushed down the swell of sadness that made me feel as I headed to the shower to get ready for the day.
I didn’t see Oliver for the next few days.
He was gone when I woke up, and he headed upstairs when he returned late in the day.
I heard him above me, moving around. Caught the timbre of his voice as he spoke with someone on the phone.
I knew his ringtone now. The first time I heard it, the memory it jarred from me was almost painful.
It had been one of our favorite songs growing up.
We’d sing it loudly every time it came on the radio.
Oliver used to dance to the catchy tune.
Our moms would laugh and dance with him.
I always watched him, fascinated, first as a kid with how funny he was, then later as a teenager, awestruck by how lithe and graceful he was when he moved, thrilled that he was mine.
I found a bag tied to my door handle that morning, the empty pie plates inside and a small note.
Delicious pie.
Almost as delicious as your mouth.
I want more of both.
Oliver
I stared at it as I drank my coffee, confused and anxious. I had thought endlessly about that kiss. How right it felt to be in his arms again.
How dangerous.
I sighed as I looked over the backyard, my thoughts rampant.
Getting involved with Oliver Hart again would be a colossal mistake. He was only here for a short time. Then he would head back to his life in Hollywood and, once again, I would be without him.
The practical, perhaps hornier side of me told myself I was an adult now.
I could separate physical want from emotional love.
Maybe a wild fling with Oliver was what I needed to get him out of my system once and for all.
Replace the fantasies of our young love with reality.
Take him off the pedestal I used to have him on and see him as simply a man.
One who would annoy me. Who probably picked his teeth and emitted noises that would frighten animals.
Maybe he snored now. Or dropped his clothing everywhere and left dirty socks and underwear on the floor.
Maybe sex with Oliver was what I needed to humanize him.
I laughed at the craziness of my thoughts. Apparently, the horny side of me was willing to go to great lengths to convince myself to hop into bed with him.
The grown-up, realistic side knew it was a bad idea.
One I had to forget—no matter how tempting it was.
Oliver
Pushing my hat off my forehead, I wiped the sweat from my brow. I jumped off Rusty, the horse I was riding, and headed over to Davis.
He looked pleased, staring at the monitor. “You’re a natural. These shots are perfect for what I wanted.”
“Great.”
“The cast arrives on set tomorrow. Read-through is scheduled the next morning. We’ll start filming right away.”
“Awesome. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too. This is a great place to film. No gawkers or paps.”
I nodded. “I have to admit, the freedom is incredible. I work out every morning at the gym, and nobody stares at me or tries to take a sneaky picture. I get coffee, grab a bite to eat, and no one blinks twice. I’ve only been asked for my autograph once, and it was by Sadie,” I said with a laugh. “Her sister is a fan.”
Davis crossed his arms, looking around. “Good folks around here. The people we called up for extras are excited. Well, all but one.”
“Oh?”
He nudged his baseball hat out of the way of his eyes, meeting mine. “Your Kassie turned me down when I called. Said she wasn’t comfortable.” He studied me. “I wondered if it were you asking if the response would be the same.”
“How did you get her number?” I demanded.
He laughed. “She asked me the same damn question. She’s on the supplier list. I thought if I extended a personal invitation to appear on camera, she’d say yes. She’d be incredible on film, I think. She has no idea how pretty she is, does she?”
“No,” I replied shortly. “Ego is not a thing for her. Never has been.”
“There’s history between you.”
“Ancient. One she wants to remain in the past. As deeply as it will go.” I took a drink of water. “Even if I don’t want the same thing.”
I thought of her almost-panicked reaction to our kiss the other night.
How she turned and ran as if I would chase after her.
Part of me wanted to, but I stayed in place, letting her go.
She was skittish, like a spooked horse. She needed gentle handling, not brute force.
But I had a feeling she wanted neither from me.
I’d felt her mouth on mine for hours. Tasted her. Her scent was on my hands, clinging to my skin from where my fingers had tangled in her hair.
It was her name I had moaned out when I’d finally taken myself in hand, images from our past and present colliding in my mind as I orgasmed, my face buried deep into the thick pillow to hide my pleasured noises.
Davis regarded me. “You don’t strike me as a man who admits defeat that easily.”
“I hurt her once. I refuse to do so again. If she says no, it’s no.”
I thought of the note I had left her earlier.
“But I’m not ready to give up yet.”
He grinned. “So, I never really had a chance, then.”
“It’s not up to me.” I flashed him a smile. “But no.”
He laughed and clapped me on the shoulder. “No hard feelings. But maybe I’m not ready to give up either.”
“May the best man win.” I finished the water. “And just so we’re clear? Don’t mess around with her. She deserves better.”
He shook his head. “I’ll remember that.”
“Good.”
The set buzzed with the arrival of the lead actors.
The set decorators rushed around preparing, the catering trucks getting ready to feed hungry crews and picky divas alike.
Coffee flowed freely. The reading went well, taking the entire afternoon as dialogue was tweaked, new dialogue and scenes adjusted.
I liked most of my costars, feeling a camaraderie I hadn’t felt for a while with two of them. The third, I was reserving judgment.
The script was solid. Davis led with an understanding but firm hand.
The ranch was a great backdrop, and I had to admit the familiarity of it all filled me with a confidence I had been missing lately.
I knew this place. The town. The people.
I could offer insights. The cast listened.
Davis listened. I wasn’t just a pretty face playing a part. I had a voice and something to offer.
I liked it.
A couple days later, I was restless as some scenes were being filmed that I wasn’t part of.
I walked around, sat in my chair reading, preferring the outdoors to the trailer that served as my dressing room and private area.
I liked the sun on my face, the scent of the fresh hay and earth in my nose.
Some of the ensemble hadn’t been a fan of other scents that wafted around on occasion.
Manure, ripe and strong, filled the air, making me chuckle and the city slickers wrinkle their noses in disgust and head toward their trailers fast.
I didn’t bother to tell them the air conditioner would suck the scent in there as well, intensifying it. They’d learn that lesson on their own.
My phone rang, and I glanced down to see it was Annie calling. I blew out a long breath before answering.
“Hey, Annie.”
“Oliver.”
“What’s up?”
“I saw a few stills. Davis sent me some rushes.”
I closed my eyes, bracing myself. “And?” I asked lightly. “Did I pass inspection?”
“Don’t get smart with me.”
I sighed. “Just say it, Annie.”
There was a moment of silence, and I knew she was taking a hit from her vape. I heard the long exhale.
“Davis says you’re working hard. Contributing to the entire project.” She paused. “Good job, Oliver.”
Shock rendered me speechless. She kept talking.
“You look like a natural on that horse. Your characterization of Colton is spot-on. Davis says you’re going to steal the entire film.”
Then as quickly as her praise came, it ceased.
“As long as you don’t screw this up and fall back into your bad habits.”
I chuckled. There was the Annie I knew.
“I’ll try not to.”
“You got everything you need? The place you’re staying at okay?”
“Yep. It’s fine. Nice, quiet place.” I refrained from telling her who my landlady was. I wasn’t ready to share that information.
“Okay. Just wanted to check in.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t fuck this up.”
And she hung up.
I slid my phone back into my pocket. That was Annie. Direct and to the point. Good job—don’t fuck it up. Checking in but pretending not to care. She cared about very few people. Most of the time, I liked to think I was one of those few.
Other times, I doubted it.
My name was called, and I headed toward my mark. It was time to make magic again.
“Cut!”
I groaned as I slid off Rusty. It had been a long day. On and off the horse, who decided not to cooperate today. Take after take happened until Davis was happy.
My back and my ass were not. I ached from head to foot. I had a headache as well. I was hungry, having missed lunch while we were out filming some of the long riding sequences. The snacks I had took the edge off but didn’t fill me up.
Davis came over. “Long day, but we got what we needed.”
“Good.”
He clapped me on the shoulder. “Go home and get some sleep. You don’t have to be on set until later in the morning.”
“Great.”
I went home, stopping at the grocery store. Ginny was there, the store empty. I headed to the hot counter, disappointed to only see a quarter chicken left. I grabbed it and some salad and took it to pay. She clicked her tongue at me. “Hardly enough for a growing boy.”
I laughed. “I’ll take what I can get, but I am hardly a growing boy anymore.”
She shook her head as I swiped my credit card. I was too tired to pump her for information today or even make much small talk.
At Kassie’s place, I shut off the engine, noticing the back gate open. I slid out, grimacing a little, as she appeared from the back, a small bundle of green in her hand.
“Hey,” I greeted her, reaching to the passenger side to grab my dinner.
She hesitated then came over. “Hello. How goes filming?”
I studied her, her natural prettiness so pleasing to me.
Her hair was in a braid, hanging over one shoulder, the light glinting off the unusual color.
Her green eyes were soft yet wary as she met my gaze.
My eyes dropped to her mouth, recalling the softness of it underneath mine the other night.
Noticing my stare, she bit her lip, worrying the plump flesh.
Unbidden, I reached over, pulling the skin from her teeth.
“Don’t hurt yourself.” I tapped her lips. “I like these just the way they are.”
“Stop it,” she murmured, glaring at me.
“Just speaking the truth.”
“Keep it to yourself.”
I leaned on the car, amused. “You always bit your lip when nervous. Even as a kid. I make you nervous?”
“You make me irritated.”
I chuckled, pushing off the car. “Well, I will go eat dinner and irritate myself.”
She snorted, looking at my takeout containers. “That’s dinner?”
“It’s all that was left at the store. I’m starving, I have a headache, and I need a hot shower. My back is killing me.”
Instantly, her ire melted. “What’s wrong?”
“Too much time on the horse today. Too late for lunch, and no decent snacks.”
She was gnawing on her bottom lip. “I have dinner,” she burst out.
I lifted one eyebrow. “Good for you.”
“Enough to share.”
I froze. “Really?”
“Yes. I was just getting some cilantro.”
“I would love to have you for—I mean, dinner with you.” I grinned widely at her with a wink.
“And I will add inappropriate to that irritating comment earlier,” she sniffed haughtily, turning and heading to her door.
I followed her, the obedient dog I was, eager for dinner. More time with her.
“Just being honest,” I insisted. “You said you liked honesty. And that was the most delicious pie I’ve ever had. And that mouth of—”
She whirled around, her eyes no longer soft. She glared at me. “Keep it to yourself. And no flirting, funny stuff, or innuendos, Oliver Wendall Hart. You hear me?”
She was gorgeous when she was annoyed. Her eyes flashed emerald, her cheeks rosy, and her voice lower than normal. Fucking sex on legs. But I knew when not to push. I widened my eyes in mock fear. “Oh, full name. No flirting, funny stuff, or teasing. Got it.”
“Good.” She turned to head to the door, but I caught it. A glimmer of a smile on her face. A smile she was trying to hide.
But I saw it.
And I could work with that.