his beer.

“Hmm, so it’s a murder mystery? Is that something you’d be interested in doing?”

“I’m not sure. I have to read this whole thing and let my agent know if I’m interested by Tuesday, although it seems like they’ve already cast me

for the part.”

“This Tuesday?” I asked, slightly shocked. “In four days you have to give them an answer? It looks like a lot to read in such a short time.”

I didn’t realize that some of these movie deals happened so quickly. “Talk about putting pressure on you. No wonder you’re stressed.”

His eyes flashed over to look at me. “Well, it’s a studio film and they want to fast track it.”

I nodded even though I wasn’t sure what the heck he was talking about.

Ryan was staring at me. “You have no idea what I’m talking about, do you?” he laughed lightly.

I smirked, surprised he was able to read me like that.

“Okay, here’s your lesson for today. Pay attention because there will be a quiz.” He held the script up. “You’ve heard of Paramount, I assume?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Okay… they are the ‘studio.’ ” He gestured. “Without over-complicating it, they’ve got the money. This film has already received a ‘green light.’

What do you do at a green light?”

“You go,” I answered.

“Script… film has been pitched… money is there to back it… green light – go. With me so far?”

I hoped my look got the message across that I’m not an idiot.

“Now this project is in pre-production. That’s when the cast gets hired, budget is determined, and for this film I understand that Jonathan

Follweiler is going to be directing. What it means for me are two things.” Ryan counted on his fingers. “One, do I want to do it and two, can I meet

the production schedule dates. If I can’t commit to being there, I can’t do the film.”

“So you still have the option to turn it down, right?” I asked.

“Yes. I haven’t signed anything yet.” He waved his hands. “And they need to make me an offer.”

“Don’t you have to audition first?” I tried to sound like I knew something.

“Not really… not anymore. All those screaming fans are like one huge resume. I may have to screen test with potential actresses to see if the

chemistry is there, but that’s about it.”

“Got it!” I grinned.

“Good! Tomorrow we’ll learn all about cinematography.”

“Darn! I was hoping that tomorrow would be all about special effects.” I pouted.

“Okay. Then as soon as I’m done reading this I’ll paint all your walls a lovely bright green and we can play with the CGI on your computer. How

does that sound?”

“You better get reading then!” I stood up to excuse myself. He startled me when he stood up too.

“I have to get back to the pub and finish up the night; we’re getting slammed down there. I even have Tammy helping out tonight. So are you

going to be okay up here by yourself?”

He walked over to me and rubbed my arms up and down softly with his hands. “Don’t worry about me.”

“I feel really bad leaving you here like this,” I uttered sadly, melting like butter under his touch.

“Tar, I know you have a business to run. I’m just glad that… well… I’m here. I’ll be fine!” he stressed. “I have excellent music to listen to and a fat

script to read. That will definitely keep me out of trouble for a while.” He winked at me.

I looked down at his feet. In all honesty I really wanted to stay with him. “I still feel terrible though.”

Ryan’s hand slid down my arm and he brushed his fingers on mine; his other hand lifted my chin until our eyes met.

“Don’t. I’m looking forward to some peace and rest, actually. I’ll see you when you get back.”

I felt the jolt of electricity surge through my body when he touched me; I had to fight the new desires rapidly building in my heart.

“All right. I’ll see you in three hours,” I sighed.

“Before you go, I’d like your cell phone please,” he requested, holding out his hand. “I’m not going to check up on you. I just want to program it a

little.”

“I don’t care. I have nothing to hide,” I said. I pulled my cell out of my pocket and handed it to him. “Just don’t give me an obnoxious ringtone.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll take care if it. Now off you go! Back to work!” He took a hold of my shoulders and spun me towards the door.

I was glad we were busy tonight; it made the three hours go by fairly quickly, although I wished the band would have hurried more when they

packed their instruments up.

I was so excited to finally lock the doors and get back upstairs to my very incredible guest that I ran up the steps to my apartment.

Ryan was lying on the couch, peacefully asleep. His long legs were stretched out and his bare feet hung off the edge. I was surprised to see he

was wearing wire rimmed glasses. He looked very studious and handsome.

I slowly removed the thick script that rested on his chest from underneath his folded hands and set it on the coffee table. He was so sound

asleep that the motion didn’t even make him stir. I grabbed the quilt that my grandmother made off the back of the loveseat and covered him up.

I noticed his tawny hair was still damp and unkempt from sleeping. I sat down on the wooden coffee table and took the sight of him into my

memory. His lips were slightly parted as he breathed in his slumber and I hoped he was having peaceful dreams.

Goodnight Sweet Prince, I thought to myself, taking one last look at him before I turned out the lights and headed for bed.

It was still dark in my bedroom when I woke, suddenly startled. I felt my bed jostle as Ryan carefully slid his body underneath my blankets.

Without saying a word, he snuggled up behind me and made himself comfortable on the spare pillow. I leaned back slightly to acknowledge him,

resting my body on his chest. He curled up tighter behind me; I could feel that he was still fully dressed.

Ryan’s hand skimmed down my arm. Very slowly, he slid his open hand on top of mine, lacing our fingers together. He let out a soft sigh when I

closed my fingers around his.

For how hard I tried to protect myself from getting hurt, it felt so right to lie here with him. Our bodies nested together perfectly - like we were

made for each other. It was apparent that he was just as affected by me as I was by him.

The sun started to rise and soft light filled my bedroom. I felt his arm pull me closer to his chest; his warm breath caressed my shoulder as he

snuggled with me. His breathing returned to the sound of sleep, so I let myself drift back to my incredible dream.

I woke again when I felt him stir. His fingers flexed, gripping my hip. His fingertips circled to feel what I was wearing. His legs stretched and he

lightly pressed himself into me when his brain received the message that I was only wearing panties and a T-shirt.

Dizzying arousal shot through my body from his touch. My mind quickly wandered with other visions of how his steely hands could grip my hips.

New cravings for him were growing rapidly in my thoughts.

“Good morning,” he whispered in my ear, sliding his hand across my stomach.

“Mmm, hi!” was all I could say as our eyes met. He grinned at me and gently swept my hair off my forehead with his fingertips.

“Sorry I fell asleep on you last night. Why didn’t you wake me when you got back?” He yawned.

“You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t want to wake you.”

He smiled that sexy grin at me – the one that makes my pulse race – while his fingers drifted over my skin and caressed my face.

The desire to lean into him and press my lips to his was so strong, and I didn’t have the internal strength to fight it anymore. He appeared to be

fighting the same urges, but that was a threshold of intimacy that he didn’t cross.