Page 7 of Under Ground

The door opens, and Alex strolls in like he owns the place.

“Lana. It’s good to see you.”

Why is everything about him so perfect? I guess he’s got that Hollywood look. Perfect teeth, perfect hair, perfect dimple in his cheek when he smiles.

I’ve never felt so plain in all my life in comparison.

“You too.” I muster up a smile, but it feels awkward. God only knows what it must look like. Anna bounces up and down, and I can’t help but smile. “Anna. This is Alex.”

“I know.” She squeaks, and I turn my head, one eyebrow raised, to look at her. “I can’t wait for your movie to come out.”

“Which one?” His puzzled expression just makes him even cuter. Life is so unfair.

“The one you’re working on now. I love fantasy movies.”

“Ohhh.” His charming smile is probably enough to knock panties off. Not that I’d know. I’m immune.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

“How’s it all going?” she asks.

He nods slowly. “Good. We’re just about to start filming, so I’m taking some time to check out the neighbourhood. I’ve been here a while, but haven’t been out much.” I swallow hard as he fixes his blue-eyed gaze on me. “Except for my morning runs.”

“Great,” Anna smiles. “If you need a tour guide …”

“Oh.” He looks back at her. “Thanks for the offer.”

“Did you want a coffee? I can make one, or there’s a great coffee shop just across the road, or …”

He pats his stomach—that defined abdomen that I might have seen when I googled him last night. “I’ve just had a late breakfast and coffee. But thanks for the offer.” Shifting his gaze to me, he bites his lip. Holy shit. “I just wanted a word with Lana.”

“I … sure.”

Anna doesn’t get the hint, God bless her, and stays right where she is.

Alex waits a moment and just focuses on me. “Anyway, I wanted to say I’m glad you’re okay.”

Oh.

I flick one wrist in the air. “Oh, I’m fine. We were running late today. Really late.”

His brows dip. “I didn’t want you to think I was upset about yesterday.”

“Yesterday?” Anna asks.

I clamp my lips together. Please don’t tell her. Please don’t tell her. The last thing I need are any questions about my daughter.

“Just a little misunderstanding.” He flashes another killer smile that makes me suppress a loud sigh. Why did he have to be so good-looking? I’m not used to dealing with men—especially ones like this. It’s just too much.

Anna shoots me a wary look that tells me the minute he’s gone, I’m going to be interrogated.

“I’m glad. No, we’re fine.”

“Good.” He pauses. “Do you usually walk that way?”

Oh.

“I … yeah it’s the quickest way to get to Casey’s day care.” I suck in my bottom lip. “I’ve not seen you there before.”

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