Page 37 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

Grr.

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Harrison’s stomach growled, and he pushed himself up on his bed. He’d been grateful for time off yesterday and this morning that allowed him time to nurse his injury. After the hospital had agreed with Jess’s assessment that it was a non-venomous garter snake, and the blood had likely been caused by a stick, he’d battled swelling which meant lying on his bed memorizing lines or watching TV for most of Sunday. Neither activity entertained half as much as his time at the Three Creek ranch house, time when he’d received more fascinating insights into the differing personalities of the James sisters.

He liked Jessica’s practical, calm ways. He liked Poppy’s directness and sense of fun. And seeing how they vibed off their elder sister showed another interesting facet of this woman he was becoming more intrigued with each day.

He couldn’t forget holding her. Couldn’t forget that moment of terror, followed by the moment of pain. Then couldn’t forget how Cassie avoided speaking to him, avoided even looking at him, while Hannah and her friends had peppered him with all kinds of questions about the acting industry.

He would’ve been flattered, except for Cassie’s avoidance. And now, with his leg swelling, he’d needed to have the planned shooting of outdoor scenes rearranged around him to focus on scenes shot in the schoolhouse. And he was stuck in his room, flicking between lame TV shows, while he avoided the giant leather-bound book positioned prominently on the bedside table.

The low production values of the made-for-television movie forced his eyes from the TV screen onto his phone. He probably should post more on social media. He took a picture of his room, trying to give as much of an aesthetic vibe without making it too obvious where he was. The guessing game about his latest role continued, but after the weekend, where between Hannah’s friends and the hospital nurses who’d recognized him and asked what he was filming, he was fairly sure someone would be spilling certain beans pretty soon.

Tanner’s final episode would air this weekend, so once the network’s publicity department gave the all-clear it’d be safe to post the truth. It wouldn’t hurt to have a stash of photos up his sleeve, ready for posting once news got out, especially if the fans were as rabid as Ainsley, Dana and Dustin had suggested.

He liked having fans but had never had rabid ones. And the fact this show had such a loyal following twisted his insides with both anticipation and terror. Some people—Lincoln Cash was one—appeared to know how to deal with that side of fame well. Harrison had never been that famous, the best he’d scored was a number five role billing status on IMDB, so to be a solid second, after Ainsley, was new territory for him. As was rabid fans.

He wished Cassie was more of a fan.

He still didn’t understand why she seemed to hate his guts. What had he done that was so bad? There’d been that moment, before, when she’d stared deep into his eyes, when he’d really thought—

Knock knock.

He straightened from his position on the bed and used the remote to turn off the TV. Maybe this was her. “It’s open.”

The door swung open, and—

“Poppy? What are you doing here?”

The blonde smiled. “Funny. My sister just asked the same question.”

His chest thudded. Cassie had?

Poppy held up a tray. “I bumped into your assistant—Maxine, isn’t it? And she mentioned she was about to bring you your lunch, so I thought I’d offer to be the delivery girl.”

“Aren’t you thoughtful?” Delivering his lunch, taking him to the hospital, driving him back to the western town afterwards. Although he hoped it wasn’t for any other reason…

“Right?” Another smile, full of sass. “Plus, I wanted to check on how you’re doing.”

He gestured to his bound-up leg. “It’s still attached, so that’s a plus.”

Her nose wrinkled. “It still looks swollen.”

“Too swollen for wearing boots, so I’m stuck here while they film stuff without me.”

She passed him the tray, and he settled it on his lap. “Are you bored yet?”

“Not yet,” he lied.

Her lips half-curved. “I don’t know whether to believe you or not.”

“What’s with all the mistrust?”

“Exactly. That’s something else I said to Cassie this morning.”

His heart sank, and he pulled the tray of food closer to hide his dismay. Cassie didn’t trust him?

“I hope it’s all okay,” Poppy said. “Maxine said this is your usual Monday order, but I don’t mind going back and changing things if you want.”

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