Page 31 of Finding Her Leading Man

Juliana pulled again at Grayson, finally moving him from out in front of the door. “Give us a couple of minutes. We’ll be inside.”

Trevor, his fingers interlaced with hers, stepped into the restaurant, pulling Samantha right along with him. The smell of grease and beer hit her. It reminded her of a small burger place near the theater where she starred in her first off-Broadway play. The small trickle of homesickness for the big city surprised her. When she left a few weeks ago, she never thought about going back. She needed space. Quiet.

Who knew that a loud bar, lined with bikers laughing, would bring back such nostalgia?

“Addie was worried about bringing our parents here,” he said over the noise.

“I can see why.” She squeezed between the wall and a man bent over playing pool. “This doesn’t seem like your mom’s top choice.”

“No. A five-star restaurant would be more her speed. But Addie wanted it here for some reason.” He hadn’t released her hand when they arrived at the table near the back.

And judging by the look on Amelia Johnson’s face, she did not approve of the choice of venue. Her lips moved quickly, saying something to Addie that had her sitting straight and taking the criticism head-on. It had to be criticism based on their mutual scowls.

Trevor cursed under his breath. He’d obviously picked up on the same thing.

Samantha squared her shoulders. She’d never been a wallflower. Not really. Jasper had put her in that hesitant, shy role. Now Addie needed her to find a little of her old self again. She could charm directors and producers.

She could charm Amelia Johnson.

“Mrs. Amelia,” Samantha called, waving her hand and taking the lead away from Trevor as they maneuvered around the last table.

“What are you doing?” he whispered.

She stopped, turned, rose on her toes, and kissed his cheek, breathing in the clean scent of his skin. “Helping.”

He grinned, quick and wicked. “I like the way you help.” He pointed to his other cheek. “I think I need some help over here, too.”

She laughed and gave him a gentle shove to the other side of the table. “Go sit next to Addie.”

Amelia’s expression shifted. She smiled, small and fake. “Hi.” She motioned around her and opened her mouth to speak, and probably say something negative, but Samantha cut her off.

“I’ve heard of Rhonda’s at least once a day since I came to Statem. Even Becky said they have amazing food. She’s the woman who owns the diner.” Samantha sat down beside Trevor’s mom. “I was looking forward to the rehearsal dinner. Trevor and I haven’t had a chance to come out here yet. Although, he said he’s eaten here before. Right, honey?”

Trevor and Addie both stared at her for a long moment before Trevor nodded.

Samantha carried right on, rolling over Amelia’s concerns and gradually shifting the conversation to a different topic.

“Have you picked out your mother of the bride dress yet?” Her mother had waited until the last second and hadn’t purchased one. Good thing. She’d hate to have to deal with more than her dress to try and return. Not that anyone would take an altered wedding dress like Samantha’s. The dress reminded her of Jasper and currently hung in her ex-maid-of-honor/ex-agent’s closet.

“Yes. It’s by Armani. It’s a soft gray. A long dress with a small tailored jacket. Addie, do you think I should wear pearls or those diamonds your father gave me on our last anniversary.”

Addie quickly joined the conversation, still looking a little out of sorts at the shift in topic.

Grayson walked up. He held out his hand and shook Trevor’s before sitting down beside him. Apparently, that was making up in the male language.

Both men had tried to protect her. It was a nice thought. People caring about you. People that she hoped wouldn’t stab her in the back later. But they were totally different in their assessment of her.

Grayson thought she should stay sheltered.

Trevor thought she could handle anything.

Trevor’s eyes were locked on her again. Instead of melting away like before, now, she returned his look, challenging him to do something about their attraction.

And not in the way of being a fake girlfriend. She just hoped she was ready for it. Pushing herself to be out there, to socialize, seemed to relieve some of the pressure she’d felt since coming to Statem. Like faking happiness made her happy.

“I have got to hear the story about how the two of you met. Trevor didn’t give me very many details.” Amelia patted Samantha’s hand on the table.

Trevor’s face lost a little of its color. Fine. Good thing he wasn’t a better liar, she’d worry about being lied to like before. She’d come up with something.

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