Page 44 of Faking the Shot

“They like you here.”

He shrugged, fiddled with a lettuce leaf. “It’s good to be somewhere you’re appreciated.”

“For sure.”

Her face clouded, and he wondered if that feeling of appreciation was something she knew, too. “So, how about you? I’ve been told that you’re the face ofAs The Heart Draws.”

She rolled her eyes. “Only because I’m the one who’s been there the longest.”

“And the one the storylines revolve around, or so a little birdie told me.”

“That’s probably fair.”

“I understand from what Franklin James said that that’s how you got to know his sister.”

She nodded, leaning back in her chair. “Cassie is gold. She’s probably one of the few friends I can really count on. I know this might come as a bit of a shock to you but I’ve found that in this movie business there’s a lot of fake.”

“No way. Really?”

Her lips lifted. “You’re funny.”

Pleasure crawled across his chest. “I hope you mean that in a good way.”

“Of course I do.”

She continued eating, and he took a moment to finish his meal too, chewing over her words. This, getting to know her like this, nowthisfelt like being friends. It reminded him of the ease he had found with Chris and Diana when he first visited their home for meals. There was an ease here, no show, no pretense. Just him being able to be himself, and Ainsley dropping her guard a little, and being a little more real, too.

It still kind of dazed him to look at her, but just like before at the Aquarium when he sensed some cracks behind the facade, so he could see some now just sitting across from her. Like in the way her makeup had smudged, her hair wasn’t as perfect. He could see that she’d started to relax. Just like a friend might do.

Friends.Lord, help me. “So, friend.” Maybe if he said the word out loud enough times his heart would get the memo. “Who else would you consider to be a friend in your business?”

“Ooh, that’s tricky. I’m friends with Lincoln Cash, he was on the first season ofAs The Heart Draws. He played the Mountie love interest of my character Abigail.”

“Would you hate me if I told you that I’ve never watched an episode?”

Her face pulled into shock. “Are you serious?”

He winced. “Sorry.”

She laughed. “That makes us even then. Obviously I will have to come watch a game and you will have to watch an episode.”

“Deal.” Watching her would not be a problem. Except if she was kissing another man.Dude, she’s your friend, remember?“So, what episode should I watch? One with Lincoln in it? Or this new guy?”

“Harrison Woods. He’s the newest guy. There was Tanner before him.”

“Ah, Miss Ainsley’s many admirers, huh?”

“Miss Abigail’s many admirers,” she corrected him.

“My mistake.”

She shook her head. “It’s probably part of what’s contributed to my reputation, the fact my character seems to have a new man almost every season.”

Yep. That probably didn’t help. “Do you enjoy working on the show?”

“I really enjoy when we’re filming out there. Cassie runs the movie set, which is on her family’s ranch. So when we’re filming we’re staying on-site and it’s lovely to be away. There are no photographers chasing us or people wanting autographs, so we can focus on the work. I mean, I love my fans, and I fully appreciate I wouldn’t be where I am without their support, but sometimes it’s really nice to feel like you can just switch off and just focus on doing your work without all the other noise. Know what I mean?”

“One hundred percent.” When she swiveled a look at him, he shrugged. “I love hockey. Like, Iloveit. If I’m completely honest, hockey was my god before God was.”

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