Page 98 of The Backup Bride Proposal

Mae sputtered out a laugh. “Oh, right. Like I ever gave you details before.”

“Fine,” Erin said. “It’s just that he’s so hot. And a movie star.”

“Honestly, he’s just a really nice, normal guy,” Mae said. “So let’s leave it at that, okay?”

Brenna huffed out a sigh. “Fine. Boring, but fine.”

“Okay, enough of all this,” Maureen said. “I’m sure you’re all intrigued with Mae’s relationship with Kane August, but can we get back to work now?”

Mae was relieved that her sex life was no longer the topic of discussion, and they got down to the business of their meeting. Mae was more than happy to immerse herself in wine and wedding biz again. She had to admit that she missed this part of her life. Having a week off had been fun but also fraughtwith complicated family dynamics that had badly messed with Kane’s head. When he’d dropped her off last night, he’d seemed tired. She couldn’t imagine the emotional toll that finding out about his parents’ divorce had taken on him. He needed some time to unwind and get back into the swing of work, while also coming to terms with everything that had gone down in Texas. He had a right to have whatever moods he wanted to, but she needed to take a step back.

She had no idea how long that would take.

“Filming resumes today, Mae,” Maureen said. “Do you have scenes to do with Kane?”

She checked her phone and her filming days, then shook her head. “No. Nothing today.”

Fortunately.

“Hmm. I’d like to see how things are moving along. Can you go over there and check?”

She’d planned to give Kane some space, but she could probably pop in and speak to Alexis, get a feel for the production and schedule, then hightail it out of there without him even knowing she’d been there.

“I’ll definitely do that.”

“While you’re there,” Honor said, “please remind them that we have a fairly sizable wedding this Saturday, so we’d like to make sure there’s no filming that day and that the production crew doesn’t interfere with the guests.”

“Of course. I’ll mention it to them.”

She made notes about the wedding schedule and then went about her business for the day. After confirming flowers and caterers for Saturday’s wedding, she answered a few emails, then went outside. She had a tour scheduled at ten, and fortunately the couple showed up right on time, which was great as far as her schedule for the day. The couple fellin love with the venue—and who wouldn’t—so they went over their requested dates for the wedding. They scheduled for a year and a few months away, put down a deposit and were happily on their way after taking a few pictures.

So far, today was going extremely well. She looked at her schedule, realizing she had about thirty minutes free, so she wandered over to the movie set. She saw Kane filming a scene with two of the other actors, so she avoided that area and headed into the production office. Alexis was on set with Kane, so she met with the scheduling coordinator, Veronica, and talked to her about this weekend’s wedding.

Veronica scrolled through her laptop. “We have nothing on for this weekend, filming-wise, so we’re clear there. But it’s my understanding our schedule and yours were gone over and approved before filming began.”

“They were. My boss just wanted to confirm that your team was aware of this weekend’s wedding.”

Veronica lifted her head and gave her an empty stare. “We’re aware.”

Though she wasn’t completely satisfied, she supposed it was the best she could hope for. “Okay, then. Thanks.”

“Is there something else?”

She realized she had been standing there saying nothing, no doubt wasting Veronica’s time. “No. Sorry. Thanks for your help.”

How embarrassing. She’d been hoping she could go back to Maureen with something a little more concrete or positive other than “We’re aware of the contract terms,” but there wasn’t much she could do about it. She left the trailer, intending to work her way back to the house.

“Mae, what are you doing here?”

She grimaced at the sound of Kane’s voice. Pivoting, she offered up a smile. And, oh, did he look delicious in darkjeans and a dark blue button-down shirt. Part of her wanted to step into his arms and feel the strong warmth of his body surrounding her. The other part of her wanted to flee.

“Oh, hi. I had some business to discuss with the production company on behalf of the Bellinis. I’m sure you’re busy with work and so am I. I’m just going to head back.”

“Wait. Wait. Why the hurry? And why didn’t you stop by to say hello?” He stepped up to her and picked up her hand. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just busy. Mondays are very hectic days. I’m sure you have a lot to do as well.”

He shrugged. “I’m in between scenes right now so we’ve broken for lunch. How about you? Feel like grabbing something to eat?”

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