Page 56 of Hiding Hollywood

“No. I want to keep you safe, Addie. And my mom and dad. If what you say is true, you’d put my entire family at risk, which you already admitted might happen. You use this here, go as far as you need to on this guy, and I’ll promise to keep it quiet and, if anything happens, I will protect you.”

She grunted, crossed her arms, and stared straight ahead. “I don’t need your protection.”

He leaned down, tired of the games. He motioned between them. “This ‘thing’ between us requires compromise. You want me to tell you about Jennifer. You want me to keep your secret. I have this request, Addie. You use this here. You said you couldn’t do your job while trying to help me. Flip it around.” He took a deep breath as her eyes locked with his. “I won’t be able to do my job if I’m worried about your safety.”

They stared at each other with their relationship, or whatever it was, laid out before both of them. It wasn’t a fling. Cameron cared about her, and if he interpreted the way she watched him now, Addie cared about him.

“Simple” got a hell of a lot more complicated because no matter what, he would protect her, and he didn’t see how that urge would stop in six days when it hadn’t eased up in the past fifteen years.

17

“Two visits in three days.” Becky leaned across the counter at the Daylight Diner. “To what do I owe this privilege?”

Cameron drummed his fingers on the pristine stainless-steel counter. Becky kept the place immaculate. She should since she planned on buying it from Ms. Iris in the next year. “I wanted to thank you.”

She straightened. “That’s a new one. Normally you find something to bother me about.”

“I don’t bother you.”

She rolled her blue eyes to the ceiling. “Let’s see. You gave me a ticket two weeks ago.”

He groaned. “C’mon, Becky. You were sitting at the red light in front of the high school talking on your cell phone. If you only want a warning for distracted driving, you shouldn’t have had an audience of teenagers.” He patted her hand. “Just think of yourself as a role model.”

“That’s an expensive role to play.” She waved her hand between them. “And after all the things I’ve done for you.”

“Besides be a pain in the butt, what exactly have you done for me?”

“I bake delicious desserts and muffins that you seem to enjoy.” She smirked. “In fact, I have a new brownie that I’m putting out at lunch today.”

Becky’s baking talents could have carried her beyond their small town, but she loved it. She also enjoyed making a profit. Cameron crossed his arms. “You make me pay for everything. That’s not exactly doing me a favor.”

“Be happy that I don’t charge you double.”

It was Cameron’s turn to roll his eyes. “I actually stopped by for another reason. I’m taking Addie to the benefit at Rhonda’s tomorrow night. I didn’t know if you and Nash wanted to meet us there.”

She raised her eyebrows. “Since when do you assume I’m dating Nash?”

“I meant as friends.”

Becky shook her head. “Good. There’s no way I’d date any of you clowns. What about Dewey?”

“He’s working later, but I’ll ask him when I see him. That way she could meet some people.” He wasn’t sure why he wanted her to meet his friends. She would be back to California in less than a week. He wanted there to be an outside chance she’d come back and visit. Georgia to California would make for one hell of a long-distance relationship.

“It must be serious if you’re willing to take that chance. Introducing your girlfriend to your friends is a risky move since we know the cranky, bitter, uptight you. Not the shiny, pretty version she sees.”

“Do I have a pretty side?” He held a hand up. “Don’t answer that.”

After the meeting with the judge and Addie was cleared, they could date like reasonable adults. Then, he’d have permission to kiss her without the guilt.

He stood from the stool and pulled out his wallet. “I’ll take one of those brownies.”

“It’s ten in the morning.” Becky snatched his money. “But I’m always willing to make money.”

Pickingout an outfit shouldn’t be hard. Not at thirty. Addie worked in a freaking department store, after all. Prided herself on being fashionable. But, seriously, what did someone wear to a charity benefit at a place named Rhonda’s Roadhouse?

She had over a dozen various outfits she could put together. Leggings were the nicest pants she’d brought. After that summer in high school working at a computer store, she swore off khaki pants for the rest of her life. No use in pulling out the blue jeans in the bottom of her suitcase. Those didn’t exactly say“benefit” in her opinion.

Settling on a navy dress and turquoise scarf, she found her highest heels and opted for no leggings. It might be chilly later, but it looked a little classier. She sprayed on her light floral perfume, shaking her hair to make sure it clung to her longer.

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