Page 26 of Everybody Needs a Hero

“Thank you. I didn’t know if you’d remember me.”

The director laughed. “Hardly a problem when you look so like her,” he said. “Are you sure you don’t want to be in a movie? I have one coming up I think you’d be perfect for.”

Ashely smiled. “Sorry, no, not really,” she said. “Movies are Mom’s business, and I never felt like it was something I wanted to do.”

“Fair enough,” the director said, looking at Bryce.

Ashley put her hand on Bryce’s arm. “This is my girlfriend, Bryce Cooper.”

Bryce held out her hand, and the director shook it. “You make excellent movies, sir,” she said. “I especially likedModern Patriots. A solid portrayal of what the military is like these days.”

The director lifted an eyebrow. “I take it you’re military then?” he asked. “What branch?”

Ashely watched as Bryce lifted her chin, a proud look coming over her face. “United States Marine Corps, sir,” she said. “1st Reconnaissance Battalion.”

It was the director’s turn to look impressed. “Remarkable,” the director said, shaking Bryce’s hand with even more vigor. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

“Thank you, sir,” Bryce said, taking her hand back. “The honor is mine.”

The director nodded. “Listen, I have to get the day started. We’re behind, but maybe we can talk later?” he said. “I’d be very interested in your perspective on some military questions I have.” He smiled. “Assuming you’re allowed to answer them.”

Bryce smiled too. “I’ll do my best, sir,” she said. “Although some things are classified, of course.”

“Right, of course,” the director said, turning to go. He paused. “And thank you for your service.”

“You’re welcome,” Bryce said. The minute the director was out of earshot, Ashley met Bryce’s eyes. They had yet to talk about the military in detail, and she had questions she needed answered.

“Bryce,” she said. “I think it’s incredible that you’re in the Marine Corps. But I feel like there are things you’re not telling me.”

With a sigh, Bryce nodded. “I’m sorry. I have been evasive,” she said. “It’s simple. You know I’m in the Marine Corps.” She paused, a tenderness coming into her face. “And I’m on leave until the end of the week.”

Ashley wasn’t sure she liked what that might mean. “And then what happens?” she asked, a nervous tightening in her stomach.

Bryce sighed. “And then I have a really big decision to make.”

21

As the rain continued to pour, Tess stood under a broad umbrella held by a production assistant. There really wasn’t any point in trying to protect her from the rain, in her opinion, considering she ran down the block three times already and was soaked through. Still, she let the PA do his job while she did her best to mentally prepare for another take of the much-debated romance scene. The task wasn’t easy. Drew kept invading her thoughts and in the very best possible ways. After the nearly catastrophic interruption by her daughter and Bryce, Tess sat beside Drew on the couch again and worked to calm her down. “Can we talk about what is upsetting you?” she asked. “I know they are waiting on us, but I don’t want to leave things like this. What are you thinking?”

Drew shook her head. “I know it doesn’t make sense considering I wrote over a hundred thousand words in my novel,” she said while they sat there together. “But I can’t find the words to what I’m feeling. Everything is all jumbled into such a mixture of crazy emotions.”

Gently taking Drew’s hand, loving the warmth of her skin, Tess waited for her reaction. When she didn’t pull away, she kept the conversation going. “Crazy how?” Tess asked, very much wanting to understand. Anything to keep the woman from running away again. “I’m listening.”

Drew gave her a shy smile. “I know you are,” she said. “And being incredibly patient. I’m sure you’re frustrated with me.”

Tess squeezed her hand, and looking into the woman’s face, she wondered what she could do to get through to her. How to let her know she wasn’t in a hurry. “I’m not frustrated,” Tess said. “Please don’t think that. I only want to spend time with you.” She moved a little closer. “And see where our feelings can go. But I need you to want that too.”

Squeezing Tess’s hand in return, Drew gave her a tentative nod. “I think I want that too,” she said before shyly locking eyes with Tess. “But I have a confession.”

“A confession?” Tess raised an eyebrow. “Okay, now I’m curious. What is it?”

Color rose to Drew’s cheeks, and Tess watched her swallow hard before daring to say what she wanted. “I want to kiss you again,” she said in a whisper. “Like we were before Ashley surprised us.”

Never wanting anything more, Tess took Drew’s face in her hands. “Then, kiss me,” she said, and Drew did with the passion Tess craved. As the kiss grew hotter and Drew less tentative, Tess slowly slid her leg over until she straddled Drew.

With a gasp, Drew broke the kiss. “Oh God,” she said, rubbing her hands against the fabric of the couch as if not sure where to put them. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

“Do you want me to stop?” Tess asked, her voice breathless as desire rippled through her body. Being so close to Drew, to feel her body, could quickly drive Tess crazy, and she prayed the woman wouldn’t push her away. “It’s up to you.” Licking her lips, Drew raised her hands to tentatively trace the edges of Tess’s breasts through the fabric. Tess trembled with pleasure. “That feels so good.”

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