Page 8 of Adrian (Love Under the Lights 3)

Wow.

Just wow.

That had to be the sweetest thing I’d ever heard a guy say about me.

And it’d come from a man who was beyond a ten.

“Jen said she'll give you a call with the details when she gets the dresses lined up for you.” His grin turned rueful. “She's also probably going to say something about how you should aim higher since I'm lame. Apparently, I'm taking you out on the cheapest date in the history of dates.”

A giggle bubbled up and burst from my chest. “Little does she know, I'm incredibly impressed because I am a cheapskate at heart.”

Humor shone from his eyes as he asked, “A penny-pincher, huh?”

“Yup.” I pulled the last dog biscuit from my pocket, and Duke jumped up from where he’d been sprawled out on the grass at Adrian’s feet to beg for the treat. Handing it to him, I added, “I even make these for the dogs I play with because I don’t like the idea of not having something to give them when they’re good, but I’d go through a box a week if I bought them at the store. Since I’m a poor college student, that isn’t exactly an option.”

Duke scarfed down the treat, his tail wagging double time when he was done. “That explains why he’s been such a little shit over the dog treats I used to buy him from the pet store,” Adrian chuckled, shaking his head. “About nine or ten months ago, I finally gave up and started getting some from a specialty shop over on Beverly Boulevard that charges an arm and a leg because they’re all natural. He still doesn’t wolf them down as quickly as he does yours, though.”

Since I had the whole weekend to finish a paper that was due Monday afternoon, I figured I could squeeze in some extra time in the kitchen before I got ready for my date. “I’ll make a special batch just for Duke and give it to you when you pick him up after our date tonight.”

“I’m not sure how it’s possible, but you just keep getting more perfect.” He reached out and stroked his finger down the side of my face. “My mom is one hell of a penny-pincher herself. She raised me on her own, but I never felt like I went without anything because she always found a way to stretch her budget to pay for what I needed growing up.”

It sounded like I had more in common with his mom than my own. “What does she think about all this Hollywood stuff?”

He ran his hand through his thick hair and sighed, “She’s not sure what to think. She’s supported my dreams, but the craziness I stumbled into with my recent role wasn’t something either of us was really prepared for. Though she’s enjoying the shit out of the house and car that I bought for her after I got my first big check.”

“As she should.” I grinned back at him. “But you’ve got to admit that it’s kind of ridiculous that I’ll never be able to buy a house or car for anyone but myself, even after I spend another three years in college to get my PhD.”

“Another three years?” He whistled low, but it still drew the attention of the few other dogs in the park. Duke barked and stood between his owner and the other dogs. He was so darn cute, acting like a big dog when he was only about one foot tall. “What are you studying?”

I inwardly groaned since most guys tended to find my area of study incredibly boring. “Neuroscience. Specifically neural development, degeneration, and repair.”

Adrian surprised me by flashing me a smile full of admiration before saying, “My mom would love you—a smart girl who knows how to pinch pennies. She'll never believe that I met you in Hollywood, though.”

“My mom would love you, too.” Unfortunately, it would be for all the wrong reasons. “Although I’m not sure you should take it as much of a compliment since she’s obsessed with all things celebrity.”

“I’ll still take it.” He winked at me, sending goose bumps down my spine. “At least she'll like me when I meet her.”

I had to admire his confidence, implying that I’d be introducing him to my parents less than an hour after we met each other. But the thought of my mom’s reaction to me dating a movie star made me want to puke. “If you ever do meet my mom, we’ll see how happy you are about her liking you.”

“When, not if,” he corrected with another wink.

I laughed softly and shook my head. “We should probably get through our first date before we get ahead of ourselves.”

“And before that happens, I have a meeting with my agent. If I don’t hurry, I’ll be late.” He gestured down at Duke and grinned. “I’m already pushing it by bringing my dog with me to the restaurant. As much fun as it is to yank his chain, I don’t want to piss him off so much that he drops me as a client.”

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