Page 21 of How to Kiss a Movie Star
“Date their nest? You can do that?”
She levels me with a look. “We can carbon date trees that lived over fifty-thousand years ago. You don’t think I can guesstimate how long a squirrel has been nesting in a certain spot?”
I can’t help but smile. There’s something endearing about her fascination with a subject that is so patently boring to everyone else. But then, what do I know about what’s boring? I’ve been standing here talking about squirrels for at least five minutes, and I’m thoroughly invested. I suspect that has more to do withwhoI’m talking to thanwhatwe’re talking about.
The truth is, now that I’m certain she reallyisonly interested in squirrels, in my mind, there’s no reason she can’t come back no matter what Nate says.
I’ve seen some paparazzi go to a lot of trouble to disguise themselves and get close to celebrities. But there’s no way someone could fake Audrey’s knowledge or enthusiasm. This woman is harmless.
A little odd.
But harmless.
Though, I’m kidding myself if I think I’monlyletting Audrey come back because I think she’s harmless.
I also want a reason to see her again.
“How long would you need?” I ask, my eyes focused on the gear in the cargo box on the four-wheeler as I make sure everything is securely strapped down. If I look straight at her, I might scare her off withmyenthusiasm.
“A week? Two, tops,” she says, hope infusing her voice.
“Two weeks to take a few pictures?”
“And gather the necessary data,” she says. “But you won’t even notice me. And I promise. No photographs of you, or the house, or anything that might identify where the squirrels are specifically located.”
“Would you be willing to sign an NDA?” I won’t make her sign one, not for something as harmless as this, but it’s a good test anyway.
“Absolutely. Whatever you need. And I’m happy to send over proof of my credentials. And a copy of the research grant currently funding my research.”
“Credentials?”
She clears her throat and steps forward, holding out her hand like she’s introducing herself. I finally look into her eyes as she slips her hand into mine. “Dr. Audrey Callahan,” she says. “Wildlife biologist, professor at Carolina Southern University, and published author. Google me.”
My gut tightens. I don’t need more reasons to be impressed with this woman, especially when she doesn’t seem all that impressed with me. But hearing her name like that—Dr. Audrey Callahan.And she’s a published author? I’m falling into full-oncrushterritory. Except, somehow, this crush feels bigger—different from anything I’ve ever experienced before. Maybe because Audrey is different.Better.
I study her for a long moment, this time letting myself fall into the pale blue of her eyes. They’re ringed in dark navy, but near the iris, they’re the color of the early morning sky.
Audrey doesn’t flinch under my scrutiny. She may be young to have accomplished so much, but she knows how to hold herself, how to go after what she wants. Which makesmewanther.
“All right, Doctor Audrey Callahan. I’m going to make a deal with you. I’ll give you access to my property so you can study your white squirrels on one condition.”
She nods. “Anything. I’ll do anything.”
“No more hiding,” I say. “At least not from me. You use the main driveway. You check in with Nate. And you let us know where on the property you’re going to be.”
She cocks her head to the side. “I already told you I wasn’t hiding fromyou.”
I motion toward her outfit. “You’re saying when you got dressed this morning, you didn’t hope, even for a moment, that your disguise would keep you out of sight from me?”
“Itwouldhave kept me out of sight if I hadn’tgasped.”
I raise my eyebrows and lean forward the slightest bit. “That’s true. Whydidyou gasp, Audrey?” I ask, my tone playful.
She folds her arms across her chest. “I felt a bug run across my shoe.”
“I bet.” I mirror her stance. “Youreallyseem like the kind of woman who is freaked out by bugs.”
Her shoulders drop and she moves her hands to her hips, the leaves sewn down the seam bouncing as she does. “Fine,” she finally concedes. “Yes. Igaspedbecause I was not prepared to see twelve inches of your exceptionally defined abdominal muscles. Is that what you wanted me to admit?”
