Page 57 of Hot Mess

A month later…

Having Kayla on set for the past week with me had been a real treat. I loved being able to look up and see her eager face glowing with excitement as she watched the filming process. She was the perfect on-set guest. Never making noise, never in anyone’s way.

We sat on the bed in my trailer, well, she sat, and I lay back with my head in her lap. Ending my days with her made me feel like the luckiest man in the world. The filming on this action thriller was grueling, strenuous work, but she made it all worthwhile.

“Tell me about the ribs.” We made a deal in regard to the catering. She ate all the food I couldn’t, and then told me about it, so I could enjoy everything vicariously. I had allowed myself more than enough indulgences the week following Christmas. January second, we were on set in Oregon, and I was back to high protein moderate carbs, and zero grains or sugar.

“You wouldn’t have liked them,” she said.

“Oh, why is that?”

“They were over cooked, and the sauce was way too sweet. I like a good, sweet barbecue with pork. But this was almost like a candy coating.”

“You’re right, that doesn’t sound good.” In the few weeks we had been together Kayla had learned what I liked. I liked a few baked goods, but never anything too sweet. She knew I preferred muffins to cupcakes. And if cake was involved, no frosting.

Years of dietary restrictions had shifted my taste preferences. I wasn’t a sugary kind of guy, but I loved rich foods. The fudge that she made for Christmas was almost the perfect food. If she had served it paired with a cheesecake, I might have had to propose to her on the spot.

“The charcuterie spread was good. They had a smoked brie with walnuts and dates. You could have had that, couldn’t you?”

“Brie with dates?” Now that was the kind of thing that was my culinary weakness. “You should have said something.”

“Yeah right. I can just picture that, oh hi mister director, sir, you have to stop filming this important and tense scene so Nick can have some cheese. I don’t think so.”

I grumbled, but it wasn’t a real complaint. I reached up and played with her hair.

“Next time I’ll see if I can steal some for you.”

“Or you could just ask the caterer to make an extra one for me.”

Kayla lifted her gaze from my face and looked out the window. She blinked a few times and got the impression I had said something wrong. I sat up and cupped my hand around her neck.

“Hey, what is it?”

She shook her head.

“Kayla, babe, look at me.”

She had tears welling in the corners of her eyes.

I scooted up and pulled her against my chest. I stroked her hair and listened to her breathe. There was a hitch as she inhaled. I couldn’t stop the low growl deep in my chest. Someone had hurt my girl.

“I can’t protect you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

She sighed.

I braced myself for bad news. I held her for a long while before she started talking.

“I love…”

My chest tightened, was I prepared for her feelings?

“… how ready you are to charge in to defend my honor. This is something I’ve had to put up with since I was twelve and woke up one morning with a chest.”

I didn’t know what to say, but I rumbled with indignation.

“Look, Nick, I’ve been treated like I’m dumb because I have big boobs and a big butt.”

“I am fascinated by your boobs and your ass is amazing. Those people are just jealous.”

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