Page 26 of Love on the Byline

“Logistically, that probably wouldn’t work.” The wordsstuttered out of her. “It’s better if I do what I can now and…wait until youget back to finish, if necessary.” She wanted to be done with this.

Oblivious to her plight, his smile was rich and warm. “I canhelp.”

Another beat of silence passed between them in which Olliepractically vibrated with anticipation, staring at her like she had the powerto grant his greatest wish.

Closing her eyes, Blake shook her head. Dammit. She wasactually thinking about it. Why did he have this effect on her?

“I’d have to trek all the way down to San Diego to shadowthat overgrown child.”

Exhaling a breath of what sounded like relief, Ollie chuckled.“You’d mostly be with me. Besides, relaxed Bran is way more fun than work Bran.Trust me.”

Unfortunately, Blake did trust Ollie. It made no sense, shebarely knew him.

The anticipation and hope in his eyes brought with them atwinge of guilt. She couldn’t follow them to Malibu, it would take too long andSonja would never approve.

Still, she nodded. “I’ll think about it—if it comesto that—and see what my boss says. But sauna or not, clothing isn’t optional. Idon’t interview naked people.”

6

It was a reckless, selfish desire, inviting Blake to jointhem, but Ollie couldn’t help himself. The thought of having her with him on awarm sunny beach, a drink in her hand and the wind in her dark curls, had beentoo tempting. Too much of a fantasy come to life for him to resist blurting outthe invitation.

Bran would kill him, but it would be worth it if she’d onlyagree.

The door to the bedroom opened, and Bran stalked through thetrailer to the front door.

“I’m needed in FX.” He stopped and turned to Blake,stone-faced.

She hitched her bag up on her shoulder. “I can talk to youthere.”

“I’ll be there for several hours.”

“Perfect.”

“It’s a facial prosthetic.” He was glaring and Ollie wantedto punch him in the side of the head.

She frowned.

“He won’t be able to talk,” Ollie explained.

“Oh.” Disappointment creased her brow.

“We’ll have to reschedule,” Bran said.

Blake lifted her chin, her gaze sharp. “I could observe.”

Bran gave Ollie a look.

“It’s...proprietary, the process,” he said, hoping it was atleast a little true. “But, I could show you around the lot. If you want.”

Her gaze flicked to his, alight with clear interest, but hervoice was steady when she replied. “Sure, I suppose that would be helpful.”

He bit back a smile. “No problem.”

Bran turned and left, leaving them alone.

Her shoulders, which had been drawn up and back, slumpedwith something like relief.

Man, she really didn’t like Bran.

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