Her chin dips down, and there’s a notable moment when her jaw hardens. “You don’t know who I am, do you?”
“Uh…” My eyes squint up at her. Yes, she does look familiar, but with the big sunglasses, it’s hard to see her entire face and place how we know each other. Plus, the sun is in my eyes. No one can see anything when the sun is in their eyes. She’s beautiful enough that I’m sure I hit on her, and based on her irritated expression, it didn’t end well. Who am I kidding? It never ends well with women I’ve dated. “Do we know each other?”
An angry puff bursts out. “You really don’t recognize me?”
I slowly stand. “Of course I recognize you. It’s just been so long I don’t remember the details.” Like her name, or how exactly I know her or—more importantly—wronged her.
The hardness in her jaw transfers to her cheeks—I’m guessing to her hidden eyes—and then up to her forehead.
I’ve done it now.
“You’re exactly what I imagined.” She flings open her car door and starts gathering her phone and purse. My brows lower in confusion as I watch her sharp movements. “Tawny said, ‘Give him a chance. Maybe he’s different.’” She laughs, something high and without humor. “But this solidifies everything.” She slams the door and faces me. “I don’t have to feel guilty. I just need to get in and get out.”
I must’ve done a real number on this girl. And who the heck is Tawny?
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand why you’re so upset.”
She tugs her purse strap over her shoulder and marches past me.
“Wait.” I spin around, watching her stomp away. “Where are you going?”
“To work!”
Hands go to my hips as my head drops back. I gaze at the sky for a second, taking a deep breath before slowly bringing my head upright. My eyes stop on the giant billboard almost right above where I’m standing, and my head tilts. It’s a Victoria's Secret ad with Jenna Lewis lying on her side in a silky gray nightie. Her head rests on her hand, and her long blonde hair cascades over her shoulders and chest.
I glance at the woman reaching for my door handle, and I know.
My entire body shrinks with embarrassment. “Oh, crap.”
I run to her just as she opens my car door.
“Miss Lewis,” Dallas says instantly, and she whips her head to me with satisfaction.
“Yes!” I gesture to her. “It’s Jenna Lewis…my costar.”
She takes off her sunglasses as she ducks into the car. “Can you give me a ride to the table read? I’ll have my assistant take care of my car.”
“Of course,” Dallas says. “We’re already going there. I’m so glad we stopped.”
Jenna scoots to the other side of the backseat, making room for me to sit down. “Your client doesn’t have a clue who I am.”
Dallas’s mortified gaze swings to me as I shut the door.
“She had sunglasses on,” I defend before turning my head to her. “You had big sunglasses, and the sun was in my eyes. Besides, I wasn’t looking at your face. I was looking at your tire.”
“Right.” She laughs. “You didn’t know who I was, but you expect everyone to know who you are.”
“No, that’s not true. I know who you are. There was a Victoria’s Secret billboard of you right above us.”
“So you’re saying if I had been dressed in a bra and panties, you would’ve recognized me?”
“That’s not what I’m saying at all.” I brush my fingers over my beard. “Can we start over? I’m Cody Banner. It’s nice to meet you.”
She turns her head away. “We’ve already met before.”
Dallas’s eyes are drilling me from the front seat to fix this, so I change the subject.
“Are you nervous for today?” Small talk. Every good relationship starts with small talk.