Rogue Beast (The Rourkes #12) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,74
“Are you okay? You haven’t seemed quite your usual energetic self.”
I sit up. “I’m not, but it’ll be okay. It’s just lingering fatigue from that stomach virus. It took a lot out of me, and it takes time to build your strength back. I’m not even back to my full workout routine.”
She sits next to me and squeezes my arm. “Maybe you should see a doctor. What if it’s something more serious?”
“Garrett had the same thing, and he’s fine. Last weekend he ran a 5K. For fun.”
She shakes her head. “What a show-off. Did he tell you it was for fun?”
“Yes.”
“He and his brothers are such athletes. They need to flex those muscles once in a while. Of course, your guy flexes all the time with his weight lifting. I bet he could lift both of us, one in each hand.”
I laugh. “Like a circus guy.”
“Right?” She gets serious. “Have you heard anything about the show getting picked up?”
“Nothing yet. All I know is it’s not building in the ratings like they hoped.”
She wrings her hands together. “I feel responsible. It’s the first time I was the lead in a show. Maybe I’m not appealing enough.”
“Josie, it’s not you. You’re fantastic. Really. Who knows why one show strikes a chord and another doesn’t? It’s out of our hands.”
She nods, her expression somber. “What will you do if it doesn’t?”
“I refuse to think about that until I know for sure.”
She blows out a breath. “My agent sent me a pile of scripts to look over. I think that’s a bad sign.”
“Not necessarily. Maybe she’s just thinking of work for your hiatus.”
“Do you want me to put in a good word with Claire? You said you hoped to direct something for her.”
“I have her info. I’ll get in touch when the time is right.”
“You’re awfully calm about everything.”
“Well, I have two advantages. One, this is my fourth show, so I know they don’t last forever. And two, I can’t even think about moving away for work. Things are really good with Garrett.” My eyes water. I get so emotional whenever his name comes up. “He’s coming over later to cook me dinner.”
She claps and hugs me. “I’m so happy for you! Don’t tell the others, but Garrett is my favorite of Sean’s brothers. He just has such a good heart, ya know?”
I nod and a tear escapes.
“Oh no! Why’re you crying? That’s a good thing!”
I sniffle. “I know. I’ve never truly been in love before.” I grab a tissue and wipe my eyes. “I thought I was before, but this is way more intense. I guess when someone gets in deep, it sort of loosens the defensive walls.”
She smiles. “You’re like Marian the librarian at the end of The Music Man when she’s open and happier because of it. I’d better call Broadway and tell them to get you into a revival of that show. You’re perfect for it.”
“Was it like that for you and Sean?”
She looks thoughtful, her lips pursing in concentration. “Not exactly. I didn’t have defensive walls around my emotions. It was more like, I needed him to take my work seriously, even though I was the one who really needed to own that. It was at a time when I got nothing but rejections. Fortunately, he’s the steady sort, who never wavered in his feelings for me. Once he finally admitted he had them.”
Her phone buzzes, and she checks the screen. “Speaking of my honey. I gotta go. Enjoy your dinner tonight. What’s he making you?”
“Risotto, I think.”
“Oh, I want to come with you! I’ve had his risotto. Did you know every time he house-sits for us, he leaves a dinner for our first night back?”
“I didn’t know, but I’m not surprised at all.” I hesitate. “You and Sean are welcome to join us.”
“Ha, thanks. I can tell you want your honey all to yourself.”
“I missed him this week.”
“So sweet!” She stands and hugs herself, rocking side to side. “I remember that delicious falling-into-each-other feeling. Now it’s all—” she imitates Sean’s gruff voice “—I love you, now strip.” She claps a hand over her mouth. “Oops! TMI. Gotta go!”
I laugh and see her to the door. Then I head out, Joe in tow, to meet my love.
Garrett
I knock on my love’s door, freshly showered, two bags of groceries in hand.
She opens it. “I love you.”
I smile widely. “I love you too, sweetheart.” I set the bags down on the kitchen counter and turn to face her.