Fearless - Fern Michaels Page 0,56
look like you’re in the kitchen upstairs.”
“I designed it that way. Though upstairs it’s permanent.” She laughed. “Come on, I’ll show you the living area.”
She stepped into a much smaller space that housed a small sofa, tables with matching lamps, and a movable wall, which she used to hang pictures on, which were changed according to what she was filming. “I film some of my decorating videos here. Mostly floral designs, sewing.” She pointed to another rolling worktable. “This”—she reached down and maneuvered a lever that allowed her sewing machine to appear from an ordinary cabinet—“is for when I sew. It’s all designed for convenience when we film. I hired a super crew, and they’re the reason why we’ve been so successful. I’m just the face and the laborer.” She laughed again.
“I think you’re much more than that. Without your vision, I don’t think your crew could’ve created this.”
“Maybe, but it’s a team effort when we work. A lot of things I can do without them, like prep and that sort of thing. Unless it’s something the viewers need to see. We have a good routine, long hours, but none of us complain. We’re doing what we love.”
She showed him her small office, which was simply a desk with two laptop computers and a shelf filled with books she used, then the bathroom, where she sometimes filmed beauty videos, but that wasn’t her specialty, so filming in there wasn’t easy. “This is the bathroom.” Basic design, with a shower, sink, and toilet; there was nothing fancy about this part of her studio.
He peered in, shaking his head. “You’re a genius, Anna Campbell. I’m impressed beyond words.”
“Thanks,” she said, and wondered if now was the right time to tell him of her suspicions. They were alone, and it was quiet. “Ryan.” She said his name softly. “There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you. I just, well, the timing is always off. Not sure it’s right even now.” She stopped, suddenly unsure. She was not one hundred percent sure if she was pregnant. She hadn’t tested herself, hadn’t gone to the doctor; all that had happened is that she’d missed her cycle last month. No, she would wait until the pregnancy was confirmed by a medical professional. So now, what to tell him?
“What is it?” he asked, concern in his voice. “You can tell me anything, Anna. I’m that kind of guy.”
Anna laughed. “Good to know.” She chewed on her lower lip, something she did when she was worried. She needed to tell him anything but the truth. “I thought maybe Renée might like to go to school with Christina. At Bishop Coerver. I haven’t discussed it with her yet because I wanted to speak with you first. She seemed unhappy about going to Lubbock High.” The words tumbled from her mouth as though it were exactly what she had intended to say. She was becoming such an accomplished liar.
He didn’t say a word, just stood there.
“Look, maybe it’s not my place.”
Ryan continued to stare at her. “You’re goddamn right it’s not your place!”
Stunned, she stood rooted to the floor. Words escaped her. She watched him watch her. His gaze darkened, and she could see the veins pulsing in his neck. Frightened, she stepped away from him. “I’m going upstairs,” she said, and went through each room, making sure the lights were off. When she reached the stairs that led to her kitchen, she stopped, turning to see if he was following her. She didn’t see him. “Ryan,” she called out. “Let’s talk about this later.”
What else could she say? Glad she hadn’t told him the truth, she still should have said anything but what she did say. Probably hurt his ego, but again, he’d become angry so quickly, it scared her. She took another step, waiting for him to respond.
“I’m here,” he said.
“Oh.” He’d startled her. “Ryan, look, I overstepped. I’m sorry. Don’t let it ruin our day.”
As she was standing eye to eye with him, she saw someone else. A man who was quick to anger, quick to judge. Not the man she thought she knew. Ryan had a temper, she realized. He’d shown it on multiple occasions, so why she was just now realizing it was beyond her comprehension, but now that she had, she didn’t want to stay down here any longer.
She was afraid of what he might do.
He reached for her hand, and instinctually, she pulled it away. “No, let’s go upstairs,” she told him.
“Hey,