playbills and getting autographs from the cast as they walked out the door. But Bailey was new, and she was ensemble. No one would be looking for her — unless maybe they read the program and saw that she was in the current hit film Unlocked. She chuckled to herself. With Brandon leading the way, they’d never guess she was anything more than a friend of one of the cast members maybe. He moved quickly, and where the rest of the cast turned left out the door and walked along the line of fans, signing autographs, Brandon led her to the right. They pressed past a few people milling about and darted to the curb.
Like he’d promised, waiting there was a striking black carriage with a pretty roof — fringe and all. The driver was dressed in a tuxedo, and his two horses were stately and proud, decorative tassels on their headdresses. Brandon helped her inside, and then he slipped in beside her. They were pulling away when one of the women waiting for an autograph turned and pointed. “Hey … that’s Brandon Paul and Bailey Flanigan!”
A flurry of gasps and camera phones shot up from the crowd, but by the time they might capture a picture, Bailey and Brandon were gone.
“Not bad, huh?”
Bailey sat back in the carriage, laughing at what it was like to be him. “Actually … better than I thought. You were ready.”
“I’m always ready.” He winked at her. “See, Bailey, … my life isn’t that crazy.” He gave an exaggerated look over his shoulder and behind the carriage. He tossed his hands. “No paparazzi.” He turned so he could see her better, the teasing that she loved about him written in his expression. “Just like being with any other guy.”
This time she laughed out loud. “Okay … I’ll tell myself that.”
Clearly Brandon had planned this out, because the driver knew where to go. As they rode, Brandon studied her, searched her heart. “I’ve been looking forward to this for a month. Ever since I was at your house helping you pack.” He grinned. “Your mom knew about it, by the way. I told her … just in case they were going to be here tonight.”
“They’re coming this weekend. The whole family — they’ll watch it Saturday night.”
“I know.” He puffed out his chest and crossed his fingers. “Your mom and I are like this.”
“Okay.” She felt the joy of his presence through to her soul. Again she laughed, because that’s the effect he had on her. She couldn’t stop smiling. “I’ll have to talk to her about that later.”
“Yes. You do that.” He sank a little deeper into the back of the carriage and looked at her, just looked right into her eyes for a long moment. “You can never stop singing and dancing, Bailey. You’re way too good.”
“Hmmm … I wasn’t sure tonight.” Her voice was quieter now, and despite the honking yellow cabs and roar of traffic and noise from the jam-packed sidewalks, the moment became more intimate. Like they were the only ones in the city.
“You were scared, that’s all.” He took her hands in his, and gently he ran his thumb over her fingers. “You were perfect. Like I knew you’d be. I mean, you’re so pretty and you’re one of the best actors I’ve worked with.” He wasn’t teasing, and in his seriousness Brandon showed a vulnerability that was almost more attractive than his usual easy confidence. “But watching you tonight … you were amazing.”
“Thanks.” Bailey allowed her eyes to stay locked on his. They were comfortable together — no matter how much time had passed or how few nights like this they’d ever shared. “I can tell you mean it.”
“Definitely.” His teasing eyes were back. “I mean, if you would’ve bombed I’d just tell you straight out.” He took on a heavy New York accent. “Bailey, are you kiddin’ me? That was terrible!”
She giggled at him, at the way he could become any character he wanted in as much time as it took him to breathe in. They were headed toward Fifth Avenue — at least she thought so. A quick glance outside the carriage and she saw Radio City Music Hall. “Where are we going?”
“To London … or the Bahamas … or France.” He laughed. “If we had more time, anyway. But since we’re both actors, I suppose we can pretend.”
“Meaning … you’re not going to answer me.” She turned to him again, and found that he’d slid