“No, it’s perfect. If you were too dolled up, it’d scream rabid fangirl.”
She snickered. “Rabid?”
“I’ve seen the way this guy gets mobbed. Come on, they’re going to squeeze us in between scenes.”
She fidgeted as they walked into the building, like a child on her way to meeting a costumed character from her favorite cartoon.
“You going to make it?” He pulled her into his body.
“I’m not sure yet.” Her voice wavered.
He laughed. “You’ll be fine. “ They entered the darkened building, and a woman carrying a clipboard with a lanyard around her neck greeted them.
“Pierce?”
“Yes, and this is my guest, Demi.”
“I’m Sarah. It’s great to have you guys on set.” She smiled. “You’ll have about ten or fifteen minutes with Brandon, and then I’ll walk you around the set. “
“That’ll be wonderful,” he said, shocked at the quietness of Demi. He’d never seen the spitfire so subdued.
“I’m taking it you’re the big fan?” Sarah asked.
“Yes, pretty obvious, huh?” Demi shook her head, and Sarah laughed.
“Maybe a little.”
“Don’t be nervous. Brandon is a sweetheart,” Sarah said with a smile. She guided them through the converted warehouse, pausing outside of what looked like a break room with tables and chairs and a comfy couch against the far wall. Brandon stood across the room, sipping a cup of coffee as he talked to the other crew members. Sarah waved her hand, catching his gaze. He nodded and walked over with a smile that launched the show to stardom. Brandon was taller than him with a shaggy cut and strong features. The character Brandon played, Roman, was a mix of rugged good looks and charm. The rising star reminded Pierce of many athletes he knew.
“Hi, I’m Brandon.” He held out his hand.
“I’m Pierce, and this is Demi. Thank you for fitting us into your schedule.”
“For a set of Cowboys season tickets? I should be thanking you.” Brandon grinned and offered his hand to Demi. “It’s nice to meet you, Demi.” Brandon’s voice softened, and he shook her hand with a gentle touch.
“Hi.” Demi’s voice was adorably shy. She squeezed Pierce around his waist, and he grinned.
“So, you guys are fans of the show?” Brandon said.
“Oh yeah. We watch it weekly.” Pierce sent her a wink. He wouldn’t throw her to the wolves and out her in front of the man she’d grown to admire.
“Did you guys come up this way for the shoot?”
“Actually we stayed at The Eagle Inn and made a weekend of it. I’ve been planning it for months, but Demi had no clue.”
“Man, that’s an awesome surprise.” Brandon shook his head, awe in his voice.
“Yeah, it was.” Demi smiled up at him stupidly.
Brandon looked from him to Demi. “You two married?”
Pierce coughed, and Demi shook her head with a horrified expression her face.
“Whoa, sorry.” Brandon held up his hands.
“We’ve been best friends literally our entire lives. This is our first outing as a couple.”
“Man, you started things off at a high bar, didn’t you?” Brandon raised his eyebrows.