“You think you understand gossip, but you don’t until the whole world is talking about you. People you don’t know. People you’ll never meet. People who think they know exactly who you are.” She turned back to the water. “I’m sorry. My mom told me that the rumors are back about me and Gavin. It hurts because he’s like a weird boho dad to me. It upsets me when I’m accused of sleeping with him.”
It would upset him, too. “I’m sorry about that. Is it because you’re working on a movie together?”
“Yes, but I’m sure it’s come out now because we both came in early to prep,” she said. “We’re staying in a romantic B and B close together, and my mom and sister weren’t here with me. So someone put two and two together, and I’m in a gross relationship with my TV dad. He’s almost thirty years older than me. I know that works for some people, but he really is a father figure.”
“You know there’s a simple solution to this problem.”
“Getting out of acting entirely? Don’t think I haven’t thought about it,” she said, almost too quietly to hear over the hum of the motor.
“That wasn’t what I meant.” She’d worked hard for her career, and she’d started so young. She seemed to have escaped all the pitfalls of child stardom. From what he could tell, Brynn was confident and steady and well adjusted. “I meant maybe it’ll quiet those rumors down if we see each other.”
She was silent for a moment. “I should have known that would be your solution. You’re very much a gentleman, Deputy Major.” She glanced around. “Where are we going? Are we just drifting?”
“There’s a fishing cabin up ahead.” He pointed toward the island they were heading to. “A friend of mine owns it, and I happen to know he’s not using it this weekend. He lets me hang out here when I want to. I thought since it’s getting late, you might be hungry again.”
He thought they needed to talk before she started making decisions without him. If her mom had her way, she likely wouldn’t even show up at the station house to shadow Roxie. She might go back to LA and not return until filming started.
“I could eat. Are you going to fish for our supper?”
“I won’t have to. This particular cabin is owned by my billionaire friend. He doesn’t do a ton of fishing. It’s more a place for him and his wife to get away when they need to. He keeps it well stocked.”
“Billionaire friend?”
“Doesn’t everyone have one of those? His name is Rene, and we’ve been playing poker together for years.” He started for the dock as Dolly’s tail thumped. “He probably has some beer in there, too. You look like you could use one. I know I could.”
She stared at him, her hands in her lap as he cut the motor. “I don’t think this is going to work.”
“The beer? It’s probably pretty good beer. Like I said, he’s a billionaire.”
She frowned his way. “That’s not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant, but I think we should talk about it.” He stood and moved to tie the boat off before stepping onto the dock. Dolly was already halfway up to the cabin. Rene and Sylvie had fixed the old place up since they got married and had their daughter. It was a nice place to bring Brynn. A place where she would be comfortable.
Though she’d seemed awfully comfortable anywhere they’d been. For a city girl, she took all the crazy country stuff in stride. It had been her mom who’d shut her down. Or rather the news her mom had brought.
She allowed him to help her onto the dock. “Yes, we should, because I don’t think you understand what’s happened.”
“The world saw me in my shorts getting saved by a gorgeous woman. And they now know that my dog is willing to leave me behind for a couple of treats.” He pulled her close, bringing their bodies together. He stared down at her lovely face. “I wish it had stayed private, but it didn’t. I’m not ashamed you saved me. You know that, right? I’m very grateful you were there.”
“It’s more than that.” Despite the pessimism in her tone, her body had relaxed, her hands finding his waist in a natural way. Like they’d been getting close for years instead of only sharing a few kisses. “You don’t know how crazy things can get.”
“Then tell me,” he said, his head dipping low. “Tell me, and maybe this time I can save you.”
She groaned when his lips brushed hers, but she didn’t make a single move to get away. “You’re not taking this seriously.”
“I assure you, I’m taking you very seriously.” He cupped the nape of her neck and deepened the kiss, allowing their mouths to play for a moment before stepping back because they did have things to talk about. “Come on, Brynn. Steal a billionaire’s beer with me and we’ll see if he’s got some canned chili for us.”