Page 29

“Like what?”
“Funding mostly.”
“Can’t you fund it yourself?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Do you know how much it costs to make a movie?”
Oliver shook his head. “Not really. A lot, I assume.”
“It can be hundreds of millions, depending on what kind of movie it is. And that’s just to get the movie made. That doesn’t even cover all the marketing and distribution. There’s an old Hollywood adage that says ‘Never make a film with your own money.’ It’s too risky when you don’t know if you’ll make your money back.”
“That makes sense. I hope it all works out. I can see how much this means to you.”
“It really does. I believe in this story. And I want to make something that’s all mine. Apart from my parents.”
“Well, I have a feeling it’ll happen for you.”
She smiled over at him. “Oh, you do?”
“I do.”
“Prepare to see your name in the credits if this thing gets made.”
“As what? Consultant to the Princess?” he teased.
She punched his arm, which felt more like a tap than anything, and she winced.
“Gah!” She gripped his bicep with both hands, and once again, her touch sent tingles of electricity through him. She was very casual with all the touching, and he wasn’t sure what to think about that. “I was going to say ‘Miss Allen’s Bodyguard’ but I think I’ll just have them put Captain America in the credits.”
He laughed loudly at that. “Never been called that one before.”
“Are you complaining about being compared to a superhero?”
“I’ll take it. Although, I’d prefer to be called Thor.”
That had Adelia laughing, and the sound brought a smile to his face.
“You have a really nice smile,” she said.
He looked over and found her smiling at him.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had butterflies in his stomach, but they were happening now. She was so beautiful, and he had one of those surreal moments, realizing that the Adelia Allen was sitting in his passenger seat, smiling at him, giving him nicknames, and laughing at his jokes.
“So do you.”
When they returned to the house, Oliver unlocked the door, let them in, then reactivated the security code for the night. He was heading into the kitchen when he heard Adelia gasp.
“Did you get me flowers? They’re so pretty.” She stood next to the kitchen counter, reaching for the card tucked in the display.
“Don’t touch those!” he cried.
She jumped. “Why not?”
Oliver walked over to the vase of red roses, and Adelia stepped back.
“Maybe they’re from the Schultz family. Or maybe my dad,” she said.
Oliver carefully took the small card from among the leaves and opened it. The card contained an address and instructions for where and when to leave a duffle bag of cash and ended with a message.
I’ll be waiting.