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“Um… what… and your father?”

Unable to stop the sensation, my chest tightened whenever I thought about my papa.

“Someone shot and killed him outside his general practice. They wanted his car and when he didn’t hand over the keys to his car fast enough... Yeah. The triplets turned ten a few days before it happened.”

Ollie reached for my forearm and squeezed, tears welling in his eyes, making them shine like the sun glinting off the ocean.

“I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss.”

Warmth and something unidentifiable pressed against my chest, making me feel noticed for what I’d been through in my life, not because of my looks or talent. Outside of my family, Ollie’s sweet nature and his demonstrative empathy made him the first genuine person I’d met in years.

My career and the business I found myself in didn’t allow for genuine connections. Most actors loved the art and some of those I’d met wanted to do their job and nothing else. Everyone I’d developed a cordial working relationship with dealt with insecurities, addictions, and other personal issues that caused anxiety. But the ones I counted as friends were honest and caring people. Society didn’t understand the drive and work it took to be an actor, instead seeking fame by being in the same vicinity as someone well-known.

The more time I spend getting to know Ollie, I believed that even if he learned about my profession, it wouldn’t change his view of me. Yet, I still hesitated to tell him the entire truth. Adding to the complication was my growing attraction to the man. It left me feeling unbalanced.

“So, is the plan to make it big when you arrive?”

I smiled when his head shook back and forth.

“Oh, no. I cringe when someone wants to take my picture, and if more than one person pays attention to me, I make excuses to leave. So no, I have no desire to be famous.”

“And you’re going to keep writing?”

Ollie’s face beamed. “Yeah, so far I’ve been lucky. My books have a loyal reader following and my publisher is happy with me. I have hundreds of ideas written down or rolling around in my head. Which is understated by epic proportions. It’s something I want to continue as a career.”

Someone stopped next to the aisle, and we both glanced up to see the flight attendant smiling down at Ollie. “Would you like anything to drink, hon?”

He blushed and ducked his head. “No, thank you. But maybe Connor would like something?” He turned his bright eyes toward me, raising a brow in question.

She blinked and focused on me. “Oh, yes, sorry about that, Mr. Blake. Anything to drink?”

“No, thank—” I almost chuckled aloud when she forgot about me and focused her attentions once again on my seat mate.

“It was rude of me when I welcomed you on the plane. I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Amy.”

His brows drew down in confusion. It was obvious he already knew her name, but he didn’t know she was hoping to make herself memorable, which was why she repeated it.

“I’m Ollie.”

I loved how he’d adapted to his new nickname.

She purred in response. The smile dropped from my face and I readjusted in my seat as the flare of jealousy surged through me.

Then Ollie’s cheeks turned pink and all rational thought fled.

Ollie cleared his throat, and I leaned forward to hear him, before he whispered, “I don’t know if this is proper, but I have to tell you that while I’m flattered, I’m gay.” While he dropped his voice to say the last word, there was no hesitation.

Amy huffed out as she walked away, “Of course you are, honey. My luck with men is bad to none.”

“I’m sorry.”

Her head snapped back around as she stopped mid step. “Nope, nuh-uh, you have nothing to apologize for. I know you’re gonna break a lot of hearts.”

The look on Ollie’s face told me that her suggestion horrified my new friend.

“I hope not. I’d hate to think myself capable of hurting anyone like that.”

She smiled. “You’re a sweetheart. I came by to tell you we are landing in fifteen minutes. And give you a reminder to buckle up. But you’re already set.”