Page 91 of Second Act

“None, although Carla got a few phone calls from the press. She handled them in her own unique way.” Her tone was amused.

“The excitement will die down, you know,” he said, hoping to God it was true. “Once they see that you don’t start wearing diamonds and furs to work, everyone will go back to thinking of you as just their beloved veterinarian.”

“Well, Carla made me promise to show her any designer gowns I get to wear on the red carpet.” But she sounded entertained, not upset.

“Jess, you have to tell me when you don’t want to do something like that interview. I don’t want to add more stress to your life.”

She turned in his arms so they were face-to-face. Even though it was dark in the room, he could sense her gaze on him. “I deal with stress all the time. It goes with what I do and where I work. The interview was a kind of stress I haven’t faced before. I just have to get used to this new element of being watched by a lot of people I don’t know.”

“I wish you didn’t have to.” He was afraid she would come to resent the lack of privacy.

“You’re worth it.” She found his lips with a heartfelt kiss. “Stop worrying about me and go to sleep. You have to get up earlier than I do.”

He couldn’t quell his uneasiness, though. He’d paid the price of fame knowingly. Jess still hadn’t experienced how bad it could get.