Page 52 of See You There

She turned away to rinse the dishes. Luke suspected his sister was baiting him. Trying to force him to show his hand. Normally, he’d walk away, but suddenly it was of paramount importance that he know the status of Dahlia and Chandler’s relationship.

He sighed. “Fine, I’ll bite. What was obvious?”

Cara swiveled to face him with a too innocent smile. “They aren’t really dating. It’s publicity for the movie.”

Luke’s face wrinkled. “Do people actually do that?”

She shook her head as if to say, you poor pitiful man. “Of course! Romantic movies are big business. If the audience thinks the leads are actually involved…” Her expression grew more serious. “They were together at some point… Or at least went out on a few dates.”

“Why do you say that?”

Cara twisted her mouth, remembering. “Chandler made a comment the first day I met him. He took his shirt off, and Dahlia immediately shut down. Before that she’d been chatting a bit.”

Luke didn’t like the sensation taking root in his chest. “What did he say?”

Cara grimaced. “He said ‘It’s not like you haven’t seen it before.’ He might have meant filming, but the way she reacted it seemed like more.”

Anger flowed through Luke’s veins. “How did she react?” His voice was low, and when Cara met his gaze, he saw she had the same concern.

“Like she was trying to forget an ugly memory.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Luke stoodto the side of the lobby of the building housing one of Atlanta’s most popular radio stations while Dahlia argued with Victor. He hadn’t wanted to walk away, leaving her to fight with the man. But he’d seen the unspoken plea in her eyes. Luke’s presence was making the situation worse.

He had stepped away because it was his fault they were having the argument in the first place. But that didn’t stop him from watching the dirtbag and imagining punching him in the face—repeatedly.

After his talk with Cara the night before, Luke had compiled a list of several entertainment attorneys who could help her with a new contract. Not wanting to distract her before the radio interview, he waited until they were leaving to hand it to her. He hadn’t realized Victor had already arrived in the lobby and overheard them. It was careless.

“You mentioned you were looking for referrals.” Luke handed her a file folder in the elevator. “I know each of them personally, and they can help you with a variety of issues. I wasn’t sure exactly what you were looking for.”

The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped out as Dahlia flipped open the folder and scanned down the names. “But theyshould be able to steer you in the right direction. I put some notes as to what their specialties are. Darren specializes in disputes.” Luke pointed at one name. “And Elizabeth does initial contract negotiation. Plus, she’s plugged into most of the top talent agencies.”

Dahlia looked up from the list and met his eyes.

“In case you were thinking…” He hesitated, hoping she would fill in the blanks.

“In case I was looking for new representation?” Her lips quirked. “And here I thought you were Victor’s biggest fan.”

Luke wished he could match her flippant tone. “I don’t like the way he speaks to you.”

Dahlia blinked up at him, her mouth forming an O.

“I haven’t seen you perform, but from what my sister says, you have an amazing talent. You should be with someone who appreciates that. Someone who will take care of you.”

Dahlia gave him a soft smile and swayed toward him slightly. Luke caught himself before he reached out to touch her.

After he’d left Cara’s home the night before, he thought about how his family had teased him. He’d used the word connection much to their amusement, but that was exactly what it felt like. There was something between him and Dahlia. Something he’d never experienced before. And even though she kept throwing up walls, Luke was convinced Dahlia felt it, too.

Dahlia’s shoulders relaxed. “You’re right. I am planning on making a change. My current contract expires in about a week, and I’m going to do a complete overhaul of my team.”

“Doll!” Victor’s sharp voice interrupted them, and by the purplish color of his face, it was obvious he’d overheard. Luke didn’t like the way Dahlia’s face had paled, but she squared her shoulders as if she was ready for a fight.

And then she’d asked him to walk away.

Every cell in his body told him to refuse. But this was her fight, not his, and he didn’t have the right to interfere.

At least not until she asked him to.