Page 23 of Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer

“How wonderful. I know all the good spots. If you need apersonaltour guide, I’d be happy to help,” she practically purred.

I struggled to not roll my eyes at her. “No, I’m good. Thanks.”

She frowned, but quickly recovered. “You were brilliant in your latest movie. It’s one of my absolutefavorites.”

“It’s always nice to meet a fan.” I gave her a tight smile, hoping they called my name for the pizza I ordered soon so I could get out of there.

“I bet your parents would be so proud of you.”

I stiffened.

My parents hadn't cared about me when they were alive. They wouldn’t have been interested enough in my career to be proud of my accomplishments. This woman’s blatant attempt to ingratiate herself to me reeked of desperation. I leaned away from her.

Her gaze seemed to take in that tiny detail, as though cataloging my movements. “I’m sure the recent anniversary of their death was quite upsetting ... even after all this time. And you being the one who found them—”

“The anniversary of my parent’s death is always hard.” I’d used the same phrase over and over again when asked about my parents. Ice filled my veins, and my head began to pound.

“Who are you?” Her behavior was becoming less like the typical fans I ran in to. She continued to prolong a conversation that had run its course, and most fans who were starstruck as she claimed to be froze in my presence.

“Whitney Grant.” She smiled up at me almost as though I should know the name. “I work at the local paper here.”

I drew in a deep breath, annoyed that she was covertly trying to interview me. I hated deceit of any kind. What I needed to do was keep my anger under wraps. People were already stopping to watch our interaction.

“Pizza for Lincoln,” a male voice called out.

“Right here.” I shot forward, away from Whitney, and gratefully grabbed my pizza.

“Such a pleasure to meet you, Lincoln,” Whitney grinned at me. Her teeth flashed under the store’s fluorescent lights. She reminded me of a predator going in for the kill. "I'd love it if you'd allow me a quick little personal interview." She tucked a business card into the seam of my pizza box. “I'm available anytime."

“I'll think about it,” I mumbled and quickly pushed my cart to the front of the store.I’ll think about how I hope I never run into you ever again.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Harper

Itwisted my handstogether and stared at Lincoln’s massive house. I never would have guessed Lincoln was famous by the way he acted during our weekend together. Our time had been so normal and laidback. He wasn’t even afraid to make a fool of himself when I demanded we participate in a nearby bar’s afternoon karaoke. There hadn’t been many people there when we arrived in between the breakfast and lunch crowd. I grinned as I remembered just how awful his voice had been.