Stand-In Star by Rachael Johns Page B

seafood like none other.”
    “Hmmm.” As amazing as the food looked, Holly’s mind lingered elsewhere. “Do you know Sami and Sian well?”
    “Not really.” Nate rested one elbow on the table and shook his head. “I’ve done portfolios for both of them. That’s it.”
    “And what about Daisy? Were they all friends?”
    “Those two weren’t in Daisy’s league,” Nate said, a serious look coming over his eyes. “They are wannabees, sleeping and schmoosing their way to the top.”
    “But you seemed so happy to see them. So…close.”
    Nate chuckled. “Everyone seems close in Hollywood. It’s a front. They’re clients. They’re easy to photograph and they like what I do. It doesn’t hurt to make them feel important for a bit.”
    “So all that was an act?”
    “Pretty much.” And he didn’t seem to think this was a problem.
    Disgruntled, Holly took her first mouthful and let her taste buds indulge in what had to be the best cuisine she’d tasted. Ever. He ate as well and she openly scrutinized him, trying like hell to work out the puzzle. “Do you like photographing people?”
    “It’s what I’m good at. It’s what I’ve always done.” He took another mouthful of his Atlantic salmon.
    “That’s not what I asked.”
    He put down his fork and rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “Do you know you’re the first woman I’ve ever taken out to dinner who isn’t asking me about my clients or trying to become one. Don’t you want to know about the famous people I’ve snapped and what kind of strange, crazy requests they’ve made?”
    “No. If I wanted to know those kind of things I’d read the tabloids. I want to know about you.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I’m staying at your house for crying out loud.”
    He reached across the table and placed his index finger across her lips. She froze, realizing her voice had risen with her heart rate. She’d lied when she said she wanted to know about him because of being his guest. She’d stayed at numerous B&Bs before and never wanted to know the life stories of the people that owned them. Sure she liked research, but her interests were generally more on a community level. Individuals were only interesting in the way they fit in the group.
    Yet, here was a man who fascinated her for reasons she couldn’t comprehend.
    * * *
    Nate looked into Holly’s eyes and for one moment forgot about the walls and people around them and the fact he didn’t like her. All he saw was a gorgeous, unique woman who, despite his every intention not to be sucked in, had him hanging off her every word and his thoughts constantly skimming the gutter. He’d never expected to feel such primal things about Daisy’s sister. It felt weird, wrong almost. Like he was cheating on her, which was ludicrous because she’d been the first to admit they weren’t together-together.
    “Nate?” His name was mumbled as she tried to get it past his finger which pressed down on her top lip.
    His crazy trance broken, he yanked his finger back and sat up straight. What the hell?
    “Are you okay?” She looked genuinely worried and a little confused. “You were staring at me.”
    He pulled himself together. “Sorry. I had a photo moment,” he lied.
    “Excuse me?”
    “You were so animated and I wanted to capture the expression on camera.” He grabbed for his drink and practically threw some down his throat. For once he wished the glass was filled with something stronger.
    “You wanted to take a photo of my expression ?” She sounded offended.
    He saw no reason not to tell the truth. “If you must know Holly, I’ve wanted to take a photo of you ever since you stepped off the plane.” Her eyes widened. He saw anger and horror bubbling. “No.” He held up his palms. “Not like that. I don’t do that anymore. But you have a very photogenic face. I can’t help but want to capture it.”
    She closed her eyes, shook her head a little and then looked back at him. “No