A Humble Heart (Hollywood Hearts #1)(16)

“Okay, it will be at the courtesy table if you change your mind,” the manager said, gesturing behind him. The two employees immediately left to place the items on the table. The manager was about to turn away when he stopped and frowned in Dana’s direction. He eyed her curiously.

“Excuse me, miss? You wouldn’t happen to be Dana Mathews, would you?”

It was Dana’s turn to blush. “Yes."

The man’s face lit up. Several of the women behind them gasped. He pulled out a pen and a pad of paper with shaky hands.

“I really really really loved your books. Could I bother you for an autograph?” He licked his lips nervously.

Dana’s blush deepened as she took the pen. “Thank you. Who should I make this out to?”

The man put his hand over the pad. “Wait, would you autograph a copy of your book for me instead?”

“Sure-“

“Jonathan!” the manager yelled to the stock boy, making the kid jump. “Run to aisle ten and get me a copy of Miss. Mathews book, please.”

The boy nodded eagerly as he set off. Several of the women gasped before they abandoned their carriages and ran off after the boy, leaving Dana with a look of utter shock.

Edward couldn’t help smiling at her. She was so adorable at the moment. The children watched with wide eyes as the stock boy came running back, clutching two books against his chest with several women chasing after him, trying to grab the books out of his arms.

“Help!” the boy cried as a woman tried to rip a book out of his hands. She only managed to tear his shirt.

Dana shifted in front of Elizabeth as Edward automatically did the same for Cole, both of them suddenly afraid for the kids’ safety.

“I only needed one book,” the manager said as he pulled the boy in front of him and away from the women.

Edward noted several of the women were clutching magazines to their chests as they formed a line. Wow, they were organized.

The boy held a book to his chest while he was gasping for air. “I….want….an….auto….graph too…..my…mother…..,” he sucked in a deep breath, “would kill me if I didn’t get her one.”

The manager winced and nodded. “Yeah, Cindy probably would.”

“Can we have your autograph?” the women cried out to no one in particular.

Edward looked at Dana who was watching the women cautiously. “Do you mind?”

She shook her head. “It’s fine I guess. We don’t have anything cold, but I do need to get the kids home soon for dinner.”

“You heard the woman,” the manager yelled out. “Everyone who wants an autograph from Miss. Mathews form one line here. For Mr. Pierce form a line over here. If you want an autograph you need to hurry so she can get the kids home for dinner!”

Edward bit back a smile at the manager’s handling. The man was in the wrong line of work. He could have used someone like this man countless times in the past.

For the next half hour they signed autographs and greeted fans. Between fans they both talked to the kids, making sure they were fine. Before the last autograph was signed Cole was fast asleep and Elizabeth was close behind. An hour later they were done shopping and personally checked out by the manager and Jonathan. Normally Edward would have told them no thanks, but the kids were really tired. He had a feeling Dana was the same way, but made an exception this time as well.

While they were being checked out he held Cole in his arms. The little boy’s head lay against his shoulder. Edward gently swayed the boy, delighted with the little snores. He’d never held a child like this before, but he had to admit it felt….almost natural. It felt good. He pressed a kiss to the top of his head as he soothed his back.

“You’re really good with him,” Dana whispered as she adjusted Elizabeth in her arms.

“Thank you,” he murmured, not really knowing what to say. He watched as she leaned over to kiss the top of Elizabeth’s head. Edward wondered what it would be like to watch her kiss his children goodnight. That thought came out of nowhere nearly making him stumble back.

Damn…….

Chapter 4

“You’re not going to work today are you?” Deana asked.

“Yup, they film six, sometimes seven days a week. I told you last week I would need you to cover for me.”

Deana growled. “Dana, I can only watch the kids until eleven. I didn’t know you needed me all day.”

Dana rubbed her forehead. “Crap. Okay, drop the kids off on the set with me. I’ll watch them while I work.”

“You were up all night with Cole and Elizabeth, you look like hell,” Deana said. Dana knew that was a lie, she looked like her normal sleep deprived self. She was actually curious what she would look like if she ever got a decent night’s sleep.

“I have to get going.”

“It’s five in the morning!” Deana complained.

“I know, but I didn't get to run so I’m going to the set early. I’m going for a run before they start shooting at six-thirty. I should be able to get in a shower before seven.” She picked up her bag. “They’re asleep now. Call me if you need anything.”

“We’ll be fine. They should sleep most of the morning. I’ll make sure they’re well rested before I drop them off.”