A Humble Heart (Hollywood Hearts #1)(48)

“Ha ha, very funny.”

“I was completely serious. If you vomit so will I.”

“Take a shower so we can get you dressed, Dana,” Deana said, gently prompting her towards the shower.

“Okay.” She looked in the mirror. She wondered if they could do anything about the bags under her eyes or her pale complexion. Damn she missed her tan. She sighed, giving up and jumped in the shower. They had her dressed and dolled up within a half hour.

Lucas was on time. He greeted her in his usual way, with teasing. “Wow, you look awful!”

She rolled her eyes. “Thanks, you’re so sweet.” She playfully slapped his arm.

“Well, since I’m doing you this great favor of escorting you when your man is out of the country I expect a favor in return.”

“What?” Dana asked cautiously.

“I need someone for waltz lessons. It’s for a movie… Please.” He gave her a pathetic expression that made her laugh.

"Jill's unavailable?" she asked.

He sighed warily as he rubbed the back of his neck. "She skipped town again yesterday morning with my credit card. When I get my hands on her I'm going to wring her neck," he said, only half joking.

Dana met his sister a few times over the past two months and although she liked the girl she thought she had a lot growing up to do. She was twenty-five, immature, and hell bent on living up her famous down to earth brother's status since he refused to. Several times she thought of suggesting that he cut her off and force her to grow up, but it wasn't her place. He was her friend and she wouldn't hurt him for anything.

"So will you spend a few hours a week with me and a bunch of senior citizens in a poorly ventilated building with stale coffee?" he asked, wagging his eyebrows playfully.

“Sounds fun,” she said wryly.

“That a girl,” he said, taking her hand and placing it on his arm.

********

“Dana Mathews! Lucas James!” fans screamed as they made their way down the red carpet.

She smiled and waved even though she felt like passing out. Lucas held onto her tightly. “You look like you’re going to pass out on me any second now.”

“Well, for once I look exactly how I feel,” she mumbled.

“Ah damn, let’s get you inside,” Lucas said. He started to walk her quickly, but casually, inside. He found their seats and left to get her a soda.

Dana closed her eyes and leaned forward trying to fight off the dizziness. A strong arm went around her back and pulled her close. “Lucas, I’m okay. Just give me a few minutes please,” she whispered softly.

She felt warm lips press a kiss to the top of her head and she froze. “You don’t look good, baby. I was hoping to surprise you outside, but you damn near ran inside.”

Dana raised her head to see that Edward was really there. He was wearing an expensive black suit that made him look incredibly handsome. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and lips. He chuckled happily as he returned her kisses. “I’m guessing you’re happy to see me.”

“Very!” She kissed his mouth again.

“I missed you so much and the kids. We finished ahead of schedule and I wanted to surprise you,” Edward whispered into the crook of her neck.

“I am surprised, believe me,” she said, hugging him again.

“Here you go,” Lucas said. She opened her eyes to see Lucas holding a cup out to her. Edward took it and handed it to Dana. “Thanks, Lucas.”

“No problem. I just didn’t want her passing out on me. You know she did that during every one of our love scenes. They were pretty steamy,” he said, grinning hugely.

Edward laughed. “That’s what I heard.”

Dana took a small sip and was relieved to discover that it was ginger ale. “Thank you, Lucas.”

“No problem. Just remember our deal,” he said as he leaned back in his seat and scoped out the women in the theatre.

“What deal?” Edward asked.

“Dance lessons,” Dana said, rolling her eyes.

“Sounds fun,” Edward said dryly, making them both laugh.

“How are my babies?” Edward asked, taking her hand into his.

“Edward, you talked to them last night,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Even in another country he was more attentive than Jeff ever was. It was shocking and she still had a hard time getting used to this. Truth was she was getting spoiled.

“Yeah, it’s been a whole day since I talked to them,” he argued.

“Shh, it’s starting, you two,” Lucas mumbled, earning dirty looks. He just chuckled at them as he opened a small box of candy and began snacking away.

Edward relaxed and put an arm around Dana’s shoulders. She leaned into him and laid an arm across his chest. They watched the entire movie snuggling and ignoring the speculative glances around them. He constantly kissed the top of her head and whispered how much he loved her and missed her.

********

“Oh my god, Edward,” Dana said, crying.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“You guys did such a wonderful job,” she sobbed softly. Her book, her life, her salvation had been transformed onto the big screen, giving it life, and it was perfect. It was exactly the way she pictured everything in her head two years ago during those lonely nights.