Shine With Me (With Me in Seattle 15.5)

I roll my eyes.

Luke grins.

“You can put five tampons in each bag,” I instruct him. “Unless touching girl things weirds you out.”

“I live with a house full of women,” he replies, as smooth as silk, and starts divvying up the tampons. “Shawn O’Callaghan and Nora Perry co-wrote the script based on Nora’s bestselling book. The lead female character was made for you, Rina. When I read the book, I immediately thought so, but then I read this script, and no one else will do for it. It has you written all over it.”

“Luke, I don’t act anymore. I haven’t in a long time.”

“You’re one of the most talented people I know,” he interrupts, and I don’t know what to say. That’s high praise coming from Luke Williams. “The way things played out was bullshit, and you got hosed.”

I got more than that, but there’s no reason to go into that right now.

“I have a life here, out of the spotlight. And I like it very much.”

“I respect that,” he says with a nod and continues filling bags as if he does it every damn day. “Trust me, no one gets it more than me. But this role, this film, needs you. Just read the script. If you decide it’s horrible and you wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole, I’ll look elsewhere.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Why now?”

“It’s time.”

I never could tell this man no. We never had a physical relationship, despite what the tabloids said. But our friendship was strong, and I trusted him deeply.

Still do.

“I’m just asking you to read it before you shove it back in my face.”

“I didn’t shove it.” I sigh. “Okay. I’ll read it and let you know. Is it a horror?”

“Thriller,” he says. “And you’d play the lead FBI agent, hunting a killer. She’s badass.”

“I’m not in shape for that kind of role, Luke. I used to be, back when we were hunting vampires, but it’s been a long time, and I haven’t worked out—”

“We’ll take care of that,” he interrupts. “Just read it. If you’re in, come to Seattle, and I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Why do you have to be so charming?”

He flashes that smile that could light up all of Texas during a power outage.

“I’ll be expecting your call. Now, what do we do next?”

“You don’t have to stay and help.”

“If I do, I can ask how you are and catch up with you. I’ve missed you, Rina.”

Damn it. “I missed you, too.”* * * *It’s good. It’s really good.

I set the finished script on the coffee table and pad into my kitchen for another glass of tea.

I should text him and tell him that I’ve read it, and my answer’s still no.

But he isn’t wrong. I could picture myself in the role from the first page. The heroine’s tough and fearless. Completely badass. And has a vulnerable side, too.

I want to play this part so badly, my chest hurts.

Mel can take care of the kids’ program. She knows as much or more than I do. I have no family here. No pets.

I could be gone for the six months it’d take to get into shape and film.

“Damn you, Luke Williams.”

I was never going to do this again. I’m opening myself up to scrutiny and gossip. But acting is in my soul, and I’ve missed it so much.

I reach for my phone and dial Luke’s number.

“Hi, Sabrina,” he says. “What did you think?”

“You know I want this role, damn it.”

He chuckles in my ear. “I’m glad to hear it.”Chapter One~Ben~“I’m not taking any new one-on-one clients,” I say to Luke as I shuffle papers on my desk. “I have a full schedule and a business to run. I don’t have any extra hours in the week.”

“I’ll pay you one hundred thousand dollars to clear that schedule and work exclusively with Sabrina,” he interjects, and my jaw drops. He can’t be serious. I stare out the glass door to the gym beyond as a couple of guys spar in the ring.

“You’re kidding me.”

“I’m not. I need her in shape for a role within six weeks. Meal plan, exercise regimen, the whole thing. And I want you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re close to the family, and I trust you not to spill a bunch of bullshit to the tabloids. Also, because you’re good at your job. Rich McKenna would never have sold his gym to you if you weren’t.”

I sit back in my chair, still stuck on the notion of a hundred grand. As a new business owner, of course I could use the money. But I’m not someone who cheats my clients.

“That’s too much money, Luke.”

“The studio’s paying it,” he replies easily. “Not me. Besides, we’re asking you to completely rearrange your schedule, shuffle clients to other trainers… It’s an imposition. This is an investment in the talent for the studio. Do you know anything about Sabrina Harrison?”