Mystic Park (Finding Home 4)

“We only have nine rehearsals left.” He unlocked his breezeway door, stepping aside to let Benita enter first.

“The rest of the cast is making remarkable progress. They have their marks down, and they’ve memorized most of their dialogue and their songs.”

“But Ginny’s a lead actor.” Vaughn followed Benita into his town house and secured his door. “Last week, she struggled through both rehearsals.”

“And she really butchered the musical’s signature song, ‘Forever Love.’”

“Yes, she did.” It had been hard to watch and listen to Ginny sing that song. “You performed it beautifully.”

“We may have to spend extra time with Ginny.” Benita led them into Vaughn’s living room. “Which we wouldn’t have to do if you hadn’t let her siren’s voice make you forget all her flaws.”

“Jealous?” Would that jealousy convince her to stay in Trinity Falls?

“Of Ginny Carp?” Benita’s expression was dubious. “She’s not taking her performance seriously. I’ll have a talk with her tomorrow.”

She hadn’t answered his question. Was that a good sign?

“I should call her. I’m the director.” Vaughn’s eyes moved over Benita’s slender, fit figure. Looking at her distracted him from his irritation with Ginny.

Her dark hair fell in soft waves to her narrow shoulders. The thin purple material of her blouse cascaded over her full breasts and past her firm hips. Her black yoga pants clung to her long, shapely legs. After eighteen years, his body still reacted to hers with the eager anticipation of the first time.

Benita crossed to him, raising her right hand to cup the side of his face. “I play the bully in this partnership, remember?”

“I’m not going to hide behind you.” Her touch wrapped around his heart, luring him to agree with her. He resisted her pull.

“As the director, you need to be liked by the cast so you can get the most from them.” Her soft smile was further persuasion. “They’re not doing this performance for money. They’re volunteers.”

She had a point. “What if Ginny continues to miss rehearsals?”

Benita’s hand fell to her side. “We’ll have to find an understudy for her.”

“What about you?” Vaughn offered her a winning smile. “You’re doing a really good job filling in for her now.”

Benita shook her head. “Don’t get any ideas, V.”

“But, Benny—”

She held up her hand, palm out. “You know I get horrible stage fright.”

He was aware of her condition. It was the reason she managed performers instead of performing. But she had so much talent.

“You were great tonight.” Vaughn drew nearer, breathing in her scent, cinnamon and vanilla.

“It was a rehearsal.” Benita retreated. Her movements brought her closer to the sofa behind her. Had she realized that?

“You knew the character’s lines and marks.”

Tonight, Benita had embodied the character Vaughn had created in a way Ginny hadn’t been able to in any of their four previous rehearsals.

“I’ve paid attention during the rehearsals.” Her words flattered him, whether intentional or not.

“You have a beautiful singing voice.” Vaughn paced forward, more from a need to be closer to her than to persuade her to agree to his proposal.

“Which conveniently disappears when the curtains rise.”

“That’s not true.”

Benita stepped back. Her eyes widened as the back of her legs came into contact with his sofa. Vaughn grinned. He used his body to crowd her onto the cushions. She smiled up at him as he covered her body with his own.