Million-Dollar Consequences

“North Carolina.”

“Apartment? House? Husband? Kids?” He rattled off the questions, and for a beat she wondered if he was trying to suss out her single status. But then, why would he? He was hiding a girlfriend somewhere. One who must be the most understanding woman on the planet to let him pretend to date Kendall for a stint.

“I rent a farmhouse. It’s big for just me, but I like the space. Beautiful sunrises in the morning. Not that I am awake to see them. No kids. No husband. Just a barn cat that wanders around the property, but he isn’t mine.”

She stated the facts evenly rather than allow the emotions lurking behind them to enter her voice. She hadn’t always lived in a rented farmhouse with beautiful sunrises. Once, she’d shared an apartment with her boyfriend, Lane. He’d highlighted her faults, frequently. He saw her as flighty at best, irresponsible at worst. His needling—about her lack of focus and her inability to put him first—had taken a chunk out of her confidence.

“...that was the only time I’d been,” Isaac was saying.

She felt her cheeks grow warm. She’d spaced out while he was talking. Way to make a great first impression!

“I’m so sorry. I was thinking about something, and I missed what you said. I do that sometimes. It’s embarrassing and irritating. I don’t have a diagnostic excuse. I’m pretty sure I’m just—”

“Fine.” He placed his hand over hers gently. It was the briefest touch but soothed her to the soles of her feet. “You’re totally fine.” He was still smiling and didn’t appear irritated or frustrated the way Lane had been with her at times. “I was saying I’ve been to Raleigh to visit a friend, but that was the only time I’d been to your fine state.”

“Oh. Well, it’s lovely. Virginia is nice, too. I can’t believe Kendall left California for the East Coast, but I’m so glad she did. I missed her.” Their beers were delivered, and they clinked the drafts together before each taking a sip. Even though the alcohol had yet to hit her bloodstream, she instantly relaxed. “How long are you staying in Virginia?”

“Until the shoot’s over. I love California. You’ve been there, I assume. To visit Kendall?”

“A few times.” Plane tickets were costly, so she hadn’t gone as much as she would have liked. “I don’t mind a city atmosphere, but LA is overwhelming. I prefer it here.”

“Yeah.” He turned his head to look out the window where people strolled by on the sidewalk next to a not-so-busy street. “It’s very...Max.”

Was it her, or did a hint of strain creep into his voice when he said his brother’s name? She knew what had happened between them only as far as the internet had reported. It would be rude to bring up gossip, though.

“Are you and Max close?” Oops. So much for that plan. She opened her mouth to apologize but Isaac answered her question before she could.

“We’re getting there.” He squinted one eye and in a teasing tone accused, “Is this why you want to interview us? To dig up the rift we had years ago?”

“No! Oh, gosh, no. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Teasing.” He touched her lightly on the hand again. His blue gaze held hers, the air thickening between them. Just as she was reminding herself that he was taken, he asked, “Do you want to stay for dinner?”Isaac watched Meghan’s reaction carefully, unsure if he’d overstepped. “Professionally, of course.”

He’d do well to remember the world believed he had a girlfriend. The last thing he needed were rumors bouncing around that he was cheating on his imaginary girlfriend.

“I’d love to.” Meghan’s crooked smile returned. She was far bubblier than Kendall, which he preferred. Meghan liked to laugh and talk. She was adorably starstruck, which he knew how to handle. He was enormously attracted to her, which he normally knew how to handle.

He supposed she could be playing up her personality to make him feel comfortable enough so that she could draw out his secrets, but he doubted it. Kendall was his agent. She would never set him up for a fall, especially with her own sister.

“Dinner with the Isaac Dunn,” Meghan murmured, before her mouth fell open in what looked like shock. “I’m sorry. That was—I didn’t mean—”

“I’ve never been a the before. I like it, but why don’t you call me Isaac from now on.” He picked up a menu. “What do you want to eat?”

“In a place like this? Fattening, fried appetizers is the only way to go.”

“Beer and fried food. You live on the edge, Meghan Squire.”

Her teeth speared a plump red bottom lip and parts of him that had no business stirring stirred. Not only did he have to keep up the pretense of a girlfriend, but this was Kendall’s sister. He couldn’t make a move if he wanted to. What a shame.

When the waiter came around, he ordered an assortment of apps for them. Meghan tacked on a salad to “even the score.” He did the same. While they forked through their greens, he quizzed her some more. “When did you start your podcast?”

“About three years ago. I used to record a show a month, but now it’s once a week.”

“That’s a lot. And every episode is about television shows?”