Robert enjoyed the sensation of holding this woman in his arms. Somehow he doubted she’d believe him if he told her how rarely he let himself enjoy the company of a woman like he appreciated being with her tonight—that words of wooing didn’t naturally trip off his tongue.
His status as a rising star left most women acting strange around him. They swooned and made fools of themselves because of his job. Add in Lana and any trust he had in the fairer sex had dissolved. Living with her had left him undercut. The thought of spending more than a passing moment with a woman didn’t hold much appeal.
But this one—the one in his arms—she already seemed different. While at first flustered, Audra had quickly recovered and seemed to ignore the fact he acted for a living. A welcome change.
He tucked her closer to his side, enjoying the way she fit under his chin, the perfect size. He’d linger in the moment as long as it lasted.
Audra sighed, and some of the tension evaporated from her shoulders. Whatever had happened since she’d arrived in Hollywood, it hadn’t meant finding her sister and it had layered her with even more stress.
Should he be concerned? Press Audra for details? A woman alone in a strange city. Why would she let him close? He would share the burden if she’d let him, but he didn’t know Rosemary—just her reputation as a woman who did whatever it took to make it. She’d taken all of Artie’s instructions. One dinner with her before tonight didn’t give him much insight. Even then Artie was the one who insisted they be seen together.
Robert tucked Audra closer. He’d shield her as long as possible from the truth he knew about Rosemary. She likely didn’t know the sordid underside of Hollywood or understand that it had affected her sister. That would be the kind of unwelcome news that added to the worry that had driven Audra here.
The saxophone wailed a last, piercing note. He dipped Audra then spun her.
When she opened her eyes, a dreamy look had cloaked her face.
“Hello, doll.”
“Oh.” Her mouth formed the perfect rosebud and he righted her. He must have stared because she jerked back a step. “Thank you for a delightful distraction.”
Distraction? Did all women know instinctively how to hit a guy’s ego where it hurt? “The night doesn’t have to be over.”
“Yes, I think it does. It’s late, and I’m ready to get back to my hotel room. Maybe Rosemary’s left word…somehow.” The flash of a shadow hid her face, as if she really didn’t expect to hear from Rosemary.
Robert hoped he kept his face schooled from the disappointment. “Rosemary’s a grown woman. Surely she can take care of herself while you stay for another dance.” He grinned, the smile that made his fans swoon. “Please.”
She shook her head, and tears filled her eyes. “I can’t. I’m sorry.”
He hesitated then reached up to brush a tear from her soft cheek. “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“I’m just worried.” She blinked hard and transformed before his eyes into a woman with a strong grip on her emotions. “My brother died in an accident a few years ago. I guess that turned me into a nervous big sister. I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to Rosemary.” A tremulous smile graced her lips. “I’m sorry to leave, but I assure you, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with my imagination. Spending this time with you has been beyond anything I’ve dreamed.” She clapped a hand over her mouth, as if horrified at what she’d said.
Robert tried to muffle his laughter. This woman certainly had no artifice, something he liked very much after all his time surrounded by women aiming for their next role.
She stared at him, eyes large, and he realized how his joy could be misinterpreted. “I’m so sorry. Losing your brother must have been terrible.” He shook his head, worried his words only worsened his faux pas. “See? I need scripts to keep from stumbling all over my words.” He took a breath and studied her. “I can’t imagine what it would do to me if my sister died.” The thought was terrible. “I hope you find Rosemary and everything is fine. She seems like a great kid and has potential to make it here.” Robert offered her his arm. “Are you sure you can’t wait until I can escort you?”
“That’s kind of you, but I’ll be fine.” She patted her hair as if suddenly self-conscious. “It’s already been too much to spend the evening with you. You don’t know how the girls back home will squeal when they learn I danced with you—the Robert Garfield.”
“I’m no Cary Grant or Clark Gable.”
“That may be. But we all loved your role in Before Tomorrow Breaks.” She grinned at him, her grief of moments earlier swept aside. “There are many reasons I read LOOK and magazines like it.”
“At least let me know where you’re staying.”
“Tonight I’m here. Then I hope to stay with my sister until I return home.” She sighed and frowned, then shook her head slightly, as if to clear it. “Well. Thank you for a welcome change of pace. I needed it. More than you’ll ever know.”
“Then you’re welcome.”
Audra headed to the dais at the front of the ballroom. She grabbed her purse, and he followed like a boat wallowing in her wake on a lazy lake.
“Wait.” He reached for her.
She stopped and turned toward him. “Yes?”
“Do you still have my number?”
The softest blush colored her cheeks as she nodded.
“Good. If you need anything, call. Hollywood can be a lonely town.” He stepped away from her and rubbed his hands together, fighting the surge of fire that had shot through him when they touched. “Anyway. Thanks for a great evening.”
A bulb exploded near their heads. He looked up to find several photographers poised to shoot their photo. “Ready to be a star?”
She looked at him with a dazed look in her eyes. “They don’t do this in Indiana.”
“Come with me.”
He tucked her arm under his and swept her out a side door. By the time they reached the front sidewalk and he’d hailed a taxi, she’d joined him in laughing. “Take the taxi around the block a few times, and the photographers will find other targets.”
“All right.” Audra leaned against him, her body light and small. “Do you ever get used to it? The photographers, I mean.”
Robert opened the cab door for her and considered his words.
“There they are!”
“Oops. They found us.” He scooted her into the cab and then slid in next to her.
“What about your duties?” She looked at him, her eyes round in her narrow face.
“Looks like I’m done for tonight. I’ll explain to Feldstein later. Either I passed his test or not.”
“Where to, kids?” The cab driver watched them in the rearview mirror.
Audra shrugged. “Actually, I have a room back at that hotel.”
“Jokes on you, huh.” The cabbie chuckled.
“Guess so.”
Robert laughed, threw his arm along the back of the car seat, and snuggled Audra next to him. “Guess you can drive us around the block a couple times. Then drop us at the other entrance.”
“Yes, sir.” The cabbie saluted him in the mirror. “Young love...”
“That’s right, mister. That’s right.” With Audra next to him, maybe love could be in his future.
But one good night couldn’t wipe out a hundred nights of bad memories. Or the bitter taste they left in his mouth. No, he wouldn’t rush headlong into another terrible mistake. He’d protect himself before he’d risk the word love with anyone again.