Behind the Film Star's Smile Read Online Free PDF Page A

her head was still a bit messed up. But the memories made her catch her breath and she had to stop.
    She filled the dog’s water bowl from the bottle she carried with her, then bought another bottle of water from the kiosk in the park, along with a chicken wrap for her lunch.
    Once she’d settled herself on a park bench and Baloo was sitting next to her, the dog looked hopefully at her. Or, rather, at her chicken wrap.
    ‘You think I’m going to share this with you?’ she asked.
    The dog’s expression was eloquent enough, and Jess laughed. ‘OK. You can have some of the chicken, but I’m going to make you work for this, Baloo. Shake hands.’
    To her surprise, the dog caught on very quickly. What a shame that her former owners hadn’t seen her potential. And what a shame that Baloo was only going to have a temporary home with Luke McKenzie.
    Maybe she could...
    No. She stopped her thoughts before the temptation got too strong.
    Her lease said no dogs—and that was one of the reasons why she’d chosen the flat in the first place. To make sure that she had a solid reason not to weaken and let another dog into her life. A dog she could lose, the way she’d lost Comet. She’d spent the last year putting the pieces of her life back together, and the only way to keep herself safe was to keep herself separate. She needed to remember that. She absolutely couldn’t adopt Baloo. No matter how tempting the idea was.
    *
    Luke checked his phone during the scene break. There was a message from a number he didn’t recognise; he assumed it was from Jess and flicked into it.
    She was taking Baloo to the park?
    That was definitely above and beyond the call of duty. He still felt a bit guilty about dumping the dog on her, but what else could he have done? He couldn’t leave Baloo at home because he knew she’d trash the place and he didn’t want the dog in a situation where she could get hurt. He couldn’t take time off from rehearsals, because that wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the cast. And, thanks to Mimi’s tantrum after the shoe episode yesterday, he couldn’t keep the dog on the set with him either.
    And then there was Jess herself. Straight-talking, and not afraid to stick up for an unwanted dog even if it could mean she’d be fired.
    Something about her drew him.
    Which was ridiculous. Apart from the fact that Luke wasn’t in a place where he was even looking for a relationship, for all he knew Jess could be happily married, or at least committed to someone. Even if she wasn’t, who would want to date a man in the public eye and have her life stuck under the less than kind microscope of the press? And when Fleur’s cronies found out he was dating her, they’d rip her to shreds in the press. He couldn’t let that happen. And that meant keeping some distance between them. Not acting on the attraction.
    He texted back:

    Enjoy the park. Will be rehearsing until about five. Let me know if any problems. And thank you.

    A few moments later, his phone beeped to signal an incoming message. Jess again.

    All fine. Baloo v keen on chicken.

    Uh-oh. Had the dog stolen her sandwich? Something else he’d have to replace.
    He typed:

    Sorry. Will reimburse you for anything Baloo steals or trashes.

    The reply was a smiley face.

    No need. Is training aid.

    ‘Luke, we’re ready to go again,’ the director called.

    Director wants me back to work. See you later.

    He switched his phone off again when the message had been sent.
    *
    At quarter to six, Luke walked into the production office. ‘Sorry I’m late. Rehearsals overran a bit.’
    Jess looked up from her desk and smiled. ‘No worries.’
    At the sound of his voice, Baloo leaped up from her bed, woofed, and raced over to him.
    ‘I think someone’s missed you,’ Ayesha said with a grin.
    ‘Just tell me she didn’t disgrace herself,’ Luke said, rolling his eyes.
    ‘She’s been great,’ Jess told him. ‘Actually, Baloo has something she wants to show