Unable to help herself, Sasha dropped to her knees, cupped the dog’s muzzle in her hand, and kissed her nose. “Take care, sweet girl.”

She rose to her feet and met Xander’s warm gaze. “Thank you,” she said with as much sincerity as she could muster. She wanted him to know how much she appreciated his time. Time he was begrudgingly giving. “I really appreciate you helping me.”

He let out a small grunt she couldn’t quite interpret. “Where are you staying?” he asked.

“The Gansevoort. Text me once you’re in the lobby.” She bit down on the inside of her cheek.

“I will.” He braced a hand on the door, his sexy body too hot for her to keep staring at. “I’ll be by around five tomorrow.”

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, her stomach flipped with anticipation. She tempered the emotion, reminding herself he was doing her a favor so the movie would be successful. Nothing more.

He’d given her no opening today, no in, nothing. No matter how much she wished otherwise.

***

Sasha returned to the hotel, where Cassidy was making some calls and arranging things to be available in Sasha’s trailer on set. She wasn’t a diva and didn’t put a ton of demands into her contract, but there were some reasonable items she requested. Despite her mother’s push to do otherwise, she’d wanted to be known as someone who was easy to work with and be offered more roles as a result.

“Hey,” Sasha said, letting the suite door slam shut behind her.

“Oh my God, you’re back!” Cassidy placed her laptop onto the table and jumped up from her seat on the sofa. “Tell me everything. How did he look? Was he surprised to see you? Was he welcoming?”

Sasha strode over and sunk into a comfortable chair. “Amazing, yes, and sort of? He didn’t send me home without listening to what I had to say. But welcoming? Not so much.”

“Oh, damn. Can I get you a drink?” Cassidy asked.

“Actually, I’d prefer to grab something to eat. I’m starving.” Her stomach had been grumbling the entire trip back. She refused to think the uncomfortable sensation had anything to do with Xander’s aloof attitude.

Cassidy nodded. “Order room service or go downstairs?”

“Downstairs. I don’t want to be cooped up here forever. After our late lunch, I need to run lines.” Where all she would do was think about Xander and analyze everything he’d said.

“Let me ensure we get a private table where no one will bother you. Be right back.” Cassidy headed over to the room phone and made the call.