“I didn’t Google you. I saw your movie when it came out.”

John had a smile on his face, like he couldn’t wait to tell her this one crucial fact, and he had chosen the right moment. “I cut school the next day to see it again.”

“You jerk,” she whispered, but there was no bite to it.

“I recognized your name in the bar, but I didn’t want to make it weird.”

“I don’t believe it.” Anna bit back a smile. “You cut school for my movie?”

“I hated school, so it wasn’t a huge sacrifice.” John put out his hands. “I want to make that clear.”

“I cut classes all the time to sneak into the movies,” Anna admitted.

They shared a smile.

“I lied at the premiere.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “You pissed me off.”

“Me too.” She bit her lip. “I was distracted.”

“Don’t let it bother you.” He grinned at her. “I know how good I look with my shirt off.”

She punched him in the arm, hating that he brought out the teenager in her.

“Don’t hit me,” he said, rubbing his arm in mock annoyance.

“You’re not handsome.”

John chuckled in response. He held her wrist and pulled her to him gently, and she let herself be led. She hated how much she liked talking to him and being close to him. It had been so long since she had felt that way with anyone.

Anna’s life was already complicated. She didn’t need John making her life more so with his cuteness and the very uncute, but still very enjoyable, way he held her. He wrapped his arms around her waist.

It was a terrible idea—being held by him in the middle of all this mishmash of castoff props. She had to work with him on this terrible movie, which was likely her last before her career died in a fiery pit of doom. But it was hard to remember that now. She couldn’t think about all the reasons it didn’t make sense. She only thought about the reasons it did.

John stood, enveloping her in his arms. He moved gently, not hesitant so much as wanting to make sure this was really happening. He didn’t rush her, always letting her find her own pace.

She let herself relax. She rested her head on his shoulder without thought, like she did it all the time, as if being held by him was so common as to make sense why it would feel so right. She sighed at the feeling of him, so solid and comforting, wanting to chase that feeling wherever it led.

John pulled back, hand coming up to cradle her cheek. He looked down at her, a questioning look on his face. He leaned down, so tender.

If there’s something you want, you have to take a chance.