“Oh, I think that’s the whole point.”

“It’s a point.”

“A fair one.”

“What are we talking about again?”

“You’re going to seduce me in the truck bed in a secluded spot, and you brought a blanket. Very respectful of you.”

“John...” Anna laughed. “I did do exactly just that.”

Half an hour later, Anna followed a dirt road to a small clearing on a hillside. It was secluded and dark, away from the main road. She backed into a spot between the trees, so they could see the view from the back of the truck.

“We’re probably going to run into some teenagers escaping their parents,” Anna said, getting out of the truck. “It might be a popular spot.”

“So, let’s make use of it while we have it.” John opened his door, the breeze chilling him. The sky was dark, and the stars had come out to shine overhead. The spot was secluded, silent but for the wind in the trees, deserted but for the two of them. Whatever happened tonight, he was content to follow her lead. He was just happy to be here with her, to have this private moment away from the stress of work.

#

ANNA PULLED OUT THE blanket and set it down on the truck bed. Nothing fancy, but she guessed he didn’t mind. Sofia must know her stuff. No one would disturb them at this lonely spot.

She took a deep breath as John got into the back of the truck and moved toward her. He smiled, taking the beer she offered him, and leaned against the cab window, one arm behind his head. Sitting next to her, he sort of took her breath away. Only not sort of.

“Come on,” he said, patting the seat next to him. “We can see the stars from here.”

Anna’s heart beat wildly. She couldn’t remember the last time she had done something like this.

“It’s beautiful.” She took in the expanse of the stars. The wind rustled in the trees. “You really have a cabin in the woods?”

John nodded, looking out at the view in front of them. “My uncle left it to me. He didn’t have kids of his own.” John looked down at his hands, as if recalling the feeling of tools in his grip. “As soon as I sell this damn movie, I’m moving there.”

“I always wanted to live by the ocean, but I, uh, lived in Laurel Canyon.” That was one way to describe Tom’s sprawling mansion.

“Is this where I’m supposed to ask you about your ex-husband?”

“God, I hope not.”

“Good.” John took a sip of his beer. “Because I don’t want to.”

“Other than the argument at the premiere, we haven’t spoken in a year.”