Her lips curved. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."
What kind of a shithead cheated on his wife and hit on young actresses? Granted, Logan didn't know anything about these Hollywood types, and maybe that kind of thing happened all the time. Des didn't seem too upset about it, and she'd handled Theo easily, but it pissed him off. If he'd known about it, he'd have been tempted to take Theo behind the trailer and teach him some goddamned manners.
He gripped the steering wheel hard and tried to concentrate on the road, but his thoughts kept coming back to the way Theo had looked at Des.
"Are all directors like him?"
"Like Theo? No. Some are very nice and work hard to get the best out of their actors. Others are narcissistic, arrogant dickheads, but they're not trying to sleep with every actress they direct, if that's what you're asking."
"Yes, that's what I'm asking. Have you come up against directors like Theo before?"
"There are always people like Theo in our industry, people like casting directors or producers who expect you'll have sex with them in order to get a part."
"And?" he asked, glancing her way.
"And I've never once had sex with someone to get a role in a movie. I made a vow a long time ago that if I couldn't get a part based on talent alone, then I obviously wasn't good enough to be in this business."
"Good for you. Some people are fucking scumbags."
She laughed. "Amen to that."
As they drove through the gates, Logan noticed the throng of people with cameras hanging out at the entrance to the property.
"Your fans?"
She wrinkled her nose. "Paparazzi, hoping to get some advance shots of the moviemaking. It's great that we're filming on private property, so they don't have access. I think that was another of the reasons they found this location so attractive."
He pulled out and Des turned her head as the paparazzi started shooting. There was a sudden rush as people ran off to jump into their cars.
"Now you're screwed. They'll follow you into town, which isn't at all private."
"I know, but I really want to see Hope."
"Not much to see. It's a typical small town. Surely you've seen a lot of them."
"But I haven't seen this one. So your brother's the sheriff?"
"City cop."
"Oh, that's right. He's probably going to hate me for causing a stir."
"I doubt that. He likes to stay busy."
Logan kept an eye on his rearview mirror. They had definitely acquired an entourage of cars behind them. Des didn't look into her mirror once, just kept her gaze firmly planted on the windshield in front of her.
"It's so remote out here. Your nearest neighbor must be miles and miles away."
"I guess so."
"I'm so used to living in a big city with people all around, I have a different perspective. You can't move or breathe without someone knowing every move you make. You could probably step out on your back porch or on your deck at night in your underwear--or even naked--without anyone seeing you."
"I could."
She took a deep breath and let out a sigh. "That would be so great."
"You could buy a place that's remote, so you could get away."
"I could. I plan to, someday."
He glanced at her. "When is that someday?"
"When I feel like settling down. When I find the right place."
"And when is that?"
"I don't know. I haven't felt like settling down before."
"You're still young. You probably crave all that travel and adventure."
"I liked it at first. But now--"
She didn't say anything more, and he didn't want to pry.
Des looked out the window, ignoring the convoy of cars she knew were behind them. She'd taken a big risk leaving the safety of the ranch, but she really did want to see the town.
They'd been stationed in small towns before when she'd been a kid, and they'd always been her favorite places. Always tight-knit communities with the best people. Not that she got to hang out with the locals all that much--not until she was a teen and got her driver's license. She'd always lived on base, in base housing, with all the other army people. Her dad had always insisted on living on base, and had required her to go to school with all the other army kids.
Which had made sneaking out and getting to know the local towns and kids that much more fun.
She liked Logan, and she knew he was from a small town. She'd done a little research on Hope before she came to the location, and it was a beautiful place set in northeast Oklahoma. She'd never been to Oklahoma before. She'd already decided she wasn't going to spend all her time holed up in her trailer, even if the paparazzi stalked her.
Though what they were looking for, she had no idea. It wasn't like she was all that interesting. But she was young, and she and James had had a high-profile romance, so they always thought there was dirt to dig up.
It took about fifteen minutes before she saw the sign that they were entering the city limits of Hope.
She saw the high school first. It was one story, but it seemed to go on forever, with two buildings that faced each other and a big football field behind it.
"Oakdale High. Is that where you went to school?"
"Yeah. There are two high schools in Hope. This one serves a lot of the kids who live outside city limits. Hope High School is in town and serves the rest of the city."
"Interesting. I wouldn't think a town as small as Hope would support two high schools."
"There are also all the county residents. The population is larger than you'd think."
It looked so small. Then again, as they drove farther into town she saw more and more businesses and side streets filled with homes. She supposed she had had this mental image of a one-stoplight town like she often saw in movies, but Hope was nothing like that. While it was a small town, there were miles of it, including a community center, medical and dental facilities, urgent care centers, several restaurants, and what appeared to be a lot of impending expansion.
"Your town is growing."
"Uh-huh."
She switched her gaze over to Logan. "Which is why you like living on the ranch?"
"I like Hope just fine, but it's a lot bigger now than it was when I was a kid."
"Progress isn't a bad thing, you know. It's good for your town to grow."
"So they tell me."
He pulled into an auto parts store. Des smiled. She was just sure the paparazzi were going to find this riveting.
"You want to come in?"
She released her seat belt. "Oh, definitely."
He gave her a funny look, but shrugged. "Okay."
Out of the corner of her eye she saw the entourage of cars pulling into the parking lot, and she smiled. They wouldn't come inside--it wasn't in their nature, and besides, hordes of photographers tended to upset customers and store owners, and that usually led to police getting called and photographers getting arrested. Instead, they lingered outside and took pictures.
Of Des, inside the auto parts store. She couldn't help but laugh at that. No doubt the paps had already conjured up Des rendezvousing with some secret lover at the auto parts store, so she might as well give them their money's worth. While Logan headed over to the parts counter, she busied herself wandering up and down the aisles, scanning air filters, socket wrenches, and various types of motor oil.
"Excuse me, but aren't you Desiree Jenkins?"
She turned to find an older man wearing a polo shirt emblazoned with the name of the store on it. "I sure am." She read his name tag and stuck out her hand. "And you're Bill."
Bill shook her hand. "I sure wish my wife was here. She's a big fan of yours. We both really enjoyed that movie you were in, The Heart of Sunrise."
"Thanks so much, Bill. I liked making that movie. It was one of my favorites."
"Sorry you had to die at the end, though."
She laughed. "Yeah, me, too."
"Would it trouble you too
much if I ask for an autograph? And maybe a picture?" He pulled out his phone.
"Not at all."
Bill led her over to the counter, where Logan was checking out.
"I've got a pad of paper here. If you could make it out to DeeDee, that's with two sets of double Es, my wife would be tickled."
"Sure, Bill." Des wrote out an autograph to his wife, then Bill handed Logan his phone.
"Hey, Logan, would you mind taking a picture of me and Des?"
Logan cocked a brow. "Didn't know you were a fan, Bill."
"Oh, DeeDee and I go to the movies all the time. She's going to be so mad she missed the chance to meet Desiree."
Des got close to Bill and smiled. Logan took the picture and handed the phone back.
"Thanks a lot."
"You're welcome."
"You sure have a lot of picture takers out front," Bill said.
"Yes, unfortunately I do."
Logan grabbed his bag. "Are you ready?"
"Sure."
She ignored the photographers outside, and their barrage of questions about who Logan was and what she was doing in Hope today. Fortunately, Logan had parked right out front and he opened the truck door for her. She slid inside and she could tell when he came around and got inside the truck, he was pissed. He put the truck in gear and pulled out in a hurry, paying no attention to the photographers scattering all around them.
He didn't say anything as they drove down the road. At least not for a few minutes, but his jaw was clenched.
"I'm sorry about that," she finally said.
"It's not your fault they swarm on you like scavengers." He shot her a look. "You get that all the time?"
She nodded.
"Jesus Christ. What are they after?"
She shrugged. "Something newsworthy."
"And the auto parts store in Hope is newsworthy?"
"They camp out in airports and take pictures of celebrities coming off and going onto airplanes."
"Why?"
"I have no idea. To see what they're wearing or who they're with or where they're going. Then they sell the photos to the highest bidders. Me being here for a movie shoot is, I guess, newsworthy."
"I don't find it hot news. No offense."
Her lips lifted. "None taken."
He pulled out his phone and punched a number. "Hey, are you on duty today?" He shifted his gaze to hers as he listened. "I'm in town, and I've got Desiree Jenkins with me."
Des wondered who he was talking to.
"Yeah, the movie star . . . Because she wanted to come with me, that's why." He rolled his eyes as he drove. "No, idiot, we're not."
And now she really wanted to know who he was talking to.
"Listen, those damn photographers are swarming her. Think you can do something about that while we run some errands?"
Ah. Likely his brother Luke.
"Thanks. We'll be stopping at Emma's place next. Meet us there."
He clicked off.
"Does this mean we get a police escort?"
"Something like that."
The Hope Small Animal Hospital was a charming one-story that looked a lot like an oversize house with a huge parking lot. A full parking lot, too, which now contained two police cars at the parking lot entrance.
Logan pulled in and rolled down the window. A tall, extremely good-looking cop who resembled Logan strolled over to the window with a fierce but adorable German shepherd in tow.
"Causing trouble?" Luke asked.
"Yeah, that's me. Des, meet my brother Luke."
Luke tipped his hat. "Ma'am."
"Hi, Luke. Call me Des. And thank you for running interference. I'm sorry about the paparazzi."
"I'm sure there's not much you can do about them, but we'll try to keep them out of your way."
"I'd appreciate that."
"We'll try to get out of town as fast as we can," Logan said.
"Don't be so fast. I told Emma you were here with Des, and she wants you to stick around and have dinner with us tonight. We can do it at the house so there's no ruckus at one of the restaurants."
Logan looked at Des.
"I'd love to," she said.
"Sounds good," Logan said.
"Good. Emma closes up at six, so you'll have to kill some time."
Logan nodded. "I'm sure we'll find something to do."
"Great," Luke said. "I get off at five, so we'll see you at the house."
Logan pulled into a parking spot and turned off the ignition. "I suppose you're going to want to come in."
"There are animals in there. And Emma, who I suppose is dating Luke?"
"She's his fiancee, so yeah."
"Awesome." She took off her seat belt. "Let's go."
Luke and another officer had put a halt to the photographers parking in the lot and were waving their hands for them to move along. Des couldn't resist a laugh.
"They must be hating that," she said.
"What?" Logan asked, then looked. "Oh. Your photographers? Yeah, probably. And it's likely making Luke's day."
They stepped inside and all activity stopped. There were a few people in the waiting room, and Des caught the stares. Not that she wasn't used to being stared at, but it was always a little disconcerting.
And small-town stares were always a little different.
"Oh. My. God. Desiree Jenkins." A young girl with short dark hair and glasses stepped from around the counter and held out her hand. "I'm Rachel and I'm a big fan."
"Hi, Rachel. Call me Des."
"Oh, my God. So excited you're here, Des." Rachel looked around the waiting room. "Hey, everyone, did you know Desiree Jenkins was in town? She's just so awesome."
Des actually felt herself blush, which almost never happened. She gave everyone a wave. "Hi."
Rachel turned to Logan. "Oh, hey, Logan. Martha called ahead and told us what you needed. I already have it at the counter."
Logan cracked a smile. "Thanks, Rachel. Is Emma around?"
"She's checking on a surgery patient, but you can go on back."
Logan put his hand on the small of Des's back and propelled her forward. "Come on, movie star."
She met Leanne on the way back, who she found out was one of Emma's assistants. Leanne was sweet and super-friendly, but then had to run because she had a cat who needed inoculations and another one who needed a nail trim and a bath. Leanne was a talker, but Des liked her.
They found a stunning brunette back by the kennels. Wearing scrubs with her hair up in a ponytail, she sat on the floor near an open kennel, her ears plugged with a stethoscope as she listened to one of the dogs, who looked to be out cold.
"You'll be fine, Pally," the woman soothed, stroking her hand over the dog's fur before closing the kennel door. "And you'll be going home later today."
She pushed off and stood, then her eyes widened when she saw them. "Oh, crap, Logan. I didn't see you standing there."
"Sorry, Emma."
Emma stopped at the sink to wash her hands, then came over and hugged Logan. "It's okay. I was just seeing to one of our patients who had surgery this morning." She held out her hand. "You must be the famous Desiree everyone in town's been buzzing about."
Des shook her hand. "I don't know about famous, but yeah, that's me. Call me Des."
"So nice to meet you. How's the movie shoot going?"
"Pretty good. I was happy to get off the set today so I could come see your town."
Emma paused to pick up a couple of charts, then led them down the hall and into her office, where she was immediately bombarded by two adorable dogs, one a yellow Labrador retriever, the other a white-and-brown pit bull. She leaned down and petted them.
"Okay, girls, calm down. We have visitors. Des, this is Daisy and Annie."
Des crouched down to greet the dogs. "Hi there, girls. Aren't you just the sweetest things?"
The dogs came over, sniffed her, then leaned into her for some love. Des's heart swelled. She looked up at Emma. "They're so cu
te."
"Thank you. I've had Daisy for a while, and Annie's still a puppy, though you could never tell by how big she's gotten."
After petting them for a few minutes, Des stood.
"Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink? I have water and pop."
"I'd love some water," Des said. Logan declined.
Emma grabbed two waters from her mini fridge in her office, handed one to Des and opened one for herself. They sat in her office and Emma leaned back.
"Long day?" Logan asked.
"Yes. Two surgeries this morning. One was a twisted bowel, so it was complex and took longer than I wanted it to. And the other was a knee surgery on a rather young canine." She hunched her shoulders, then relaxed them.
"Sounds like you could use a spa day," Des suggested.
Emma laughed. "Mmm. A spa. Exactly what Hope needs and doesn't have."
"Oh, that's too bad. I know a few people who would love to set one up in a town like this."
"And I know several women--myself included--who would make use of it regularly."
"Sounds like a match made in heaven."
"We should definitely talk. Speaking of, Logan, did Luke ask you about dinner tonight?"
"He did. We're all set."
"Awesome. We'll have chicken or something simple since it's a workday for me. I hope you don't mind simple, Des."
"That sounds great to me. Thank you for the invitation."
"You're welcome. And I hate to be a lousy host at the moment, but I have patients to get back to."
Des stood. "It was great to meet you, Emma."
"Here, too. I'll see you both tonight."
Des followed Logan to the front of the clinic, where Rachel handed him a bag.
He took out his credit card and paid, and she said good-bye to Rachel and Leanne.
Photographers had parked in the lot next to the clinic, but Luke was doing a good job of keeping them from stepping onto Emma's lot.
"How does he do that?" she asked.
"I think Boomer scares the shit out of them."
Des frowned. "Oh. His dog?"
"Yeah. He has a mean growl. I'd bet none of those photographers would want to test him."
She laughed. "Probably not. I should get a dog like that. Maybe I'd have fewer cameras stuck in my face."
They climbed into the truck. "A dog for protection wouldn't be a bad idea, especially if this whole paparazzi thing is the norm for you, even when you're on location."
"Traveling as much as I do would be a hard life for a dog."
"Dogs that are trained for protection services get used to the travel."
She looked in the side mirror to see all the cars following. "I suppose they would be. It's something to consider. And I do love dogs."