“You’re a really good actor,” she continued. “Poor Marigold. I think she wanted to get you in her to-go box. I almost felt sorry for her.” They reached her front porch and she turned to him.

“You’re a fun date,” she said with a grin. “You can turn on the charm. I know it was just for their sake, by the way. Don’t worry that I’m going to turn into stalker girl or anything.”

“I never thought you would.”

His eyes were so beautiful, she thought as she stared at his face. And while the outside package was darned appealing, she had to admit there was something about the inner man that worked for her, too. The more she was around him, the more she liked him.

She shivered.

“You’re freezing,” he said. “Let’s get you inside.”

She fumbled for her key, only then wondering why he’d walked her to her door instead of waiting in his car. She opened the door and stepped inside. She turned, ready to say good-night. Only Jonny hadn’t waited on the porch. Instead, he’d followed her inside.

He closed the front door, took her bag from her and put it on the small table in her entry alcove. Then he put his arms around her and drew her close.

If she’d been with any other man, she would have thought he was going to kiss her. Only there was no way that he would—

His mouth was firm and warm and brushed against hers in the most delightful way possible. Madeline battled surprise and desire as the kiss went on for two heartbeats, then three. She raised her arms, not quite sure what to do with them. Putting them on his body seemed the most logical thing. That was what you did when you kissed. You hugged back.

So she let her hands settle on him. One rested on his shoulder, the other on his side. She felt the muscles in his body and the warmth. Her shoes made her a little wobbly, but that was okay because he was nice to cling to.

She liked the feel of his lips on hers. She liked how they fit together. Tingles danced all through her, and even with her eyes closed she saw the bolts of lightning all around them.

Actor’s magic, she told herself firmly even as his tongue lightly brushed against her lower lip.

She parted for him, not sure what to expect. He deepened the kiss. His tongue teased hers and, with every stroke, she leaned into him.

Wanting grew, as did heat. Suddenly she wasn’t cold anymore. She was trembling and ready and determined not to act like a fool, even though she wanted to.

He drew back and looked into her eyes. “I wasn’t acting,” he said, just before he released her and walked out the door.

NINE

JONNY RAISED THE barbell one last time and held it for a count of ten. He would have gone for twenty, but his arms were shaking and he didn’t have a spotter. No way he wanted to end up pinned. Although the rescue video would make a splash on TMZ, he thought humorously as he set the barbell back in the stand and sucked in a breath.

He knew that some actors took their downtime seriously—getting out of shape and putting on weight—then worked hard to get ripped again when filming started. He preferred a more balanced approached. It was easier to stay fit than get fit. He was willing to eat pasta and the occasional cookie, but for the most part, he stayed with his regular fitness routine. When he was about two months from filming, he got more disciplined, but didn’t have to hit the gym five hours a day to get in fighting condition.

He stood and grabbed his water bottle. After downing half of it, he headed for the treadmill. He would run his second two miles before hitting the shower, then drive into town. He had some more ideas for the wedding to discuss with Madeline.

As he pushed the button to start his treadmill program, he allowed himself to think about their recent dinner. She’d been a fun date—no surprise there. He’d liked spending time with her. She laughed easily, which was a quality he liked in a woman. She was caring, sexy. All qualities designed to get him wondering about possibilities. If things were different...if he were different.

He could see himself getting serious about her. Ginger had liked her, as well, and that was important to him. Around Madeline, he could relax and be himself. Whatever she’d felt about him being Jonny Blaze, Action Star, had quickly faded. Now he was just some guy she knew.

Except he wasn’t just some guy and being with him would bring challenges she couldn’t begin to imagine. He’d seen the disaster serious relationships with someone like him could be. Not a very nice thing to do to someone he liked. So he was left with wanting but not having.

Like the kiss. He’d left her on her front door, as if he was some freshman in high school. He’d wanted to do more. Have more. He’d wanted to hold her and make love with her. To please her and be with her. He’d wanted what any man kissing Madeline would want.