Free The Accidental Movie Star by Emily Evans Page A

guide’s intro was overkill.
    One brave kid, about ten, held up a napkin and a pen. Caz didn’t hesitate. He signed the beaming kid’s autograph then shook a few hands and chatted a bit with each person about the tour, the weather, and tea. He even posed for photos. After he’d met each person, Ashley held her phone to her ear like someone called, went over, and said with her best serious voice, “You’re needed back on set, Mr. Thaymore.”
    Caz nodded, waved, and left behind a group of wowed fans.
    Ashley said, “That was so cool.”
    Caz threaded his free arm though hers and Ashley let him. “What?”
    “That they recognize your talent and then you made them so happy.” She squeezed his big hand and walked closer to his side. “Good job.”
    “So you think I’m talented?” Caz tilted his chin at a cocky angle.
    Ashley grinned but refused to respond; that was enough praise for now. She lightly closed her eyes for a second, enjoying the cool, dry air and the moment.
    Caz’s steps slowed as they neared their warehouse, and he said, “We should get something to eat.”
    Ashley checked the time on her cell phone. An hour and a half remained for lunch, plenty enough time to go out. She tugged loose and stepped toward the parking lot. “Okay, see you on set.”
    “Let’s get something together.”
    Ashley shook her head. “The press would mob you. I’ll get takeout and bring something back. What would you like?”
    Caz shrugged and looked away. His free hand formed a fist and he stuffed it into his pocket. “I’m always stuck in that trailer.”
    If she didn’t know him better, she’d say he wore a pout. Low blood sugar always made people cranky. Ashley said, “Price of fame,” but this time with some sympathy. She’d be sick of the trailer too.
    Caz stepped closer. “I don’t have to get out of the car.”
    “Fine, come on. Dad’s Audi has tinted windows anyway.”
    With her agreement, his good mood restored itself.
    “You could wear a wig disguise or something,” Ashley said as they got in.
    “People don’t bother me as much as you think.” Caz’s seatbelt clicked on and he leaned against the headrest.
    “I know LA. It’s a feeding frenzy. My dad’s dated actresses before. Nightmare. I’d never do it.” Ashley turned on the radio.
    Caz put his left arm on the console and thumped his hand against the side of the door. “I don’t like dating actresses either.”
    Ashley laughed. “What do you want for lunch?”
    “Umm, dockside fish and chips or a west-end pub.”
    “Homesick?” she said. Taking her right hand from the steering wheel, she touched his arm lightly. He took her hand in his and rubbed his thumb rubbed over the top, and Ashley noted the incongruity of rough fingertips below buffed fingernails. “When will you go back?”
    “No time. My agent keeps the projects booked back to back.”
    “They have great seafood in California. You should go over to Santa Monica or drive up the coast if you’re missing fish and chips.”
    “They have great fish and chips?”
    “No, but the view’s so pretty, they seem awesome. Even the tofu sauce.” Ashley hit the blinker and turned into the back parking lot of a nearby restaurant. Huge bougainvilleas edged the border, aiding in customer privacy. She found a spot as close as possible to the back door, and shook her hand free to put the car in park.
    “This place is fairly dark and you order at the counter,” Ashley said, getting out of the car. “We used to take one of my dad’s model girlfriends here when she didn’t want to be recognized. I can put you in a dark booth then place our orders.”
    Caz nodded. He was less demanding off set than on, but then again he had gotten his way. Ashley crossed the pavement and reached the back entrance to the off-white stucco building. “Lunch here’s worth a shot, but I won’t make any promises that you won’t get recognized and trampled.”
    Caz pushed the door open and held it while