Free Starstruck In Seattle by Juliet Madison Page A

lights of the nurses’ station for the dimly lit delivery room, where set stylists busily arranged machines and tubes, and an actress slouching in a pregnant-suit complained about having to wait “for ever ” for her scene.
    Anna took the opportunity to mentally plan her evening – heat up a frozen dinner, pack away the results of her shopping spree from yesterday (and work out how to pay her credit card bill), then relax on the sofa with popcorn and a DVD. No stress.
    Her breath caught in her throat as Karl entered and the room seemed to brighten, though the lighting crew had not yet arrived to set up. He greeted the fake pregnant woman, whose posture straightened and bored expression transformed to one of anticipation. Karl had that effect on women.
    Especially Anna.
    â€œGreat work before,” he said to her, a dark strand of hair falling over his equally dark left eye. “For what it’s worth, I think your idea about dropping the phone was good.” He ran a hand through his hair, returning the rogue strand to its rightful place. Anna sighed, wishing it was her hand running through it. Running down his neck, across his strong jaw line, her thumb trailing over his inviting lips. . .
    â€œ. . .don’t you think?” Karl’s eyes fixated on hers.
    â€œHuh?” Anna’s fantasy dissolved and her cheeks burned. She hadn’t heard his question. God, I’m an idiot!
    â€œI said, though Jake’s a tool sometimes, he’s good at his job, don’t you think?”
    â€œOh, of course. The show wouldn’t be what it is without him.” Or you.
    Karl nodded and smiled. The warm, heady scent of his aftershave drifted around her nostrils and she resisted the urge to lean in for a closer whiff. Karl glanced at his watch. “Let’s hope we get an early-mark tonight, eh? It is the end of the week and I don’t want to be stuck on set like last Friday night when I could be out enjoying myself.” A smile curved up the sides of his mouth.
    â€œLet’s hope.” Anna’s heart pumped rapidly and she parted her lips, words hesitating on the edge of her tongue.
    Should I just ask him out? Now?
    Vera giggled near the oxygen tank beside the hospital bed as Charlie pretended to gasp for breath, while the fake pregnant woman practiced her labor panting.
    Karl was right next to her. His chest rose and fell, hers paused in indecision. Friday night in front of the TV, or the thrill of something new?
    Go on, ask him! An informal drink after work.
    She licked her dry lips.
    Maybe I should wait for Lulu’s advice. Or maybe not.
    â€œKarl –”
    â€œOkay, let’s get this party started.” Jake the Jerk walked in and clapped his hands, followed by the lighting and camera crew. He ushered everyone to their positions, Karl accompanying the patient on one side of the bed and Anna on the other side accompanying the oxygen tank.
    â€œAnd. . .action!”
    Anna sighed. At this rate, she certainly wouldn’t be getting any of that.

2
    From: [email protected]
    To: [email protected]
    Subject: Re: I need your help
    Dear Star Struck in Seattle,
    Thank you for having the courage to write your letter and faith in me to guide you toward the love you deserve.
    Firstly, you must believe yourself worthy of true love, and treat yourself with the respect you would want another to treat you with. Don’t settle for second best, don’t put yourself down, and don’t sacrifice your deepest desires to please another. All happy relationships come from a happy relationship with oneself.
    In answer to your question about whether to ask K out, I feel if you choose to do so you would be met with a ‘yes’, but I also feel it is best to hold off. I believe a proposition is coming your way very soon, and you need to remain open and aware of ALL possibilities.
    My advice is to put yourself out there and don’t be afraid