Free Behind the Film Star's Smile by Kate Hardy Page A

things.’
    ‘This one definitely chews and she especially likes designer shoes, which gets her into a bit of trouble,’ Jess said with a smile. ‘Maybe wait until you’re grown up, Aisling. Then, if you can’t have a dog of your own, maybe you can work with animals—you could be a dog trainer.’
    ‘Are you a dog trainer?’ Aisling asked.
    It was too complicated to explain. Jess simply smiled and nodded.
    Aisling brightened. ‘So you could teach your dog to dance...’
    Jess smiled. ‘Maybe one day.’
    She thought about it when the child had gone. Baloo had responded so well to the training they’d done so far. Would she take to performing?
    She took her MP3 player from her bag, found some music, and encouraged Baloo up on her hind legs. And she was surprised by how quickly the dog picked up the idea. Two steps forward, two steps back, head to one side...
    ‘We could work out a routine,’ she said thoughtfully as she rewarded the dog for her work. ‘You’re the perfect dog for Luke McKenzie. I’m with his aunt, on that. You could even be in show business with him.’
    Baloo’s answer was to lick Jess’s face, and Jess laughed.
    She headed back to the production office and spent the afternoon run off her feet. Luke texted her to let her know that shooting was running over and ask if it was OK to look after Baloo a bit longer. She texted back to say it was fine, and simply carried on at her desk until he came to collect the dog.
    ‘How’s your aunt doing?’ she asked.
    ‘Better, after a night’s sleep. And I told her you were helping me with the dog, so everything’s fine and all she has to worry about is getting back on her feet. She still doesn’t know when she’ll be allowed home, though.’
    Jess looked sympathetic. ‘That must be so frustrating for her.’
    ‘Given that Monica lives her life at a hundred miles an hour...I’ll give her a day before being stuck in bed drives her completely crazy and she’s begging to be let out.’ He sighed. ‘At least her best friend is with her.’
    ‘But you’ll be happier once she’s back in London and you can keep an eye on her?’
    Luke smiled. ‘I’m not sure that Monica would allow anyone to keep an eye on her. But something like that, yes. How was your day?’
    ‘Good, thanks.’ She paused. ‘Dare I ask how it’s going, or is that bad luck?’
    He smiled. ‘I’m not superstitious. It’s going OK, thanks. I’m just sorry things overran. I feel as if I’m taking advantage of you.’
    She shook her head. ‘It’s fine. Really.’
    ‘Can I buy you dinner?’ he asked. ‘Just to say thanks?’
    Making it very clear that it wasn’t a date, she thought. ‘It’s fine. You really don’t have to do that.’
    ‘Would you accept it from Baloo?’ he asked.
    She smiled. ‘I don’t think dog treats count as legal currency.’
    ‘I’ll give her an advance on her pocket money,’ he said. ‘Have dinner with us. It’s not going to be anything fancy—I mean, I think The Ivy might just say no if I ask them to reserve a table for two and a dog bowl. But we could have some take-out in my trailer.’ He nudged the dog. ‘Hey. This is your cue to do the big brown eyes bit and the sad face.’
    Baloo immediately dropped to the floor and put her head on her paws, looking up at Jess.
    Jess couldn’t help smiling. ‘You two are such a double act. OK. Take-out would be lovely.’
    ‘And it also means we won’t get papped,’ he said softly. ‘That’s the one bit I hate about my job. I don’t get much privacy. I mean, yes—the film business has been good to me, and I appreciate that. I never mind spending time talking to fans and signing autographs—without them, I wouldn’t get to do the job I love. But sometimes living your life constantly in the spotlight feels like too high a price. I’d love to be able to take you for dinner at the nearest dog-friendly pub. But, if I did, there’s a very good chance a photographer would be around,