Free B01EU62FUC (R) by Kirsten Osbourne

Dylan.”
    Jennifer grinned. “I’m so glad you two finally quit being stupid and got married.”
    “Quit being stupid?” Valerie asked, gaping at Jennifer. “What’s that supposed to mean?” The make-up artist had never had much of an opinion about her relationship with Jesse before.
    “It means that Jesse’s been in love with you since day one. It’s about time he acted on it.” Jennifer looked at Valerie as if she was stupid for not knowing.
    Valerie blinked a couple of times. “He has not. We’ve been friends.” She looked at Jesse. “Tell her.”
    Jesse stayed silent for a moment, looking at her. “I like the way that dress looks on you.”
    Jennifer said nothing more, but her knowing eyes moved from Jesse to Valerie and back again. After they were finished getting ready, Valerie and Jesse walked to the main house together where they’d have a quick scene before her picnic with Bob. “Jesse? Why didn’t you agree with me back there?”
    “Val, I couldn’t. Don’t worry about it.”
    “What do you mean you couldn’t? You couldn’t tell her you weren’t in love with me?”
    He stopped walking and caught her arm, knowing it would put them a bit behind schedule, but needing her to understand. “I’m not going to lie to you. I fell in love with you at first sight. Everyone knew it but you.”
    “What?” She stared at him in shock, feeling betrayed. How could he have loved her so long without telling her? “Why didn’t you ever say anything?” More importantly, why didn’t I notice?
    “When was I supposed to say something? You were dating Curtis. Everyone knew it.”
    She bit her lip. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to say.”
    “There’s nothing to say. Just accept it and move on.” He took her hand again and walked her to the house, feeling inexplicably hurt. He’d wanted her to tell him that she loved him too. He knew she couldn’t, but that didn’t change how he felt.
    Her mind raced as they walked. Could it be true that he’d loved her for so long? How was that possible when she hadn’t even known?
    Her mind wasn’t on her scene with him, and she messed it up three times, before Steven asked her if she had a problem.
    Valerie shook her head. “No, I’m sorry. I’ll get it right this time.”
    She took a moment and just concentrated on the scene. Dylan came into the room. “What’s wrong with Rosie?”
    Dylan smiled. “Nothing to worry about. She’s got a slight scrape on her leg, but no bones are broken. I applied some ointment. She should be good as new by this time next week.”
    “Oh, good. I was worried!”
    “I know. She’s your best mare, but it’s nothing serious at all. I’ll come by this afternoon to check it out if you’d like.”
    Jo nodded. “That would be great.” She walked to him, and put her hand on his arm, stroking it affectionately. “I appreciate how good you are about always easing my mind.”
    Dylan’s hands caught her hips and pulled her to him, looking down into her eyes. “I have to take care of my best girl.” His head descended, and he gave her a kiss that turned her knees to mush.
    Her arms wrapped around him, and she clung to him. When he lifted his head, she said, “Thank you, doctor.”
    “You’re very welcome.” He kissed her nose quickly. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”
    She watched him stride away, closing the front door with a snap behind him.
    “Cut!” Steven walked over to Valerie. “That was much better. I’m glad you’ve got your mind in the game again.”
    “Sorry about earlier.”
    “You’ve been married three days. You’re bound to be a bit distracted.” He rolled his shoulders. “Time for the scene with Jo and Bob.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t want him to kiss me.”
    “I know you don’t. That’s why the scene is going to look so good on film.”
    She nodded, walking into the kitchen and grabbing another cup of coffee, downing it quickly.
    Jo was waiting in the kitchen when Bob