Under the Lights Read Free

Dad’s mother, Grandma Bess, had worked a farm her whole life. She’d been steady, loud, opinionated, and not afraid to tell anyone what she thought if she believed they needed to hear it. It had been Bess who told Ian he had to stop doing what his parents wanted and pursue his creative dreams. Life was too short, she’d warned him. Her death of a heart attack a week later drummed her lesson home.
    Mom’s mother had been gentler. Nanny Grace was a real southern belle. A hugger by nature, she told him he could charm an Eskimo into buying ice with his smile. No one had ever loved him as she had. Her death had been swift and totally senseless—a car accident at dusk.
    He’d have given anything to have said goodbye to both of them.
    “You’re lucky you’re getting time with her.” He meant it.
    Her eyebrows shot up. “I agree.”
    Enthusiasm surged through him. “Well, then, let’s go home. See your grandmother.”
    Yes, spending time with Teirney’s family seemed a great idea. Visiting with Presley, Mason, and the baby had pushed the lack of steadiness in his life right to the forefront of his mind. Normalcy, people to count on, and a routine he could cling to were all missing. Fame had major perks. But true relationships didn’t fall into the bonus category of being a celebrity. Everyone wanted something from him. Except his family in Texas and, he suspected, Teirney Mitchell. Well, maybe that wasn’t exactly true.
    She wanted him to be on time and, maybe to leave her alone.
    “I think my Granny is probably sleeping.”
    He shrugged. Sounded good. “We’ll be quiet.”
    She put her hands on her hips. “Why exactly do you think this is a good idea?”
    Ian shook his head. “I don’t know. I just do. It’s been a really long time since anyone questioned me on anything I said I wanted to do. Thanks.”
    “I suppose there is no reason you can’t come.” She motioned forward. “Shall we go?”
    Wow. They were finally getting somewhere. She’d agreed. His cup runneth over.
    “I could call for my car.” He took out his phone.
    “How did you get my number earlier?” She pointed at his cell phone.
    “Jim from lighting. I figured if you have mine, I should have yours.”
    She hadn’t answered his question about the ride. Should he not call? “Car?”
    “Subway will be faster. Any second your fans will notice you’re still standing out here. They’ll swarm. Let’s go.” She pivoted and continued along the sidewalk, glancing at him over her shoulder.
    “And for the record, I keep your number in a locked safe in the theater. I never call you from my own line. I don’t have you stored on my phone.”
    He fell into step with her. “I texted you from my number earlier. Store it.”
    “Ah….” She shook her head. “Okay.”
    “Great.” He loved when things started to come together. “I haven’t been on the subway before. Only taxis or car services. This will be my first time. Kind of fun actually. I was raised in Austin. We don’t have subways. Then I moved to Los Angeles and spent years in Toronto filming. So, first New York subway.”
    She smiled and pride made him stand up taller. He’d made the woman grin; he felt as if he’d won some kind of battle.
    “I’m glad to be giving you your first time then.”
    Ian laughed. Her dirty innuendo surprised him. “Do you promise to still respect me when it’s over?”
    She raised her eyebrows and answered him deadpan serious. “Maybe.”
    Ian laughed, her dry humor catching him by surprise. So Teirney was funny, too. Awesome.
    They walked in companionable silence. Teirney didn’t speak much. She was always thinking, constantly planning. Her eyes darted around when she got really involved in a train of thought. Her quietness was really kind of hot.
    “Where are we headed?” he finally asked when they started to descend into a subway stop. She pulled out a metro card and swiped it through twice. When she indicated, he walked through the