“Yeah, go for it,” Eddie said. “How can I help?”

“Well, I’m guessing you live pretty locally?”

“Local as it gets. I was born and bred in the village. Why?”

“I’m wondering if it’ll help me if I explore the area a little more, find out what’s beyond this house and the estate. Check out the village, maybe the surrounding countryside. Can you point me in the right direction, perhaps let me know about any special areas of interest, any landmarks? Just anything that’ll give me a real sense of place, as though I’ve lived here all my life and know the area like the back of my hand.” He huffed out a breath. “Sorry, I was waffling a little there.”

Eddie smiled, deep dimples in his cheeks adding to his cute-and-sexiness. “I can do better than that. Want some company?”

“Um, yeah, that would be great! But only if you can spare the time?”

Shrugging, Eddie replied, “I’m only part-time here. A few hours a week. Granted, I’ve got a few more hours over the course of filming, but if we can work around both our schedules, then I’d be glad to show you around and do all the other stuff you said.” He smiled again, and rubbed a hand across his head, making his already wild hair stand on end. “Tell you what, this programme of yours is giving my bank balance a nice boost.”

Mirroring Eddie’s grin, Theo said, “It’s not my programme, but I’m glad. I guess it’s difficult to pick up full-time work when you’re somewhere so remote, isn’t it? Don’t you have your own transport?”

“Those are two questions with complex answers. Tell you what, why don’t you let me get packed up and we can head out for a while? I take it you’re free for a few hours?”

“Yes, but are you sure? I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

“I won’t. Bosses aren’t here, remember. Long as everything’s ship-shape for filming, I’m good. Also, do you, um, have any normal clothes? I can’t really take you out traipsing in the countryside dressed like that.”

Theo glanced down at his outfit and grimaced. “Yeah, you have a very good point there. Not to mention the costume department will have my guts for garters if I get this stuff dirty or damaged. They won’t even let the clothes off the property—so I’ll go and get changed while you’re packing up and meet you out front. I was only wearing the gear to try and get into character. How long do you think you’ll be?”

“Maybe fifteen minutes?”

“Okay, great. See you then.”

“Looking forward to it.”

His solo pep talk was interrupted by the sound of footsteps crunching on gravel. Then, from behind a line of expertly done topiary appeared a young man, perhaps a few years Theo’s junior.

“Oh,” the other man said, slowing as he spotted Theo, “sorry. Didn’t know anyone would be out here. You’re not filming, are you?” He looked around for cameras. “I was told it wouldn’t be for a few days, give me time to finish—”

Theo cut him off. “Relax, mate, there’s no filming today. Not anywhere. The crew are still setting things up.”

The other man heaved a sigh of relief. “Oh, that’s all right then. Gave me a fright, that did. I need to make sure everything’s spot on in the gardens before they get rolling. So, what’s the star of the show doing out here by himself, anyway?”

Theo gave a wry grin. “Oh, I don’t know about star.”

The man made a scoffing sound. Then, “That’s not what I’ve heard. I’m Eddie, by the way. Eddie Henderson.”

Theo took the hand that was offered, and shook it. “Theodore Samuels. Theo. Nice to meet you.”

“You too. So, you never answered my question. Everything all right?”

“Yeah, I suppose,” Theo said with a shrug. “Just nerves, I think. I’m struggling to get into the right mindset for this character. But I’ve got a couple of days—so I won’t panic just yet. Actually,” he paused as a bright idea illuminated his brain, “could I ask you something?”

Eddie took a seat beside Theo on the bench, and it was only when they were up close and personal that he realised just how handsome the younger man was. He had a lightly-muscled build, ginger hair, a riot of freckles on his face and forearms, blue-green eyes and a slight gap between his two front teeth. Cute and sexy all at once. Christ, he’s going to be trouble.

Sighing, he ran a hand through his mop of black curls and headed out into the gardens. They were beautiful; all manicured lawns, parterres, rose gardens, arches and perfectly placed shrubs. Despite the perfection, Theo felt more comfortable here—probably because he’d always been an outdoorsy sort, ever since he was a child. Only the strict yet loving influences of his parents had coaxed him inside to do his homework, study for his exams and eventually land himself a place at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, better known as RADA.

The latter had been completely his choice—his mother and father had only wanted him to work hard and do his best. His career options had not been chosen by them, only supported.

Slumping onto a bench, Theo reminded himself of his parents’ wholehearted support and belief. That, and the fact he’d graduated from RADA with a first. Following that, he’d gone from strength to strength.

“Come on, Theo,” he muttered to himself. “You can do this. It’s just another role. A role you can play. Can be.”