The sun was starting to set, the blue of the sky turning navy, and the reds, pinks, and gold of the sun lighting up the water. It was all breathtakingly beautiful, and I opened the sliding door so I could step out onto the deck. With the wind, it was chillier than I expected, and I wished I had a sweater, but there was no way I was missing this glorious sight. I set my tablet on a nearby table and stepped up to lean on the railing. I just stood there breathing, absorbing it all. In California, I couldn’t ever remember seeing a sunset quite like this, and I had to wonder if I just didn’t take the time to appreciate them. This whole thing would be worth it simply if this was the sight I got to see each day, and I was really lucky that it was so much more than that. Not only did I get these beautiful surroundings, but we were going to make an amazing film as well.

The sun had just about disappeared when the slide of the door made me turn to greet whoever was joining me. But as soon as I saw him, my heart stopped.

For a split second, a desperate want washed over me. Bathed in the fading light, he was even more beautiful than the last time I’d seen him, when I’d clocked him hard in the mouth. That roiling anger surfaced again, boiling my blood, and I glared at the asshole who dared interrupt my communion with nature.

He stared back, his expression neutral.

I fought to keep my tongue in check. I’d promised Lou I wasn’t going to cause trouble, and I meant it. And it really wouldn’t do to have a fight on the very first day. I could say whatever I wanted about him when filming was finished. Until then, I needed to keep a lid on my temper. My anger would have to stay inside. Looking at him, I had absolutely no idea how I’d manage it.

Spencer broke first. “Alex ...”

“Don’t,” I snapped, hating the way my body reacted to him saying my name. “We don’t have to talk to do our jobs, so let’s not.”

Spencer’s eyes hardened, but he gave me a curt nod. I glared stonily for good measure, before I snatched my tablet off the table and thundered down the steps to the yard. My long stride ate up the grass, and before I knew it, I’d hit the pebble-strewn sand. I kept walking, my anger making my tread hard, kicking up little bursts with every step I took.

This was going to be a rough month, judging by that exchange. If just the sight of his stupid, fucking, perfect, beautiful face was going to cause this much anger, I was going to have a hell of a time keeping myself together. I didn’t even allow myself to think of what it would be like when we actually had to kiss.

For the first time since I’d signed on, I regretted my decision. Because right at that moment, I wasn’t sure what I was more pissed off at -- him for what he did, or me for wanting someone who’d hurt me so badly.