He closed his eyes and sighed. “I just want it to go away.”
“Yeah, I know how you feel.” She’d give anything if this living nightmare she was in would vanish. “Please, Noah, let me in.”
“You want in?” He opened his eyes, met hers, and she was surprised to find not only anger lurking in those mesmerizing gray eyes but also unshed tears. “Getting in would mean more than I can give right now, Callie. Trust me, you don’t want to live my hell.”
She tilted her chin and stepped closer. “I don’t want to live mine, either, but I am.”
Callie’s cell chimed through the room, cutting the tension with the upbeat ringtone.
She crossed the room and rummaged with her left hand through her purse. She glanced at the screen and sighed.
“Hi, Amy,” she greeted her agent.
“Just calling to check on you. How are you feeling?”
Callie glanced over her shoulder to Noah, who was staring back at her. He could be part of her private life and she couldn’t be part of his?
She turned her back and walked to the front window. Her apartment wasn’t big, but at least moving away would give off the silent hint that he wasn’t welcome to listen to her conversation.
“I’m getting better every day,” Callie responded, trying to sound upbeat.
“I just want you to know that the role has been recast for the Anthony Dane movie.” Amy paused before lowering her voice. “I’m so sorry, Callie. I didn’t want this to happen, but there was nothing we could do. They start shooting next month.”
Callie swallowed the burn in her throat and bit her lips to keep from crying. “Um…it’s okay. I mean, it’s not, but like you said, there’s nothing that can be done.”
Callie watched as a couple pushed their baby stroller down the street and as a little boy rode by on his bike. Life went on for everyone else while her world had crumbled. She didn’t know if she had the strength to build it back up again.
“I’m here,” Amy went on. “As long as it takes to get you back to your old self, I’ll be here, Callie. I have faith in you.”
Callie blinked back the tears. “Thanks. Listen, I need to go. We’ll talk later.”
Callie ended the call before her emotions exploded. She hated crying on the phone. Who wanted to listen to a blubbering mess on the other end? After sliding the phone into the pocket of her capris, she put her left hand over her eyes and willed the inevitable crying jag away. But it was a moot point because the second she felt Noah’s strong hand on her shoulder, she fell back against that hard, sturdy chest and lost it.
He didn’t say a word, but he did turn her so she was facing him. She leaned against him, her face against his chest. She was probably going to soak his shirt, but she couldn’t stop the tears any more than she could change her fate.
His warm hand roamed up and down her back as he rested his chin on top of her head. Callie knew as soon as she looked up at him she’d see pity, and that was the last thing she wanted. Right now she just needed to get this cry out of her way. Of course, she’d been saying that a lot lately. But she just couldn’t help it.
“I knew the part wasn’t mine anymore,” she whispered against his chest. “But it still hurts to know I’ve officially lost it.”
“There will be others, Callie,” he told her softly. “If Anthony Price wanted you once, he’ll look at you again.”
She eased back and shook her head. “He wanted the flawless Callie. I doubt he’ll have use for a scarred Callie. Men can pull off imperfections and Hollywood thinks it’s rugged and sexy. A woman has to be regal and flawless at all times to be considered.”
Noah nodded. “I won’t lie, that’s pretty accurate. But I also know you’re a fighter and I know I’m a damn good surgeon. Together we won’t let this dream of yours disappear.”
She studied his face. “I still don’t understand why you’re so hell-bent on helping me. Yes, I worked for you and I know we shared some…moments, but you’re putting your life on hold. Why?”
He reached up and stroked her good cheek. “Because I can’t sit back and watch someone I care about suffer. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try to make your life better.”
Callie jerked back. “You care for me?”
Noah stepped forward. “It would be impossible not to feel something more than friendship toward you, Callie. I’ve tried to ignore the sexual pull, but after tasting you last night, I’ve been unable to think of little else.”
“But just a moment ago you were so adamant about this thing between us being nothing.”
Holding her with his mesmerizing gaze, he said, “That’s because I wanted to ignore this pull, but when I hold you, I can’t lie. My actions betray me.”
Shivers raced over Callie’s body. “This timing isn’t the best, Noah. Especially since you’re struggling with…whatever.”