Page 48 of Love in Times of Contempt

Marie nodded. "It does! It totally does."

"And the first comments online seem to agree," Andy added. "People who've watched the film seem to get a good impression of it."

Ana had learned about that earlier in the morning, thanks to Becca. Most early reviews leaned to a positive opinion, with only a few dissident critical comments peppered in for good measure.

Reviewing her card for suggestions, Marie added, "words likesobering,enthralling, and evenromanticare popular in the first reviews of the documentary."

Ana smirked, hiding her smile and stealing another glance at her boyfriend. He returned it, grinning.

"I mean, just look at the two of you!" Marie said. "The film sizzled with chemistry, too."

"She tried to edit it out," Liam joked, "but couldn't do it."

"He flirted too much." Ana arched an eyebrow. "But that's not the point of the story."

"Still another great reason to watch the documentary. Thank you so much for coming!"

Chapter Seventeen

ANA DOZED OFF, IN and out of consciousness as they flew back to Los Angeles. Liam sat next to her, his hand on her thigh as he read.

"We'll be landing in half an hour." The flight attendant's voice woke Ana up, gentle and soothing but clear enough to rouse her.

"Thanks," Liam said.

Blinking fully awake, Ana stretched in her seat. Murmured voices reached her from other sections of their chartered plane; Becca and her team and Mo chatting and laughing.

"Did you get to rest?" Liam asked.

"A bit. Still so tired, though." She yawned.

He intertwined their hands together. "We'll be home soon. Or you will."

"Huh?"

"Are you awake enough to talk?"

"Of course." She sat up and turned in her wide leather seat to face him.

He pushed his lips to the side. "I think I want to go back home and chase Alex."

"Chase Alex." Ana squinted.

"I texted my mom. She said Alex will be home tonight."

"And you want to go talk to him."

He nodded. "Even if I can't convince him, I need to know why he quit."

She leaned toward him and kissed him. "Makes sense. You can take the car; I'll get a cab home."

He sighed, squeezing her fingers. "I want to try to get him to come back."

The cozy warmth of her post-nap state spread within her, a candle flame bursting to light in the center of her chest. Liam seemed to have come to a decision regarding Alex, and it made her smile that Liam's eyes were full of determination now.

"Sounds good," she said, hoping her voice glowed with her desire to support him.

His face softened, and he chuckled. "I thought you might fight me a little."