After a moment, Blake leaned back. Noticing a smudge of black charcoal on his finger, Bianca handed him a tissue. “Thanks a lot, Blake,” she said.

Blake wiped his finger clean, then grabbed a skewer and began eating. He didn’t look directly at Bianca, but she could feel his intense stare at her.

“I’ve always said I got into the entertainment world to support and protect you. You don’t owe me anything. I just do what I want to do for you,” Blake said.

Bianca felt overwhelmed by his ...