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before she was forced to reveal her tragic back story. “Sarah actually has aspirations in fashion and costume design. She made this, for example.”
    Gabe studied the blazer and nodded. “Very nice. And very refreshing. So many people in LA think they can sleep their way to the top.”
    Unfortunately, he said the last sentence as she was sipping her water, and her reaction was similar to Gideon’s. Gabe had impeccable timing when it came to certain subjects.
    “Sarah’s my assistant, Gabe, nothing more.” Gideon spoke with such solid firmness, one would’ve never guessed he’d ever wanted more from her than just his latte and instructions on where he had to go next.
    “Of course. But I wasn’t talking about her.” He gestured toward the loud, anorexic-appearing woman with unnaturally large cleavage making her way toward them.
    Mackinzie Donavan.
    Sarah silently cursed and bunched up her napkin. Now her appetite was definitely ruined.
    “Talk about my lucky day.” The actress wobbled in her six-inch heels and fell into the chair next to Gideon. “Both of my co-stars together for dinner, and I get to join them.”
    Gideon sent a silent plea for help as Mackinzie wrapped her arms around his neck.
    “That looks delicious, Gideon. Care to share a bite?”
    Why? She’d probably go to the bathroom and purge it all later. Several more vicious thoughts swirled through Sarah’s mind, but none of them surfaced on her tongue.
    Ever the gentleman, Gideon tried to hide his grimace as he offered a piece of steak to the woman who looked like she hadn’t had a real meal in months.
    Mackinzie closed her eyes and made a series of moans that were more appropriate for the bedroom than a restaurant. “That is so yummy.”
    I’m going to be sick . Sarah wanted to blame her disgust on the woman who’d interrupted their dinner, but every time Mackinzie touched Gideon, a new wave of loathing rolled through her.
    The actress stopped pawing Gideon long enough to wave to Gabe. “Hi, cutie. I was so bummed to learn I wouldn’t have any steamy scenes with you, but the ones I have with Gideon will make up for it.”
    Gideon cringed and sent another help me plea.
    Sarah set her napkin on the table and slid out of the booth. “As much as we hate to leave, Gideon and I have a few more things to go over.”
    Mackinzie narrowed her eyes, going from airheaded bimbo to vicious vixen in a matter of seconds. “And who are you?”
    “I’m his assistant.”
    “Well, you’re interrupting our dinner, so go do what you’re paid to do and leave us alone.”
    “Sarah was the one invited to dine with us, not you,” Gideon replied with clenched teeth.
    “But you don’t really need her any more, do you?” She shooed Sarah away and turned her attention back to Gideon. “I’d love to get to know you better before we have to start filming our scenes. Maybe clear away some of the awkwardness beforehand.”
    Sarah had read the script and knew exactly what those scenes entailed. Gideon was playing an undercover agent, and part of the sting operation involved him seducing the drug lord’s mistress played by Mackinzie to gain information.
    She made a note not to be on the set during those scenes.
    “That sounds like a wonderful idea, Mackinzie.” Gabe came around after tossing some bills on the table and placed his hand on the small of Sarah’s back. “Why don’t we leave these two serious method actors alone for the evening?”
    Before Sarah could protest, he was pushing her toward the front of the restaurant.
    “Maybe we should go back and rescue Gideon?”
    “He’s a big boy. He can take care of himself. Besides, you’re way too sophisticated to act on those thoughts going through your mind.”
    She stopped short of the hostess stand and turned around. “What is that supposed to mean?”
    “Look me in the eye and tell me you were not seconds away from ripping her hands off of him.”
    The back of her neck blazed with embarrassment,