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 words and lowered her head, eating in silence. The quiet between them grew. When she finally looked up, she saw the...