Tonight seems a long way off. An eternity to wait for the real thing.
COLE
“Just one minute. I want to make a call if I can, before we go again.” I raise a finger, nod toward a production assistant and turn away, tapping on my phone.
I haven't been able to raise Merek and it's his birthday today. I sent him social media messages over breakfast, and a couple of texts, but he hasn't responded. I place a FaceTime call hoping he'll answer. It's a long shot, but if I wait much longer the time difference means we won’t talk today. Unlike Danny, Merek spends most of his time offline while he’s working. He's a hands-on kind of guy, regardless of the business empire he now presides over.
The phone rings for several seconds before the connection takes. I hold it up in front of my face expecting to see Merek smiling back at me. Instead, I woman I don't recognise appears on the screen. She has long blonde hair and wears dark red lipstick. “On, I'm trying to get hold of Merek. This is his account isn't it?” I frown and check my screen. Even if I called the wrong person, I should recognise the person who answers. I’ve never seen this woman in my life.
“Oh, sorry. I'm Merek’s girlfriend, Becky.”
“His girlfriend? Since when does Merek have a girlfriend?” I blurt out my response before I have time to think. “Sorry. I didn’t realise he was seeing anyone.” I adjust my tone, but she scowls.
Is he seeing someone? I don't remember a single conversation where I was supplied this information. Sometimes I’m out of the loop but I would have remembered this. Danny would have relayed it since it’s not Merek’s assigned holiday to make sure he dates. It occurs to me that Melody and I just qualified me for a free holiday to the Maldives. Danny will be my next call after this one.
“I guess he didn't get around to sharing the news, yet. Anyway, the reason you've got me is that Merek is in the hospital.”
“What? What happened?”
She shrugs. I’m sure she means to communicate that she’s not sure, but it actually comes across like she doesn't care. “Some kind of accident on a work site. They’ve decided to put him in a coma so he can recover.”
“What!” I shout at the screen and from the corner of my eye I see several crew members turn to look. “Which hospital is he in? Do the other guys know where he is?”
“The other guys? The only person I’ve talked to is Danny and he promised to tell everyone who should know. I only just hung up from him when you called, so I’m sure he’ll get to you. Hey, are you Cole Grant, the actor?”
“Yes.” I’m blinking the threat of imminent tears away and staring blindly across the room. “Thanks, I’ll call Danny.”
“You don’t have to go—” I end the call, not bothering to say goodbye to this strange woman. The whole time we were speaking I got the feeling she was only half listening to me, or only half paying attention, until the end when she recognised me. She’s pretty, in a bikini model kind of way, but she doesn't strike me as the type of girl Merek would hook up with. Her face freezes on the screen for a moment, before I dial Danny. He picks up on the second ring. “Cole. I was just about to send you a message.”
“I just talked to whatever her name is. What happened? And who is she?”
“Oh, you spoke to Becky. He's been seeing her for the last two weeks and apparently keeping it a secret from everyone. He accidentally told me about her last week, but he told me to keep it to myself.”
“What’s she doing answering his calls? If they've only been together a fortnight shouldn't his mother be taking care of his business?”
“Susan is on her way back from New Zealand. She’ll land soon and I’ve promised to meet her at the hospital.”
“How is Merek? What happened?”
“There was an accident on one of his sites. Something fell on him. That’s all I know.”
“She said he was in a coma.” Melody appears, wrapped in a robe. She stands apart from me, pretending to be interested in a conversation with a crew member, but her eyes slide my way over and over. We agreed to lay low but right now I’d give anything to have her arms around me.
“He is. My understanding is it’s a precaution. Just to give his body time to adjust.”
“I’m coming home.” I wave my hand at Patty, who detours toward me, two coffees in her hands. “I’ll let you know when I have confirmed flights.”
“Got it.” We end the call, no niceties necessary between old friends.
Patty frowns. “What’s wrong?”
“My friend, Merek, is seriously ill. I have to go home. I need you to book me the next fight out of LA.”
“Today?”
“If I can get there in time. Otherwise the first flight tomorrow. Any cost, just get me the ticket and send me the details.” She nods and I look around for Greg. I’m determined to leave, but I know the shit show that’s about to erupt around my ears. Holding up a production of this magnitude is not going to make me the most popular guy at the ball.
The Ball. Shit. I won’t be back in time for that. Melody will have to go on her own. That’s a detail Patty can sort out.
“Greg. Bad news. I have to make an emergency trip to Australia.”
Chapter Thirteen - Melody/Cole
Melody
“You sure you want me here?”
“Yes. A thousand times, yes. The last thing I want is to be alone tonight.”
Cole holds the room service menu in front of us. “Choose what you want, then I’ll pack, and we’ll eat. Then I want to get you naked and forget all about why I’m getting on a flight tomorrow and putting eight thousand miles between us.”
His phone vibrates on the counter and he pulls it toward him. “Cross is going home, too. They got on the last flight.”
“Wow. He was adamant he wasn’t ready to go home. It must be great to have friends who have your back.”
“You don’t have that?”
“Not really. I lost contact with most of my friends when I moved to LA. Anyway, we’re not here to discuss me. I’ll have a steak and that pie.” I point at the items and he calls down our order. Then he’s true to his word, pulling out his suitcase and throwing his clothes into it.
“Let me help. You want to be able to wear some of this when you get home, don’t you?” He frowns as I tip the clothes onto the bed and begin folding them. When I have them in two piles, I lay them in the case, tucking them neatly to one side. I look up to find him staring at me, his hands by his sides. “What?”
“Thanks.” His voice drips with emotion.
“All I did was fold your shirts.”
“I don’t think any woman besides my mother and my cleaning lady has folded my clothes. It’s nice.” He crosses the room and kisses me, his hands resting on the tops of my arms. “It makes me feel…I don’t even know how it makes me feel.”
“Like, you’re sad you’re missing the party of the year with me?”
He laughs and shakes his head. “That would not have been my first thought, but I’ll be bummed on the fourth. I want to know all about it.”
“You’re sure you can’t get back in time?” My excitement about going to the party dissipated the moment I realised he was leaving, and I’d have to attend on my own. It’s not the way I imagined my first industry event would go. In my dreams I at least had a date for the night.
“I doubt I’ll be back. I have no idea until I get there and find out how Merek is. I could be away for weeks if he doesn’t come out of it.”
“Wow.” I sit on the edge of the bed as he packs his shoes and folds up a jacket.
“Wow is right. Greg is not happy, and Bill looked like he might have a heart attack right there on set. I had to tell them I’d cover all production costs while I’m away.”
“Holy shit.” I stare up at him, wide eyed. “That’ll be a small fortune.”
“I know, but I can’t help it.” He zips his suitcase closed and stands it beside the bed. He’s tired, stress puckering at the corners of his eyes. He checks his watch
and sighs.
I’m surprised by the wave of emotion I feel for him. I’m falling fast and hard, without any rules to guide me. I almost feel a sense of abandonment now that he’s leaving, but I have no claim on him. We had a wonderful night together, and he’s promised me another. That’s as far as this commitment goes.
Our food arrives and I tip the waiter before calling out to Cole, “You want to eat out here or in bed?”
“Definitely in bed.” He appears in the doorway and laughs when I wheel the cart toward him. “Will it fit through the door?” We manage to squeeze it through, being careful not to knock the doorframe. I feel another rush of emotion—is that adoration— when he concentrates and screws up his face. He is a little bit adorable and I’m a little bit pathetic. I get a towel from the bathroom and lay it over the covers, before handing him his meal. He’ll easily eat a burger and fries in bed, but I might have a bit of a problem juggling a steak on my knee. I cut it into pieces, so I don’t end the meal in that classic pose of food sliding down my shirt.
We eat in silence and when we’re done and the plates are cleared away, he stares at me forlornly.
I sit beside him and kiss him, my hand resting in his. “Lie back. Let me help you relax.”
Cole does as he’s told, his eyes never leaving mine. As always, there’s a tension between us, a kind of electricity, as he tucks his hands behind his head and smiles a lazy, sad smile. “I’m ready for all the relaxing you can throw at me. Hurry up, though. I’m tempted to grab you and have my way with you.”
I move around the bed, dropping my clothing on the floor as I go. When I’m naked, I kneel on the end and slide my hand up the inside of his thigh, letting my fingertips tease him, before they move slowly up and across his belly. He slides further down the mattress, tucking his feet behind mine, urging me closer. I grin, but shake my head, taking my time to kneel in front of him and peel down his jeans. I lean forward and my breath tickles his very obvious arousal, my tongue peeking out to lick my lips. He stares at my mouth and I grin. I can see he’s holding his breath and I love knowing I have his full attention.
“I just have one question before we start, Mr. Grant.”
He smirks at my formal use of his name. “What’s that, Ms. Aires?”
“If I do this,” my eyes flick between his legs and there’s a bounce of attention. “Will you still respect me in the morning?”
He growls a response, but I have no idea what he says. Before I can place my lips around him, he somehow manages to sit up and flip me over. I shriek as I’m pushed onto my back and he takes my place, sliding down my body until he plants a kiss on my chest.
“I promise…” His mouth covers my nipple and I squeal again. “I’ll respect you…” He moves lower and kisses my belly. “In the morning.”
I squirm under the weight of his body, trying to get closer, while he tutts to himself and pushes my legs apart with his elbows.
“I’ll also…” Cole’s mouth is doing crazy things to me now, his tongue dipping and exploring. “Devour you in the morning…” I arch my back, my fingers tangling in his hair as he teases me. “I will…” He slips a finger inside and I slide lower, encouraging him, almost ignoring his words. “Love your body in the morning, too.” Another kiss, and I’m lost, anything else he might say blocked out by my own moans.
COLE
Afterward, Melody wraps me in her arms, and I rest my head on her shoulder. I’m satisfied, but sad. I can’t push Merek out of my head for more than a few minutes at a time and being in bed with Melody brings up all kinds of thoughts of the future. I wish she was coming to Australia with me. We’ve only just connected, and I have so many questions. Against my better judgement, I want to get the big one out of the way. If she’s chosen not to have kids, it’s only fair that I know before I leave.
“You never told me why you were anti-kids.” I lift my head. “I want kids someday. Do you want them?”
She nods, a look of pain crossing her face. “I do want kids. I've always wanted kids, hopefully quite a few. I just don't want to hold another person's baby. I promised myself the next baby I hold will be mine.”
“Is this another one of those list things? Do you have a list of the children you want and what each of their names will be?” I grin trying to lighten the mood, but she doesn't smile back. Her back stiffens under me and she radiates tension. The Melody I’ve known up to now is quick with a smile or a joke, and not afraid of speaking her mind. Now, she stares past me, saying nothing. I reach out to take her hand, but she pulls it back slightly, keeping just out of reach.
“It’s nothing to do with a list, Cole.”
“I'm not trying to pry it just seems that the conversation has upset you twice now. I wondered if there was a reason, or something I could do.”
“Unless you can magic me a baby boy, there's nothing you can do.” She turns her face away but not quickly enough to hide her angst. She grimaces and puts her hand up to cover her eyes and I'm shocked to hear a sob break free.
“Hey, I'm sorry I didn't realise.” I shift my head to the pillow and lift my arm to wrap it around her. I pull her close, so we’ve switched positions. She sobs on my shoulder and I regret asking.
“I'll tell you, Cole. It's nothing that I want to hide. I just don't want to talk about it, so if sharing means you won't bring it up again, it's the right thing to do.”
“You don't have to…”
“I think I need to tell someone. I have a son,” she blurts out. “He wouldn't be a baby any more. I got pregnant very young and my parents decided to take him away. They insisted it was what was best for me and refused to listen when I said I wanted to keep him.”
“Holy crap, that's terrible.”
“It was pretty terrible at the time. I've had years to get over it, but I don't think I ever will. No one would listen to me. Everyone said my parents had the right to adopt the baby out.”
“What about the father?”
“It's the old cliché. Captain of the football team, the guy every girl wanted to be with, that's who I slept with. Oh, it wasn't quite like that. We were a couple for over a year, so it was serious. But once I got pregnant everything changed.”
“He didn't want you to keep the baby?”
“Oh, he wanted to, but his parents are the same as mine. It turns out the captain of the football team does not have as much control over his life as he’d like you to think. His parents said we were both too young, we didn't know what we were doing, and we had no way to support a child. My parents actually told me that they would not support me if I came home with a baby.”
“I would have taken the chance, but they took the decision away from me right after I gave birth. I was sick and drugged up on lots of medication. When I finally had a clear head, they'd already removed him.”
“That can't be legal. Can it?”
“I don't know. By the time I got away from them six months had passed, and it seemed unfair to try to find him and take him away from whatever parents he’d known.” He’d be four years old now. Every time I see a boy around his age, I can't help but stare, and wonder if he's mine. And whenever there's a baby around it just reminds me of him. I only got to hold him once and then he was gone.”
“What did you do when you found out?”
“I acted like everything was okay. Then a few months later I acted as though I was going to a religious camp. I ran away using the money I’d been saving from my job. I hid from them until I turned 18 then I called them and acted as though I knew what I was doing. I told them I was going to LA, the one place they’d tried to keep me from. And I congratulated them on improving my thespian abilities, so I was sure to be a success. My mother cried, but she never apologised, and that was that.”
“I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Me too, but it’s in the past. All I can do is try not to let it affect me too much.”
I kiss her hair. “I’m glad you want kids.” I feel, rather than see, her smile aga
inst my chest before I lean back and put my hand under her chin. Our eyes meet and I’m stuck by how much I’m going to miss her. I want to call Patty and ask her to book another seat on that plane, but I can’t ask Melody to leave the movie and take that chance with her career. I can get away with it. She’d be risking so much if I asked her to come with me. “You’ve taken me by surprise, you know. I wasn’t looking for anything serious, but here you are. When I come back, let’s talk about us properly, okay?”
“I’d like that. You’ve surprised me too. I expected to be star struck, Cole. I didn’t expect us to be discussing whether I want babies.”
Chapter Fourteen - Melody
I’ve been calling Cole’s phone for several minutes, but each time it goes to voicemail. I wait a few seconds, telling myself I’ll wait minutes, only to redial and get his voicemail again. I have an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach; what if this is the end for us and he’s ghosting me? Did I dive in too quick and he’s had to leave the country just to be rid of me?
My phone vibrates and I nearly sag to the floor when I see it’s him. “Hello?”
“Hey, are you okay? I have a load of missed calls from you.” He sounds stressed, and I immediately feel bad. I should have stayed calm.
“I’m sorry. I’m just wondering where you are right now.”
“I’ve checked in and I’m about to go to the lounge. Are you missing me already? I only put you in that taxi a couple of hours ago.”
“Of course, I’m missing you. Could you go back to check in? Are you far away?”
“No, I’ve literally called you the minute I was out of the line. I’m right next to the counters.”
“Okay. Wait there and I’ll see you in a second.”
I slide my phone into my pocket and drag my suitcase as fast as I can toward the check in area. I search the crowd, impatient to see him. I want to see his face as soon as he sees me so I can get an honest idea of what he thinks of my unscheduled visit. Cole is an actor, after all. If he’s unamused to see me, he’ll be able to easily hide it.
The Billionaire's Spark: Secret Billionaire’s Club Book Five Page 6