Wait For Me

by K. L. Grayson

  Nervous.

  Scared.

  A pussy.

  God, I’m such a pussy.

  Here I get a weekend away with a beautiful, sweet woman, and I’m worrying about anything and everything under the sun.

  “In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve raised two boys. I know what I’m doing.”

  “I know.” I give Mom a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll try not to worry.”

  “He’s going to worry the entire time,” Nora says, laughing.

  “We better get going.” The car honks again, and I scoop Henry up. I kiss his sweet little face, followed by Emma and Jack, and then we’re out the door.

  A black town car sits in my driveway. The driver hops out and reaches for our luggage. He puts our bags in the trunk and holds the back door open.

  Nora climbs in first. I slide in beside her, and she taps the sunglasses on my head.

  “Good thinking bringing those.”

  “Because it’s sunny?”

  She snort-laughs. “No, silly, because of the photographers.”

  “Photographers?”

  “Yeah, you know, all the flashes. They can be blinding. You’ll be glad you brought your sunglasses.”

  Nora tucks her hand in the crook of my elbow and whispers, “Keep your head down and put your sunglasses on.”

  “But we’re inside.”

  “Trust me.”

  We walk down the ramp from the airplane into the LA airport, and Nora is instantly recognized. An unfamiliar voice shouts, “It’s Nora Hayes!”, and chaos ensues. People swarm us. Fans and photographers whip out cameras to get a picture while shouting questions.

  “Nora! We love you!”

  “Who’s the guy?”

  “What really happened with Todd? When will we get your story?”

  This is nuts.

  “Please tell me you have a plan,” I whisper, rushing us without much of a clue as to where I’m going.

  “I do. His name is Bo.”

  Just then, we’re plucked out of the crowd by a hoard of men in black suits and ushered toward a dark SUV. Once inside, Nora pushes her sunglasses to the top of her head, blows out a breath, and smiles.

  “Welcome to LA.”

  I pull the glasses from my eyes. “Jesus Christ, that was intense. Is it like that all the time?”

  “Usually it’s worse,” Bo says, climbing into the driver’s seat. He puts the car in drive and inches his way onto the road.

  “Much worse,” another guy says. He’s sitting in the front seat and looks just as menacing as Bo, if not more so.

  My eyebrows disappear into my hairline. “Worse?”

  Bo gives me a look in the mirror. You ain’t seen nothing yet, son. “Just wait until the premiere.”

  Nora is completely unfazed by the mob of people yelling and screaming on the street, trying to get a look at us through the windows.

  If I had forgotten that she was a celebrity before, it’s clear now.

  “How long until we’re at your place?”

  “Depends on traffic. My house is in Calabasas, which is about thirty minutes away.”

  Nora cuddles up to me in the backseat and points out various landmarks, buildings, streets, and houses as we weave through various neighborhoods.

  I take it all in—the people, the palm trees, the vibe—and when we pull up to a fancy gate, Bo slows to a stop and punches in a code.

  “You live in a gated community?”

  Nora shrugs. “It’s nothing fancy.”

  “Babe, if it’s in a gated community, it’s fancy.”

  She purses her lips and looks out the window. “It’s confining. I’d much rather be out at your place with a big, open yard and lots of room to run around.”

  “Here we are.” Bo pulls to a stop in the circle drive, and I look out the window at a beautiful tan-and-white stucco home. The entry way is arched, showcasing a set of wooden doors, and the intricate landscaping puts my shrubs to shame.

  Nora pushes open the door and climbs out. “Come on.”

  “This is beautiful. I can’t believe you were dying to take a bath at my place. I can’t imagine what your tub looks like.”

  “There isn’t a tub.”

  “You’re kidding?”

  “Nope.” Nora unlocks the front door and pushes it open. “The guy who built the house went all out on every single room, except the bathrooms. They all have stand-up showers.”

  “I think I’d rather have that than the bathtub.”

  “Trade ya?”

  “Deal.”

  She laughs and takes my hand to give me a tour. The house is beautiful, but she’s right, it’s not overly fancy. It’s inviting—clean lines with lots of white and gray, and splashes of color throughout.

  There’s an outdoor veranda attached to Nora’s room with a walking path that leads to a gorgeous infinity pool that my kids would die to swim in. The kitchen is opulent, with top-of-the-line appliances and more counter space than anyone could ever need. Exposed beams run the length of the living room ceiling, but as promised, the bathroom is mediocre compared to the rest of the house.

  It makes me wonder if whoever built the place ran out of money when he got to the bathrooms.

  “Are you ready for the best part?”

  “The garage?”

  “Okay, second-best part?” Nora asks, leading me down the hall and into another room. “Tada!”

  She pushes the door open to a theater room—stadium seating with rows of leather chairs. With the push of a button, a giant white screen lowers from the ceiling.

  “Isn’t it great? Can’t you picture the kids in here eating popcorn and watching a movie?”

  She’s picturing my kids in her house, and I’m wondering how much this place set her back. Not that I would ever ask, because I wouldn’t, but I can’t help but think it. She has a theater room, for crying out loud.

  I would never be able to buy her a house like this.

  “Grayson?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m great, just a little hungry and tired from the flight.”

  “I get like that too when I travel. I had my people stock the kitchen. Let’s go see what we can find to eat.”

  She has people, I think, following her into the kitchen.

  “You said the premiere is tonight?”

  “Uh-huh.” Nora opens the refrigerator, roots around, and pulls out a couple of cold cut sandwiches. “Turkey or ham?”

  “Turkey.”

  She grabs some bottles of water, and we take a seat at the island.

  “After we eat, we’ll pick out our clothes for tonight, and then you can chill by the pool or just hang out while I get my hair and makeup done.”

  “Do you just have men’s tuxes hanging in your closet?”

  “No, but my stylist is taking care of it.”

  27

  Nora

  “You look stunning.” Grayson steps up behind me. His lips find the soft spot behind my ear and work their way down my bare neck and shoulder. “But, baby, what happened to the back of this dress?”

  I’m standing in front of the mirror putting my earrings in. When I get the final one secure, I turn in his arms.

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s missing.”

  For tonight, I chose a blush colored, backless dress with thin spaghetti straps and a slit that goes clear up to my hip. It’s a far cry from the dresses I normally wear to an event, and I’m excited to show it off. Almost as excited as I am to show Grayson off.

  “You’re welcome,” I whisper.

  “How am I supposed to keep my hands off of you?” he asks, looking at my back through the mirror.

  “Well…” I drag my hands up his chest. “You’re not. That’s the whole point. You look pretty damn good yourself, Mr. Calhoun.”

  “I clean up nice when I want to. You know…” Grayson drags a finger down my shoulder, causing the strap of my dress to slide down. “We could
skip the premiere and go straight to our own private after party.”

  “As tempting as that sounds, we can’t. But I like where this is going. Let’s pick up right here when we get done at the actual after party.”

  Grayson sighs and puts my strap back in place. “You mean there really is an after party?”

  “Oh, yeah. Tonight, you’ll be rubbing elbows with some of Hollywood’s top A-list celebrities. Are you nervous?”

  “Not at all,” he says blandly.

  I laugh, lift on my toes, and kiss him softly. “You’re going to do great.”

  “What can I expect?”

  “Like the airport, only a hundred times worse, but this time there will be ropes separating us from the crowd. We’ll show up, pose for some photos, watch the movie, show our faces at the after party, and then we’ll be done. Easy peasy.”

  Grayson adjusts his tie. I can’t tell if it’s a nervous habit because I’ve never seen him in a suit and tie, but if it is, he has nothing to be nervous about. I already know he’s going to outshine every other man on the red carpet.

  “The women there are going to go crazy over you. Probably some of the men too,” I tease.

  He scoffs. “They will not.”

  “Oh, trust me, they will.” How does this man not know how amazing he is? I run my fingers along his jaw and cup it gently. “I’m just glad you’re here with me.”

  His eyes hold mine. Slowly, he lifts his hand, wraps it around my wrist, and pulls me tight against his chest. His other hands goes to the small of my back so he can hold me flush against him. A shiver runs through me.

  “Grayson…”

  “Will I mess up your lipstick if I kiss you?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out.”

  Grayson backs me against the wall, crashing his lips to mine. With an arm curled around my back, he dips low enough to skim his fingers up my outer thigh. Higher and higher he inches until his fingers hit the bare curve of my ass.

  “Holy shit,” he breathes, looking down at the slit in my dress.

  “I thought you might like that,” I breathe, dragging his mouth back to mine.

  I don’t have a ton of room in the dress, but I manage to spread my legs enough for him to slip his hand between them. He slides his finger up and down my slit without penetrating me until I’m writhing against him.

  He’s teasing me.

  Building me up for tonight.

  And he’s doing a damn good job.

  “Grayson, please,” I beg, not really knowing what I’m begging for.

  His fingers inside of me? Maybe his cock? Do I want him to throw me on the bed and say fuck the premiere?

  “Tonight.” He kisses me one last time, pulls his hand out from between my legs, and fixes my dress.

  I’m panting, ready for whatever he’s willing to give me, and here he is taking a step back with a satisfied look on his face.

  “You did that on purpose.”

  He grins, giving himself away. “I want you thinking of me all night.”

  “I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that.” I take a breath and wipe invisible lint from Grayson’s shirt. “How’s my lipstick?”

  “Perfect.” He runs the pad of his thumb along my lower lip. “You look beautiful without makeup, but I do love this color on you.”

  “You’ll love it even more later when my lips are wrapped around your cock.”

  Grayson makes a face and groans.

  I smile. “Two can play this game.”

  The back passenger door of the limo opens. The screams are deafening. I didn’t realize how much I missed that part of it until this exact moment.

  There’s a high that comes with people chanting your name, dying to get a picture of you. I don’t always like living in the spotlight, but I’m proud of the work I’ve done to get here, and I’m excited to show it off for Grayson tonight.

  “Ready?” I ask.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  I give him a quick peck on the lips and motion for him to get out first. Grayson steps out, stands by the door, and like the true gentleman he is, offers his hand.

  This is it. Tonight is a night of firsts. My first outing since the shit hit the fan, the first time I’ve showed up to an event with the date of my choosing, and the first time I’m wearing a dress because I want to wear it.

  I plaster on my best smile, take Grayson’s hand, and step out of the car. He moves my hand to the crook of his elbow and leads me onto the red carpet. We’re met by a tall, blond woman who I recognize instantly as Marnie.

  “I’m so sorry we’re meeting like this for the first time,” she says, pulling me in for a hug.

  “Not your fault. I’m just glad you’re here.”

  “We’ll sit down tomorrow at your place as planned. Until then, the red carpet is yours. I haven’t said a word to anyone, as we talked about. No one knows where you’ve been, what you’ve been doing, or who this lovely man is.” She gives Grayson a warm onceover. “Keep away from Shaylee.”

  “Who’s Shaylee?”

  “Todd’s co-star for the movie. She’s a little handsy and over the top. Trust me, you’ll know her as soon as you see her.”

  “I doubt that,” he mutters.

  “Talk to the press, or don’t—I didn’t promise anyone an interview. Tonight is about you. Todd and Shaylee might be the stars of the movie, but you are stealing the show, and they know it.”

  “Thank you.” I touch her arm and smile. “I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t wait for us to get to know each other better.”

  “Same, sweetheart. Oh, and FYI, I heard Becky is lurking around here somewhere.”

  “Thanks for the heads up.”

  “Who’s Becky again?” Grayson asks.

  “My first manager. I fired her, remember?”

  “Oh, that’s right. Nora?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I think I’m blind. I’m literally seeing stars.”

  “Don’t look directly at the flashes.”

  “I didn’t think I was.”

  I laugh and curl into him. “Then let’s keep going.”

  We step away from Marnie.

  Fans are everywhere, screaming and chanting my name, begging me to look this way and that.

  Grayson stands back while I stop to sign a few autographs. Most of the celebrities walk right on by the fans, but this is my favorite part. These people are the reason I have the things I have, and I try to remember that anytime someone asks me for an autograph.

  “Who is that?” a young woman asks, practically drooling over Grayson.

  I can’t blame her; he looks that good. “My boyfriend.”

  There’s another wave of cheers as we continue down the red carpet. I wave at a photographer, stopping to pose for a few pictures.

  Grayson smiles and, without being prompted, positions himself just right, with an arm around my waist, his hand resting low on my hip.

  To everyone else, it probably looks like a scripted pose, but I know to him it’s a protective move. He’s keeping me close, shielding me from anyone who might jump in and try to steal me away.

  I love it.

  I love him.

  I sigh and smile up at Grayson. That’s the second time that thought has passed through my head. The first time I didn’t know what to think, but now…now I know it to be true.

  I am utterly, head-over-heels in love with Grayson Calhoun.

  “Nora! Look over here!”

  I do. I turn toward the voice and smile, and then toward another reporter and another, ignoring the questions they throw at me.

  “Nora! Where have you been?”

  “Who’s the mystery guy?”

  “Have you talked to Todd? Are you going to take him back?”

  It was my intention to walk the carpet without talking to reporters, but when I spot a woman I’ve talked to several times, I decide to make a detour.

  She’s a local reporter. I think her name is Colleen, a
nd her face lights up when she sees me coming her way.

  “Nora, you look beautiful. Tell us who you’re wearing.”

  “Versace.”

  “I meant on your arm,” she says, laughing. “But the dress is gorgeous too.”

  I smile, and when I don’t immediately answer her question, she moves on to the next one.

  “We haven’t seen you around much lately. Where have you been?”

  “Here and there,” I say loudly, so she can hear me over the deafening sound of the crowd. “I’ve been relaxing.”

  “It’s good to get away every once in a while, but your fans are dying to know if you’ll be back.”

  “I’ll be back. I’m just not sure when. I’ve been a puppet to the industry for the better part of my life, and it’s time for some changes.”

  “What kinds of changes can we expect?”

  “I guess you’ll have to wait and see.” I shoot her a wink and step back, choosing to end the impromptu interview on my own terms, and it feels damn good.

  “You heard it, ladies and gentlemen,” she says to the camera. “We haven’t seen the last of Nora Hayes, and hopefully we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of her mystery man.”

  “Mystery man?” Grayson whispers, guiding me farther down the red carpet.

  “I kind of like it.”

  “Me too.”

  28

  Grayson

  “The movie sucks, doesn’t it?”

  I turn and come face to face with a beautiful woman draped in diamonds.

  “Oh, uh…” I don’t want to lie, but she might not like my answer if I tell her the truth.

  “It’s okay.” She laughs. “I’m not a fan of it either. Why do you think I’m out here raiding the food table? The crab cakes are delicious, by the way. Eat up.”

  I take a small plate and grab a crab cake as she suggested, as well as a few pieces of fruit.

  “Do you come to a lot of these things?”

  The woman looks at me like I’ve grown an extra head. “You have no idea who I am, do you?”

  “Not a clue. About the only celebrity I would recognize on sight is Mickey Mouse, and maybe a few of his friends.”