by Kay Correll
“Hey, sis.”
“Willie, what time is it?”
“You sleeping in today?”
She opened her eyes and glanced at the clock. She sat straight up in bed. “Overslept.” She was going to have to rush around to get the shop open on time. Then it all came rushing back.
Rick’s kiss.
Bodyguards.
Ugh.
“I thought you said you and that Rick Nichols had nothing going between you.”
“We don’t.” They didn’t. Not anymore. And she’d make sure of that from now on. She slid out of bed and crossed over to her closet.
“Yet, there you are, kissing the guy.”
“What are you talking about?”
“A photo of you and Rick kissing. It’s all over social media. You even hit the Indigo Bay news section on their website, not to mention the Charleston Review.”
“What?” She paused, her hand still on the doorknob of the closet door.
“You’re kissing that Rick guy. Looks like the photo was taken in the back room of your shop.”
“But how?”
Willie sighed. “Whit, get a grip. You awake? Looks like they took it through the window with a telephoto lens.”
“They can’t do that, can they?” She walked back across the room and sank onto the bed.
“Maybe not, but they did, even though I think it’s kind of creepy.”
“I can’t believe they’d do that. It’s so invasive. Don’t I have any right to privacy?”
“Probably not if you’re dating a movie star.”
“I’m not dating him.”
“Okay, if you’re kissing a movie star.”
She didn’t miss the sarcastic tone in his voice. “It’s all such a mess, Willie. I’m a fool. You know what happened right after that kiss? Shawna Jacobson called him.”
“You want me to come and set the guy straight?” The brotherly overprotectiveness was somehow comforting, and she was tempted to tell him yes.
But she could take care of this herself. “No, I’ve got it handled. I won’t make the same mistake.”
“Well, you know I’ll be there in no time if you need me.”
“Thanks, but I’m fine. It will all blow over soon.”
She hung up the phone with the tightly closed blinds that usually let the morning sunrise filter into her room mocking her. She pushed off the bed and wandered through the silent, lonely, dark house to grab a cup of coffee, dreading what else the day had to offer up in surprises.
Rick left yet another message on Whitney’s phone. He wasn’t sure why she wasn’t taking his call. She’d acted strangely all yesterday afternoon. He’d gotten her all set up with the security detail, then she’d basically closed her door in his face. He didn’t know if it was because of all the attention, the bodyguards, or because he’d kissed her.
A very nice kiss, in his opinion.
Don’t go there. Get back to work on the party.
He frowned and stared at his to-do list. He’d found another phone number for the band and left a message, as well as contacting them through their website. He was sure he’d hear back from them today. Positive.
He’d checked with the caterer who assured him everything was under control. At least that was one aspect of the party that wasn’t going sideways on him. He knocked on the wooden table after he had that thought… just in case.
He got up and poured himself another cup of coffee and went out onto the deck to enjoy the morning sunshine. So far he’d seen no sign of reporters around The Pink Ladies, but he’d no doubt they’d show up soon. He had another security detail coming today to keep reporters and onlookers away from the rentals, though he was sure his grandmother and her party would attract a large array of media attention. But for now, he’d enjoy his coffee in peace.
Except for the fact that Whitney didn’t answer his calls last night or this morning…
He wanted to go talk to her, but showing up at her work would cause more trouble for her, which was the last thing he wanted to do.
Yet, he needed to talk to her.
But right now, her needs were more important to him than his own.
With ball cap and sunglasses firmly in place, Rick headed into town to grab lunch at Sweet Caroline’s. Not that he hoped he’d run into Whitney there… but then it wouldn’t be him going to see her and causing problems, it would just be a nice… coincidence.
By the time he’d finished his meal, there was no sign of Whitney. She was probably hiding out in her shop. He’d already called Mitch four times today to check on her. The man was probably going to start avoiding his calls, too.
He glanced up as someone planted themselves in front of his table. “Merry, hi.”
“Rick.”
He wasn’t sure if anyone could put more ice into a single word.
“How’s Whitney today? She’s not taking my calls.”
Merry snorted. “No kidding.”
“I know she’s upset about all the publicity.”
“You mean like the photo of your kiss plastered all over social media?”
“Our kiss?”
“Didn’t you see it today? Someone creeped you two and took a photo of you kissing her. It’s all over the news. I bet your girlfriend isn’t too happy about that.”
“My girlfriend?” Whitney’s friend wasn’t making much sense.
“Your girlfriend. Shawna Jacobson.”
“Shawna’s not my girlfriend.”
Merry raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”
“Seriously. It’s all just publicity stuff with Shawna. Our agents think it helps. It does help, I guess. But there’s nothing going on between the two of us.”
Merry narrowed her eyes, searching his face. “If that’s the truth, you need to talk to Whitney.”
“I’m trying to. She won’t answer my calls.”
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll set up a meeting with her where there won’t be any prying eyes. But I’m warning you. If you end up hurting Whit, you’re going to answer to me.” Merry spun around and disappeared out of the restaurant.
Rick snuck in the back door to Merry’s house with the key that was under the clay kitten on her back step, just like she said. Did people really keep keys hidden under something on their steps these days? He had two separate locks on his door in Los Angeles.
He closed the door behind him and walked into her house. He’d made sure no one was following him. He went around to the windows and pulled the blinds as they’d discussed.
Now, if Merry could just get Whitney to come to her house, he’d get a chance to talk to her. He paced the floor for what seemed like hours. A big clock on the wall clicked as the minutes ticked by. He wished he could throw a book at it to silence it once and for all.
He continued his pacing back and forth, then to change things up, he went around in a circular path around the edge of the rug.
He glared at the deafening clock again. It must be broken because it assured him that only five minutes had passed since he’d entered the room. He’d talk to Merry about that. How did the woman stand the noise?
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
He heard voices outside, stepped over to the window, and gently slid the slats on the blinds apart, just wide enough so he could peek outside. Merry, Whitney, and the ever-present Mitch stood on the front porch. A few reporters lurked in the street but stayed back when Mitch turned and shooed them away with threats of calling the police if they came onto private property.
“Come on in.” Merry’s voice filtered through the door, and he heard the sound of a key in the lock. He stepped away from the window and stood waiting.
Waiting to see if Whitney would talk to him.
Waiting to see if she’d believe him.
Chapter 12
Whitney clutched Merry’s arm when she saw Rick standing in the living room. “What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to talk to you.”
“How did you get in here?”
“I…” He looked at Merry.
Whitney turned to stare at her. “Did you know he was here? Of course you did. That’s why you wouldn’t take no for an answer when you invited me over.”
“I think you should listen to what he has to say.” Merry turned and walked toward the kitchen. “I’m going to make some tea. Or, you know, do something. You two talk.”
Since when did Merry desert her when she needed her?
Whitney took one more step into the room but made sure to keep her distance from Rick. “I’m not sure we have anything to say.”
“I think we do. Will you please just listen to me?” He took a step closer and reached out toward her.
She couldn’t help herself, she took a quick step backward.
He stopped and put his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t know what happened after I kissed you. I thought that… well, that kiss meant something to me. But you walled me out. I know I brought all this chaos into your life. I am sorry about that. But… it seems I care about you, Whitney. You’re funny, charming, talented and I’ve enjoyed my time with you these last few days more than I’ve enjoyed spending time with someone in a very long time.” He paused and frowned. “A really long time. Like forever. I feel a connection to you. You make me smile when I’m just thinking about you.”
Whitney crossed over to the sofa, her hand gripping the arm of it to steady herself as she lowered herself onto it. Her heart pounded in her chest at Rick’s words and the look in his eyes. His eyes said he was telling the truth.
Her mind reminded her that he was an actor.
He came over and sat beside her. “I know that Shawna called and interrupted us. I’m not involved with her no matter what you see on social media. It’s all just publicity. Directors like to hire us for what they believe is the chemistry between us. But I don’t feel that way about her, not at all. She’s a coworker, that is all.”
She looked deep into his steel blue eyes, wanting to believe him. All she could see was sincerity and truth in their depths.
He reached out and took her hand in his. The heat of his touch scorched through her, a lightning bolt of connection.
He sat, waiting for her reaction, her answer to his words.
She took a deep breath and a huge leap of faith. “Kiss me again.”
At the sound of a knock at the door, Whitney reluctantly pulled away from Rick’s kiss. He growled the tiniest bit as she pulled back. She did so love his growls.
Merry hurried into the room. “Austin texted me. He’s here.” She grinned at Whitney.
Whitney scooted away from Rick as Merry went to answer the door.
“What’s up with the guy at the door and why did he have to check if I could come inside?” Austin stepped into the room and gave Merry a quick kiss.
“That’s Whitney’s bodyguard.” Merry laughed.
Austin looked over at her, then Rick. His eyes widened in recognition.“Hey, aren’t you Rick Nichols?”
Rick nodded.
“Honey, where have you been?” Merry took Austin’s arm and led him into the room. “Have you not seen the coverage? Whit and Rick are the new hot item.”
“Not funny, Mere.” She scowled at her friend.
Merry just grinned. “I swear, both you and Austin are so non-techie, non-social media inclined. Don’t know what you two would do without me.”
Austin wrapped his arm around Merry’s waist. “I don’t know what I’d do without you either.” He winked at her.
Rick stood up and held out his hand. “I’m Rick, as you’ve already figured out.”
“Austin Sullivan.” The men shook hands as they eyed each other in that way that males have of sizing each other up.
“So, how about I go grab us some beers and we can relax for a while?” Merry asked.
“I’ll help.” Whitney jumped up and followed Merry into the kitchen.
“So, did you two work things out?” Merry opened the fridge door.
“I think so. He says he’s not involved with Shawna, that she’s just a co-worker.”
“And you believe him?”
“I do. I mean, why would he lie to me? And his eyes said he was telling the truth.”
“I thought he was, too. I ran into him at Sweet Caroline’s. That’s why I invited you both over. So you would have a chance to talk without the media around. You can thank me now, or thank me later.” Merry grinned.
“You’re the best friend in the world. Will that do for thanks?”
“That’ll do.” Merry handed her two bottles of beer, and they walked back into the front room.
Rick had settled back on the sofa and she walked over, sat down, and handed him his drink.
“So, what brings you to Indigo Bay?” Austin sat in a chair across from them.
“I’m planning a birthday party for my grandmother.”
“His grandmother is Viola Lemmons,” Merry explained.
Austin frowned.
“Viola Lemmons. Movie star.” Merry shook her head. “Really, both you and Whit are a full-time job, just explaining the world to you.”
“Oh, right. The actress.”
“Rick is staying at The Pink Ladies. He’s having the party there,” Whitney explained.
“Do you have everything settled for the party?” Merry perched on the arm of Austin’s chair.
“Almost. Except for the band. I can’t seem to get ahold of them to confirm everything, which is strange because he was very communicative when I first booked him.” He took a sip of his beer and leaned back on the sofa, stretching out his long legs. One of his legs rested against hers, sending waves of warmth through her. And a desire for him to kiss her again.
“What band did you hire?” Merry asked.
“The Gary Simpson Band.”
“Oh, no.” Merry jumped up.
“Oh no, what?” A frown creased Rick’s face.
“Gary was in an accident a couple of weeks ago. He’s in the hospital. Another guy from his band was hurt, too.”
Rick set his beer on the coffee table and ran his hand through his hair. “So, I guess they won’t be playing at the party.” He reached up and rubbed his neck. “What else can go wrong? I really don’t seem to have much luck with this party planning stuff.”
“I know a DJ you could use. Danny. He does all kinds of music and he’s got a good, charming patter of conversation in between songs. If he’s available, I bet he’d do a great job for you.” Whitney took her phone out of her pocket. “You want me to text him and find out?”
“I’d hoped for live music, but it sounds like this would be a good solution. It’s not like I have much time to find someone else.”
“Danny is good. Trust me.” She texted her friend. Within moments, he texted back saying he was available.
“I’ll give him your contact information and you two iron out the details. How’s that?”
“That sounds great. Looks like you’re saving me yet again.”
She sent Danny Rick’s information and sat back, satisfied another disaster had been averted.
“First you found me a way to have the party even though the pavilion was taken, now you saved the entertainment.” He reached over and squeezed her hand, then left his hand covering hers.
The simple, familiar gesture of connection made her heart flutter. She didn’t know why this man had such an effect on her. Of all the men in the world, her heart had chosen to fall for an actor—a complicated relationship at best. Not to mention he lived all the way across the continent.
Rick leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I want to kiss you again.”
The heat of a blush rushed over her cheeks.
“I heard that.” Merry laughed. “Go ahead. She could use a few kisses in her life.”
Chapter 13
Rick sat at the table at Pink Lady One the next morning, sipping his coffee, with a silly grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. He’d even managed to kiss Whitney again before she left last night, the rep
orters none the wiser that he’d been inside Merry’s house. He’d slipped out the back door a while after Whitney had left, making sure no media was around to see him leave.
He rose and looked out the window for any sign of media around The Pink Ladies. So far, his luck had held up. That would change with his family coming to town. Soon word would be out. He reveled in his privacy while he had the chance, but at the same time guilt flooded through him that Whitney’s every move was being watched.
He wandered over to the coffee pot and poured another steaming cup of the wonderful brew. The beans were from some local coffee shop and made a fine, strong, flavorful cup. He looked at the package sitting on the counter and took a quick photo of it, making a mental note to ask his assistant if she could order some whole beans of the brand and have it shipped to L.A.
Though, if he was being honest with himself, he was in such a great mood that everything probably tasted good today. Even the bowl of cereal he’d consumed… and it was just his regular pretend-to-be-kind-of-healthy brand.
He found himself humming under his breath and couldn’t remember the last time he’d done that. Whistling and humming. That’s what Whitney had done to him.
Life was pretty darn great right now.
The door of the rental burst open, and his sister swept inside, sucking the air out of the room, as was her wont.
Just like that, his perfect day bubble burst into a billion microscopic droplets.
His nieces, Allison and Taylor, rushed in behind his sister. “Uncle Rick.” They raced over and threw themselves into his arms.
“Hey, girls.” He hugged them tightly. “You’re here bright and early.”
“We got up before it was even light out.” Taylor, the younger girl, nodded gravely.
“It was our only choice on a direct flight to Charleston. I didn’t want to mess with changing planes with both the girls.” Christina stood in the center of the room, taking in all the details of the rental. “Really, it would have been so much simpler if you’d had the party in Philadelphia. Or even D.C. This Indigo Bay place is just ridiculous to get to.”