“You’re the one showing off perfection.”
Another laugh rolled over him. “You’re full of lines, aren’t you?”
“Not a line. Besides, you forced the topic. I was going to bite my tongue and keep it to myself.”
A wicked grin spread across her lips. “Don’t do that. I like the way you taste.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Is that what you want?”
She wrapped her hand around his neck, rising up to nip his bottom lip. “I can’t get enough,” she whispered before closing her mouth over his. Her taste was sweet, with a hint of coffee. His hands slid down her body, grabbing her firm, round ass.
Perfect fucking fit.
Ella broke away, panting. “Better get to work, before you’re late.”
“Unfortunately. Hey, are you busy later?”
“Don’t know yet, but call me. Maybe we can talk tonight.” She stepped back, her stare inching away.
“I’m not worried about whatever you have to say.”
“I am,” she admitted in a soft, almost whisper.
He brushed his lips over hers and stepped back. “Don’t. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye, Trent.”
* * * *
After her run, and a shower, Ella opened her laptop and went through her emails. Nothing from her brother. Ryan had left her one that made her pause.
Angel,
I know you don’t want anything to do with lights and cameras. Come to the ranch for a day. We need to talk. Your brother is in trouble. I don’t know much, but you should hear what I have to say.
Give me a call. We can figure out how to meet, even if it’s not here.
Your buddy,
R
Dread churned through her veins. Had the stalker gone after him when he couldn’t find her? Was he hurt? Had something happened? Only one way to find out, she sucked in a breath and went to the closet. Ella dug the prepaid phone out of her luggage and dialed the number for Ryan, her old friend and co-star. He answered a few seconds later.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.”
“Angel, we need to meet. I have news about Sam.”
“Then tell me.”
“Not like this. Please. Either come here or meet me somewhere. I can sneak away, drive to a remote area and meet up with you.” His concern heightened her anxiety.
She didn’t have the energy to argue. “How about Martinsville?” The small town was located between his ranch and Lakeridge. Far enough away from both where no one would likely follow either. And hours from LA.
“When?”
She sighed. “I can be there in two hours. I look different.”
“Ah, we spent so much time together, I’d recognize you anywhere, angel.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist a laugh. “Don’t call me that.”
“I’ll be there… in disguise too. Don’t want anyone to find out where you are.”
“Thanks. Make sure no one follows you.”
“I’ll do my damnedest.”
She thought about calling Trent, but he was at work and would only worry. Mila might try to go with her, and she didn’t want anything to happen to her or the kids. Ella was on her own.
* * * *
Trent looked up as Tina entered the kitchen with two picnic baskets overflowing. The firehouse had visitors often, and while Tina was doing well he could expect to see her often. This time, her smile was infectious, but he couldn’t help wondering one thing.
“Where’s Blaze?” He didn’t mean for the question to be an accusation, but it sure sounded that way.
Her brow creased, the smile falling away. “At Kyle’s, having a playdate with Cherish and Jenny.”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” He gripped the back of his neck, offering a smile. “How are you?”
She placed the baskets on the table and sat down beside him. “I know you’re mad about me staying away so long—”
“Wait, slow down,” Trent said. “I get it. A friend explained that sometimes you need to take extra time to find strength on your own terms.”
She smiled and leaned in to whisper, “I heard about your movie star girlfriend.” She waggled her brows.
Trent groaned, leaning back. “Ella is not a movie star, and she’s not my girlfriend. At least not yet.”
“Blaze told me about her suggestion to be friends.”
“Yeah, she was trying to keep Kyle from strangling Blaze for crushing on his baby girl.”
Tina grinned. “They make an adorable couple, though.”
“Yeah, but that’s his little girl. Remember how protective Dad was when you started dating?”
She sighed. “Sure, once he was sober enough, but it was too late to keep me from falling into the same trap.”
His brow arched. He never truly expected her to see reason about how she’d behaved for years. For the first time in a long time, she gave him hope.
“So, what brings you by?”
She shrugged. “Had trouble sleeping, so I baked goodies all night. Thought you all could use them, since you, and the other guys on duty saved my life. Especially you. I made your favorite. Snickerdoodles with Hershey’s Kisses smooshed in.”
He grinned. “I appreciate that, but you didn’t need to.”
“Yeah, well drinking helped me sleep, and since I’m not doing that anymore, I needed to do something to keep me busy once Blaze drifted off.” Lifting one shoulder in a shrug, she met and held his gaze. “I know I fucked up, but like I told the police, I had been clean when Wade showed up. Two months, without touching anything. He forced me to take the drugs.”
“They finally convicted him for that and more. He won’t be coming back.”
“Thank God. I don’t think I could handle another stint in rehab.”
“But you were gone so long.” He shook his head. “I can’t understand why you stayed away from Blaze all that time.”
Tina sighed. “They hadn’t nailed Wade yet. I was terrified he would come back and kill us this time. I told Blaze to hide.” Her eyes became glassy as she blinked rapidly, then wiped at her face.
Trent pulled her into a hug. “Hey, I get it.” At least enough to forgive her for taking such a long timeout from being a mother. When he looked at it from her point of view, it started to make sense. “I’m sorry I was such an ass.”
Tina smiled. “You were worried about Blaze. I don’t blame you.”
“We’ll get through this. I’m still here if you need me for anything.”
Her brow arched, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “You sure you have time for me with a new girl in your life?”
He sighed. “Of course. And she’s not just a new girl. I want more than a roll in the sheets.”
Her eyes opened wide. “It’s serious, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, so don’t fuck this up for me. But I still have time for you and Blaze. I’ll never turn my back on my family.”
She pouted. “I wouldn’t. And you’re always there. Even when I don’t deserve it.”
Squeezing her hand, he grinned. “You’re my little sister. Of course, I am. So, what else are you doing until the playdate ends?”
“Hanging out with you unless you all get called out on an emergency.”
The doors opened and he didn’t bother to turn to see who came in. The grin on her face said it all. She’d had a crush on Gavin since the fifth grade.
“Hey, Tina,” Gavin drawled. “Good to see you out and about.”
Her cheeks flamed pink as she ducked her gaze. “Thanks, Gavin. Hey, Kyle. Both of you have very sweet girls. I’m sure Blaze is having a blast with them.”
Kyle smirked. “Yeah. Mila called a bit ago to tell me all about their new adventure in the back yard. They’re pretending to be pirates.”
Gavin laughed. “As long as there’s no plundering of the booty, we’re good.”
Tina’s eyes popped wide. “They’re seven!”
“I know, which is why neither of
us is freaking out,” Kyle answered. “In a few years, I will be.”
“He’s a good boy,” Tina insisted.
Kyle nodded. “He is. But hormones may change that.” He dropped into a seat and lifted a lid of one of the baskets. “What’s this?”
“Goodies, for saving my life.”
“Aww,” Gavin cooed. “That was all Trent. We didn’t do anything but put the fire out. Your brother carried both you and Blaze out of the house.”
Tina nodded, smiling over at Trent. “Thank you.”
He sighed. “Stop thanking me, Tina. I just want you both safe, and I think you will be now.”
Kyle nodded to Trent. “Can you come here a minute? Need to talk to you about something.”
Tina reached into the basket and pulled out macadamia nut cookies for Gavin. His sister had flirted with Gavin since they were kids though she always denied her crush.
Trent jumped up to join his friend. “Be right back.” He followed Kyle into the hall. “What’s up?”
Kyle sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “So, I think Blaze might have a point. Mila clams up anytime anyone mentions Raven Star. Then when Blaze showed up, he asked Mila if she knew Ella was the actress. She shut him down harsher than I’ve ever seen her do, and then ushered them outside.”
“Did you ask her why?”
He shook his head. “Nah. I had to get to work. Besides, if Ella really is Raven Star, it makes sense she doesn’t want anyone to know. Mila would protect her best friend’s secret until the bitter end.”
Trent shook his head. “Yeah, but I bet Raven Star is filming her next blockbuster as we speak.”
Kyle shook his head. “For as much as you watch that woman on the screen, how do you not know all the shit she went through a few months back?”
“What shit?”
“It was all over the news. Some stalker kidnapped her, broke her face, gave her a concussion. She got out, but they never found the guy who did it. Apparently there was a big fire. Would explain that burn scar on her wrist. Raven Star officially retired, then disappeared from Hollywood. Ella doesn’t want much attention unless it comes from you. Sounds like a celebrity who’s burnt out on the paparazzi. I’m not saying it’s a definite, but it sure does explain a few things.”
The pieces fit but he couldn’t wrap his head around the possibility. He said, “Mila told us about Ella long before she showed up. She never called her Raven.”
“Stage name?” Kyle shrugged. “Mila knew her since they were kids. She didn’t know her as Raven Star… but as Ella. And Mila isn’t fussy about celebrities. Never has gone for all that fangirl stuff, so why would she stop calling someone she’s known forever by anything but what she knew her as when they were kids?”
Trent raked his hands over his hair. “Maybe. Shit, maybe that’s why she’s so worried whatever she has to tell me will change what I feel.”
“Will it?”
He shook his head. “No. I know her. She’s nothing like I’d expect a movie star to be.”
“Well, she’s not answering her phone, and Mila’s worried. Ella drove away with her hair tucked up under a baseball hat, big sunglasses, and bulky sweats like she doesn’t want anyone to recognize her.”
Trent’s brow wrinkled. “The calls are going straight to voicemail like her phone is turned off.”
“Okay, that’s weird, but she admitted she had a stalker. So maybe she’s checking on her brother.”
“There is an unconfirmed rumor Raven’s brother is missing. And until the other day no one knew she had a brother. Maybe the stalker knows something and leaked it to draw her out.”
Cold dread flooded through Trent’s entire body. If she really was the famous woman, could this asshole be trying to get to her through her family?
He pulled out his phone and called. Yep. Straight to voice mail. “Shit!”
“Hey, could be nothing. She’s pretty pale, and it’s a sunny day. Maybe she’s protecting her skin,” Kyle offered with a half-hearted shrug.
“What if—” Trent started, but Kyle held up his hands.
“Stop right there. We don’t know anything for sure. Just wanted you to realize she wasn’t home.”
“That’s supposed to make me feel better? ’Cause it sure as fuck doesn’t.”
“Well, Mila thought you should know, but she wouldn’t give me her thoughts on what Ella was doing or why.”
“Great, that’s fucking perfect. Why tell me if you can’t give me any solid info? I’m going to stress out and worry the rest of my damned shift.”
“Would you rather not know? Then wonder what happened when you get home and she’s nowhere to be found?”
“Maybe? She might be back in time. And if she’s not? Shit. Now I have a million questions I can’t ask because she’s not around. Can’t look for her because I don’t have a damned clue where she’d run off to. And I’m stuck here wondering what the hell is going on.”
“It’s league night. So calm down. If she doesn’t come back before you’re off work, we’ll go play pool. Hopefully, you can get your mind off worrying.”
Trent sneered. “I’m not drinking.”
“No surprise there. You never do. Now come on. Your sister is in there, and she’s doing well for the first time in years. Encourage her.”
Trent rolled his eyes. “You couldn’t have waited to tell me this shit until we were done here.” As much as he wanted to find her, he had nothing to go on. No clue where she might have gone.
“Nah, you’d wind up texting her sooner or later, then worry when she didn’t answer. Figured it was better to get you the information now, rather than later.”
“Shit, yeah, I guess. Why didn’t she call?”
“Maybe she’s worried about who might follow her?”
“I wish she’d told me what the hell was going on and where she was headed… just in case.”
“Yeah, so does Mila. Whatever the reason, don’t push her for answers. She may not feel it’s safe enough to share.”
“I want to protect her—keep her safe. I can’t do that if she’s keeping shit from me.”
“Hey, you aren’t in a committed relationship. You can’t expect her to give you every last secret at the drop of a hat.”
“Yeah, which is why Mila doesn’t want me to push, and I haven’t, but damn it, this is killing me. I want to understand what’s going on with her.”
Tina came out of the kitchen with a smile. She threw her arms around Kyle. “I just got a text from Mila. I’m going to go hang out with her and the kids for a while. We all need to get together soon.”
Trent managed a smile. “Tomorrow. Barbecue at my place.”
Turning to her brother, Tina hugged him and stepped back. “Does that mean I get to meet this mysterious woman?”
He nodded hoping she would be there. Whatever Ella was hiding, she clearly didn’t trust him with it yet. That cut deep.
“Go have fun, Tina. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait to meet Ella.” She kissed Trent’s cheek and started down the hall. “Don’t forget your snickerdoodles.”
Chapter 14
Ella pulled into the parking lot and looked around. She spotted the old truck Shannon had restored, and she grinned. Of all the people she knew in Hollywood, she only trusted Ryan. And that trust extended to his significant other, Shannon. They had their own secrets to hide.
She climbed out of the rental car and walked into the diner. Ryan sat in the back corner and held his hand up in a wave as she entered.
Keeping her head down, she made her way toward him and slid into the booth. “Hey, how are you doing?”
He shook his head. “We have a lot to talk about. Want to eat first? Then we can go on a drive.”
“That bad?”
He nodded and looked around. Ryan didn’t need to say another word. She got it. Sensitive information could give either one of them away.
“I’m not hungry,” she admitted.
He
threw down some money and stood. “Then we won’t waste time.”
She didn’t bother to mention her relief. “Let me drive?” she asked.
“You sure?”
“Yeah. Rented under another name.”
“Smart thinking.”
“Learned a few things from the movies.” Especially the Midnight Daughter series.
Moments later, they were on the road again. “What’s going on with Sam?”
Ryan turned in his seat. “He’s gone. His house was ransacked. I think your stalker is looking for you. Plus, someone told the media your brother is missing.”
“Shit. That’s just great. It was Sam’s idea to hide our relationship.” Fear rolled through her. She’d hoped disappearing would make her stalker lose interest. Apparently not.
“We felt you should know,” Ryan explained.
“You couldn’t email me that?” she blurted out, then softened her tone. “Sorry, I’m not sure driving all this way was such a great idea if this asswipe has any chance of finding me.”
“Well, thanks. I love ya too,” he snipped.
She winced, guilt seeping in. “It’s not that, Ryan. You know better.” She held up her left arm, showing off the scar on her outer wrist. “And you remember what my face looked like. The concussion I had. Can you blame me if I don’t want him to find me?”
He reached over to squeeze her hand with a sad smile. “No. I don’t want him to find you either. Maybe email would have been better, but there’s been someone following me when I’m out. It’s why I hiked away from the ranch and hopped in Shannon’s truck since no one has found out we’re together.
Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she shook her head. “Sorry. It’s good seeing you, I’m just paranoid.”
“I miss my best friend. You’ve been gone and there isn’t anyone who knows the truth and understands. I’m constantly around money-grubbing, attention-whores.”
She offered a smile. “You could go away too. Wouldn’t be too hard.”
“With the way everyone is searching for you? Shit, I disappear, and everyone will start saying you and I ran away together.”
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