“No. Holly’s finishing soon and she wants to go to the shops to get something before heading home.”
“With her disguise, I presume?”
“Always with her disguise,” Bryce said with a chuckle, waving goodbye.
“See you, bro.”
When Bryce had gone, Jaxon hid his face behind his hands. This whole thing was driving him crazy. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to go with the flow for now. He wouldn’t be able to get the answers he needed by forcing anything.
He grabbed his phone to text Holly.
Hi. Could you ditch your bodyguard this afternoon? I have a surprise for you.
Really?? What???!!!
He laughed at Holly’s apparent enthusiasm.
It’s a SURPRISE. Ask Bryce to take you to Xavier’s gym. I’ll pick you up from there.
Xave will be shocked if he sees us together.
Let’s tell Xave—if you’re ready to let him and Eve know.
I am. See you there.
He inhaled deeply. Xavier would indeed be shocked. But he had to tell his friend about him and Holly anyway. They were both Indie Rebels needing to keep Holly safe.
Holly sent him a kiss emoji, and he decided to respond in kind.
And, just because he was feeling good from their short texting, he sent two more kisses.
He’d never thought he’d be one to enjoy text messaging instead of actually speaking with each other. But he loved it with Holly.
Well, he was loving anything with Holly.
In fact, he was already more than halfway in love with Holly.
So Bryce better not do anything to her.
Because no matter the circumstances, he loved his brother too.
Chapter 11
Holly donned her disguise before walking out the side entrance of the studio, where Bryce was waiting for her.
“Thank you,” Holly said as Bryce opened the car door. She slid in the back, unable to keep the smile from her face. She was so looking forward to Jaxon’s surprise.
Bryce got behind the wheel.
“Can you take me to A to X Fitness, please, Bryce?”
Bryce glanced back at her in surprise. “Right now?”
“Yes. Then you can have the rest of the day off. I’m having dinner with Xavier and Eve, and they’re driving me back to Avalon.”
“Are you sure? I can pick you up from wherever. Saves them from driving you.”
“No, it’s fine. I don’t know where we’re going.”
Bryce turned on the engine and started driving. “Uh, Holly…”
“Yes?”
“I’m wondering if you’re happy with my performance?”
“I am,” she said in surprise.
“It’s just that you don’t seem to need me much. I hope it’s not because you don’t like me being your bodyguard.”
Holly chuckled. “It’s not that. My family’s just very careful with my security, with the kidnapping threat and all. If they can play bodyguard to me twenty-four/seven, they will. It’s not about you and your performance.”
Bryce smiled at her through the rearview mirror. “That’s a relief. When I first heard about Anna’s disappearance, I’d expected I’d hardly have any time off. It turns out I’m practically working part-time while I’m getting paid full-time. I guess I’m a bit worried.”
“Don’t be. You are on call all the time, so effectively, you are working full-time. I’m not even thinking of cutting down your hours.”
“Thank you. So will you be staying at Jaxon’s indefinitely? I was just wondering what will happen if the police never catch the kidnappers.”
“You know, I’ve been wondering about that too. I don’t know the answer to that. I’m taking a wait and see attitude for now.”
“You must be missing your own home.”
Holly let out a laugh. In truth, she wasn’t. She was exactly where she wanted to be—with Jaxon. “Yeah, a bit, although I can’t imagine going back there and wondering if someone would try and break in while I’m fast asleep.”
“Isn’t your security there better than Jaxon’s place? You told me you have cameras all around the perimeter.”
“Yes. It’s really more for my OZs that I decided not to stay there. If they don’t know where I am, they can’t get themselves in any more trouble. Thankfully, so far, this whole setup is working.”
“Yeah,” Bryce said, chuckling. “I just read an article earlier this morning where they’re saying you might have been kidnapped already since no one’s seen you around in days.”
She shook her head. “Yeah, I read that too. Christine’s already arranging for an interview so I can prove I’m safe and sound.”
“I hate to say this, but it’ll only be a matter of time before they find out where you are. As careful as we try to be, someone’s bound to look closely enough and recognise you in disguise.”
“I know,” she said despondently. “I’m not sure what we can do about that.”
“You might have to start looking for another place to hide as plan B. You have to be ready to move as soon as paps and OZs start camping outside Jaxon’s house.”
Holly exhaled. She wouldn’t want that! But Bryce was right. She might not have a choice. “Just do your best to make sure no one follows us.”
“Of course. It’s a very important task.”
They were nearing A to X Fitness.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to pick you up?” Bryce asked as he slowed down to find somewhere to park.
“No, it’ll be fine, thank you.”
“I think I have to double park here…”
“Okay. You enjoy your time off tonight. I promise I won’t be calling you unless it’s an emergency.” She jumped out of the car and headed for the gym.
Was Jaxon in there already? She hoped he hadn’t said anything to Xavier yet. She wanted to see her brother’s initial reaction when they told him their news.
And what had Jaxon planned for tonight? It had been so long since she’d felt this excited about a date. Usually, she’d be worried about being seen and all that. But she trusted Jaxon. He was more careful than she was most of the time.
She entered the gym and made her way towards Xavier’s office. The blinds were pulled up, and she can see it was empty, so she headed for the Obstacle X room.
Xavier was on the course, with Jaxon watching him.
“Two minutes, thirty seconds,” Jaxon called out when Xavier reached the end.
Xavier pumped his fists. “Three seconds off my best time. Now try to beat that.”
Holly clapped. “Good work, Xave.”
“Hey, what are you doing here?” Xavier asked in surprise.
“I came to watch Jax.”
Xavier half-rolled his eyes. “Seriously, what are you doing here? Did you come alone?”
“Bryce dropped me off. Is it so bad that I’ve come to visit you?”
Xavier smiled, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Of course not. But why are you here?”
“I’ll tell you after Jax has his turn.”
“Oh, the pressure,” Jaxon said with a grin.
She giggled. “You can do it. Think of me as your inspiration.”
“Holly,” Xavier said in a low voice next to hers.
“What?”
“Stop flirting with him. You’re making him uncomfortable.”
“Did he tell you that?” she asked, widening her eyes.
Xavier put an arm around her shoulders. “C’mon, sis. He doesn’t have to,” he said gently.
Holly shrugged, pretending to look sad.
“Are you gonna time me?” Jaxon called from the start of the course.
Xavier set up the timer and called go.
Holly clapped hard, encouraging Jaxon as he flew through the course. Gosh, her boyfriend was so sexy and strong and hot. She was glad she was going home with him tonight.
When Jaxon was nearing the end, she checked the timer. “You can beat him, Jax! You’re very close!”
“I never got this kind of cheering from you,” Xavier said dryly.
Holly laughed. She loved Xavier, but she wanted Jaxon to beat him just this once.
Jaxon reached the end, and Xavier stopped the time.
“I don’t believe this,” Xavier said incredulously.
“What’s my time?” Jaxon asked, grabbing a towel and wiping his face as he walked towards them.
“Two minutes, twenty-nine seconds!” Holly cried jubilantly.
Jaxon appeared shocked. “I now hold the fastest record on Obstacle X?”
“By only one second,” Xavier pointed out, extending his hand for a shake. “Congrats, bro. I’m happy for you. Celebrate as much as you can, because you won’t be holding this record for long.”
Jaxon turned to Holly and, to her delight, he pulled her into his arms and lifted her off the floor. “Thanks, babe. You did inspire me.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the lips.
“Oh, God,” Xavier said. “I knew this would happen. You said you weren’t interested,” he said to Jaxon with a hint of accusation.
“Your sister’s irresistible.”
Holly giggled, placing her head on Jaxon’s shoulder.
Xavier shook his head.
“Come on, bro, this isn’t some fling,” Jaxon said quietly.
Xavier stared at them, looking unconvinced.
Holly frowned. “Don’t you like Jax for me? He’s your friend and you know what a top guy he is.”
“Of course I know that,” Xavier said.
“Then don’t you want me for Jax?” she asked in a colder tone.
Xavier snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Then why aren’t you happy for us.”
Xavier heaved, exchanging a glance with Jaxon. “I’m not unhappy. I’m just really surprised.”
“Why?” Holly prodded.
Jaxon sighed. “Because I told him before there’s no way I’m dating a celebrity.”
She smiled. Yes, she knew how much he’d fought his attraction to her.
Jaxon enveloped her in his arms. “But now I don’t care. You know I want to be with you.”
She beamed at him and kissed him once more.
“Okay, fine,” Xavier said. “I’ve recovered from my shock now.”
“Tell me you approve of this,” Holly pleaded. “Not that I’d obey you if you tell me I should ditch him, but I don’t want this affecting your friendship.”
Xavier grinned. “’Course, I approve. And don’t worry. I’ll always be on Jax’s side if you two fight.”
Holly playfully punched Xavier’s arm.
“Thanks, bro,” Jaxon said. “Well, I better get showered. I promised your sister a surprise.”
“What surprise?” Xavier asked.
“It’s for Holly to find out.”
“I can’t wait,” Holly said. “I’m glad I have my disguise on. I bet he’s taking me out to dinner somewhere public.”
“I won’t be long,” Jaxon said with a laugh, giving her a peck on the lips before heading to the men’s shower room.
“You better go to my office. Other people are going to start using this room in a couple of minutes.” Then Xavier started following Jaxon.
“Xave,” Holly called out in warning.
“What? I need to take a leak,” Xavier said innocently.
Holly rolled her eyes. What she’d give to listen to their conversation.
Anyway, Jaxon could handle her brother, so she went to Xavier’s office and took out her phone for something to do. A short while later, a text message from Eve came through.
One of our reporters asked me if you’re hiding in Avalon. I denied it, but apparently a rumour is starting to swirl around that you’re staying at one of Xavier’s friends’ places.
“Damn it!” She stared at her phone in dismay. How the hell did they know?
Had someone seen her when Xavier had taken her home this morning? She hadn’t been wearing her disguise then because she hadn’t brought it with her, and she hadn’t crouched the whole time. It had been a twenty-minute drive.
Her heart sank. Did that mean she couldn’t stay with Jaxon anymore?
“Hey,” Xavier said, coming back.
Holly handed her phone to her brother.
“What? Who the fuck told them?”
“Maybe someone saw me with you this morning.”
Xavier shook his head. “I was checking the whole time.”
She shrugged. It would have been easy enough for Xavier to miss if anyone had followed them. As diligent as her brother was, he wasn’t exactly an expert in watching out for those things.
“You need to move.”
“Where?”
“Let’s wait for Jax. Maybe he’ll have an idea.”
Holly slumped in a chair. She was so looking forward to Jaxon’s surprise, and now it would be ruined by this drama.
Jaxon walked in, frowning at their glum expressions. “What’s up?”
Xavier handed him her phone.
“What? How did this happen?”
Xavier shook his head. “We need to talk about where Holly should move. She can’t stay at your place anymore.”
“Can we discuss it later?” Holly asked flatly. “I was so looking forward to Jax’s surprise.”
“Yes,” Jaxon said. “Let’s meet tomorrow at lunchtime when we come back.”
She grinned, her excitement flaring again. “We’re staying overnight somewhere?”
“Where?” Xavier asked.
Jaxon patted Xavier’s shoulder. “It’s such a secret even you can’t know.”
Xavier snorted. “Fine. Eve and I will talk about this and we’ll have lunch tomorrow—our place. I’m sure Eve’s already trying to figure out who started the rumour.”
Holly smiled. She was ready for her surprise.
And she’d hold off telling Jaxon about the Heavenly Music Spa Retreat shoot to further avoid spoiling their night. There was plenty of time for that anyway.
Chapter 12
Jaxon took Holly to the basement carpark of his office building and led her to a black Land Rover. “I’ve rented this for two days.”
Holly raised her brows. “Why? Is this part of throwing off paps and OZs?”
“Something like that.”
“But I’m wearing my disguise.”
“We can’t be too careful.”
Holly sighed and got into the passenger seat. “You’re going to so much trouble, honey.”
“No. This isn’t going to so much trouble. It’s necessary, so don’t say another word about it.” He kissed her lips before closing her door and going to the driver’s side.
He was excited about this. Even though he’d enjoyed each date he and Holly had had in his house, it wasn’t the same as taking her out.
“Are you very hungry?” he asked as he started to drive. “Can you wait a couple of hours before eating something?”
“Yes. So I take it we’re going for a long drive?”
He grinned. “You catch on quick, babe.”
“To where?”
“That’s the surprise.”
“I’m guessing we’re going to a nice little cabin in the middle of nowhere, and then we’ll be making love all night long.”
His cock started to harden. The last bit was exactly his plan.
Holly grinned. “I got it right, huh?”
He chuckled. “You’re spot on with the making love all night part. You’re slightly off with the middle of nowhere, and you’re pretty much wrong with the nice little cabin part.”
“Okay, so we’ll be having hot sex in a beautiful big mansion somewhere around… Newcastle, Kiama or the Blue Mountains.”
Jaxon laughed at Holly’s attempt to cover the possible areas surrounding Sydney. He navigated city traffic and turned towards Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Holly made little claps. “Now we’re narrowing the possibilities. We’re going north. So two hours from here will be Newcast
le, possibly even Port Stephens. Or maybe you’re accounting for traffic so we might only be going to the Central Coast, Hunter Valley or Lake Macquarie, which is one of my favourite holiday spots.”
He kept his face impassive. “Have you been to any of those areas lately?”
“No. I haven’t been since I got famous,” she said with a sigh. “But when Xave and I were kids, we used to go to Lake Macquarie a lot. Mum used to have a rental property there, and I love the place.”
His heart swelled. He was glad he picked the right spot.
“I’m glad we’re not going home to your place tonight,” Holly said quietly.
“Yeah. I still can’t believe someone found out. We’ve been so careful.”
“It’s funny, Bryce and I were just discussing it today. He said someone’s bound to find out where I’m staying with all the intrigue happening. It’s just annoying it’s happened sooner rather than later.”
He frowned. “What else did you talk about?”
“Well, he did also say I’d have to move somewhere else once people discover I’m staying at your place.”
“Did he have any suggestions as to where?”
“No. I’m happy to ask him. Maybe Smith Security has hiding places for their clients.”
He shrugged. “Maybe. Anyway, let’s not talk about that tonight. This whole thing has been stressful for you, so let’s enjoy our date without any talk of kidnapping or paparazzi or overzealous fans.”
“Thank you. I have to say you’ve been very good at relieving my stress, though.” Holly rubbed his thigh.
He inhaled sharply. “And I can’t wait to do some more relieving tonight.”
“Me neither,” Holly breathed.
“Babe…”
“Hmm?”
“I’m driving, and it’s getting dark. I need to focus on the road.” And make sure they weren’t being followed.
“Uh-huh. And?”
“Don’t distract me.”
“I’m not doing anything,” Holly said in surprise.
“You were rubbing my thigh.”
“For two seconds.”
“That’s all I need to get horny.”
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