Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open (Hollywood Legends #2)

by Mary J. Williams

  Lottie rested her head on Paige’s shoulder in silent support. Words weren’t necessary. She knew her best friend better than anyone. It wouldn’t help to point out that she was lying to herself. Bent heart, my ass. Lottie could hear it cracking. The second Nate Landis drove away, Paige’s hearts would break into a million pieces. And Lottie would be here to help pick up the pieces.

  “Am I presentable?”

  Paige turned in a circle. She had a smile on her face that almost reached her eyes.

  “Like I said. You are beautiful. Ready to meet some honest to goodness Hollywood royalty?”

  Royalty. Paige could handle that. Nate’s parents? That was another matter. Squaring her shoulders, she nodded and opened the door.

  “I CAN’T BELIEVE you’re here!” Nate swung his mother around in a circle. Her laughter filled his heart. It was the happiest sound in the world.

  “Since it was on our way, we decided to stop by.”

  “I thought you were on your way to New Orleans to finish your movie.” Frowning, Nate looked at his father. Caleb shrugged.

  “In Callie’s world, Montana is on the way to Louisiana.”

  “But—”

  “Nate, are you arguing with your mother’s logic?”

  Grinning, he hugged his father. “No, sir. It’s good to see you. Both of you.”

  “Chuck,” Caleb stuck out his hand. “It’s been too long.”

  “Thirty years too long.” Chuck greeted Callie with a kiss on the cheek. “Though looking at this lovely lady, I would think it was yesterday. Then I look at you…”

  Caleb’s deep laugh ran out. “It’s true. Callie stays forever young. I don’t know how she does it.”

  “Pure thoughts and plenty of sunscreen,” Callie said, her famous gray eyes twinkling.

  “Pure thoughts my—”

  “Caleb,” Callie shot her husband a warning look. Then she winked and their fascinated audience sighed with delight. “Hello.” Callie beamed, waving at the people gathered around. “Chuck, why don’t you introduce Caleb to your friends? Nate and I will be there in a minute.”

  Callie waited until they were alone to pick up Nate’s left hand, kissing the back.

  “All better?” she asked.

  “It was just waiting for your blessing.” Nate tipped her chin with his finger until he could look into her eyes. “So Montana was on your way?”

  “I could play dumb.”

  “You? Never.”

  “I am an actress.” Callie took his arm. “I don’t see your Paige.”

  “How do you know?” Nate looked around. There were several young, attractive women in the crowd.

  “Call it intuition. I thought it might be the brunette who ran in the house as we arrived. But you didn’t take any notice.”

  “Why would I?”

  “Because, when…” Seeing Nate’s attention shift over her shoulder, Callie turned her head. Ah. There she is. Not the curvy brunette. The leggy blonde.

  “What?” Nate’s eyes returned to his mother. “What were you saying?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” Callie took his arm. “Introduce me to Paige.”

  “How did you know?” Nate led his mother toward the house. “You’re a witch, Callie Flynn.”

  “No, Nathaniel. I’m a mother.”

  “SEE YOU LATER.”

  “Wait.” Paige grabbed at Lottie’s arm, her eyes darting to Callie Flynn. “She’s coming this way.”

  “I know. Introduce me later. I’m going to drool over Nate’s father. I love a yummy older man.”

  “What about Danny?” Paige called out as Lottie skipped away.

  “I’m fully committed. But I’m not dead. There are no rules against looking.”

  “This must be the famous Beauty.”

  Nate grinned. He loved how his mother picked up the puppy all the while keeping her eyes on Paige.

  “Hello.” Callie smiled, holding out her hand, gently grasping Paige’s. “I’m Callie.”

  “I know.” For all the butterflies in her stomach, Paige couldn’t help smiling back. “Welcome to Montana.”

  “Why, thank you.” Callie handed the squirming dog to Nate. “I’ve never been here before.” Keeping the young woman’s hand, she looked around before her eyes settled on Paige. “I can see why Nate has enjoyed his time here.”

  “Mom—”

  “Is that punch everyone is drinking? Be a love and get Paige and me a cup.”

  There was no use arguing, not that he would try. His mother was a force of nature — one the men in her life rarely challenged. On those rare occasions they did, she knew it had to be important. She would listen carefully, and weigh their opinions. And sometimes, let them think they won.

  Hugging Callie, Nate whispered, “Be good.”

  “Such a darling.” Callie let loose her mega-watt smile. “Would you mind giving me the mini-tour?”

  Paige felt torn between good manners and the urge to bolt into the house. Two things kept her where she was. Lottie’s voice reminding her she didn’t run from anything — and the kindness she saw in Callie’s eyes. The color was different, but when she looked closer, she realized it was the same quality she would often see in Nate’s.

  It calmed her. Centered her. It allowed her to return Callie’s smile warmly instead of stiffly and artificially.

  “Would you like to meet two of my rescue horses? Rollie and Winter are fixtures around here. Don’t tell him I know, but Nate talks to them on a regular basis.”

  “Really?” Delighted, Callie strolled alongside Paige. “You could tell them anything without fear of judgment.”

  Surprised that Callie understood, Paige nodded. “I admit they’ve heard a few of my problems. When my mother died, I would brush their coats and talk for hours. They are very good listeners.”

  Callie felt for Paige’s loss. It was obvious she still felt the loss of her mother deeply. As they walked, Paige told her about how rewarding the work she did with horses was when they were healed and ready to be placed with owners who cared for them properly.

  “You have a kind and gentle heart, Paige — filled with love and compassion.”

  Callie’s compliment touched Paige. “I’m no different than everyone else.”

  “Yes, you are,” Callie assured her. “It takes a special person to give life back to these wonderful animals.”

  “Thank you, Callie. But I don’t think of myself that way.”

  Callie smiled. That is one of the things that make you so special. It was what her Nate saw, Callie was certain. It was why he loved this young woman. Being attractive on the outside would never be enough. Nate needed someone whose beauty ran deep.

  Tears filled Callie’s eyes. She came to Montana to decide if Paige was good enough for Nate — and she had her answer.

  “Is something wrong?” Paige asked in alarm.

  “No, sweet girl.” Callie’s smile lit up her face. “Everything is just as it should be.”

  THEY GATHERED IN the living room. The cast and crew had partied until late, hating for the experience to end. Not wanting to get anyone’s hopes up, Nate didn’t point out that this wasn’t over. If things went the way he envisioned, there would be a premiere. Interviews. Publicity. Basic, Montana and its citizens would be getting more attention than they could have imagined.

  However, before any of that, Nate had wanted his parents’ opinions. With just them, Chuck and Paige, he ran the raw footage. He was too close to be a fair judge anymore. He thought it was good. Very good. Now, he needed fresh eyes. Who better to tell him what he needed to know than the two people he admired most. When the last scene ended, he held his breath.

  “Oh, Nathaniel,” Callie sighed.

  “Well done, son.”

  Nate closed his eyes, the emotions too big. His mother and father were over the top personalities. They could be loud and boisterous. Life was to be enjoyed — savored. They never held back their feelings or their love.

  When Caleb and Ca
llie scaled it down to a few words, Nate knew they were deeply touched by what they saw. Sometimes quiet meant more than exuberance. This was one of those times.

  “It’s good, isn’t it?” Chuck’s voice was thick, his feelings clogging his throat.

  “I’ll tell you how good,” Callie said, squeezing his hand. “I’m jealous that I wasn’t the lead.”

  Caleb laughed. “That’s the highest praise she can give a movie, Chuck. My wife, the ham.”

  “Look who’s talking. You’ll want to handle distribution.”

  “Naturally.”

  “Whoa.” Nate held up a hand. “I’m thrilled by your reaction, but this is a long way from finished.”

  “Which is good.” Caleb’s brain was already five steps ahead. “This should be a slow build. Grassroots. We get our tech people to start chatting it up. It will be up to you how much you want to be involved.”

  “Before I started I would have said not at all.” Nate gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Like it or not, my recent rise in popularity will be a boost to the movie. Use me if you have to but, please—”

  “I know,” Caleb said. “We’ll schedule as few interviews as possible until the movie is ready to release. How about you, Chuck?”

  Chuck looked surprised. “What about me?”

  “Nate is a big part of the selling point, but ultimately, this is your story. Yours and Erin’s. As with Nate, we can work around it if you aren’t comfortable stepping out in front of the media.”

  “I hadn’t thought about it.” Chuck scratched his chin, a perplexed smile on his lips. “I wanted to honor Erin. Getting the movie made was always my endgame. Nate took it to another level. Now we’re talking about publicity and movie premieres. It’s all a little much.”

  “That’s understandable.” Callie patted his hand. “Nothing has to be decided tonight. Think about it. Talk it over with Paige.”

  “I’m on board with whatever Dad wants. If it had been up to me, the movie never would have been made.”

  Paige felt torn. Part of her was embarrassed by her lack of faith in her father. However, if she hadn’t contacted Caleb asking for help, she never would have met Nate. No matter what, she would never regret that.

  “You brought Nate to us,” Chuck said, echoing part of her thoughts. “I don’t know what we would have done without him.”

  “You can always count on Nate,” Callie agreed. “Ever since he was a little boy he has—”

  “Okay.” Nate jumped to his feet. “When Mom starts telling stories about little Nate, I know it’s time to call it a night.”

  “I agree,” Caleb said, smiling at his wife.

  “Fine.” Good naturedly, Callie let Caleb pull her to her feet. “Paige, anytime you want to hear about Nate’s pre-pubescent adventures, give me a call.”

  Paige didn’t answer. She didn’t think she would be speaking to Callie very much after tomorrow. She and Caleb would continue on to New Orleans. And Nate? Wherever he went, it wouldn’t have anything to do with her.

  “Need some help with the dishes?” Nate asked. He played with the ends of her hair, his eyes warm.

  “There are only a few coffee cups. Take Beauty out for her nightly walk. Dad and I will take care of the cleanup.”

  Nate waited until his parents were out of earshot and Chuck was in the kitchen. “Will you join me later?”

  “After everyone is down for the night.” Paige wasn’t passing up the chance to sleep next to Nate. This might be the last time. She wanted to stockpile all the memories she could.

  Nate lightly touched her cheek, and then called Beauty. She watched until the door closed behind them before picking up the last two cups and joining her father.

  “Aren’t Caleb and Callie everything I said they were?”

  “And more.” She stacked the cups in the dishwasher. “Dad?”‘

  “Hmm?”

  “Why didn’t you invite Irene to stay after the party wound down?”

  Chuck paused. Paige thought he looked slightly uncomfortable. That was the last thing she wanted.

  “I know you’ve been spending time at her place. When you go out to visit friends, you’re going to see Irene, aren’t you?”

  “Yes.” Chuck put down the dishtowel. When he turned, his eyes were shadowed with concern. “Irene and I are…” He hesitated. “I don’t know what you call it at our age. Dating doesn’t seem right.”

  “Do you love her?”

  “Paige—”

  “It’s okay, Dad.” Paige took his hand. “I hope you love her. She’s a wonderful person. Why wouldn’t I want two of my favorite people to be happy — together?”

  “Thank you.” Chuck hugged her. His baby. He was proud she had become such a generous, loving woman. “I will never stop loving your mother, Paige.”

  “I know that.” Paige let the tears fall. “Loving Irene is honoring Mom’s memory. She would want this for you. I want this for you.” She wiped her cheeks. “Now, it isn’t too late. Why don’t you pay her a visit? If you do it right, you can be back for breakfast and our guests will never know you were gone.”

  “Paige!” Chuck felt his face heat. Then he looked at his watch. “I’ll give Irene a call. She might have an early appointment.”

  “Either way, I don’t think she’ll object to some company.”

  Ten minutes later, Chuck drove away, his bodyguard trailing behind at a discreet distance.

  PAIGE DIDN’T TRY to sleep. She was in Nate’s arms and she wanted to savor the too rapidly waning moments. If this was all there was, she wasn’t going to miss any of it.

  Nate’s steady breathing. The feel of his heartbeat under her hand. Beauty having puppy dreams at the foot of the bed. Paige felt warm. Safe. This was home.

  That was it. This was where she belonged, with the man she loved. If she didn’t tell him now, she would regret it for the rest of her life. Wasn’t rejection better than not knowing? If there were the slightest chance she could go to sleep every night and wake up every morning lying close to Nate Landis, she would risk finding out he didn’t want the same thing.

  Paige pushed her hair back. Resting on her elbow, her eyes took in Nate’s face. As it always did, the sight made her breath catch and her heart skip a beat before thumping wildly.

  So beautiful. It might not be a word he would appreciate, but it fit. Now that she had met his parents, she understood why he was more than just a pretty face. Callie and Caleb were amazing people. They had given Nate a foundation of love and strong moral compasses to follow. They didn’t just talk the talk. They followed through on their beliefs.

  Nate could have coasted on his family name. The money. The fame. It was all there for him to exploit to his benefit. Instead, he built his own niche. His reputation — professionally and personally — was earned the old-fashioned way. Through hard work and dedication.

  How could she not love him? The surprise would be if she didn’t fall — hard.

  “Nate?” Paige whispered his name. Lightly, she kissed him and chuckled. He was her sleeping beauty.

  Ah, he wakes.

  “Hello,” she said, kissing him again.

  Nate’s lips curved, the sleep slowly clearing from his blue eyes.

  “Is it time to get up already?” Nate shifted, looking toward the window. “I don’t see the sun. Let’s cuddle for a few more minutes.”

  “It’s still early.” Happily, Paige rested her head on his chest. “I wanted to talk.”

  “Cuddle and talk. Sounds good.”

  Now that the moment was at hand, Paige felt the words stick in her throat. I love you. Why was it so hard to say? Because Nate’s response would shape the rest of her life. This was big. Colossal. She didn’t take this moment — or the words, lightly.

  “Make love with me.”

  Not let’s have sex. Or let’s screw. Or fuck. Make love with me. It was the first time she had used those words and silently she urged Nate to understand the difference.

  “I promised yo
ur father. Wait. Did you say make love?”

  “I didn’t promise, Dad. And yes. I said make love.”

  Paige didn’t wait for his answer. She didn’t want him to say anything that would ruin this moment. She slid under the covers, kissing her way down his chest. He tried to push her away, but Paige was determined. Lifting the sheet, she smiled.

  “If it will make you feel better, lie back, and let me do all the work. If you don’t actively participate, you won’t technically be breaking your word.”

  “That is the slippery kind of logic that can get a person into a hell of a lot of trouble.”

  “No trouble,” Paige assured him. “Lift your hips.” Surprised when he complied so quickly, she removed his shorts, not wanting to press her luck. Her hand reached between his legs. Long, hard, and ready. She licked her lips. “Now, I’m going to enjoy this early morning treat. Close your eyes and think of England.”

  England, my ass, Nate thought. Gripping the headboard, he closed his eyes and thought of Paige. Nothing but Paige.

  “I’ve never tasted you at this time of day. Are you sweeter this early? Or spicier.” Paige swiped her tongue over the tip. “Mmm. Both. Very nice.”

  “Nice?” Nate let out a long breath.

  “We’ll start with nice. Then there is only one way to go. Up.”

  Starting at the base of his erection, Paige licked every inch. When she reached the top, she paused, letting them both savor the anticipation. Finally, needing more, she took him into her mouth using her teeth to lightly scrape as she followed the same path, this time going down. And down.

  “I don’t want to come in your mouth.” Nate’s words were ragged. “I want to come in — holy shit. What was that?”

  “A little trick I picked up off the internet. You liked it?”

  Nate saw stars. And fireworks. And God. “I will never curse modern technology again. Come up here.”

  “But I’m not done. There was this little thing the woman did with her tongue that I want to try.”

  “Another time. Right now, I need to be inside you.”