Breaking Stars

by J. Sterling

  Logging in to my e-mail account, I noted two hundred fifty-three e-mails. Glancing quickly at the names of the senders, I realized that most were from my agent and Colin. Colin’s e-mails were relentless at first, but had tapered off as the days passed. I assumed it was because I never responded to a single text message, phone call, or e-mail from him, aside from the one time when Quinn answered the phone for me. I looked at the date and noticed there hadn’t been an e-mail from him in two full days. I expected my heart to ache with that fact, but instead it beat with relief.

  Interesting.

  Scanning the rest of the e-mail list for any from my parents or Quinn, I read them all hastily. My mom expressed concern for my well-being, but she just wanted me to be safe and happy. She was sad I didn’t just come to our family home to get away, but she understood why that wasn’t the best idea. She urged me to check in with her as soon and as often as possible.

  Quinn already knew I was leaving, so her message was short and sweet:

  Go find what you’re looking for. And then bring some back for me.

  I fired off a quick e-mail to them both:

  Hi Mom & Quinn,

  First off, I miss you both so much. Sorry for the combined e-mail, but I’d send you both the same thing anyway. Ha. So, I got a flat tire in Texas…or maybe it was Louisiana? I’m honestly not sure exactly where I am, but I wanted you guys to know that I’m okay. Better than okay, actually. This tiny town is charming, and I’m staying with a really nice family at their B&B. Can you believe there are no hotels here? Heck, there’s not much of anything here. I’ve never seen a town so small before (unless it was a set).

  “Tatum?” I shouted toward the other end of the house where he had disappeared to.

  “Yeah?” he shouted back.

  “Where the heck am I?”

  He made an odd sound that could have been a laugh, but I couldn’t be certain. “You’re in Hanford, Louisiana, named after Francis Hanford the third, the man who first settled on this land.”

  “Really?” I asked.

  “I’m dead serious, Princess.”

  “Princess?” I shrieked.

  “It suits you,” he yelled back, and my annoyance level suddenly raised significantly.

  “It does not suit me. You don’t know anything about me,” I shouted before returning to my e-mail.

  I’m back. Bet you didn’t even know I was gone, did you? Had to find out what this town is called. It’s called Hanford, Louisiana and it’s apparently named after its first resident. That’s sort of cool. Why does every other state seem to have so much more history than the one we live in?

  Tatum says the tire will take a couple of days to get here, so I’ll be staying with his mom at the B&B until then. Don’t worry, she’s super nice, and I know you’ll both think I’m probably naive, but I trust her. My phone is still off, but I’ll get you the phone number here so you can call me anytime, okay? Don’t worry about me. Love you both so much. Thank you for letting me work through this. I appreciate your love and support. Mom, tell Dad and Stacey I miss and love them. Q, tell Ry I love him too. :)

  Paige

  She’s No Princess

  Tatum

  After Paige asked about my dad, I couldn’t shake the memory of him from my mind. Everyone in town already knew what happened, had lived through it with me and my mom, so I rarely had to relive the specifics of that day. But sitting here now, seeing it all again fresh in my mind, I wanted to hop in my truck, drive away, and never look back. Losing my dad had been the defining moment in my life; it had changed everything.

  I stalked back to my house after yelling at Paige, part of me feeling like a jerk for being so mean to her, and the other part in so much pain I could barely stomach it. I took a quick shower and stalked into the kitchen, my hair still wet and dripping onto my shoulders. Determined to numb the misery, I poured myself a double shot of Tennessee whiskey. A knock on the door interrupted my plans.

  I assumed it was Mama, but she rarely knocked. When I opened it, Paige stood there waiting for me to invite her in, but I was too busy staring at her hot little body to say anything. She watched me, her eyes wary before she spoke. “Your mom said I could use the computer, but I can come back tomorrow when you’re gone if you don’t want me around.”

  She thought I didn’t want her here. Little did she know that I wanted her everywhere. As she turned to walk away, I grabbed her by the wrist, stopping her from leaving. I yanked her back toward me, resisting the urge to pull so hard she’d crash into my bare chest and press her body up against mine.

  I told her to come in and allowed her to squirm out of my grip. After showing her to the computer, I sulked back into my bedroom to give her space, or air, or something. Truth was, I didn’t know what the hell Paige Lockwood wanted. From me, this town, or in general, but I had a feeling I’d be willing to give her whatever it was she was looking for. Hell, I’d help her find it. And hopefully it would include her mouth pressed against mine, for starters.

  Damn, it had been too long since I was this attracted to someone, let alone someone I could see on my television anytime I wanted. Was Paige Lockwood, America’s sweetheart, really in my house right now? And why wasn’t I nervous around her?

  She stayed in the other room on the computer while I sat in my bedroom, avoiding her. I wondered if she was looking up the things I’d just looked up at the shop. Did she want to hear what Colin was saying about her? Was she interested in all the Paige Lockwood gossip?

  I started pacing back and forth in my room like a fucking lunatic. It was the only thing I could think of to distract myself from the fact that she was about fifty feet away from me wearing what I assumed was her pajamas. The second I opened the door to see her standing in those tiny shorts and tank top, I wanted to simultaneously pull her against me and shove her right back outside.

  She’d gotten snippy when I called her Princess, which made me want to call her that more often. I liked getting a rise out of her; it made me laugh.

  “Princess?” I shouted at her.

  “Stop calling me that,” she yelled back, and I fought back a smile.

  “What are you doing online? Reading about all the people who can’t live without you?”

  She sighed loud enough for me to hear, before her voice lowered. “I was just sending an e-mail to my mom and my best friend.”

  There was a hint of sadness in her voice, and I wondered if I was being too hard on her. Walking from my room into the living room, I sat on the couch behind her and watched her typing.

  “Did they know you were leaving?”

  Paige jumped in the chair before turning around to look at me. She scanned my shirtless chest before moving to my eyes and locking on. “I told them both before I was leaving that I was going. But I didn’t know where I was heading. My mom was probably worried sick, so I wanted her to know I was safe.” She shifted uncomfortably. “I am safe, right?”

  Unable to hold back a grin, I pushed up from the couch and walked straight over to her and leaned down. “Depends on your definition of safe.” I slid my thumb across her cheekbone before I could stop it. “How long are you thinking of staying, Paige?”

  Her eyes squeezed shut for a second as she sucked in a silent breath. I watched as her chest moved in and out, all the while fighting the urges that came with being a guy alone in a room with a ridiculously sexy girl.

  Shallow much?

  Opening her eyes, she looked up at me cautiously and stuttered, “I-I…don’t know.”

  “Will you leave right after your car’s fixed?” I asked, my agitation growing. I shouldn’t care at all when she planned on leaving. I shouldn’t be anywhere near a girl like Paige Lockwood, but here I was.

  Here we are.

  “I guess.” She shrugged. “I’m not really sure why I’d stay longer.”

  Her response was like a bucket of cold water, helping me gather my wits. Feeling a little disappointed—and hating myself for it—I moved a safe distance away
.

  Can’t Do Anything Right

  Paige

  No matter what I said, it was always the wrong thing when it came to him. Tatum had asked me how long I planned to stay here, but I really had no idea. Would I leave as soon as my tire was fixed? I had no clue. But why would I stay here any longer than that?

  Did he want me to?

  Did I want to?

  I didn’t have anywhere else to be, and I couldn’t keep driving forever. Eventually I’d have to find my way back to where I came from. And drive there. Alone. The farther I drove away, the farther I had to drive back. Staying here for a little while might be as good an option as any. So why couldn’t I just tell him that?

  When Tatum moved away from me, storm clouds back in his eyes, it occurred to me why I’d held information back from him. He ran so hot and cold that I didn’t know what to expect from him, and I’d only known him for half a day! But when he touched me, I almost melted right into him. One simple touch from this guy, and I was drooling like a schoolgirl. I really needed to get out more.

  Colin was beginning to feel like a distant memory as Tatum demanded all of my mental energy and focus without even trying. I was so caught up in his general hotness that it was all I could see. Of course I was still hurting over Colin, but being out of Los Angeles seemed to help tremendously. There was true peace in being let out of the cage. I would have never known this kind of serenity existed if I hadn’t run away.

  A subtle ping redirected my focus back to the computer. A new e-mail from Quinn appeared and I clicked on it, already smiling before I read its contents.

  What’s a Tatum and is it hot? And before you ask, YES, that’s all I got from your e-mail. :)

  I laughed out loud before glancing back at Tatum, who watched me with an eyebrow raised as I typed out a quick response.

  Tatum’s the guy who owns the mechanic shop. And had I known that guys like this existed outside of LA, I might have left a long time ago. Ha!

  “Who are you chatting with?” His voice startled me, sending chills shooting through me, but I willed myself to stay calm.

  “My best friend, Quinn,” I responded without turning around.

  “What are you two girls talking about?” he teased, but I was too embarrassed to admit the truth.

  “Just letting her know where I am. And she might have asked who you were.”

  He pushed off from the couch and stood behind me as I quickly minimized the window on the computer screen, which made him whine, “I wanted to see what you wrote.”

  “I bet you did,” I teased back, my earlier defenses lowering.

  His breath was hot on my neck as his hands gripped the chair and brushed against my shoulders. “So, what did you say about me?”

  I angled my head slightly and his face appeared in my view, way too close. Holding my breath, I said, “Nothing. Just that you were the guy who owned the shop that was fixing my car.”

  “Uh-huh,” he mumbled before walking away and into the kitchen.

  Reopening the computer window, I logged out of my e-mail and turned off the monitor. I stood up and headed toward the door, needing to get away from whatever this was. “I better go to bed.”

  “I’ll let you know about the tire as soon as I hear back from my guy.”

  I nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “’Night, Paige,” he drawled, and I fought the urge to walk over to him and wrap my arms around his waist and breathe him in.

  “’Night, Tatum.” I pulled the door shut behind me and stepped into the warm Southern evening, the sound of crickets serenading me as I headed back to the main house.

  • • •

  I woke up the next morning refreshed and relaxed. It had been a dreamless night, free of stress, deadlines, and unkind memories of Colin. The sound of birds chirping and other insect noises I’d yet to become accustomed to greeted my ears. Reaching my arms above my head, I clasped my hands together and stretched, my body popping and realigning itself with my movements. The smell of muffins wafted into my room, and my stomach growled.

  Rubbing at my tummy, I tossed the covers off and hopped out of bed. It was definitely weird not having anywhere to be, anyone to call, or anyone to report to. It was one thing when I had a vacation or a short break from filming, but this felt different. Maybe it was because I ran away. Or maybe it was because I was the one making decisions for what felt like the first time in forever.

  While part of me had never felt so settled (and relieved), the other part of me hated sitting still. I’d never been very good at relaxing and doing nothing, but I decided to force myself to try. I deserved this. Hell, I needed this. And all of this peace would end far too soon if I allowed it.

  “Good morning, Paige. I didn’t want to wake you. I hope that was okay.” Mrs. Montgomery turned to greet me from the kitchen as I plodded down the hallway in my shorts and tank top. Putting down the newspaper, she asked, “How’d you sleep?”

  “Great. Thank you.”

  “Are you hungry? I made some muffins with the blueberries from outside, and I can whip you up some fresh eggs and bacon, if you’d like?”

  “The muffins smell amazing. I don’t need anything else,” I said, reaching for one out of the basket on the counter. When I took a bite, the steam burned my mouth, and I fought the urge to spit it out all over the table. I swallowed, forced a smile, and asked if she had any milk, all while trying to appear semi-normal.

  Laughing, she poured me a small glass. “I should have mentioned they were hot. Did you get to e-mail your family last night?” Her tone hinted at something more.

  “I did. Thank you. I actually need to check my e-mail again, if that’s okay?”

  “Of course, dear. The back house is always unlocked. And Tatum’s at work already. Probably trying to get you that tire, so you can get on out of here.” Her face fell and she looked away for a second, then she brightened and patted my arm. “You should go see him if you don’t have any plans.”

  I scrunched my face at her suggestion and said, “I don’t have any plans, but I don’t think I should go see him either.”

  “Oh, I just meant that you should go ask about your car was all.” Her cheeks turned rosy and I wondered what she was up to, but didn’t dare ask.

  “I thought I might walk around your property, if you don’t mind.” When Tatum brought me here yesterday, I noticed that the land seemed to stretch for miles. There was a path through the tall grass and trees that begged me to explore it.

  “Of course. That’s a great idea. The swimming hole’s not too far down the pathway, if you want to go for a dip.”

  “Swimming hole? That’s a real thing?” I probably sounded like a complete idiot, but that term was one I’d only heard in old TV shows and movies. I’d never actually heard it said in real life.

  She let out a little chuckle. “It is very much a real thing. There’s even a tree with a rope swing,” she added, gently teasing me.

  “I’m sorry. I know I sound stupid, it’s just that I’ve never been anywhere like this before.” I blew at my muffin before biting into it again, and chewed slowly.

  “Sweetie, the last thing I think you are is stupid. But make sure you wear bug spray for the mosquitoes. Oh, and there’s a beach towel in the linen closet next to your room.”

  “Thank you so much,” I said after I swallowed. “Oh yeah, can I get your phone number so that I can give it to my mom and best friend?”

  “Absolutely,” she said as she moved toward the table. “I’ll just write it down for you.” She scribbled onto a piece of scrap paper. “Make sure you tell them to call anytime.”

  “I will. Thanks again,” I said, looking around. “Where’s Buster?”

  “Tatum takes him to the shop sometimes. It’s a shame too, because Buster loves that swimming hole.” She extended her hand and I reached for the piece of paper.

  “Does he go in?” I asked seriously.

  “Does he go in? It’s more like, can someone please keep Buster o
ut of the dang swimming hole!” She waved her arms around for emphasis, making me laugh.

  “Well, now I wish he was here. Might be fun to have a partner in crime.” I tossed the last bite of muffin into my mouth.

  “I imagine that someone else might be up for that job,” she said, her eyebrows raised meaningfully.

  “Mrs. Montgomery, stop it. Your son can barely stand to be around me, let alone want to be my partner in anything.” I probably sounded flustered, but decided not to try to hide it.

  She gave me a mock frown. “I thought we went through this already, dear. I realize you just got here, but I see the way my boy looks at you. I haven’t seen that spark in his eyes since his daddy died. So if you’re not careful, you might get a heck of a lot more than just a partner in crime during this vacation of yours.” She sipped her coffee and eyed me over the top of the cup.

  I measured her words carefully against my already unbalanced heart. Hearing them didn’t register with my brain. None of it made sense. There was no way Tatum’s eyes did anything except narrow with annoyance at my presence. Partner in crime? No way. He probably wished I’d just head on right out of town.

  Unsure how to respond to that, I mumbled, “Well, I guess I’ll go grab that towel now.”

  “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Paige. I’m sorry.” Mrs. Montgomery set her coffee mug down on top of the counter and took a step toward me.

  “You didn’t. I just…” I paused and shrugged. “I just think you’re wrong about Tatum and me is all.”

  She nodded and waved me off. “You’re probably right. Now, the swimming hole is about a ten-minute walk down the path. You don’t need to stray from the path at all, it will lead you right to it. It’s real peaceful, I think you’ll enjoy it.”

  “I still can’t believe places like this exist,” I said with a smile.

  “Surely you’ve been to the South for filming before, haven’t you?” she asked as she tilted her head to the side.

  I shook my head. “I have, but it wasn’t like this. And I didn’t get a chance to explore or go sightseeing, you know?”