Hollywood Ever After

by Sasha Summers

  “Okay, but let me take Nat with me. I won’t leave her, no worries!” She took Nat’s arm in the crook of hers, whispering in the girl’s ear. Natalie giggled, holding tightly to Shannon as they blended into the crowd.

  Mom said, “This is crazy.”

  “I know. We can coast along behind them.” I pointed to Shannon and Natalie forging ahead. “Unless you want to be interviewed?”

  “Coasting, quickly. Please.”

  We made it to the front doors and waited in the lobby for Nat and Shannon.

  So far I was managing not to hyperventilate. I shifted from one foot to the next, fidgeting with the compass tied around my neck. I felt fairly confident I wouldn’t attack him when he arrived, as long as he didn’t smile his dazzling smile or look exceptionally gorgeous.

  I sighed. The odds were against me.

  “Claire?” My mother regarded me, suspicious. “Is there something I need to know?”

  I felt a telltale heat flood my cheeks. “I don’t know yet.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “But there might be?”

  I took a deep breath. “There might be.” I waited, knowing she would badger me into telling her more than I was ready to share. But she didn’t.

  She was staring past me, over my shoulder, at the front door.

  I knew.

  “Mom?” Natalie’s voice reached me. She sounded ready to burst.

  And as I turned around, I saw why.

  Chapter Nine

  Hazel eyes met mine, heavy and warm. Without reservation or uncertainty or embarrassment, without wavering, Josh stared at me.

  I was done for. There were over two hundred people milling about, but I saw only him.

  Every inch of me tensed, stretching to meet him. As uncertain as I felt, I found myself moving toward him. There was no way I was not going to him.

  He met me halfway. His throat constricted as he swallowed. His eyes traveled over my hair, my face, my dress, but he didn’t say anything. His hand came up, one finger touching the compass. His smile knocked the breath from my lungs.

  I bit my lip, flooded with pure happiness. And love.

  He was gorgeous. His black sports coat hung just right over a blinding white dress shirt. He wore no tie, so his neck was exposed. I let my eyes linger on the rapid pulse in his throat.

  His knee-weakening smile appeared, and I honestly thought my knees might give way. But his hands found mine, clasping them firmly in his.

  My hold tightened around his.

  He took a deep breath. “Hello.” His voice was husky, sending shivers over my skin.

  “Hi.” I could hear the smile in my voice.

  His hands squeezed mine. The lights in the lobby flickered on and off. Or I was about to pass out. Either option was a possibility at the moment.

  “That’s their subtle way of telling us we need to go find our seats,” Shannon said. “We’ll meet you inside?”

  I took a deep breath and tore my gaze away from his, nodding my head. This wasn’t California. I wasn’t alone. I turned to find my daughter staring at us in complete shock. Her blue eyes were almost as huge as the smile on her face.

  At least she’s smiling.

  I cast a quick glance at my mother. She was quiet, her expression mixed.

  I pulled one hand from him but held on to the other. I had to keep it together. I had to act like a mature woman, not a girl crazy in love. But I wasn’t ready to let go of him.

  His hand squeezed mine, encouraging me. “We’ll come too,” he spoke quickly. His voice broke the spell.

  I sounded calm as I made introductions. “Mom, this Josh Wiley. Josh, this is my mother, Marty Foster. Nat, I’m guessing you were already introduced?”

  Natalie nodded. Her blue eyes bounced between me and Josh as she pondered what this might mean.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He turned a charming smile on my mother and offered his free hand. His sincere warmth melted her trepidation. “And this is my sister, Helen.”

  Helen Wiley, like the other three women present, was watching the exchange with genuine curiosity. Her hazel eyes, similar to her brother’s, regarded me with affection as she hugged me quickly. “I’ve heard so much about you, Claire.”

  I recognized her. The beautiful blonde from the magazine—she was his sister. “Really?” My voice still sounded funny.

  He squeezed my hand again and I cast a glance at him. He winked.

  “So you’re our date tonight?” Shannon asked him.

  “If you don’t mind?” he asked.

  “Do we?” Shannon looked at Natalie, waiting. Natalie shook her head, blushing furiously.

  My mother arched an eyebrow. “Not at all.”

  Josh smiled at her. “Then we should find our seats.” He held the door and found seats for us all–quite a gallant escort. His hand never let go of mine. Or I never let go of his. I’m not sure which.

  I don’t remember a single thing about the film. Sitting beside him in the dark was a lesson in restraint. I wanted to talk to him, to stare at him and listen to the sound of his voice. Instead I had to sit, growing more and more aware of his physical presence—and my instant response.

  He’d pulled my arm through his once we sat, enabling us to lean close together. For almost two hours, he filled my senses. His scent was intoxicating, a mix of shaving cream, the musk of his soap, and him. Every time he shifted, his scent would stir and fill my nostrils, making me list toward him. His long fingers twined between mine, drawing light caresses across the back of my hand.

  He bent over, whispering, “You look lovely.” He pressed his nose into my hair, inhaling deeply. His breath tickled behind my ear, lifting the hair along my neck and teasing my skin. My hand tightened about his convulsively, the heat in my stomach sweetly building.

  His eyes met mine. The muscle in his jaw was rigid, and his nostrils flared slightly. The small fire became a roaring blaze. He was here with me. And I wanted him desperately.

  I turned away, embarrassed that such a simple caress could make me shiver. I thought I saw him smile, but didn’t risk looking at him again. With only his scent and his hand on mine, I was throbbing. No amount of calming breaths or readjusting in my seat helped. I might not be able to control my heart, but I had to rein in my desire.

  As the end credits began to roll, I wished it was a longer film.

  It took a few minutes to get out of the auditorium, then arrange an exit with the minimal press possible. Press hadn’t been allowed inside the auditorium or the lobby, or our reunion would have been fodder for the morning papers. I was pretty sure I wasn’t ready for that.

  “That was really fun, Shannon.” Natalie was thrilled.

  Helen patted her brother on the arm. “It was a decent film, Josh. I’m not sure why you’re so unhappy with it.”

  Natalie timidly glanced at him. “You didn’t like it?”

  Josh shrugged. “I’m not much of an action film star.”

  “Oh, I think so.” Natalie blushed. “I mean, you were great.”

  He smiled at her. “Thank you, Natalie.”

  Natalie smiled.

  My mother, who had said very little since Josh arrived, asked, “Is there some after-party you have to go to, Shannon? Josh? I can take Natalie back to the hotel.”

  Josh’s hand pulled me closer to him, slipping my hand through his arm. “No. At least, nothing I’m attending.”

  “Oh, I know. I’ve found the most sinful pastry shop. It’s French and deliciously bad for you,” Helen said to Natalie. “What do you think, Natalie? Are you too tired, or should we go have some sweets? Or we could do it another time.”

  “Up for it?” Josh asked.

  Everyone was. I relaxed a bit. No goodbyes, not yet.

  “Take Claire,” Helen offered. “We’ll take a cab and meet you there.”

  Shannon nodded. “We’ll be right behind you.” She winked.

  Josh had a car, a small silver sports car, waiting behind the theater. I arched an
eyebrow at him, smiling.

  “It’s my father’s,” he said with a shake of his head.

  I laughed. “Your father’s?”

  Josh sighed and nodded, then held the passenger door for me. “Ladies first.”

  I paused before him, letting my eyes feast on him in the dimly lit alley. His hand cupped my cheek, his thumb sweeping across my lower lip. His face hovered over mine and his eyes bored into mine. On impulse I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my cheek against his chest. I sighed as his arms encircled me, pulling me tight against him. And I felt content instantly. It felt so good to be in his arms again.

  I wanted him to kiss me. But something told me it wouldn’t be a good idea. One kiss with Josh was never enough. And the others would be waiting. My daughter would be waiting.

  I slipped from his arms and sat in the car quickly, fighting my disappointment. He smiled and shook his head before shutting the car door.

  He was in the driver’s seat seconds later and pulling away from the curb, flying down the dimly lit streets. I stared at him, happy to be with him. His hand searched for mine. I took it, held it in both of mine. He kept driving, his eyes moving between the road and me. He seemed as uncertain as I was, and as happy, too. I hoped so.

  What do I say? I missed you? I thought about you every day? I love you?

  He looked at me and smiled. I smiled back, feeling my heart kick up again.

  He spoke softly. “Where to start?”

  “I’m not sure.” There was nervous laughter in my voice.

  “There’s lots to say.” He shifted the car, turning a corner and slowing.

  “Lots?”

  He laughed. “I think so. I’m not certain where to begin.”

  He pulled into a parking spot and turned toward me. His gaze—as intense as ever—swept my face. I felt naked, exposed, and beautiful beneath his hazel gaze. When his eyes lingered hungrily on my lips I whispered, “Kiss me.”

  My lungs collapsed as he reached for me and pulled me against him. His hand slipped under my hair, tilting my head back for him. His lips were gentle, his breath a soft moan against mine. My hands slid around his shoulders, catching in his hair to pull him closer. I caught his lower lip in mine, and his lips parted. When his tongue entered my mouth, I gasped, my head spinning. It was a fiery kiss, leaving me burning for so much more.

  One kiss wasn’t enough.

  His lips fell to my neck and he whispered, “God, I’ve missed you.” One large hand slid down my back, pressing me tight against him. I needed to breathe but I didn’t want to let go of him.

  But the others would arrive soon. And I didn’t want Natalie to find us like this. Or worse, find me in his lap…which was where I might end up if he kept nuzzling my neck.

  I pushed gently against him, pulling in an unsteady breath. “I’ve missed you.”

  His hands rested on my collarbone as his thumbs traced my jaw. He stared down at me, his smile making me throb all over again. I smiled back, completely willing to stay wrapped up like this.

  A cab pulled up and they were here.

  “That’s a good start,” he said, pressing a kiss to my forehead before climbing out of the car and coming round to open my door. We converged before the pastry shop, huddled together against the brisk evening breeze.

  Shannon held the door open for us. “Natalie, we need to get something to take back to Arthur. Don’t let me forget. He’s a pastry addict.”

  “Sweets” was a brightly colored pastry and coffee shop. Mismatched cups, saucers, and silverware were stacked haphazardly on the main counter. There was music playing, in a language I didn’t recognize, and black and white photos of confections decorated the plaster walls.

  The woman behind the counter nodded in our general direction before turning back to her well-read paperback novel. We pushed two tables together and sat.

  “Nat, help me pick out a box?” Helen asked.

  Natalie jumped up and the two of them began evaluating the array of sweets. I watched them, two lovely young women who could, in all probability, be sisters.

  Daniel’s implication that Josh was more suitable for Natalie’s boyfriend raced through my head. I knew there was an age difference, but it wasn’t that big. Was it? Was I some dirty old lady? I began to chew on my lip.

  “Happy to see her?” Shannon’s question interrupted my declining thoughts. I looked questioningly at her, then Josh. He was watching me, a serene expression on his gorgeous face.

  “Very.” He took my hand.

  I’m not old. I might be a little dirty. And I couldn’t remember the last time I was so happy.

  “Do you have plans for tomorrow?” he asked, his eyes resting on my face.

  “Changing of the guard and Jubilee Gardens, possibly.” I watched his hands, wrapped around mine. Was it wrong that his touch felt this good? “Though Will might argue, if there’s not the slightest possibility of finding a dragon.”

  “Maybe riding the London Eye will make up for it,” Mom interjected.

  “A Ferris wheel is all well and good. But if the boy’s on the hunt for a dragon, we’ll have to look a bit further into the country.” Josh smiled. “That’s where you’ll find them.”

  “Were you an avid dragon hunter as a boy?” I asked.

  He nodded, never taking his eyes from me. I felt heat flooding my cheeks, but couldn’t look away.

  Natalie and Helen brought the box of assembled sweets to the table, arriving in time to overhear the exchange.

  Natalie asked, “Are you going to come with us tomorrow?”

  Josh looked at me, arching an eyebrow. “Am I?”

  “If you’re free?” I spoke quickly. “If you want to. If it sounds like fun?”

  He smiled. “I am, I do, and it does.”

  My smile grew. I could feel it.

  “One thing.” He paused, arching a mischievous eyebrow and leveling his gorgeous smile. “Is your phone fixed? Or do you have a new number?”

  I smiled and dug through my bag. “Here. It’s new.”

  After he’d programmed his number into mine and my number into his, he sat back with a satisfied smile.

  “Now that that’s settled, why not bring a knife over and we can share?” My mother stared into the box.

  Shannon did too. “I like that idea, Marty. Otherwise things could get nasty.”

  An hour later, we prepared to call it a night. Helen and Josh were going home one way, while the hotel was another. Natalie, Shannon, and Mom sat inside our cab, while Helen waited in the car. Each of them was pretending to give Josh and me a moment’s privacy.

  “Until morning, then?” His hand grasped the compass, his thumb stroking the skin over my collarbone. He swallowed, watching me exhale shakily.

  “Come for breakfast? Get an early start?” I wasn’t playing hard to get, not even a little bit.

  “How early is too early?” His voice was low, husky.

  “But you’re not a morning person.” I smiled, remembering.

  “I can be. Besides, it’s the letting go now that I’m having trouble with.” I heard the tension in his voice. I felt the same way.

  “Tomorrow’s not too far away.” I tried to reassure us both as I gazed up at him. My eyes got tangled up in his.

  He bent, his breath caressing my temple, to drop a soft kiss on my cheek. “Good night, Claire.”

  “Good night.” I resisted the urge to kiss him, to pull him against me. Natalie was sitting in the taxi, watching and waiting.

  Josh helped me into the taxi and shut the door. Natalie waved goodbye from the window as we drove away.

  “Now do you have something to tell me?” my mother asked.

  Natalie turned wide eyes on us. “Like what?”

  Shannon giggled. “Really, Natalie?”

  “You mean that Josh is Mom’s boyfriend?” She stared at me, smiling. “He’s got it really bad for you, Mom.”

  “Really?” I asked, sounding pleased.

  My mother smiled. “Y
es, I think he does.”

  Natalie started chattering happily. “We’re going to take a tour of London tomorrow with them? Helen is so cool. She’s barely five years older than me, did you know that?”

  No, I didn’t. But it didn’t matter, because he was a great deal older than Natalie. And he was far too old to be her boyfriend—but not too young to be mine.

  Once we made it to the hotel, our little group was dragging. As everyone shuffled off to their rooms, my mother turned to me and said, “You could have gone with him, Claire. Next time, go. I thought the two of you were going to attack each other.” Then she went to bed.

  I paced the room, took a long shower, and paced the room again. I knew I’d get tired eventually. I just hoped it was soon.

  ***

  After tossing for four hours, I gave up and went for a run on the path in Green Park. It was invigorating and absolutely gorgeous.

  When I got back to the hotel, I had a long and steamy shower and settled in to write a bit. But Will woke up early, bouncing gleefully. My “boingy bed” had a significantly better bounce to it and he felt the need to prove it. He demonstrated the superiority of the mattress for a good ten minutes. I had to admit, watching him, it did seem to be a perfect bed for bouncing.

  The phone buzzed. Will stopped bouncing and stared at me.

  “I don’t think it’s the bouncing police, Will. Just keep the noise down, okay? Go ahead and put your shoes on so we can go to breakfast, please.” I answered the phone.

  “Ms. Collins? We have a delivery for you.” The desk clerk had a magnificent accent, enunciating clearly. “May we bring that up now?”

  A delivery? I smiled. “Yes, please.”

  I dressed quickly in some snug jeans, a side-tie cream sweater, and sturdy wedge-heeled boots–ready for exploring the city. I braided my hair back loosely and fastened my compass in the V-neck of the sweater. By the time I was dressed, Natalie and Will were both sprawled across my bed.

  “I’m starving.” Natalie watched me put on mascara, opening her eyes wide in imitation.

  I assessed my reflection. It wasn’t going to get any better. “Well, let’s go check on Grams. If she’s ready, we can probably go down to breakfast.”