When Dreams Come True (The Star Series Book 1)

by Stratton, M.

  “You stop this right now. Do you think I don’t see that? Melissa, you can’t hide that part of you from me. We may not have spent as much time together in person as I’d like, but we’ve talked almost every single day for hours since we met. Do you know how many times I’d watch as you slept when you couldn’t keep your eyes open any longer when we’d been video chatting? Do you know I’d talk to you while you were drifting off and you’d smile? You’d hear my voice and smile, and you have no idea what that did to me. You take care of your friends, you take care of strangers. Even today, half a world away from your home, you’re trying to help a young mother, her son, and an old man. You like to put on an aloof persona, but I know you. I know better. You’re sweet, a hopeless romantic and one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever met.”

  “Stop.” Lissa could feel the tears starting to surface again; she’d hoped she’d been all cried out for the day. She tried to get away from him, but he wouldn’t let her escape.

  “Damnit, I’m not going to lose you.”

  “You could have lost me today!” she screamed at him. “Don’t you understand that? My brains could have been blown out in that café today. I’m damaged, damnit. I came too close to death today. That’s not going away any time soon. God, I’m a wreck being away from you as it is. And now… now I’m going to be freaking out all the time. What if that had been you in there? What if I lost you? I can’t deal with this. It’s too much. I feel too much. My God, make me stop feeling.” She beat her fists against the bed. “I’m not strong enough.”

  “You are. You are strong enough. Look.” He grabbed her, pulling her up so she was eye to eye with him kneeling on the bed. “Look at everything you’ve been through before today. Think back on your life. Every time you thought something would break you, it didn’t, and you survived. You became stronger. Caring and wanting to help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. We’re all damaged somehow, some way. Each and every one of us is damaged. We’ll get through this, because damnit, you’ve got me to lean on this time. I’m not going anywhere. I won’t let you go through this alone. One damaged soul to another, I won’t let you go through this alone.”

  “Show me.”

  “I’ll show you.” His mouth came down and dominated hers. His frustration at her and fear of what he’d almost lost came through loud and clear with every nip of his teeth on her lips and flick of his tongue in her mouth.

  Her numb body came back to life under his masterful touch and made her long for more. The glow from the lights of Paris turned their bodies golden as sweat glistened and trailed down their bodies, reflecting as they moved together in a fevered pitch, faster and faster until they both collapsed in satisfaction and exhaustion.

  The next morning, Lissa stumbled out of the bedroom while wiping the sleep from her eyes to see Will standing there, drinking his tea. He had on a pair of jeans slung low on his hips and his broad, naked shoulders looked so strong in the sunlight. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you.” She kissed a trail across his back.

  “For what?”

  “Everything. Allowing me to cry, to throw a fit, to be with you.”

  “Anything for you, darling.” He placed his cup down on the table and turned, enveloping her in a hug. “Are you better this morning?”

  “Yes, I know it’s going to be hit and miss for a while, but yes, much better than last night.”

  “Good. Are you hungry? I’m sure you didn’t eat much yesterday. I can order something up for you.”

  “What time is it? Didn’t you have somewhere to be this morning?”

  “Beau rescheduled after everything happened yesterday. I still have a couple of hours, which gives us some time to talk.”

  Her heart sank, and she tried to pull away from him. Whenever someone said they had to talk it was never good. She tried to quickly erect a wall around her heart even though she knew it was too late.

  “Come here.” He pulled her to the couch and sat down, keeping her hand in his. “You can write from anywhere, right?”

  She frowned at him; this wasn’t the direction she thought he was going to take. “Yes, even without internet access, although it helps for research.”

  “Good. Now we both understand you are more of an introvert, but you don’t hate people. You don’t mind going to new places, do you?”

  “No, I don’t hate people. I’m shy and really don’t know what to say to strangers and I have short patience for rude people, but I try to be nice to everyone and see if I can figure out their story. And yes, I love seeing new places. Those are the best ones to come up with new ideas, or to make my books more authentic.”

  “So then, you’d say there’d be no obstacles for, oh, I don’t know, maybe coming on set with me while I’m filming?”

  “No, in fact—”

  “Perfect, so am I to assume you would need to talk to Hannah about setting up, what, remote access to everything you’d need?

  “Yes, but—”

  “Wonderful, wonderful. Now, I’ve already spoken with Beau and he’s working on making sure the studios are informed of the changes in lodging I’m going to need. He’ll also double-check you’ll have everything you need. And no, you aren’t going to be paying him. If he needs help with extra duties, he knows he can get whatever he needs to help him.”

  “What about—”

  “I’ll take care of everything. All you’ll need to do is pack a suitcase and your laptop and come with me. I’ll make sure you’ll have everything else you could possibly ever need. We’ll travel the world together. I’ll act all day, you’ll write, and we’ll spend every night wrapped in each other’s arms. No more watching you sleep from the cold screen of the computer.” He caressed the side of her face. “We’ll work around any events you need to attend, but you will be with me.”

  “Will—”

  “Now, before you start arguing, you were already going to come with me to London for my stage show, and then my next three movies are being shot in the U.S. and England. So it’s perfect: your home soil and mine. Now—”

  “William Martinsson!”

  “Yes, darling?”

  “You’re too late.”

  “What do you mean too late?” He frowned at her.

  “I’ve already set everything up on my end. I couldn’t stand to be away from you. That was why I had all of those meetings the day you surprised me by coming in early. I was setting everything up for the next six months with everyone, so we were all on the same page.”

  “Really? Did Beau know about this?”

  “No. Like I said, I was going to surprise you. I couldn’t stand being apart from you. And as you said, I can write from anywhere.” She shrugged. “Who knows; I may end up with hundreds of new ideas to write about. And I can spend every night wrapped in your arms.”

  A grin spread across his face. “Well then, looks like we’re all set.”

  “Or you could get completely bored of me within the first three weeks and send me packing.”

  “You think so?” He moved toward her and she leaned back against the arm of the couch. “Darling, it’s going to take me weeks if not months to worship your body as it deserves to be.” He slid his hand under the small of her back and pulled her tight into him. “And then…” Will began to kiss the side of her neck. “I’m going to start all over from the beginning and do it again.” His head dipped lower and he softly kissed between her breasts. “My heart beats for yours until forever is but a distant memory.”

  Lissa wanted to weep at his words; she never thought she’d find something as effortless as being in love with Will.

  There was a discreet knock at the door, and Will walked over to open it for Beau.

  “How are you feeling today?” Beau asked as he crossed to her while Will walked to the bedroom to get ready for his interview.

  “All things considered, pretty good. Thank you for everything yesterday
.”

  “Don’t mention it.” He patted her shoulder. “Here’s your phone. Both Will and I wanted to make sure you had the rest you needed before getting back to work.”

  Lissa laughed. “I actually hadn’t missed it yet. I’m sure there’s a couple of phone calls I need to make, though.”

  “About that. I did call Hannah and let her know what happened. She was going to contact the rest of your team and pass on the word you’re fine.”

  “Thank you. I should have thought of her last night.”

  “Oh, you had enough on your mind.”

  “That I did. What’s on the agenda today?”

  “Will has the interview, and then we’re supposed to go to a black tie event tonight honoring Safe Water.”

  “Are we still going to be able to fly to London tomorrow?”

  “We should be. I’ve cleared everything with the police, and they know where to find you.” He smiled.

  “That’s great. Now, what else aren’t you telling me?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

  “Why, whatever could you mean?” Beau opened his own eyes wide.

  Lissa folded her arms across her chest. “Are you really going to play it that way? You know I’m going to find out.”

  “Yes, you will, but it won’t be from me.” He gave her a wicked grin.

  “Oh, I see. No problem.” Standing up, she walked over to the window Will had been intently looking out before trying to give herself a moment to think of what he could possibly be hiding from her. She was surprised when she looked down and saw so many people standing around as police tried to keep them back on the sidewalk. “What’s going on out there?” When he didn’t say anything, she turned around to see him zipping his lip. “Still not going to say anything to me? That’s okay.”

  Swiping her phone screen, she was shocked to see there were close to one hundred missed calls and almost as many voice messages. “What the hell…” Her email inbox was even worse; there were five times the amount she usually received. “No.” She started mumbling to herself as she did a quick search on Will and news stories came up about what had happened the day before. She looked up at Beau. “How bad is it?”

  “Honey, it’s not bad at all. You have to know it was only a matter of time before the press found out. We’ve been ready for this for months now.”

  “Hmmm…” Looking through the pictures of her and Will standing outside the café together was strange. Part of her broke out in a cold sweat looking at them, but another part of her couldn’t help but see the love they shared and the fear they were both living at that moment. She ran a finger over a picture of him all serious and worried about her.

  “You know those iconic photos which stand the test of time?” Beau walked over and sat down on the arm of her chair. He swiped to the picture of Will with both of his hands on her face, the two of them looking intently at each other. “There’s yours. This shows the world your love for each other.”

  She didn’t want to look at her own image; she was always too critical of herself. She swiped back to the photo of him standing there, waiting for her to come out of the café. “He looks so intense, angry.”

  “He was very worried about you. We both were. But now you have some decisions to make.”

  Lissa frowned at him. “Decisions?”

  “Yes, decisions.” Beau walked over to the door and opened it. A couple of women entered with racks of dresses. “You’re going to need something to wear tonight.”

  “But I’m not going.” They had decided she’d stay back at the hotel while Will attended the dinner. She’d been planning on doing some work.

  “That was before, this is now, and now you’re going.”

  “Shouldn’t… oh, I don’t know, someone ask me?”

  “Told you,” Will said as he entered the room and crossed to her, kissing her on the cheek.

  Lissa swore she could hear the women sighing at him from across the room. When she looked over at them, they were giving him the dreamy eyes. “Will, I’m not sure it’s best for me to go.”

  “I’m sure. There is nothing I want more than you by my side tonight.”

  The women sighed again.

  “Yes, but there’s going to be questions, and a lot of them.”

  “And it’s nothing we can’t handle. Between your brains and beauty, you’ll glamor them all.”

  That time the women sighed even louder.

  “We’ll hold the line up.”

  “Darling, you’re worth the wait.”

  More sighs.

  “The Safe Water Foundation is a wonderful cause. I’ll just distract from it.”

  “On the contrary; you’ll bring more light to the cause. Just as your compassion radiates its light.”

  Sighs.

  “I’m not feeling very compassionate right now.”

  “You will. I have every faith in you.”

  Sighs.

  “That’s it. Excuse us.” Lissa grabbed Will’s hand and dragged him to the bedroom, glaring at Beau who was trying not to laugh as they passed by him on the way to their room. Once inside, she closed the door and leaned against it. “Will…”

  “Melissa…” He tucked a stand of hair behind her ear. “Think of how beautiful you’re going to look in one of those gowns.” His finger traced her jawline and he tilted her chin up. “You can’t hide it from me; I know you like to dress up every once in a while.”

  “That’s beside the point.” She was trying not to pout.

  He rested one of his hands against the door and leaned in toward her. “Tell me you weren’t just a little disappointed you weren’t going to be able to attend tonight when we first made these plans.”

  “Maybe… but really, Will, it’s going to be a circus.”

  “And we’ll be in the middle of it. But as the ringleaders, we can dictate which way the show will go.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Go on.”

  “Beau will make sure everything moves along smoothly. Besides, I’ll be right there by your side all night long.” He flashed a smile at her.

  “You know you have an unfair advantage when you use your charm on me.”

  He chuckled. “Yes, but as you know…” He feathered kisses along her mouth. “I’ll make sure you are completely satisfied by the end of the night.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that.” She tried to keep her breathing normal, but she knew he noticed.

  “Darling, you can hold whatever you want.”

  “Will…” Beau said from the other side of the door.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s time to go.”

  “I’ll be right out.” He easily lifted her up so they were eye to eye. “Pick out a dress which makes you feel as beautiful as I know you are. Don’t argue; just do it. Everyone knows about us now, and I want them all to see how wonderful you are.”

  So many emotions were going through her, and all she could do was nod. After an all-too-brief kiss, he set her back down and left the room. She knew he was strong, but to so easily lift her up like that… He already made her feel petite to begin with. She was ready to have her way with him regardless of the fact that there were people just on the other side of the door. More proof she lost all rational thought when he was around.

  They hadn’t intentionally kept their relationship from the press, except for the current trip, which was their first somewhere else besides her home. You could see the pride on his face when he said he wanted everyone to know how wonderful she was.

  “Lissa, we’re leaving. The dresses are still here if you’re ready to try them on,” Beau called from the other room.

  “Oh, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” She took a deep breath and walked out to see the sighing, giggle twins watching Will walk out the door. “Ladies,” she called to get their attention. “Let’s pick out a dress.” She wanted to get the chore out of the way before she called and talked to Hannah and Christine.

>   “What?” Lissa asked since Will was staring at her.

  “I don’t think I’ve told you how beautiful you are.” He kissed the back of her hand.

  “Not in the past thirty seconds.”

  “Well then,” he started, kissing up her arm. “Looks like I’m falling down on the job.”

  “What are you going to do to make up for it?”

  “I have a few ideas.” He continued trailing kisses up her arm and nuzzled her neck. “And you smell so divine.”

  When the whiskers from his newly grown goatee tickled the side of her neck, she shivered. “You’re not so bad yourself, sir.”

  His deep, rich voice whispered in her ear. “You and me, later tonight, darling. I’ll make you forget your own name.”

  Lissa couldn’t control the moan that escaped, and her eyes swung heavily toward him. The power he had over her with a soft touch or word was such that she was left quivering, helpless in thought or action. She was proud of herself for not whimpering like a child when he pulled away from her.

  “Although, darling, it appears we have arrived. We’ll have to continue this conversation later.”

  “You… You… You…”

  Will laughed and leaned over, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. “Oh, yes, I did. Now come; I can’t wait to show you off.” He climbed out of the car and held his hand out to help her. “That is if I haven’t left you speechless, again.”

  As gracefully as she could, she gathered her skirt in one arm while using Will’s hand to help stabilize her. She stepped out of the car, all the while making sure nothing ended up exposed which shouldn’t have been. Trying her best to ignore all the flashes from the cameras and the noise, she turned to Will. “You’ll pay for that.”