“If I ever mess up publicly, I bet you have a dozen crop up, at least.”
“Don’t need a slave. I only need one man.” She jolted on the rough landing and blew out a breath.
“Me?” he whispered against her ear, wrapping his hand around her thigh.
“Definitely you.” She leaned her head against his shoulder, relaxing finally.
“Why so stressed about a flight?”
“Flying makes me nervous. Used to have nightmares about planes. Probably watched too many horror movies when I was a kid.”
“You still watch them and love them.”
She laughed. “I do, and I may write a horror book at some point, but we’ll see. Right now, I’m all about the romance.”
His head tipped slightly. “You were writing romance while married, and you admit it was falling apart for a long time.”
“Because it was easier to imagine another couple’s love story than mine. I guess I lost myself in how good it could be, instead of focusing on my own problems. God, that’s depressing now that I think of it.”
“If we start having issues, talk to me. I don’t want to lose you because we’re both too caught up in things to see what’s between us.”
She rubbed her face and stood up after the plane came to a stop. “I will, but you have to listen. Because that’s where the problem was. He didn’t listen. We grew distant. And maybe we were always more distant than I wanted to believe. But as they say, live and learn.”
“Not going to ignore what you have to say, not ever.”
They made their way off the plane and went to the baggage claim. “Think they’re here already?”
“Yeah, Mom never likes being late. She was always early everywhere. They’ve probably been waiting at least half an hour. Probably closer to an hour.”
Leona smiled. “I tend to be like that.”
“Probably why it never bothers me when you’re in a rush to go when we have a ton of time.”
“Are you usually fashionably late?”
He shook his head. “No, more like right on time. I don’t like being late, but I don’t like sitting, doing nothing.”
“I’ve noticed. But I’m the same way. Unless you’re involved.”
“Yeah, I can stay curled up with you forever and be the happiest man on earth.”
Cameras flashed at the baggage claim and Luke pulled her closer, putting his head down and pulling the cap low. Leona steadied her breath and continued walking, ignoring everyone around them.
He spotted his mother and prayed none of what was about to happen would scare Leona away.
* * * *
The flashing lights hurt Leona’s eyes. It was like an army of photographers had a mission to blind everyone.
She stumbled and arms wrapped around her from the front and back.
Before she could shove the other person off her, a very excited female squealed, “It’s so good to meet you, Leona. My son has told me everything.”
Leona’s face flushed hot. She was sure she might ignite at the thought of Luke spilling everything to his mother.
“Hi, Ms.—”
“Nope, nope, nope, call me Jillian. And this is Lucas.” Jillian let her go and another big set of arms engulfed her, lifting her off her feet.
“God, Dad, put her down,” Luke insisted. “She probably can’t see yet, thanks to the welcome we got walking in.”
Blinking, Leona smiled. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Lucas looked like a shorter, less buff, and slightly grayer version of his son. Jillian looked like she was born and raised in California with the beachy blond hair and deep tan. She had a warm personality.
“As soon as we have your bags, we’ll get going,” Lucas stated, glancing around. “Then we can get you away from all of the camera hounds who need a life.”
Leona dipped her head. “Thank you.”
Jillian nudged Leona. “Least we can do for the woman our boy loves.”
She glanced at Luke again, who nodded. “If given the chance, I don’t stop talking about you. To anyone.”
She spotted her bag and stepped forward, but Luke beat her to it, then snagged his with a grin. “Let me, please.”
“Sure,” she answered.
Only Lucas took her suitcase.
Luke took her hand with a grin. “Or Dad can help.”
“Really, I can carry it,” Leona offered.
Lucas shook his head. “Don’t be silly. I have no problem carrying a bag for a pretty woman. However, the media frenzy is going to get disruptive if we don’t get a move on it.”
Nodding, she squeezed his hand, continuing to ignore the cameras, which were ten times worse with him than without. It still made her nuts that people seemed to want to know more about her and her life. Before, people didn’t care. Now, as his fans started to read her books, more people were asking questions they had no right to ask.
Lucas and Jillian ushered Luke and Leona to the garage and to the car. As soon as they were in the sedan, they were on the way.
Luke took her hand. “You okay?”
“Yeah, why?” Leona asked.
“Lots of cameras, and you stumbled.”
“Couldn’t see. After the last month, I didn’t expect it to be like that, but I’m fine. Promise.”
Nodding, he squeezed her hand. And he had a feeling now that it was out that they were together, LA would be a crazier place for them both. He’d seen it happen with most of his peers, at least the ones who had found someone to be with, unless they found a way to work it where one always stayed out of the spotlight.
But if the movie took off and became a series, there was always the chance that more movies would be made and she would be sucked into the spotlight more often.
And if SASS News got wind they were in town, things could get ugly. They had a habit of testing celebrities and their relationships further than even the regular paparazzi.
“So, Luke won’t tell me the last book he read by you. Gets real secretive,” Jillian murmured. “Any chance you’ll tell me? I’m probably your second biggest fan, next to Luke, of course.”
Leona licked her lips and glanced over at Luke. “I gave him a preview of something that will be announced in two days, and I’ll leave it at that.”
Looking over the back of the seat, Jillian pouted. “Really?”
Leona’s brow scrunched. “Aw, don’t do that. It’s not fair. I’m not announcing until Monday. Just know it’s different than what I usually write, and that your son may have inspired a little of it, which might make it all weird.”
“Inspired, but trust me, it’s not us,” Luke added quickly.
Lucas shook his head. “I’m sure I don’t want to know at all.”
Blushing, Leona glanced out the window.
Luke moved closer, putting his arm around her. “You hungry? I believe my parents planned to take us to lunch at Minae’s. My sister Carrie will be there too. She’s excited to meet you.”
Jillian nodded, looking over once again.
“Sounds good.” Leona touched Jillian’s shoulder. “Thank you, for picking us up.”
Jillian squeezed her hand. “Anytime. I’d do anything for my son. And it sounds like your family is the same way.” Jillian faced forward again.
“He told you about my family?” Leona asked.
Luke nodded. “I did. Told them our families would mesh well.”
And her heart tripped out, speeding up. That wasn’t what she expected him to say. Though, he may have a point.
He had no problem throwing around the concept of forever, and as much as she wanted this to work, she could still think of a hundred reasons why everything could get out of hand and fall apart.
He let out a sigh and squeezed her hand. “At least there won’t be any cameras at the restaurant.”
And once again he knew exactly what to say to set her at ease.
Chapter 37
Six weeks of time with Leona. Seemed like once a week they traveled to or
from New York to LA and back. Luke had convinced her to come with him every time, and it hadn’t taken much.
Still, he was nervous. Two days apart seemed like an eternity.
He shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned against the counter of the bathroom where she was putting on makeup.
“Wish I could go with you, but I have this audition.”
Grinning, she turned to him. “For Midnight Daughter, right?”
His brow creased. “How do you know that?”
One corner of her mouth lifted. “The director contacted me. Asked me what I thought about you being in the movie. Asked if I would have a problem with that.”
He gulped. “And what did you say?”
“That you were a very talented actor, and whoever you played, you would be convincing. Then he asked me who I thought you fit.” Her nose scrunched and she shrugged. “I told them I could most easily see you as Zack.”
A grin spread on his face. “After thinking about it, I have to agree. Looks-wise, I fit him better. And I really do love the character. There are so many things I can do with him.”
Taking his hands, she smiled. “Well, I wish you luck, and other than answering those questions, I don’t get any say. But you have my blessing.”
He drew a breath and let it out. “You really wouldn’t mind?”
“Wouldn’t have made the suggestion if I did.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.
She lifted a shoulder. “I know you wanted Blake. And honestly, if you were to get his part, I would be completely fine.”
He laughed. “Actors always want the lead. Honestly, though, Zack is a better fit. And he is a favorite character of mine.”
“Then I don’t feel so bad.”
He leaned in and kissed her breathless. “Still wish I were going with you.”
“No, stay. Audition. Hang out with your friends. I’ll be fine. It’s only two days. And you have a big premiere tomorrow that I wish I were going too.”
“Yeah, but your fans deserve to see you too.”
She nodded. “And I love meeting them. So, I’m going.”
He nudged up her chin. “Why does it sound like you don’t want me there?”
“The truth?”
He nodded. “Always.”
She winced and looked up at him through her lashes. “You go, and my line of readers turns into those who want a picture with you, your autograph. It stops being about the books for some and turns into who I’m with. I’m sorry if that makes me a—”
Luke covered her mouth. When put like that, he understood the hesitancy. Still sucked, but she had a point. “Don’t you dare call yourself that. And I get it. I hate it because I want to be there to support you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Well, this time can’t be it. You need to be there today and tomorrow night. I need to be in Atlanta for the signing. I’m sorry.”
After a soft kiss, she added, “Honest, as much as it worries me, I wouldn’t tell you no. I might be paranoid, but my loyal readers don’t care about who I’m with. Some of the other authors might throw a fit, though.”
“Look at it from my point of view, Leona. You have come with me, hung out in green rooms, stood by my side, showed that you’re there for me for all these promotional events. I want to do the same for you.”
“I know. Which is why I wasn’t saying anything. I want you there, but it makes me nervous.”
“But you will let me go next time?”
Taking his face in her hands, she looked him in the eye. “I swear, next signing you aren’t filming or otherwise obligated to be elsewhere, you’ll come with me.”
“Only if you’re sure.”
“Won’t know until we try, right? And I can’t let that stand in our way. I won’t.”
He kissed her, pushing her back against the counter, and leaned into her, craving every bit of contact he could take. And if he hadn’t made love to her in the shower, he may have taken her there.
She pushed him back, her face flushed. “We don’t have that kind of time.”
He nodded, then ran his hand over his hair. “I’m going to be at Verge with Ryan and Raven after the premiere, and I almost feel like I should cancel since you won’t be there.”
“Luke, you should go. I trust you. And it doesn’t matter if some asshole takes pictures of you next to a woman. I get it. They want a story. And you are gorgeous. Some people don’t have the sense to resist throwing themselves at you. But I’m not going to get pissed off for some paparazzi picture that’s meant to make something innocent look bad.”
“God, I love you. I want to be there for you.”
“Same goes for you, but I agreed to the signing more than a year ago. I don’t do a lot of them.”
“You could.”
She ducked her gaze. “Honestly, I’d rather spend that time writing. Don’t get me wrong, I love meeting readers and talking about the books. But I’m not like you. I’m not used to being the focus. That’s why I only pick a few a year to go to.”
“And I’m sure your fans love you for it. And Mona warned me there are models at these things and they chat up all the authors. I won’t worry about that either. No matter what pictures wind up out there.”
Leona shoved him back. “They may be pretty to look at, but I’m not interested in pictures with them.”
He grinned. “But I’m sure some may be.”
“Yeah, but I’m not big on selfies, if you haven’t noticed. I’ll take them with readers, but only if they ask me. Otherwise, I’m good.”
“I noticed, but you let me take all the selfies with you I want.”
Blushing, she glanced at the floor. “You’re different.”
“I guess I should get you to the airport?”
“Unfortunately. You have big plans today and tomorrow night.”
“Wish I didn’t.”
“But you do, and I’m hopping a flight as soon as I get done at the event.”
“You don’t need to do that.”
“Don’t want to stay there longer than I need to.”
His lips caressed hers briefly, then he took her hand. “Better go before I make you late.”
“Yeah. At least we don’t have to take anything but my backpack. Mona’s meeting me there with everything. God, she’s a lifesaver.”
He chuckled. “I’ll have to thank her.”
“That’s my job. She’s my best friend, remember?”
“I do. She is the one who got me a chance with you in the first place.”
“I need to thank her for that too.” She grabbed her purse while he took her backpack. “And thank you.”
“I’ll see you before you know it.”
“Luke, it’s one night, and a late flight. Just pick me up at the airport.”
“Yeah, and Mona wants time with you, so I guess I can relax and let you go.”
“I’ll call you tonight and tomorrow throughout the day, or you can call me. I just won’t answer during the signing itself.”
“Wouldn’t expect you to. Still wish I were going.”
* * * *
He drove past the departures drop-off and into the garage.
“Luke, I can get myself there.”
“Not ready to let you go.” He took her hand again. “I already miss you.”
“I’m not pushing you away this time. It’s a couple days. You have an audition to get to and a premiere tomorrow.”
Grinning, he ran his fingers up and down her palm. “Thankfully.”
Laughing, she shook her head. “You could have dropped me off.”
“This way, I get a few more minutes with you.”
“So sweet.” She reached over the back of the seat to grab her backpack. She had two changes of clothes and her laptop. She shoved her small purse into it and smirked. “Would have brought a suitcase if I had planned to be gone more than two days.”
“Gonna miss you.”
“You too,” she answered.
Luke wr
apped his arm around her shoulders and led her into the airport where he stood by and watched her check in, then walked her to the security.
Before the line, he pulled her into his arms and laid the sweetest kiss on her lips. “Tomorrow won’t be as much fun without you.”
“Sure it will. You’ll be with friends, so stop stressing and go kill the audition. I really do need to get moving. Running out of time.”
“Have a safe trip.”
“Have fun tonight.”
“I’ll try.”
She backed toward the line and he lifted his hand in a wave. “Two days, that’s all,” she murmured, though he saw the same longing in her eyes.
She made it through the TSA checkpoint, then turned to wave.
He blew a kiss, and she grinned before hurrying down the hall, glancing back every few feet. Before he left, he sent a text.
Luke - See you soon.
Leona - Before you know it.
Time to go to an audition. And knowing Leona wanted him to have a part eased his nerves.
Chapter 38
Leona made her way outside of the Atlanta airport and waited for Mona. Perfect timing too, because she pulled up within seconds.
“Hey, thanks for coming to get me,” Leona said.
“Well, you were at that big Hollywood party last night. I didn’t want to drag you away from that. And I don’t mind renting a car. I went out, had fun, and figured out I miss Roach. I may need to go visit him, again.”
In the last six months, Mona had flown out to LA three times for short visits. Roach had come to New York twice. And as much as they both claimed they weren’t going to make things serious, they were headed in that direction.
In all the time Leona had known Mona, her best friend had never stayed with the same man for more than a few months with one exception. Harry had been her first love, her first heartbreak, and he was such an asshole after breaking things off, Mona no longer had faith in love, even though her parents were still together, and so were Leona’s.
Then again, there was a time Leona had been in love with Russell. And maybe it had been as good, but time and distance dulled the lust, or maybe it was never as good as she had wanted to believe.
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