by Ali Parker
“What?” I asked, hoping it didn’t sound gruff.
“I’m nervous about the movie doing well and me becoming famous,” she said, letting out a big sigh.
I exhaled the breath I had been holding. “You don’t want to be famous?”
She shook her head. “I do, but I don’t want everyone to know who I am. Does that make sense?”
“I don’t know if it does. I think that contradicts being famous.”
“I like this. I like being able to come into a restaurant for a nice, private dinner. I like going to the beach or running to the grocery store like a normal person. I mean, some people recognize me, but not like a throng of crazy fans chasing me down the street. I want to keep my normal life.”
I smiled and nodded my head. “I think you’ll manage. There are plenty of celebrities that are successful but manage to maintain their privacy. I imagine you’ll have to move. Your apartment is too easily accessible.”
She scrunched up her nose. “I guess this is why they say be careful what you wish for.”
I nodded, completely understanding that sentiment. I had wished for wealth and success, and it was about to all come crashing down around my head.
“You’re going to be fine. You chase your happiness. If you get to the top and decide it isn’t what you want, you walk away. Make your dreams come true,” I advised.
She looked at me and smiled. “Do you want to take a walk down by the beach? I’d like to talk. I have something I want to run by you.”
It sounded ominous, but it wasn’t like I could say no. This was her party, her rules. If I wanted to be in her life, I had to play it her way. I couldn’t imagine what she had planned, but I would go along with it.
I cleared my throat. “I’d love to. Do you want dessert first?”
She giggled softly. “I better not. I am supposed to start filming soon, and you know what they say about the camera adding ten pounds.”
“You are absolutely perfect, and there is no way a camera could ever make you look anything less than stunning,” I assured her.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.”
I put my hand up, asking for the check. As we made our way back to my car, she let me put my arm around her. It was a baby step, but it was something. A walk on the beach was exactly what we needed. I had no idea what she would say, but time alone with her would be worth hearing it. I drove to the same place we had gone to on our first date. I hit the button for my trunk and grabbed the beach blanket I had stored in there for occasions like this.
“You’re prepared,” she said with a laugh.
“I put it in there a few weeks ago. We tend to spend a lot of time on the beach, and it isn’t always easy to find somewhere to sit. I don’t want you getting sand all over your clothes.”
She smiled prettily. “Thank you. That is very considerate.”
“Anything for you, Hailey. I mean that. I would do anything for you.”
I took her hand in mine, tucking the blanket under my arm and crossing the parking lot. I looked up at the crescent moon in the sky and wished it was full. That would have made everything perfect.
Chapter 54
Hailey
It felt so good to have him next to me, his big strong hand holding mine as we walked to the edge of the lot. I loved being on the beach with him. I realized then that the smell of the beach reminded me of him. He wore expensive cologne, but underneath it, I could smell the sun and sea on him. It always made me think of vibrancy. He was a vibrant man, and I was naturally drawn to him.
“Hold on a second,” I said, stopping to pull my shoes off.
“I can carry those,” he said.
I shook my head. “No. You need to carry your own. Come on, take your shoes off and let your toes sink into the cool sand.”
He laughed. “That sounds good.”
He quickly removed his shoes, stuffing his socks inside, and rolled up his pant legs a bit. Then we set off in search of a quiet place to spread the blanket.
“I think here looks good,” I said, pointing to an area flanked by tall beach grass and away from the lights of the parking lot and the hotels that dotted the beach.
He spread out the blanket before sitting down and stretching out. I sat down next to him. His arm immediately went around me as he pulled me close to his body. I loved the feeling of being safe and protected in his arms. Warmth emanated from his body, taking off the cool chill in the air with our close proximity to the water. We sat in silence for a long while, enjoying the sound of the water rocking in and out.
“Remember the first night we came out here?” he asked in a low voice.
I smiled, thinking back to that night. “I do.”
“You are the first woman I spent the night talking to. I don’t think I’ve ever talked that much in my life. I couldn’t believe we had talked until the sun was on the horizon,” he chuckled.
“I know. I was bummed when we had to leave. I could have stayed there for another eight hours,” I said, remembering how sweet he had been.
“It was one of the best nights of my life,” he said wistfully.
I smiled and turned my face to look at him. “We need to talk about the inheritance situation.”
I felt him stiffen. “Okay.”
His fingers were moving up and down my arm. I doubt he knew he was even doing it. It was one of those things he did when we were cuddling. It was a sweet, romantic gesture, and I had missed it. If I wanted to have him in my life, like this, I had to tell him everything.
“I want to explain what you think you saw in my house.”
“What do you mean?”
“That night, when we were outside the restaurant. You said you saw some of the things in my house and realized I liked expensive things, that I wanted what money could buy. That isn’t entirely true. I do like nice things but being surrounded by expensive things doesn’t make me happy. I know what it is like to be poor. I grew up poor.”
“You did?” he asked with surprise.
I chuckled. “I did. It wasn’t until I started modeling that I made a little money and could help my mom out.”
“I’m sorry, that had to have been difficult.”
I laughed. “It wasn’t. It taught me to appreciate things as well as people. I don’t like to take anything for granted. Money isn’t important to me. People are important. Happiness is important, and I know money doesn’t buy happiness. If anything, I think it buys more drama.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” he said.
“I didn’t buy most of the stuff that’s in the apartment that you saw as being expensive. A lot of the clothes I have and some of the fancy knick-knacks were given to me. Designers and clients do that as a way to say thank you. It’s all a tax write-off for them. It isn’t any different than me getting a lot of the exercise gear from the company you represent. They give that stuff out to promote their goods,” I explained. “And while we’re on the topic, the reason I avoided your question about whether I’d still be with you if you didn’t have money because it was too deep for the time. I’m not that kind of girl. Period.”
He nodded, his expression softening. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
“I would never spend money on a ceramic egg or a paperweight that costs as much as a used car,” I said with disgust.
“Good. When I saw some of the things on your shelves, I thought it seemed out of place for you. But then I started to wonder if I knew the real you,” he said in a soft voice.
“You do know the real me. I am not the stuff on my shelves. I didn’t want to be rude and reject it. And it seems a little crass to sell it, so it’s all accumulated over the years.”
“I get it. I’m sorry. I have a lot of stuff given to me by clients as well. I should have realized that.”
“It’s okay. I do buy nice things on occasion, but I’m not someone who is frivolous. I’m a penny-pincher. I have like three coupon apps on my phone.”
He burst into laughter. “Seriousl
y?”
I shrugged a shoulder. “My mom taught me to be frugal. I might have money in the bank, but if I don’t have to spend it, I won’t. I can think of a lot better uses for the money I have made over the years.”
“I understand. I’m sorry I thought you were a gold digger. I had no reason to believe you were. I get it, I do.”
I hesitated, trying to find the right words to say what I needed to say. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, and deep down, I was afraid of losing him. Unfortunately, I could never truly give myself to him and trust him with my heart again if I didn’t get it out in the open.
“Say it. You’re holding something back. I can handle it.” His voice was deep and husky, his arm tightening around me, encouraging me to express my feelings.
“If you are serious about loving me and wanting me for me and not what being with me will get you, I want you to give up the inheritance,” I whispered.
“You want me to do what?” he gasped.
“If we’re engaged, you’ll get the inheritance, right?”
“Yes.”
“If we’re not engaged, you don’t get a penny. It goes to charity, and you lose your company. Hundreds of people will lose their jobs, correct?”
“Yes, that is correct. The company gets dissolved, and one charity gets a sizeable donation that will make them very happy.”
I took a deep breath, feeling horrible for asking him to do it, but needing to know for sure where his heart was. “Then, I’m asking you to give the money to the charity your father designated but keep your company. I don’t want you to be jobless, and I certainly don’t want people like Lena to lose their job.”
I could feel him stiffen beside me. The fingers had stopped trailing over my arm, and he had slackened his hold on me. In an instant, I saw everything change. My heart hurt at the thought of him loving money more than he loved me. I couldn’t be all that surprised though. It was what I had believed all along. I knew he loved me in his own way, but a man that had always had everything would be terrified of losing it all. I felt guilty for asking him to do it. I began to regret what I said and almost told him to forget I ever said a word. Then, that old insecurity crept up. The one that said I wasn’t worth it.
“Hailey,” he said my name, but nothing else.
I sighed and nodded my head. “I understand. It’s okay, really. At least now I know for sure,” I said in a soft voice, emotion making my throat hurt.
“Hailey,” he started again.
I shook my head. “I think I’m ready to go home now.”
His arm tightened around me, holding me in place when I moved to stand up. “Wait,” he said in a guttural voice.
“Terran, I don’t want to hear any more. I don’t hate you. Maybe we can be friends, but I can’t be with you.”
“Will you stop talking long enough for me to give you my answer?” he growled.
I turned my face up to look at him as he looked into my eyes. “Okay.”
“What?”
“Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll get the money and write a check to my dad’s charity.”
“You will?” I gasped in complete disbelief.
He nodded. “I will. I can keep my company?”
“Yes, of course.”
“And you’re not going to demand I donate my own salary?” he asked with a cheeky grin.
“Definitely not.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Then I’ll do it.”
I felt the tears in my eyes and knew I was going to turn into a blubbering mess at any second. His face lowered, and when he looked at me, silently questioning me, I closed my eyes, giving him the go-ahead to kiss me. His lips barely touched mine at first. It was soft as a butterfly’s wings. I sighed into him, opening my mouth and demanding more. My body ached for him. He continued to slowly kiss me, his tongue dipping and swirling in my mouth as he held me tight against him. He pulled away, looking into my eyes with such love I felt like my heart would implode.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He grinned. “For the kiss or the other thing?”
I smiled. “Both.”
“We’re going to make this work Hailey. I’m going to prove to you I’m the man you thought I was.”
“I know you will. I trust you,” I told him and hoped I didn’t live to regret the words.
He turned back to face the ocean, lost in thought as he stared out at the wild blue yonder. I curled into him, appreciating his hard warmth as I followed his gaze. The future held such potential. I hoped I was doing the right thing with him. I didn’t want to control him. I only wanted to be one-hundred-percent sure he was mine for all the right reasons.
“Are you cold?” he asked when I shivered against him.
“A little.”
“I should probably get you home,” he said in his deep voice.
“I’m okay. You’re keeping me warm enough. I want to stay a while longer if that’s okay with you?”
“It’s absolutely fine with me. I’d stay here forever with you.”
I smiled and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. “You’re really a hopeless romantic underneath that tough exterior.”
He chuckled. “I guess I am. Who would have thought?”
“Not me, but I’m glad I’m the only one who knows your secret. It’s a lot like knowing Superman’s true identity. I know who you are under the expensive suits and that hard look. I like that I’m the only one that gets to see that part of you. It’s mine, all mine,” I said in a spooky voice.
That made him laugh in earnest. “Now you’re scaring me. You’re not going to be leaving me boiled bunnies or anything are you?”
“Definitely not. I don’t hurt animals, but I have no qualms about peeking through your windows at night.”
He laughed again. “Unless you’re Spiderman or Catwoman, that could be very difficult.”
“I’m a determined woman.”
He shook his head, pulling me in close to his body. “That you are, that you are,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice.
It was very late by the time we finally decided to leave. I was reluctant to go, but it was getting cold, and I had a lot to get done in the morning. He dropped me off at my door, kissed me and left, never pressuring me to come in. It felt like a fresh start. I couldn’t wait to move forward with him as we forged a new relationship that would be much stronger the second time around—of that I was sure.
Chapter 55
Terran
I’d been working from home, trying to keep on top of things without actually doing face-to-face meetings. I had done some Skyping to satisfy some client needs, but any new business I was leaving up to the vice president to deal with. It felt good to have more free time. I realized I wasn’t quite as invested in the company as I had been. I wanted to spend my time with Hailey. I knew she was about to become very busy, and I would struggle to get any time with her at all. I had to take advantage of every minute.
I sent off the last email and checked my watch. I was supposed to be meeting Zach for a late lunch. We hadn’t seen each other all week and had been playing phone tag. The always carefree Zach had gone to Vegas Tuesday and got back into town late last night. When he texted and asked to meet for lunch, I was worried he was going to tell me he’d gotten married by Elvis to a complete stranger.
Stranger things had happened.
I walked into the restaurant and grabbed a table, ordering water and sodas. Zach showed up a bit later, dark shades on and looking worse for wear with his unshaven face.
“Rough night?” I quipped.
He groaned. “Not last night, but I’m still recovering. I had no idea Vegas could be so entertaining in the middle of the week. You’ve got to go with me next time.”
I laughed. “I’m going to pass. That’s not my idea of a good time.”
“You’re missing out. I keep telling you to live a little.”
“I think you’re living plenty for the rest of us. I’m kind of worried you might be living a litt
le too much. You look like hell.”
He groaned. “I feel like it. I’m hungover, and let’s just say, my body was given quite the workout. There were a couple times I thought I would die.”
“You’re getting too old for that stuff.”
He took off his sunglasses, blinking and squinting as his eyes adjusted to the sunlight streaming in through the window.
“You had to get a window seat?” he complained.
“I didn’t know you had turned into a vampire.”
“Maybe that’s what was different. The woman who was literally trying to screw my brains out—maybe she was a vampire. She did bite me a few times,” he said, looking thoughtful.
I rolled my eyes. “I hope you double-gloved. That sounds risky.”
He grinned. “The risk was worth the reward. I promise you that.”
“I’ll take your word for it. If you get an urge to lick me or bite me, I will put you down.”
“Whatever. What’s up? Did you talk to Hailey and get all that worked out?” he asked.
I slowly nodded my head. I knew Zach wasn’t going to like the deal we had come up with. It didn’t matter. He didn’t have to like it. It was my life and being able to keep my company meant I could maintain my lifestyle and have Hailey by my side.
“I’m waiting for her to call to see if we can have dinner tonight. We had dinner last night and talked things out.”
“Is she going to be your fiancée so you can get your money?”
“Yes, kind of.”
He raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
“It means, we are back together, starting over. But when I do get the money, she wants me to give it all to charity. It was the only way she would agree to take me back.”
His face was blank. Then it twisted into anger. “That’s ridiculous. I know you told her no way. Who the hell does she think she is? You would have to be a complete moron to give up that much money. It’s your money. It’s your birthright!”
I shook my head. “No, I didn’t say any of that. I agreed to do it.”