Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  They exited from the side outer bar area, taking in a last view of the chilling ocean waters below. He held onto Lavin lovingly as they stood close to the railing.

  “Heath, I don’t know if this is the best time to bring this up. I have been keeping something from you. I hid it away and had blocked it from my thoughts, forgetting all about it until I just found it.” Nervousness was sprinkled in her words.

  “What could you possibly have kept to yourself? We’ve shared so much. Lavin, you can tell me anything.”

  “Actually, I have something to give you. You can do with it what you want.”

  Earlier that morning when Lavin had dressed, she’d pulled on her boots. One was stubborn and tight in the toes. Removing her foot and shaking out her boot, the thumb drive fell to the floor. She knew she had downloaded and saved the videos, but she’d forgotten the drive as things progressed with Heath. It was careless on her part to hold onto it yet it had been safely tucked away.

  She handed it to him. “This is all of you, videos of you, every naked inch of you with others. I did view a few, but David’s obsession was with you.” She pulled her gaze away from his and tried to focus on the vastness surrounding them to keep her tears from forming. She was clearly upset David conspired against Heath for so long. Having put much of this from her mind, the hurt still stirred with her.

  It crushed Heath to know she’d viewed it. He hadn’t been aware she had a copy. He’d thought when she’d told him she’d erased the files on the computer that they were all gone. He took the thumb drive and placed in his pocket. “Lavin, I’m truly sorry David did all this. He invaded my privacy, and you saw so much of it.” Heath knew what she’d seen had hurt her.

  Lavin fought her tears—not from what she’d seen, but because he placed the thumb drive into his front pocket. She wondered why he would want to save it; it almost completely ruined him.

  “I know this hurt you terribly.” His hands cupped her chin, and he kissed her gently. “Lavin, I will never stray from you because I am so in love with you.”

  Lavin tried to wipe away the tears that escaped her eyelids and focus on his love for her. Her hands were still shaking from handing him the thumb drive. They had moved forward, and she believed they would overcome the damage David created. The Heath captured on the videos was a previous lifestyle for him. Although it hurt her to remember what she’d seen, she knew their life together now was very different and she fulfilled him.

  Heath pulled the thumb drive from his pocket. He’d placed it there momentarily as he wanted to first comfort Lavin.

  “Lavin, I don’t want any sadness between us. I want us to have our fresh clean start. This thumb drive represents my past and a time when my heart was cold and uncaring. Now, my heart is alive and full with you and only you.”

  Heath opened his hand to the ground. His foot pounded over the drive until it was broken into pieces. Bending down, he placed each one in his palm and then stood tall, thrusting his hand out over the expanse of the railing and let the pieces of all his past trysts fall from above, spiraling downward and crash into the cold waters below. Breaking up all the evidence to never reappear.

  “Let nothing come between us. You and I have a future to build together. You will attend your classes, and I have a restaurant reputation to uphold. There are going to be many changes next season. You and I are a team. Hell, if I screw up with you, my father will publicly remove my head. He has taken a liking to you, and I know I have fallen completely in love with you.”

  Lavin rested her head on his shoulder. Her eyes brightened, and her tears dried quickly. It was all over. Whatever happened in the past had to remain in the past. Evidence had all been removed, and she had to close out any memories of what she’d seen on the videos. She needed to move forward with the man she loved and had loved for so long.

  Having finished up at the restaurant and destroying the final remnants of David’s actions, they were ready to leave Arden’s and on the way grab something to dinner. Lavin knew she would order a Secret Crush to set the tone for the night that awaited the two of them. She hoped the bartender of whatever restaurant they stopped would make it as well as Tyra did.

  They both enjoyed their drinks and gave their dinner selections to their waiter. Both having worked summer seasons at Arden’s, they relished in the simple pleasure of dining out and being waited on in these off-season months.

  “Cheers to us!” Heath held his drink high, clinking the glass with Lavin’s.

  Lavin thought, my once secret crush now sits in front of me and is all mine. She raised her drink to make her own toast. Confidence filled her voice. “Here’s to never giving up hope and to finally finding the one that keeps your heart full.” She smiled into Heath’s eyes, which had never left hers. They were going to have a wonderful evening.

  What more could Lavin wish for? This summer season had proved to be well worth all her hard work, not at the restaurant, but in her quest for Heath. Her love sat across from her, and she was elated in the feelings within her. Now that she and Heath were getting settled, she needed to reach out to Tyra and catch her up on the past few months: She would be sure to scale back the details of the incredible sex she and Heath were having and the love and emotions that overflowed within her. Tyra was living with her sister until next summer when she’d return to Arden’s to work. She wasn’t sure if she was dating anyone special or not. Lavin knew in her heart Tyra would one day. She just needed to catch up with her and not scream from the rooftop her love and happiness for the time being. Still though, she was forever grateful for the outpouring of compassion Tyra had given her, along with the extra added alcohol to that pitcher of Secret Crush that had given Lavin the push one night to follow through with her pursuit of Heath Harrison.

  The End

  * * *

  Actually, it is never-ending. Next summer season, Arden’s will reopen for business. Serving up more love and intrigue with the storyline Flirtini.

  www.reneeleefisher.com

  About the Author

  Renee Lee Fisher - Best Selling Author that has the passion for putting her pen and ideas to paper. A pure romance junkie and she loves to tell stories. She was an English Major that always wanted to be a writer.

  * * *

  In the past years she has written many novels, childrens’ stories, lyrics, articles and wedding ceremonies. Currently she is deep into developing new characters and romantic storylines.

  * * *

  Don’t look for Renee to stop writing anytime soon, she keeps going and going. She is said to only sleep four hours a night which enables her to create more books for the readers to enjoy.

  Website:

  www.reneeleefisher.com

  Someone Worth Protecting

  Heather Thurmeier

  Someone Worth Protecting © 2019 Heather Thurmeier

  * * *

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Created with Vellum

  Someone Worth Protecting

  He’s famous. She’s a fighter. Together they’re fearless.

  * * *

  Rex Randall, Hollywood’s hottest action hero, will do almost anything to protect the empire he’s created—except risk his tough guy ima
ge by getting a bodyguard. When threats roll in faster than fan mail because of his controversial upcoming movie, he has to give in or risk his life along with his career.

  * * *

  Lacey Grace might appear delicate, but don’t let that fool you…she’s a highly trained bodyguard. Protecting Rex is a step down from her usual royal clients and she’s not sure what’s worse, his enormous ego or pretending to be his assistant as her cover, but the tabloids can’t find out he’s being protected—by a woman.

  * * *

  Rex and Lacey might have agreed on the rules of their relationship, but desire doesn’t know how to fight fair.

  1

  Rex Randall was mid-yawn and itching to get out of his tedious meeting when he heard a sentence that made his blood pressure skyrocket as he contemplated how quickly he could fire his manager.

  “Your new bodyguard will be here in ten,” Gabe said, casually checking his phone.

  Rex held his voice steady to carry the same air of indifference. “Good. That gives you nine full minutes to call him and tell him to go home.”

  “I’ve already filed the paperwork.”

  “And I’ve already told you I wouldn’t agree to some supersized bodyguard, hovering over me all the time, ruining my image. You really think fans will still look at me like the action hero they know and love if I have a gorilla constantly by my side, like a fucking nanny?”

  Rex crossed his arms and leaned back. He didn’t want or need a bodyguard. He was perfectly capable of taking care of himself. Hours in the gym with a personal trainer—getting in and staying in shape for his movies—made him strong enough to be a threat all on his own, without even flexing his biceps.

  Gabe sighed and pressed his fingers into his forehead as if his head pounded. “Is your image really more important than your safety?”

  “I’m not worried about my safety and you shouldn’t be either. There’s no validity to those threats. It was only a few anonymous letters. It’s probably the paparazzi needing new headlines and since nobody’s pregnant or getting divorced lately, they’re picking on my movie. But it’s fine. I can handle it. I’m not going to let a few anonymous threats send me running.”

  “That’s exactly why you should be worried. Don’t you get it? As soon as people see the film, they’ll have an opinion about it, and they might take it out on you. You need to be prepared and protected now that the movie’s plot is revealed thanks to early reviews.”

  “People need to be realistic. It’s a fictional movie. Any resemblance to anyone or anything real—present, past, or future—is purely coincidental.”

  “Tell that to the tabloids and see how well it goes over.”

  “I will, as soon as I’m done sending your unnecessary hire back to whatever agency he came from. Aren’t you supposed to get approval from me for stuff like this? Last time I checked, I was still the boss around here.”

  Instead of answering, Gabe shrugged and rose, striding across the living room and down the hall, ending their discussion.

  Rex stood by the windows and looked out to the surf, scratching his dog behind the ears. The waves crashed against the shore making it too rough for a swim, but he hoped for a run with his dogs on the beach later—if this meeting ever ended. He couldn’t wait to smell the salty sea air, to feel the June breeze on his skin, the sand under his feet. The beach, the water, the unobstructed view of blue on blue was the whole reason he’d bought this house in Malibu instead of a gated home elsewhere. He didn’t want to feel locked away, forced into hiding, separated from the rest of the world.

  He wanted to be free—exactly why he didn’t need a bodyguard watching his every move, getting in the way, and generally being a pain in his ass.

  Voices from down the hall grew louder. He could make out Gabe’s deep timbre, but the other was very quiet. Sighing, he pulled himself away from the view and settled into his favorite chair, readying himself for the fight ahead. He wasn’t agreeing to a bodyguard. End of story. He was the guy who paid the bills and he was the one whose “life was in danger.” So, if he said no, then the answer was no.

  Gabe strode into the room trailed by a tiny, dark-haired woman who looked as if she’d blow over in a strong breeze. Had the bodyguard not shown up? But then who was this? As far as he knew, they weren’t expecting anyone else. She could be the new assistant—a position he actually wanted and needed filled.

  His dogs ran to her side, jumping and sniffing her like they did with all new visitors. She ignored them, snapping her fingers and making a quick motion with her hand. Instantly, they quieted and sat at her feet. She gave them each a small pat on the head, then continued into the room.

  Did she just take control of Bond and McClane?

  He whistled one short, sharp burst of sound and the dogs returned to his side to sit next to his chair. No one was more in control of his house, or his dogs, than he was. That was a damn fact.

  Her gaze swept quickly through the place as she strode with purpose into the seating area, coming to stand in front of Rex, her hand extended. “Mr. Randall, I assume?” She smiled, but it didn’t light up her face. Her expression was all business.

  There was something sexy about her stern demeanor.

  He stood, then shook her hand, grinning. He towered over her. She could only be five-feet and change, with a petite frame in every way compared to his large, six-foot frame that was big in every way. She looked light enough to toss over his shoulder and cart off to his room, caveman style. Not that he would… But the idea wasn’t unappealing.

  “I am Rex Randall. And you are? Wait, let me guess.” He scrunched his eyebrows together, purposely appearing to overthink it. “A reporter for the press piece that’s running next week?”

  She held his gaze.

  “No? Okay. You’re the new assistant.”

  Her gaze shifted to Gabe then back to Rex. “Not even close. I’m your new head of security and personal detail.”

  He dropped her hand as his grin widened. “Nice one, Gabe. Good joke.” He flopped back onto the chair. “Why don’t you have a seat and tell me who you really are and why you’re really here?”

  “Mr. Randall,” she said, perching on the edge of the sofa, her knees pressed together and her back ramrod straight. “I assure you I didn’t come here to play jokes. My name is Lacey Grace. I was hired with the understanding that you need personal protection. That’s who I am and why I’m here.”

  “You expect me to believe you,” his gaze skimmed her tiny body from tip to toe in a lingering, exaggerated moment, “are going to protect me?”

  Damn. She was easy to look at, especially in her form-fitting suit that hinted at the curves hidden beneath the navy material. It was sassy, yet serious, perfectly matching her expression. He liked both qualities about her even though she wasn’t his usual type. Normally he went for the leggy bombshell who complimented his height.

  “I’m aware that my size is often misjudged as a reflection of my abilities.”

  “She came highly recommended and her list of skills is extremely impressive. I hand-picked her, Rex.” Gabe sat forward, handing over a few printed pages.

  Rex ignored them, keeping his attention squarely on the woman in front of him. He could care less what those pages said. He didn’t need a bodyguard. Not even a cute one. “I’m sure you’re wonderful at your job, but I’m afraid I’m not in the market for a babysitter. My manager seems to have led you astray. I’m quite capable of protecting myself.”

  “Your manager says you’ve been receiving threats. Perhaps you do need a little personal security, even if you don’t want to admit it.”

  “No offense, but even if I did need personal protection, you’re not exactly the person I’d pick to watch my back considering you can’t even reach my shoulders without standing on your tiptoes. How are you planning to spot danger in a large crowd? Stilts?” He laughed. “That’d be inconspicuous.”

  “No offense, but it’s a good thing your manager warned me that your
ego is bigger than your biceps or I would’ve already put you on the floor for a time out like the babysitter you think I am.”

  “I’d love to see you try, sugar.” He grinned and leaned toward her, his elbows resting on his knees. “My dogs probably weigh more than you. I could throw you over my shoulder and toss you out of my house in an instant, and there’s not a damn thing you could do about it.”

  “I’d like to see you try. I’d pin you down with one hand. Care to test my skills?”

  The thought of her straddling his body while he lay prone on the floor was enticing. Was she really as tough as she claimed?

  The silence in the room was loud, the tension heavy as he weighed what to say next.

  Gabe stood suddenly and dragged their attention away from each other. “You both need to calm down. Ms. Grace, I don’t doubt your skills, and neither would he if he read your file. And Rex, you can’t deny the threats you’ve received, or the severity of them.”

  “My manager likes to make more out of things than there really is. I don’t care what threats there are. I don’t need someone following me around, watching my every move.”

  She tilted her head, her gaze challenging him. “Then perhaps you’d like to tell that to the man who’s been on the beach taking pictures of us for the last ten minutes.”

  “What man?” Rex said standing and moving to the window to peer at the sand below. There hadn’t been anyone out there when he’d last looked. “All I see is a dad playing with his kids on the beach.” Surely the dad wasn’t a risk.