Reagan exited the car and opened the car door for Julie. She took his hand, and he helped her step out over the curb. The loud, thumping beat of music emanated from every gap in the facade. As they approached, a large bouncer immediately lifted a thick, red velvet rope. Reagan motioned for Julie to pass through ahead of him.
“Welcome, Mr. Harrison,” the bouncer said, while another man opened a large metal door, inviting them in.
The sounds of the girls calling out his name were immediately cut off when they stepped inside. All he heard was music over the hum of a multitude of voices. The building looked like a warehouse in another life, with its three-story ceiling and large open space. A long glass-topped bar filled one side of the room. Behind the bar hung shelves, displaying hundreds of bottles. The DJ booth and dance floor took up the middle section, and vibrantly colored tables filled the first floor. Above was the second level, which ran the perimeter. A catwalk overlooked the dance floor.
Normally, a night at the club was no big deal, just a way to get together with friends and blow off some steam. But Julie was on his arm, and he felt like a king. He couldn’t wait to be seen with her. She looked stunning with her dress hugging every delicious curve.
A woman with waist-length black-and-purple hair arrived to escort them to a roped-off staircase. She removed the barrier, which led them upstairs to the VIP section. From there, they followed her to a booth, which was already occupied by another couple—Reagan’s good friends.
Nick stood and held out a hand for him to shake. “Reagan, man, good to see you.”
Leah gave Reagan a hug and kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re here. It’s been way too long.”
His chest swelling with pride, Reagan put his arm around Julie’s small waist. “Nick and Leah, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Julie Ellis. These two are very good friends of mine, Nick and Leah Breyer.”
“Hi, Julie,” Leah said. “Thanks for joining us.”
Wide-eyed, Julie looked at both of them and gasped. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
Nick Breyer was the star of the latest round of Batman movies. His wife, Leah, was a tall, raven-haired model. When he’d planned to meet up with them at the club, he hadn’t taken into account Julie might be intimidated when thrust into the world of celebrities. Hopefully, she’d soon realize Nick and Leah were very nice people. For a Hollywood couple, they were very unpretentious.
The group of four seated themselves around the booth. Reagan held Julie’s hand, stroking her palm with his thumb in reassurance.
Nick leaned over to Julie and spoke above the noise of the music. “What I want to know, Julie, is why such a pretty girl like you is dating this ugly beast?” He pointed to Reagan’s annoyed face.
Julie laughed and gently patted Reagan’s cheek. “He’s not so bad.”
“I’m just lucky she can look past my lousy friend,” he shot back.
Leah elbowed Nick in the side, “You boys be nice, we’re here to have a good time. Let’s get some drinks ordered.”
“Do you dance, Reagan?” Julie asked over the music pulsing in the background.
“Not very well, but I’ve been known to make an appearance on the dance floor. The scene usually ends with me fleeing for my life. Those ladies can get pretty crazy.” He shrugged. The only lady he cared about driving crazy nowadays was Julie.
“Would you mind going with me to dance?” Leah asked Julie. “These guys are no fun. They can stay here and talk football.”
“Sure.” She gave Reagan a quick kiss before the girls made their way downstairs.
Reagan and Nick went to stand next to the railing, observing the dance floor beneath them. Reagan watched as Julie and Leah moved through the crowd to the center, the techno music vibrated the air. They merged into a sea of moving bodies. Multicolored lights flashed around them. The crowd was electric.
As Julie danced, Reagan noticed the layers of stress falling away. They peeled away to uncover the happy, carefree girl he’d seen in her photo album.
Like she had her own personal spotlight, Julie seemed to shimmer and glow. He couldn’t take his gaze off of her. “Thanks for meeting us here,” Reagan said to Nick. “I figured Julie would hit it off with Leah. I really want her to have a good time tonight. With work and caring for her son, she doesn’t take much time to just go out and have fun.”
“Reagan, you surprise me.” Nick tipped his head toward Julie. “She’s very pretty, but I never pictured you dating a single mom. That’s a lot of responsibility, and not really your style. You avoid commitment like the plague.”
“She makes me a better person. I’m done playing around.” As Reagan continued to watch her from above, all his feelings converge into one truth. “She’s the one, Nick.”
“I’m happy for you.” Nick gave him a slap across his broad back. “But just so you know, I ran into Brynn last week out in LA, and she wasn’t very happy with how you ended things. You know, there’s no wrath like a woman scorned and all. Anyway, Brynn thinks you’ll get bored with your new ‘girl next door’—her words, not mine—and you’ll be back in her bed very soon. I thought you should know, in case she starts trouble.” Nick then motioned to the dance floor. “Looks like our ladies are hot property.”
Reagan noticed several men surrounding Julie and Leah. The women attempted to move away from their crowd of admirers, but with no luck. After Leah was grabbed by a sweaty-looking man, she shook her head and pointed up at Reagan and Nick. Reagan let loose an intimidating scowl and headed to the stairs, down to the first level and onto the dance floor. With the imminent threat of bodily harm, the troublemakers escaped into the sea of bodies.
Nick and Reagan wove their way through the crowd. Leah took Nick by the hand and led him in a seductive dance, clearly advertising her claim.
Reagan, having eyes only for Julie, grabbed her around the waist. Together, their bodies moved in unison to the music. He pulled Julie close and lifted her off her feet, holding her with one strong arm. “You’re as light as a bird.” She was raised to his eye level. With their lips at such close proximity, he was drawn like a magnet to iron. After a long kiss, he slowly lowered her feet to the ground but kept a hand resting securely on the curve of her lower back. The contact burned hot, a mix of pleasure and pain—satisfaction and longing.
“You sure know how to show a girl a good time.” She rested her hands on his shoulders.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
“This is the most fun I’ve had in ages.”
Warmth filled his body. Nothing made him more content than seeing Julie happy. “Good, because I’m a slave to your pleasure. Putting a smile on your face is my new mission in life.”
Around one am, Reagan noticed Julie’s eyelids grow heavy. They said goodbye to Nick and Leah, and then left the club. As they started their journey home, smooth jazz serenaded them from the car’s speakers, which was a welcome sound after the upbeat techno music of the club. Julie slipped off her shoes to curl up on the seat, resting her head on Reagan’s chest. “Thanks for the best first date ever,” she sighed in a drowsy voice.
He wrapped his arm protectively around her, nuzzling into her silky, rose-scented hair. “You deserve to be spoiled.”
“All I need is you,” she said before drifting off to sleep.
He stayed awake for the ride to Timber Lake in order to watch her sleep. He would be content to stay in the backseat of the car all night, never leaving her side. When the driver pulled into the driveway to Julie’s house, he didn’t have the heart to wake her. Reaching for her purse, he found the house key, smoothly exited the car, and went to unlock the front door. Coming back, he swept her in his arms. He barely felt her weight as he carried her into the house and finally laid her on her bed. Brushing back her hair, he leaned in close. “Julie, honey, we’re home.”
She opened her eyes a crack, and then closed them. “What? I must have fallen asleep in the car. Did you carry me up?”
H
e sat on the edge of her bed, rubbing her hand between his large palms. “I’m heading home now.”
With her eyes still closed, she patted around until she found his arm. “Don’t go. Stay with me tonight. I don’t want to be alone. I’m so tired of being alone.”
How could he deny her? He’d never leave her side, if that was her wish. “Ok,” he whispered. “I’ll be right back.” He went outside to tell the driver to leave for the night. Coming inside, he locked the front door and turned off the lights downstairs. He returned to find Julie changed into an oversized T-shirt and snug in her bed, breathing at the slow pace of sleep.
He went to find the shorts and shirt he’d left in her spare room and changed out of his dress clothes. Sliding into bed next to Julie, he drew her in his arms and covered them both with a heavy comforter. She let out a sound that was practically a purr.
For a while, he held onto her, until he was sure she was fully asleep. Then, he carefully slipped out of bed and settled for the chair tucked in the corner of her room. Rest seemed elusive, as he couldn’t stop watching her. Eventually, he slipped off into his own peaceful sleep, not bothering to dream, since reality proved to be a better companion.
Chapter Fourteen
Julie peered over to the digital clock on her nightstand and was shocked to see the time. Ten am! She never slept so late. Letting her head rest on the pillow, she closed her eyes to relive last night. She’d felt like a fairytale princess, with Reagan playing the role of Prince Charming.
The smell of peppermint infused into her room reminded her of Reagan. She smiled at the memory of his strong arms wrapped around her. For a night, she’d felt protected as she drifted into a perfect sleep. After countless nights alone, enduring dreams that reminded her of everything she’d lost, she was grateful Reagan’s presence had chased away those demons.
Noticing he was not in her bedroom, she pulled on a pair of fleece pants and a sweatshirt then went downstairs. She rounded the corner to see Reagan standing in her kitchen, attempting to make breakfast.
“Good morning, sleepy head,” he said while pouring her a cup of coffee. He wore athletic shorts and a faded gray T-shirt.
His tousled blond hair looked incredibly sexy. She grabbed the warm cup like a life preserver and took a sip. “That’s good, thanks. Why didn’t you wake me?”
He went back to the stove and picked up a spatula. “You looked so peaceful. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
She sat at the table and stifled a giggle as he moved around her kitchen, a bemused look on his face. “What are you making over there?”
Reagan scraped the contents of a frying pan onto two plates. “Welcome to Café Harrison. Today we are featuring waffles and scrambled eggs. Hope you’re hungry.”
What a silly guy. And yes, she was starving. “Wow, you’re good-looking and can cook. What more could a girl want?”
“Unfortunately, this is the extent of my kitchen skills. I’ve learned only a few basics to keep from starving.” He walked over and set a plate before Julie. Table service, topped off with a kiss on the cheek.
“I could get used to this.” She stabbed a piece of waffle with her fork while Reagan came over with his own plate piled high with food. After her first bite, she had to admit his cooking wasn’t too bad. He’d added cinnamon to the batter, and the spice gave the waffle a nice savory flavor to balance out the sweet. “Will you need a ride home later?”
“I didn’t want to bother you, so I called a car service. They’ll be here at noon. I thought it best I wasn’t still here when Aiden came home.”
“I guess you’re right.” Why did their time together always end so soon? She hated saying goodbye. “So, what’s your schedule like for this week?”
“I have an appointment with the team doctor tomorrow. I hope to be cleared to go to the gym.”
Julie stood behind him and took hold of his injured arm. “Rotate your shoulder. I want to feel it move.”
He obediently raised his arm.
With one hand over the joint, she moved his arm slowly back and forth. Under her fingers, the ligament moved smoothly. “The swelling’s gone down. The ligament’s resting in the right place, not getting hung up on any other tissue. I don’t think you’ll have a problem being cleared.”
“I love having you as my own personal physical therapist.” Smiling, he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap, before running his fingers through her wild mass of hair. “Do you know how adorable you look right now?”
She quickly took a mental inventory of her appearance. Her carefully styled hair from the night before was now sticking out in all directions. The clothes she wore were comfortable but old and faded, bare feet stuck out of oversized pants. “You really think I’m adorable looking like this?”
He answered by drawing her into a deep kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tasting the sweet syrup still on his lips. He pulled her close, his left hand caressing her back while the right was tied up in the waves of her hair. She became swept away in a storm of electric sensation, pulsing with a life of its own. His muscular body pressed to hers, strong arms held her secure. Reagan’s hand continued to explore her body, slipping under her sweatshirt. With his fingertips, he stroked the smoothness of her skin, his touch was pure heat. His lips trailed down her neck.
She tipped back her head, and a low moan escaped her lips. That sound of pure longing broke through her trance, leaving her unnerved. John’s face materialized behind her closed eyes. Julie tried to block out the little voice that told her she was being unfaithful. An alarm rang in her mind. Even though she’d been a widow for over a year, she still felt guilty about being with another man. Her mind and body were filled with too many sensations and emotions that would not reconcile—one begged to give in to the seduction, the other flashed a warning to stop before she’d gone too far. She pulled away, resting her head on his shoulder.
His breath rasped in and out in ragged spurts. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry—” she fumbled, not wanting to tell him what was really in her heart, afraid the truth would cause him pain. “Asking you to stay last night wasn’t fair. I imagine you’re probably really frustrated with me right now.”
As she spoke, he put a quieting finger over her lips. “Don’t apologize. All I want is to be close to you. To feel your heartbeat and listen to your cute little snore.” With a finger, he lifted her chin.
“Hey, I don’t snore.”
“Whatever you say, my dear.” He pinched her nose. “As long as I know you’re mine.”
“Thanks for understanding me.” She softly kissed his cheek. The rough stubble tickled her lips. “Even when I don’t understand myself.” She went to sit in her chair to finish her cup of coffee.
At that moment, she noticed the kitchen. What an unbelievable mess! Who’d actually cook breakfast…a class of rowdy five-year-olds? She gave Reagan a sideways glance, to see him moving a last piece of waffle around his plate, collecting any remaining egg and syrup. “Did you use every bowl I own?”
He was the messiest cook she’d ever seen. A huge pile of dirty dishes sat on the counter, covered in dried waffle batter and egg. Bits of syrup-laden crumbs dotted the kitchen floor, like a sticky breadcrumb trail.
His smile held no hint of guilt, and he shrugged. “Nobody’s perfect.”
No, not perfect—but he was pretty darn close.
****
Monday morning, Julie took Aiden to school and then went to work. As she walked through the physical therapy office, she noticed smiles and long glances from her co-workers. When she arrived at her workspace, she discovered the reason. On her desk sat a huge bouquet of red roses. A small, white card stuck up above the flowers, covered with a large letter R.
Not wanting to draw any more attention, she pushed the vase to the corner of her desk. They were beautiful flowers. She only wished Reagan wouldn’t have sent them here. While reading over her daily patient files, she heard a high-pitched whistl
e.
“Pretty flowers,” Amy, her PT assistant, said. “Are they from Reagan Harrison?”
Julie pressed her lips together and raised her head, trying to maintain a cool and calm demeanor. “Why in the world would you think they’re from him?”
Amy grinned and tossed a copy of the day’s morning newspaper on her desk. “Nice try, but the jig’s up.” She pointed to a large black-and-white picture in the gossip section. The image was a little fuzzy, but it clearly showed Julie and Reagan cuddled together at the club. Beneath was the caption: “Has Reagan Harrison Fallen for the Girl Next Door?”
Julie gripped the paper in stunned silence. She read the short article, which accompanied the picture, and let out a surprised squeak at the sight of her name. Was this what it’s like to date a sports celebrity? With the whole world a silent spectator to your private moments. “Why would anyone put this story in the newspaper?”
“Reagan Harrison is a hot topic, and anyone he dates is news.” Amy sat on the corner of Julie’s desk, eyeing the picture one more time. “Way to go, Julie, he’s quite a stud.”
Julie recognized the playfulness in Amy’s tone and smiled. “Okay, the flowers are from Reagan, but that’s all you’re getting out of me today.” She handed Amy a large folder before pointing out an exercise schedule. “Gossip time’s over. Let’s get to work.”
Throughout the day, Julie’s cell buzzed with numerous calls from an unknown number. Since she was working, she let them go straight to voicemail. At lunch, she checked her phone to see five missed calls but no voicemails. Her phone vibrated again, another unknown number call. Who in the world keeps calling? She tapped the answer key. “Hello, this is Julie Ellis.” The tone of her voice was crisp and professional.
“Well, well,” came a smooth female voice on the other end. “You’ve finally decided to answer your phone.”
“Who is this?” Julie didn’t disguise her growing agitation.
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