Lily's Mirage (Hell Yeah! )

by Sable Hunter

  Blade snorted. “So, I found your weak spot. You’ll flatter me for food.”

  Lily smiled and Blade was mesmerized when her eyes brightened and the corner of her mouth ticked up in a smile. “Pancakes are always an incentive.”

  While he finished the batch, she found butter and syrup in the refrigerator. After taking down another plate and collecting silverware for them both, she took a seat opposite where he was standing. “So, what are you hiding from?”

  Blade took a seat and speared three of the pancakes. “Fame. Fans. Photographers.”

  Following suit, she forked a pancake, then spread it with butter, handing the tub to him. “Most actors pray for those things.”

  “Sure, until you have no freedom at all. I can’t even go to a grocery store without getting mobbed.”

  Lily grinned around a mouthful of pancake. “A grocery store is a dangerous place for any good-looking guy.”

  “Are you admitting I’m handsome?” He gave her wicked grin.

  She waggled her fork at him. “You don’t need my admiration. So, what are you going to do? Hide out forever?”

  “No, not forever.” He made a face at her. “Just until a few things die down.”

  “Hmmm.” What he said didn’t make a lot of sense to Lily, but it wasn’t really any of her business. “So, you came here for the isolation?”

  “Right.” Blade pinned her with a stare. “I wanted to be alone.”

  “Yea, me too.” Lily sighed dramatically.

  “So, what are you hiding from?” Blade took the rest of the pancakes and liberally doused them with syrup.

  “Circumstances and a pushy sister.” Lily laughed wryly. “Actually, I’m just on the hunt for mind-blowing sex and more orgasms than I can count.” Her dining companion choked on a swallow of milk. “Don’t worry,” she assured him. “You’re not my type.”

  “I’m every woman’s type,” Blade muttered disgruntledly.

  “Ha! Your nose is a little big,” she teased.

  Mr. Sexiest Man Alive covered his nose. “Is not.”

  “I’m sure many women think you’re very nice looking,” Lily assured him as she rose to put her plate in the sink. “Since you cooked, I’ll clean up, then I’ll hike down to the dock and leave Seba a note that I need a lift back to the main island. In the meantime, I’ll make myself scarce. If we play our cards right, we won’t have to see one another at all until I leave.”

  “Let’s not be so hasty, there’s time to work this out,” he told her. “Tell me what do you do in New Orleans, Miss Bastien?”

  She ran some water in the sink, then squirted in a bit of blue dish soap. “I own an art gallery.”

  Blade was impressed. “Wow, an art gallery. Very highbrow. I guess I can understand why you aren’t up on the latest box office hits.”

  Running a sponge over a sticky dish, she cut a look toward Blade, her gaze getting hung up on the cantaloupe sized muscles of his biceps. He was watching her, she’d known it before she’d glanced over at him. She could feel the touch of his eyes on her skin. “I didn’t mean any offense, we’re just from different worlds.” A world she’d left far behind.

  “Hey, I’m just a country boy at heart. I own a ranch near San Saba, Texas. I stay there as often as possible.”

  “Why aren’t you there now?” Lily couldn’t help but wonder. She put the last dish in the drainer, let out the water, and dried off her hands.

  “My ranch ended up on some damn Austin sightseeing tour. I tried to go home and there were fifty women hanging on my front gate.”

  “Oh, poor baby.” Lily giggled, facing him, realizing his presence was magnetic. She could understand why he was such a success. “Now, you know how Elvis felt.”

  “Yea, maybe. I wouldn’t compare myself with the King.”

  “No, I wouldn’t either,” she said and Blade snorted. “Do you enjoy acting?”

  “I used to.” Blade took another sip of coffee and stared at the floor. He kept waiting for her to remember his story, to connect the dots. “I was good at it. It was easy for me to slip into a role. I can make anyone believe most anything. if I try.”

  “Admirable in the acting world, not so much in real life.” Lily couldn’t resist giving him a little jab. If there was one thing she knew well, it was the fickle affection of an actor. They loved no one as much as they loved themselves.

  “I was speaking of the acting world,” Blade informed her solemnly.

  Whirr! Whirr!

  The sound of a helicopter coming in for a landing surprised them both.

  “What the hell?” Blade stalked to the front and peered through a separation in the curtains to check on who their company might be. “Dammit!”

  When Lily joined him at the window and saw the letters KSTH on the side of the chopper, she knew what they were after. “You stay here,” she told Blade. “I’ll take of this.”

  “Lily, what…?”

  Hurrying to the front, she opened the door a crack, only to find a newsman waiting with a camera on his shoulder. “Is Blade Jensen here?”

  While Lily stepped out on the front porch, Blade kept watch from the inside. “What are you up to, kitten?” he muttered under his breath.

  “Is that camera rolling?” Lily asked in her best Louisiana accent as she fluffed her hair.

  The man pointed the camera toward the ground. “No, not yet. I got a tip Blade Jensen is staying here. Is that true?”

  Blade watched with amazement as Lily went all gushy, acting like a complete fan girl.

  “Blade Jensen, the Blade Jensen?” she squealed and grabbed the man by the shoulders. “Are you saying he’s coming to Saint Helena Island? Or Hilton Head? Where? Tell me where!”

  The newsman backed up a little. “I don’t know, Miss. We were told he was staying here.”

  Lily covered her mouth and squealed again. “In town? At the hotel?”

  “No, here at this house on St. Phillips.” The man tried to peep in the window.

  “Don’t you think I’d know if he was here? Oh, God! Blade Jensen! I’d just die! I’d do anything to see him! He’s so gorgeous and sexy! Will you take me with you?”

  Seeming to rethink the wisdom of his visit, the newsman began making his way back to the helicopter. “No, no, you can’t come with me. Must have been a false report. I don’t know where he is.”

  “Are you sure?” She ran after him. “If he’s anywhere close by, I want to know! Could you get his autograph for me?”

  From inside, Blade laughed out loud. This woman was a gem.

  Lily stayed in character, bouncing up and down and running out to the end of the drive as the chopper took flight, waving her arms. By the horrified look on the reporter’s face, she knew she had him running scared. With a satisfied smirk, she returned to the house. Blade met her at the door.

  “You should be safe now. I don’t think he’ll be back.”

  “Now, who’s the actor?” He laughed. “You were amazing.”

  “No problem, glad to do it. I used to do a little acting as a child.” She walked through the house. “Well, I think I’ll change clothes and go for a hike around the island. I’ll see you later.”

  Lily didn’t get very far before Blade stopped her. Clasping her wrist, he rubbed his thumb gently over the back of her hand. “If you wouldn’t mind a little company, I’d love to walk with you.”

  Blade didn’t know it and Lily wouldn’t let on, but he had her from the first touch of his big hand. They weren’t soft, like she would’ve expected from an actor, they were calloused and rough, like they’d been textured by sandpaper. A workman’s hands. She couldn’t help but wonder how they’d feel on her skin.

  “What gave your hands such character? I know it wasn’t holding a script.”

  “Fence-building. Hay-hauling. Horse-shoeing.” Blade scoffed at the look of shock on her face. “I told you I owned a ranch.”

  “Yea, but owning a ranch and working the ranch are two entirely different things.”
She strolled along beside him, her hands jammed in her back pockets so they wouldn’t be tempted to reach out and grasp onto his again. “I’m impressed. I admire a man who knows the value of hard work. So, Isaiah Renaud is a stuntman in your movies?”

  “Used to be. I didn’t just make action films, though. I also made a few romantic comedies, and even a children’s movie or two…for…” Blade’s voice trailed off as they walked, his eyes suddenly snared by the tall grass to their right, next to the salt-water creek. He could’ve sworn he saw something moving. “Isaiah and I are pretty good friends. He set up most of the stunts in the action flicks. I enjoyed doing my own when I could, but with his know-how, having him involved made everything a helluva lot safer.”

  Lily pushed her hair off her neck. Aside from the hotness walking by her side, the temperature was very warm. She felt a trickle of sweat roll down her cleavage. “I don’t understand the risks they take to make movies. After all, it’s just for entertainment, not worth anyone’s life.” The passing of time had eased her pain, but the memories and the regret remained.

  Blade shook his head, trying to keep his mind on the conversation and whatever was making that grass sway. He was having hot thoughts. Hungry thoughts. Imagining how it would be to push her up against a tree and keep her there a spell. “Reputable stunt companies follow stringent guidelines.”

  “I’m sure they do. Accidents happen, I suppose. Real life is uncertain enough, I’ve just never understood taking undue chances when you don’t have to.”

  “Talk about real life being dangerous…” His arm automatically went out to stop her forward progress. “Watch out!” Just ahead of them, a big gator came ambling out of the water. “Let’s get back.” He retreated a few steps, pulling her along with him.

  “If we just wait, he’ll go on about his business,” Lily said, conscious of Blade’s tank-like size. The man wore power like a second skin.

  “Probably, I think we should go around to the beach side, there’s no reason to take risks. If there’s alligators here, there are probably snakes also. I don’t want you to get bitten.”

  “Now, who’s being cautious? I can’t argue though, we don’t even have a way to get medical help out here.”

  Blade didn’t tell her, but Isaiah had informed him where a satellite phone was kept in case of an emergency. To his surprise, he was enjoying her company and he didn’t want her using it to leave the island. “Let’s cut through this way.” He pointed toward the pond and another pine-straw strewn trail. “As I was saying, I used to make family movies. I tried to keep my life fairly clear of controversy.”

  “I see, sounds smart.” Smarter than Lord and Cecily Conn. “Scandals can cause havoc in your life, that’s for sure.”

  “Speaking from experience?” Blade couldn’t deny his curiosity about this woman. She was a breath of fresh air, treating him like an ordinary guy. Since she knew so little about his career, Lily would judge him on merit only. The prospect was daunting.

  “Not first hand.” She chose not to elaborate. Her family’s past was messy and the farther she could keep it from her present, the better.

  Their path led them to a narrow boardwalk built over a marshy area. Blade didn’t want them to walk single file, so he slid an arm around her waist and tugged her close to him. “So, tell me about Lily Bastien. I want to know more about my roommate.”

  “Housemate…if I stay.” She quickly corrected him. “There’s not a lot to tell.”

  “I doubt that, fill me in,” he urged her, catching her to him when she would’ve stumbled. “Whoops.”

  She gasped and blushed when his hand bumped her breast. “Sorry, I’m such a klutz sometimes.”

  Fuck! All Blade did was glance down and the differences in their height gave him a perfect view down the top of her dress and a glimpse of ripe, jiggling tits. His pulsed revved into high speed so quickly flashes of light popped in front of his eyes. Taking a deep breath, he tried to keep on point. “Tell me about your life in New Orleans.”

  “Well, I live in the French Quarter on Royal Street. My home is behind the art gallery, connected by a courtyard and overhead walkways.” She tried to be aware of her beautiful surroundings, making herself take note of a pink water lily, a heron standing on one leg, and the majesty of the tall green trees against an aquamarine sky. All those things were worthy of her attention, yet the man at her side seemed to suck all the air from around her.

  “Wow, you’re living a dream life, Lily. Right up there with Brad and Brees.”

  “New Orleans does have its charm, I’ve lived there most of my life.” When she wasn’t in Hollywood or the hospital. Neither of those topics were worth talking about.

  “Family?” he asked, stepping off the boardwalk and offering her his hand.

  She accepted his help, a chill of awareness going up her arm at the rasp of his palm on hers. “Just a sister. The rest of my family are gone.” Again, no elaboration.

  “What do you do for fun?” He angled them toward the beach, the sound of the surf becoming audible.

  “Fun?” Lily repeated the word. “What’s that?”

  When he goosed her in the side, she laughed and scampered away from him. Seeing an opportunity, he took off after her. They chased the waves and one another, their laughter ringing out. The simple white sundress she wore showed off a lot of tanned skin, delicate shoulders, toned arms, and mile-long legs that he couldn’t seem to drag his eyes away from. Lily was a little sweetheart. He found himself forgetting how to breathe as their gazes locked, the connection producing sparks that sizzled down his spine.

  When he finally caught her, Lily stared at his handsome face, wondering what his bristly jaw would feel like scraping her cheek, wondering what his kiss would feel like on her lips. She’d never felt such an attraction to a man and considering her circumstances and his occupation – this was insane. “I love my work, locating art and artists is like hunting treasure. I also enjoy attending local concerts and dinner theaters.”

  “Just not big cinema productions, starring sexy talented men,” he teased, wondering if he was rushing things with this woman who was like no one he’d ever met before.

  “Long story.” Dang, he looked good. Rugged. The cowboy hat he wore was creased in a sexy way, the brim turning down in the front and back. His jeans were faded and well-worn, molding the muscles of his thighs and ass with loving care.

  Blade could sense there was more, but he didn’t push. He had secrets of his own. “What else?”

  “Well, I’ve made some good friends in the neighborhood and several of us put together a program called Grief Share, a support group for people who’ve lost loved ones.”

  Lost loved ones. A jab of pain stabbed Blade in the chest. “Really? Sounds interesting, what exactly do you do for Grief Share?”

  “We established it after Hurricane Katrina, there were so many hurting people. After that, we’ve worked with folks from all walks of life, dealing with every conceivable tragedy. My specialty is parents who’ve lost their kids.”

  Blade was silent for a dozen heartbeats. “You have a good heart, Lily Bastien.”

  “Good thing, there are other parts of me that aren’t in quite as good a shape,” she said with a wry smile. “Like my stomach. I’m hungry. How about we head back for some lunch after I leave a note for Seba? I bought a rotisserie chicken yesterday.”

  Pushing the sad thoughts from his head, Blade admitted to himself that her suggestion about leaving didn’t sit well with him. “The chicken sounds good, but let’s forget the note for now. Let’s try being housemates for a while and see what happens.”

  “I don’t know…” Lily gave him a hesitant look. “Are you sure?”

  “Yea, I’m sure,” he gave her a teasing wink. “I’m willing to risk it. How about you?”

  “One more night on a trial basis. Okay?” She held her hand out for a shake, but he grasped her hand and tugged her in for a hug.

  “Agreed. So tell me, Lily Bastien,
how about men? Ever been married?”

  “Uh, no.” Lily scoffed, easing out of his loose embrace that felt too good for comfort. “Not even close. I don’t date…much.”

  Blade couldn’t understand. How did this woman go one day without men fighting for the right to take her out? “Really? Why?”

  “I don’t really have time.”

  “Well, you’re on vacation and we’re stuck together for the next few days, so…”

  “Stuck?” Even though what he said might be true and they were certainly ill suited to each other in more ways than one, his assertion stung. Lily was sure he was used to much prettier women…and he was famous, which was kryptonite to her. Not to mention the whole dying thing. “We’re only stuck until Seba can return to give me a ride.”

  “Hey, no! I didn’t mean anything by that word.” Blade fell into step next to her. “I just meant since we’re here, we have time to learn more about one another.”

  She hugged herself tightly and walked a little faster. “There’s not much more to learn.”

  “I doubt that, I think you’re fascinating.” Blade grimaced at his awkward attempt to flirt. Women had chased him for so long, he was out of practice.

  “I think you’re full of it,” she said in a teasing voice, even though a shaft of regret pierced her chest.

  “Most actors are, I guess,” he teased back. “Although, this time I’m completely sincere.”

  As they neared the house, she turned the tables on him. “Tell me about yourself, Mr. Jensen.”

  “Well, I told you I own a ranch.” He broke a twig off a nearby branch and slapped his knee with it. “I am an only child of older parents, they’ve passed now.” When she made a consoling noise, he nodded, continuing to talk. “I was married once. Divorced.” Blade paused waiting for her to say something about his daughter. When she didn’t, he breathed a sigh of relief and kept on with the more mundane facts. “I’ve been acting since college, I was discovered by a talent agent while walking down the drag by U.T.” He went on to tell her about some of the movies he’d been in, but skipped the awards he’d won. Right now, those didn’t seem that important. “I retired last year.”