by Elena Aitken
“Mr. Mitchell?” A voice interrupted his private assessment of his surroundings.
Gage brought his head down, aware of how ridiculous he must look, gaping at the mountains like a child. He cleared his throat and looked at the woman who’d spoken to him. She had dark hair and beautiful green eyes, and while she seemed to be in charge, she clearly looked nervous to be speaking to him. He had that effect on women.
“That’s me,” he said.
“My name is Carmen Kincaid.” She held out her hand and for a split second, Gage considered kissing it, which is something his new persona would do. Instead, he reverted to his upbringing and shook the woman’s hand.
“I assume you're my new babysitter?” He couldn’t help the sarcasm that crept into his voice.
The woman's face hardened and she withdrew her hand. "Why you need a babysitter is your own business, Mr. Mitchell. But I am the manager of guest relations here at the Lodge and it's my job to make sure you have everything you need."
Shame flooded through him. "Well, I'm sure you'll do a good job," he said, and instantly regretted his choice of words. He glanced around for the cloud of paparazzi that followed him wherever he went. That little statement said to a beautiful woman would be eaten up by the press. "That's not how I meant it," he added quickly. "I mean, I—"
"It's fine, Mr. Mitchell." Carmen's face opened in a bright smile. "I know how you meant it. And don't worry," she added. "There aren't any cameras up here. I worked closely with the Grace Agency to be sure no one knew you were coming."
Gage took another look around. Besides the spectacular scenery that was the notable feature, there were no photographers. The endless parade of reporters that hounded him for any shred of scandal or misstep. And hadn't he done a good job fuelling their fire? "It is quiet," Gage said after a moment.
"You'll find the Lodge to be one of the most peaceful places you've ever been to. There will, of course, be other guests who will no doubt recognize you, but with any luck, we can keep the press away. And for the protection of all our guests, we've lowered the gate and added extra security."
"I'm sure everything will be fine," Gage said. He took another look around. Lucas had been looking to keep him out of trouble, and by the looks of the place he'd found for him to hide, there wouldn't be any trouble he could get into. It was perfect.
He flashed Carmen one of his killer smiles and she blushed.
"Why don't I show you your accommodations, Mr. Mitchell?"
He followed Carmen into the main Lodge and tried to maintain his cool, detached demeanor. But it was hard when all he wanted to do was revert to his country boy roots. The place was amazing and unlike anything he'd ever seen with the rough timber beams along the vaulted ceiling and the oversized river rock fireplace that was the centerpiece of the room.
"What do you think?" Carmen turned and asked.
He hadn't realized he'd stopped walking. He cleared his throat and said, "It should do."
Carmen eyed him strangely, but didn't say anything. "Most of our guests like it," she said.
Dropping the persona he'd worked so hard to create, he smiled an honest smile and said, "It really is beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like it."
She smiled, obviously satisfied. "Well, let's get you checked in and you can explore everything Castle Mountain has to offer. I think you'll like it."
Gage smiled and for the first time in longer than he could remember, it was his own, honest smile. "I think you're right," he said.
He followed her to the front desk and quickly scrawled his signature. Lucas and his PR agency had taken care of most of the registration details. No doubt trying to make his exile as painless as possible. If only they knew the truth. The moment they told him about it, and after he got over the initial shock of being told what to do, he'd been looking forward to it.
"And I think that's all we need," Carmen said, when he slid the paper across the desk to her. "If you'd like, I can show you to your suite. We were told there'd be one other person joining you."
Gage tried not to roll his eyes. "That would be my latest PR rep."
"Oh yes, the babysitter you referred to earlier?"
Gage almost laughed at her perceptiveness. "That's the one. And whoever it is they found for me this time won't be joining me," he added. As if he was going to share a room with whatever agent they'd stuck him with after the last incident. “You’ll have to get them their own room.”
He saw the indecision cross her face, but she smiled and said, “Well, I'm sure we can—"
"Carmen, who's your new friend?"
Gage turned to see a beautiful blond woman wearing a uniform matching Carmen's. He gave her his trademark smile and lowered his sunglasses just enough to make eye contact, but not enough for her to see how bloodshot his eyes really were. "Well, hello," he said. "The name is Gage." He held out his hand.
"Gage Mitchell?" the blond asked with a giggle. "Well, it certainly is nice to meet you." She flipped her hair back and gave him what he recognized to be an inviting smile. He'd seen enough women in Los Angeles with that exact look on their face. Unfortunately for the women, it had the opposite of the desired effect on Gage. He'd seen it too many times.
He glanced over at Carmen and tried not to laugh at the look she was making where the blond couldn't see.
"Lisa," Carmen said. “As you know, this is Gage Mitchell. He'll be staying here for a while. As discreetly as possible," she added.
"Oh," Lisa purred. "I get it. Your secret is safe with me." She batted her eyes in a way that he was sure was designed to make men do stupid things.
"Nice to meet you, Lisa." Gage didn't want to be rude, but he also didn't want to give her the wrong impression. It wasn't worth it. "I'm sure I'll see you around."
"I'm sure you will." She ran her hand along his arm in a move that even he had to admit was bold. "It can get pretty quiet up here at night, but I happen to know a few things going on that will spice it up."
"I bet you do."
For a moment, Gage let himself get caught up in the web she was weaving. Old habits were hard to break. And she was beautiful, and clearly wanted to show him a good time and— "I don't think Mr. Mitchell is going to be very interested in anything spicy, Lisa."
"Oh, I don't know," Gage said before he could stop himself. "I've been known to enjoy a little spice from time to time."
"That's what I hear." Lisa slipped a little closer to him, until she was very much in his personal space. Gage knew he should pull away. Nothing good would come from getting involved with her.
He took her hand in his and lifted it from her arm. "Thank you, Lisa. But for right now, I think I'm going to spend some time getting to know the Lodge."
Gage released her hand and let it drop gently before turning to Carmen. "Thank you for your help, Carmen. I'll find my own way to the suite. I think I need a bit of fresh air first."
Carmen nodded and handed him his keys and a map of the grounds. "Remember, Mr. Mitchell. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate."
What he needed was space and time to think about the mess he'd made of his life. But something told him the women standing in front of him weren't going to be able to help with either of those things. He managed a smile and turned to walk away.
He was only a few steps away when he heard Carmen hiss at the other woman. "Lisa, we promised Mr. Mitchell's people he'd have a nice relaxing visit here. No parties. No drama. Now, cut it out."
"Lighten up. How often do you get a gorgeous movie star so close? Besides, you can promise his people anything you want, but isn't it about what he wants?"
Gage sighed and kept walking. That was the million dollar question. Wasn't it about what he wanted? And even if it was, what if he had no idea what it was he really wanted?
Gage followed his map and it led him to a pathway circuit that ran along the ridge of the mountains, and looked down below the valley. According to his map, there should be at least fifteen kilometers of inter
weaving pathways. The sun was shining and and the spring air was warm, but there was still a bit of a chill in the air so far up in the mountains. Just enough to remind you that summer was still a few months away.
Gage strolled through the trees, letting his mind clear and pretty soon his headache was gone and he could think a little clearer.
If he was still on set, he'd be in bed early, ready to film the next day. Despite his well-deserved reputation as a party boy, he took his work seriously. And he wouldn't jeopardize it, not for anything. Gage refused to be one of those actors who showed up hung over, or worse yet, still drunk, and couldn't remember their lines or caused a big scene. No, when it was time to work, he was all business. Stardom had come too easily, and he couldn't afford for it to be taken away.
The ringing of his cell phone shattered the quiet of the day. He didn’t even have to look at it to know who it was, but he answered it anyway.
“Lucas,” Gage said. “I suppose you’re calling to make sure I’m still alive?” He couldn’t keep the bitter tone from his voice.
“Gage, don’t be like that,” Lucas said. “You know I only want what’s best for you.”
A year ago, Gage might have believed that to be true, but more and more he was having trouble identifying the people in his life who actually cared.
“Well, I’m not drunk, there are no women in my bed, and I’m being every bit the model citizen you want me to be.” He kept walking while he listened to Lucas ramble on about how sending him to the mountains was best for his image and it was crucial in his career to present himself a certain way and other things. Gage basically stopped listening to him.
“Are you listening to me?”
Gage rolled his eyes. “Of course,” he said.
“Good. Because I don’t think you realize how serious things are. The producers of Tumbleweed are not impressed. If you pull another stunt like the other night, they’re going to kill off your character before the show even airs. Do you know what that means?”
He did know what it meant. It meant he’d be kissing goodbye to the best role he’d ever had.
“Yes,” he said.
“Then cut it out, Gage.” His manager and friend raised his voice. Gage knew Lucas was frustrated with him; hell, he was frustrated with himself. “Stop screwing it up. All you have to do is stay out of trouble for a few weeks. Do you think you can do that?”
Gage nodded. He could, if that was what he wanted. “I can,” he said after a moment. “But you’re sending me a babysitter to make sure I do, is that right?”
“The agency insisted,” Lucas said. “And I don’t think it’s a bad idea.” The other man sighed. “Look, Gage. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but take this time and figure it out, okay? Do not sabotage everything you’ve worked for.”
Sabotage? Gage had never had anyone come right out and put a name on what it was he was doing. And Lucas probably didn’t even realize how close to the truth he’d come.
“Fine,” he agreed. “I’ll lie low.”
CHAPTER TWO
Megan barely had time to hastily throw some clothes in a bag before getting to the airport. She had no idea if what she was packing would be appropriate for a mountain lodge, not that she’d ever been to a lodge before, but it would have to do.
She’d spent the flight going over Gage Mitchell’s file, not that she needed to. There wasn’t a whole lot more in the agency file that wasn’t already plastered all over the news. The press had eaten up his meteoric rise to fame. Small-town boy turned superstar overnight. And he seemed to love the attention. Everywhere Gage Mitchell went, there was a party that followed, complete with gorgeous women hanging off his every word and keeping his bed warm.
Megan didn’t even bother pulling out the file again in the car on the way up to the Lodge. Gage Mitchell was a cliché. Party boy celebrity with more money and fame than he knew what to do with. She rolled her eyes and leaned her head back on the seat. It was clients like Gage that made Megan glad she usually handled authors and musicians. Even the rowdiest of her usual clients weren’t anything like Gage Mitchell. Which is why it was more than a little curious that Lois had selected her to handle the situation.
She looked out the window at the mountains that towered over the highway. The sun had almost set behind them, casting a golden glow over the trees. Soon, it would be totally dark. Megan knew exactly why she’d been selected for the job, and it had more to do with her social life than her skills. A lot more.
Her cell phone rang as the car pulled up in the circular drive of the Lodge.
“Megan Powers?” The male voice came over the line. “This is Lucas Stevens. I’m Gage Mitchell’s manager.”
“Hello, I’ve been expecting your call.” She’d actually expected it hours ago. “I’m assuming you’re going to tell me why I’m being sent to keep your boy out of trouble.”
“Ms. Powers, we hired your agency to repair the damage that’s been done with Gage’s reputation. And I trust you’ll be able to keep the situation under control before the premiere.”
Megan stepped out of the car and nodded a thank-you to the driver. “I’ll do my best,” she said into the phone. The door was held open for her, and Megan stepped into the main building of the Lodge.
She barely heard what Lucas was saying in her ear as she took in the majestic room. It was breathtaking and unlike anything she’d seen in LA.
“All you have to do is make sure he stays out of trouble,” Lucas was saying.
A woman behind the desk waved Megan over and she tried to focus on the conversation as she walked. “He’s a grown man, Mr. Stevens.”
“Please,” he said. “Call me Lucas.” Megan mouthed a hello to the woman behind the desk and pointed to her phone in apology. The woman, whose name was Carmen according to her name tag, smiled and brushed it off.
“Lucas,” she said with a smile of gratitude to Carmen. “Your client is a grown man and he is going to need to—“
“Let me handle what Gage needs to do,” Lucas interrupted. “You just focus on doing your job, Ms. Powers.”
Carmen handed her a keycard and a map. She circled a villa and highlighted the path Megan would need to take.
“Thank you,” Megan mouthed.
A bellboy appeared with her bags and Megan followed him out.
“Look, Lucas,” she said, as she walked down the path. “I’m sure there won’t be any trouble.
“Well,” he said, his voice laced with uncertainty. “I hope you’re right. And when I talked to Gage earlier today, he did promise me he’d lie low.”
The bellboy led Megan down a small path where, according to her map, there were villas that branched off the main trail. “I’m glad to hear it,” she said into the phone. “I’m just arriving, so I’ll be in touch.”
She disconnected the call as the bellboy stopped in front of the villa she presumed was her final destination. Music pulsed from behind the walls and Megan could hear female giggles coming from inside. “Perfect,” she said. “This must be it.”
The bellboy nodded and used her key in the lock. As soon as the door swung open, the full volume of the music hit her and a waft of smoke assaulted her.
“So this is lying low,” Megan muttered.
“After you,” the bellboy said.
After five years in the business, dealing with celebrities of all kinds, not much shocked Megan, and she wasn’t surprised to find that her first impression of Gage Mitchell was of him reclined in an easy chair with a blond woman straddling his lap, feeding him a drink.
“Thank-you,” Megan said to the bellboy. She handed him a larger than necessary tip. “Before you go, could you please take the young lady with you?”
He glanced over at the woman, who still hadn’t noticed their presence and down to the cash in his hand. His eyes grew wide and he nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Absolutely.”
Megan led the way over to the easy chair where Gage Mitchell was sitting, eyes half closed with drink, whil
e the woman danced on his lap in time to the music that was pounding through the speakers. Fortunately, everyone was still clothed. After reading through the file and hearing the stories about Gage, Megan wouldn’t have been surprised if they weren’t.
“Good evening, Mr. Mitchell,” Megan said with as much authority as she could manage over the loud music. Spotting the remote, she clicked off the stereo and silence filled the room. The blond girl flipped her head around, venom in her eyes as she stared at the interruption.
“Lisa?” The bellboy’s mouth fell open.
“Oh, good,” Megan said, “You know each other.“ She nodded her head and the boy stepped forward. “She can go,” Megan said.
“What?” The blond girl, whose name apparently was Lisa jumped to her feet and crossed her arms indignantly over her chest. “I’m not going anywhere and, Bobby, you can just forget about—“
“Oh, it’s time for you to go, Lisa, was it?”
The blond swung her head around and glared at Megan. “I don’t—“
“My client is tired,” Megan said. She looked towards Gage, who was still reclining, watching the show with a smirk on his face. His very handsome face, Megan had to admit, although she’d never say it out loud. “Mr. Mitchell.” Megan extended her hand. “Megan Powers. I’ve been…assigned to—“
“Babysit me,” he finished for her. It was the first thing he’d said, and Megan was struck by how similar his voice was to the character he played on the big screen, which was ridiculous. Thankfully she had her game face on, and wasn’t affected by the rich sexiness of it.
“I wouldn’t call it that,” Megan said. “But I—“
“Then leave him alone,” Lisa jumped into the conversation. “Because we were—“