by Kay Correll
“I’m trying to. She won’t answer my calls.”
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll set up a meeting with her where there won’t be any prying eyes. But I’m warning you. If you end up hurting Whit, you’re going to answer to me.” Merry spun around and disappeared out of the restaurant.
Rick snuck in the back door to Merry’s house with the key that was under the clay kitten on her back step, just like she said. Did people really keep keys hidden under something on their steps these days? He had two separate locks on his door in Los Angeles.
He closed the door behind him and walked into her house. He’d made sure no one was following him. He went around to the windows and pulled the blinds as they’d discussed.
Now, if Merry could just get Whitney to come to her house, he’d get a chance to talk to her. He paced the floor for what seemed like hours. A big clock on the wall clicked as the minutes ticked by. He wished he could throw a book at it to silence it once and for all.
He continued his pacing back and forth, then to change things up, he went around in a circular path around the edge of the rug.
He glared at the deafening clock again. It must be broken because it assured him that only five minutes had passed since he’d entered the room. He’d talk to Merry about that. How did the woman stand the noise?
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
He heard voices outside, stepped over to the window, and gently slid the slats on the blinds apart, just wide enough so he could peek outside. Merry, Whitney, and the ever-present Mitch stood on the front porch. A few reporters lurked in the street but stayed back when Mitch turned and shooed them away with threats of calling the police if they came onto private property.
“Come on in.” Merry’s voice filtered through the door, and he heard the sound of a key in the lock. He stepped away from the window and stood waiting.
Waiting to see if Whitney would talk to him.
Waiting to see if she’d believe him.
Chapter 12
Whitney clutched Merry’s arm when she saw Rick standing in the living room. “What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to talk to you.”
“How did you get in here?”
“I…” He looked at Merry.
Whitney turned to stare at her. “Did you know he was here? Of course you did. That’s why you wouldn’t take no for an answer when you invited me over.”
“I think you should listen to what he has to say.” Merry turned and walked toward the kitchen. “I’m going to make some tea. Or, you know, do something. You two talk.”
Since when did Merry desert her when she needed her?
Whitney took one more step into the room but made sure to keep her distance from Rick. “I’m not sure we have anything to say.”
“I think we do. Will you please just listen to me?” He took a step closer and reached out toward her.
She couldn’t help herself, she took a quick step backward.
He stopped and put his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t know what happened after I kissed you. I thought that… well, that kiss meant something to me. But you walled me out. I know I brought all this chaos into your life. I am sorry about that. But… it seems I care about you, Whitney. You’re funny, charming, talented and I’ve enjoyed my time with you these last few days more than I’ve enjoyed spending time with someone in a very long time.” He paused and frowned. “A really long time. Like forever. I feel a connection to you. You make me smile when I’m just thinking about you.”
Whitney crossed over to the sofa, her hand gripping the arm of it to steady herself as she lowered herself onto it. Her heart pounded in her chest at Rick’s words and the look in his eyes. His eyes said he was telling the truth.
Her mind reminded her that he was an actor.
He came over and sat beside her. “I know that Shawna called and interrupted us. I’m not involved with her no matter what you see on social media. It’s all just publicity. Directors like to hire us for what they believe is the chemistry between us. But I don’t feel that way about her, not at all. She’s a coworker, that is all.”
She looked deep into his steel blue eyes, wanting to believe him. All she could see was sincerity and truth in their depths.
He reached out and took her hand in his. The heat of his touch scorched through her, a lightning bolt of connection.
He sat, waiting for her reaction, her answer to his words.
She took a deep breath and a huge leap of faith. “Kiss me again.”
At the sound of a knock at the door, Whitney reluctantly pulled away from Rick’s kiss. He growled the tiniest bit as she pulled back. She did so love his growls.
Merry hurried into the room. “Austin texted me. He’s here.” She grinned at Whitney.
Whitney scooted away from Rick as Merry went to answer the door.
“What’s up with the guy at the door and why did he have to check if I could come inside?” Austin stepped into the room and gave Merry a quick kiss.
“That’s Whitney’s bodyguard.” Merry laughed.
Austin looked over at her, then Rick. His eyes widened in recognition.“Hey, aren’t you Rick Nichols?”
Rick nodded.
“Honey, where have you been?” Merry took Austin’s arm and led him into the room. “Have you not seen the coverage? Whit and Rick are the new hot item.”
“Not funny, Mere.” She scowled at her friend.
Merry just grinned. “I swear, both you and Austin are so non-techie, non-social media inclined. Don’t know what you two would do without me.”
Austin wrapped his arm around Merry’s waist. “I don’t know what I’d do without you either.” He winked at her.
Rick stood up and held out his hand. “I’m Rick, as you’ve already figured out.”
“Austin Sullivan.” The men shook hands as they eyed each other in that way that males have of sizing each other up.
“So, how about I go grab us some beers and we can relax for a while?” Merry asked.
“I’ll help.” Whitney jumped up and followed Merry into the kitchen.
“So, did you two work things out?” Merry opened the fridge door.
“I think so. He says he’s not involved with Shawna, that she’s just a co-worker.”
“And you believe him?”
“I do. I mean, why would he lie to me? And his eyes said he was telling the truth.”
“I thought he was, too. I ran into him at Sweet Caroline’s. That’s why I invited you both over. So you would have a chance to talk without the media around. You can thank me now, or thank me later.” Merry grinned.
“You’re the best friend in the world. Will that do for thanks?”
“That’ll do.” Merry handed her two bottles of beer, and they walked back into the front room.
Rick had settled back on the sofa and she walked over, sat down, and handed him his drink.
“So, what brings you to Indigo Bay?” Austin sat in a chair across from them.
“I’m planning a birthday party for my grandmother.”
“His grandmother is Viola Lemmons,” Merry explained.
Austin frowned.
“Viola Lemmons. Movie star.” Merry shook her head. “Really, both you and Whit are a full-time job, just explaining the world to you.”
“Oh, right. The actress.”
“Rick is staying at The Pink Ladies. He’s having the party there,” Whitney explained.
“Do you have everything settled for the party?” Merry perched on the arm of Austin’s chair.
“Almost. Except for the band. I can’t seem to get ahold of them to confirm everything, which is strange because he was very communicative when I first booked him.” He took a sip of his beer and leaned back on the sofa, stretching out his long legs. One of his legs rested against hers, sending waves of warmth through her. And a desire for him to kiss her again.
“What band did you hire?” Merry asked.
“The Gary Simpson Band.”
“Oh, no.” Merry jumped up.
“Oh no, what?” A frown creased Rick’s face.
“Gary was in an accident a couple of weeks ago. He’s in the hospital. Another guy from his band was hurt, too.”
Rick set his beer on the coffee table and ran his hand through his hair. “So, I guess they won’t be playing at the party.” He reached up and rubbed his neck. “What else can go wrong? I really don’t seem to have much luck with this party planning stuff.”
“I know a DJ you could use. Danny. He does all kinds of music and he’s got a good, charming patter of conversation in between songs. If he’s available, I bet he’d do a great job for you.” Whitney took her phone out of her pocket. “You want me to text him and find out?”
“I’d hoped for live music, but it sounds like this would be a good solution. It’s not like I have much time to find someone else.”
“Danny is good. Trust me.” She texted her friend. Within moments, he texted back saying he was available.
“I’ll give him your contact information and you two iron out the details. How’s that?”
“That sounds great. Looks like you’re saving me yet again.”
She sent Danny Rick’s information and sat back, satisfied another disaster had been averted.
“First you found me a way to have the party even though the pavilion was taken, now you saved the entertainment.” He reached over and squeezed her hand, then left his hand covering hers.
The simple, familiar gesture of connection made her heart flutter. She didn’t know why this man had such an effect on her. Of all the men in the world, her heart had chosen to fall for an actor—a complicated relationship at best. Not to mention he lived all the way across the continent.
Rick leaned over and whispered in her ear. “I want to kiss you again.”
The heat of a blush rushed over her cheeks.
“I heard that.” Merry laughed. “Go ahead. She could use a few kisses in her life.”
Chapter 13
Rick sat at the table at Pink Lady One the next morning, sipping his coffee, with a silly grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. He’d even managed to kiss Whitney again before she left last night, the reporters none the wiser that he’d been inside Merry’s house. He’d slipped out the back door a while after Whitney had left, making sure no media was around to see him leave.
He rose and looked out the window for any sign of media around The Pink Ladies. So far, his luck had held up. That would change with his family coming to town. Soon word would be out. He reveled in his privacy while he had the chance, but at the same time guilt flooded through him that Whitney’s every move was being watched.
He wandered over to the coffee pot and poured another steaming cup of the wonderful brew. The beans were from some local coffee shop and made a fine, strong, flavorful cup. He looked at the package sitting on the counter and took a quick photo of it, making a mental note to ask his assistant if she could order some whole beans of the brand and have it shipped to L.A.
Though, if he was being honest with himself, he was in such a great mood that everything probably tasted good today. Even the bowl of cereal he’d consumed… and it was just his regular pretend-to-be-kind-of-healthy brand.
He found himself humming under his breath and couldn’t remember the last time he’d done that. Whistling and humming. That’s what Whitney had done to him.
Life was pretty darn great right now.
The door of the rental burst open, and his sister swept inside, sucking the air out of the room, as was her wont.
Just like that, his perfect day bubble burst into a billion microscopic droplets.
His nieces, Allison and Taylor, rushed in behind his sister. “Uncle Rick.” They raced over and threw themselves into his arms.
“Hey, girls.” He hugged them tightly. “You’re here bright and early.”
“We got up before it was even light out.” Taylor, the younger girl, nodded gravely.
“It was our only choice on a direct flight to Charleston. I didn’t want to mess with changing planes with both the girls.” Christina stood in the center of the room, taking in all the details of the rental. “Really, it would have been so much simpler if you’d had the party in Philadelphia. Or even D.C. This Indigo Bay place is just ridiculous to get to.”
“Grandmere loves it here. I thought it would be a perfect place for her party.”
“Did you get more help yet? I know you said you were here alone. We need a cook and some other help, of course.”
He pasted on a smile while gritting his teeth. “Grandmere’s cook is coming on Monday. I do have a daily staff coming to Pink Lady Two, the house next to this one. I thought you and the girls could stay there.” He’d love to have his nieces here with him, but they came with baggage—his sister.
“Is there someone to bring in our bags?”
“I guess that would be me.”
“We’ll help, Uncle Rick.” The girls rushed out the door and he followed them, escaping the look of disapproval on Christina’s face, even though he wasn’t sure what he’d done wrong now, except for having the party in his grandmother’s favorite town.
He wasn’t trying to avoid his sister, really he wasn’t. He just thought the twins would like to go get some ice cream. The walk would burn off some of their extra energy. At least that was his plan. How could they still be going strong late afternoon after getting up so early?
“Uncle Rick, can I have chocolate?” Taylor skipped along on his right side.
“I want banilla.” Allison tugged on his left hand.
“You can have whatever you want.”
“Mom doesn’t like us to have sweets before dinner.” Taylor gazed up at him, concern covering her face.
“Um… we’re going to eat late tonight, so it’s okay.” He’d told his sister he was taking the girls into town. He just hadn’t mentioned to her that they were going for ice cream. Oh well. What good was being the favorite uncle if he didn’t spoil them a bit?
He carefully avoided even walking on the same side of the street as Whitney’s shop. Mitch was stationed outside her door and nodded at him when they walked by across the street. She was probably going nuts by now, cooped up in her shop. He hoped some new event would come along and the media would move along. As it was, he’d noticed a reduction in numbers of reporters hanging around. He guessed he wasn’t such a big story after all.
He pushed open the door to The Trixie Cone, and the girls piled inside. “Hey, Rick. I see you’ve brought me some new customers.”
“Trixie, these are my nieces, Taylor and Allison.”
“How come you said Taylor’s name first?” Allison looked up at him, her eyes wide. “A comes before T. I think you should say my name first.”
“I… uh…” He looked at Trixie for help.
“I think your uncle probably rotates your names when he introduces you. So both of you get first billing.”
Allison frowned. “Maybe. I’ll have to watch him.”
“You probably should.” Trixie smothered a grin. “So what do you girls want?”
“Chocolate.”
“Banilla.”
“Okay, one chocolate cone, one banilla.”
He wasn’t even going to try to tell himself to avoid the calories. “I’ll have butter pecan. Make mine a double.”
He led the girls outside, and Taylor immediately dropped her cone on the sidewalk and burst into tears.
“Don’t cry over spilled ice cream.” He hugged her. “Come on, we’ll get you another one.”
They headed back inside, and Trixie made another cone for Taylor. This time the girl carefully took dainty licks of the ice cream, making sure not to topple the scoop off the cone.
There, he’d taught his niece a life lesson. His day was complete.
By the time they finished their cones, he realized there was no way Christina wouldn’t know where he’d taken the girls. Taylor had a big chocolate stain on her t-shirt, and Allison had a s
ticky mess on her shorts that he tried to wipe off to no avail. Maybe he could sneak them into Pink Lady Two and they could go change their clothes?
Or he could just take the tongue lashing he was sure to get from his sister. He sighed and took the sticky hands of his nieces and headed back to The Pink Ladies. He even managed to not slow down as they walked past Coastal Creations—on the other side of the street, of course.
Whitney peeked out the front window of the shop and saw Rick walking down the street with two young girls at his side. Those must be his nieces. From across the street, she could still see them chattering nonstop to their uncle. Rick stopped once and bent down to tie the shoelaces of one of the girls. The other girl hung on his back while he did it. He laughed as he stood, one niece on his back, the other clutching his hand.
She smiled to herself when she saw how he was with the girls and what fun he was having. He seemed like just a normal guy, an uncle spoiling his nieces.
But he wasn’t a normal guy. He was famous. There would always be people watching him.
He stood and looked toward her shop. His eyes were covered with his usual dark sunglasses and his hair hidden by a red baseball cap, but she’d know him anywhere, even in his disguise.
She stepped away from the window, wishing she could go out there and say hi to him, meet his nieces, but she couldn’t take that chance. Someone might see them. Start taking pictures again. She wanted the whole thing to go away. Well, she didn’t want him to go away. She wanted to see him again. But she didn’t know how or when that would be possible.
She headed back to the counter to set up some new displays. She couldn’t concentrate on jewelry making today. Hardly any customers had come into the shop all day. She didn’t know if Mitch was scaring them away, or if it was just a slow day.
She looked up at the sound of the bell over the door. Vicki Tanner swept into the shop. “Whitney, there you are.”
“Here I am.” Vicki had never purchased a single item from Coastal Creations, so Whitney wasn’t sure why the woman was here now.