Shadow grinned and gave her a small wave before running back out onto the stage. The crowd went wild. Riley took in slow breaths to try to calm her heart. She was definitely in dangerous territory.
She had developed a massive crush on Shadow. If she allowed it to get into the kissing territory, she was afraid of what might happen when her story about him dropped. Would he think she was simply using him?
That was not what she wanted. She was being genuine about her feelings. If things kept progressing, she could see herself getting into a serious relationship with him. But what would he think if he found out she was a tabloid reporter?
Guilt soured her stomach, and she slipped out the back. She didn’t want to think about that. It just made her uncomfortable. Maybe there was a way she could get out of writing the article.
As Shadow sang on stage, she grabbed a plate and walked down the line, adding cheese, crackers, and vegetables with dip. Shadow sang one of his early songs, and she found herself singing along with the crowd. He looked good on stage. She held in a smile as he played his guitar and walked close to the edge of the stage where the fans went wild.
A tiny bit of jealousy surged in her as Shadow reached down and touched hands with a few of his fans. They seemed to be a younger crowd today than with the schooner excursion or the painting class. And why did all the perky young girls get to be right by the stage? It annoyed Riley.
The concert ended, and she weaved her way through the crowd, heading toward the copse of trees by the edge of the beach where she could wait for Shadow. She picked at her food and watched him as he came out from behind the stage to mingle with the guests.
His security followed him as he worked the crowd, talking to people and making them laugh. She liked the way he listened to what his fans said to him. It looked like he really cared. Her gaze followed him as he walked along the beach.
“Hey, it’s Riley, right?”
She turned to see Colby King leaning against one of the trees, his cowboy hat pulled down low enough so she could barely see his eyes. “Yes,” she said, surprised to see him there.
“Are you still working? Or do you want to blow this joint and have some real fun?” He grinned at her and took a step closer.
This wasn’t good. She knew Colby was a flirt, but right now she felt cornered with the trees behind her. Not cool at all. And she’d lost sight of Shadow as well. “I’m still working,” Riley blurted out, stumbling over her own feet as she tried to put distance between them.
“How long will you be working?”
“Probably all night.”
“Shadow makes you work all night?” He leered at her. “What in the world could he have you doing all night?”
She just shook her head. “Sorry. He’s probably looking for me right now…so…” She tried once again to see where he’d disappeared to but couldn’t find him in the crowd.
Colby stepped forward. “Oh, come on, sweetheart,” he said, his breath hot on her cheek. She backed up and bumped into a tree, making her drop her plate.
He put a hand on the rough bark beside her head. “You don’t know what you’re missing.”
Panic spiked her heartrate as she tried to worm her way around him, but he didn’t move. “Please get out of my way.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“I’m sure,” she said, her voice flat.
“Are you into masks, perhaps?” he whispered in her ear. “Because I can wear one too, if that’s what you like.”
Disgust churned in her. She tried to push him away, but he didn’t budge. “Go away.”
Shadow appeared, and he grabbed Colby’s arm, jerking him away from her. Even with his mask, she could see the death glare on his face. Relief flooded through her. She’d never been so glad to see anyone. Shadow’s security stood close by.
Colby came at Shadow, fists raised, but Shadow was faster, a punch landing on Colby’s jaw. Shadow’s security stepped in and yanked Colby back. He staggered, his hand wiping at a small cut on his mouth. “We were just talking. Geesh, what’s wrong with you?”
“Leave her alone,” Shadow said, his teeth clenched.
Colby let out a grunt, his gaze bouncing between Shadow and his security. Finally, he shoved his way past them and toward the party on the beach.
Shadow turned to her. “Are you all right? Did he hurt you?”
“I’m okay,” she said, her heart still thumping so hard she could hear it. She’d been scared, but in reality, Colby hadn’t touched her. At least, not yet. She was so glad Shadow had shown up when he had.
Shadow turned to make sure Colby was gone. “I’m sorry, I should have stayed with you.”
Riley put her hand on his arm. “It’s okay.”
“If I hadn’t seen him cornering you, I don’t know what would have happened. That jerk.”
She took in a deep breath and let it out. She didn’t want to think about what might have happened. “I’m fine. Let’s just go. I think I need to get out of here for a while.”
“You’re okay to walk on your foot?”
If she were being honest, she had forgotten about the injury. “Yeah. It’s fine now.”
“Okay.” He took her hand in his. She tried not to be disappointed when he didn’t first remove his glove. “Where should we go? Are you sure you’re all right?”
Riley laughed, trying to lighten the mood as they made their way up to the resort. “I’m fine. Honest. I don’t think Colby would have done anything. We were on the beach with half a billion people just yards away.”
“What he did was enough,” he said through clenched teeth. “If he had hurt you…”
“You would have torn him to pieces,” she finished for him.
“Yeah, I would have.”
“Don’t worry. I feel pretty safe with you. You have security. Plus, you do have a sword.” She pointed to it still hanging from his belt from the performance.
He pulled it out of its sheath and took a stance. “You’re right. I do. I just wish it wasn’t plastic.”
She took it from him, laughing. “I always thought it was a real sword.”
He stared at her. “Always? I thought you didn’t know who I was.”
Oh, crud. She’d messed up. What could she say to fix it? “I meant since I first saw you on the schooner boat.”
“Well, good. The last thing I want is to look dumb on stage.” He winked at her, which made her snort.
“You couldn’t look dumb on stage if you tried. You’re the epitome of cool.” She gave him the sword back.
“I’m glad. I was worried when I first decided to wear a mask on stage that it would be stupid.” He sobered. “Like everyone would see right through the flimsy disguise and could tell I was just a self-conscious, awkward man.”
She looked up at him, surprised he’d said that. “You’re not awkward at all. You’re very talented. That’s what people see.”
The smells from the nearby restaurants made her mouth water. Even though they had already eaten, she was getting hungry again. “What made you decide that a mask was a good way to get your foot in the door?”
He hesitated before answering. “I had tried to catch a break singing as myself. No one was interested.”
“So, you’re not an actor?” The words were out before she could sensor them.
“An actor?” He seemed surprised by her question.
“Well…” She tried to think of something to say. “I guess when I found out you perform while in disguise, I figured you were someone already famous who wanted to make it on your own…” Okay, now she felt dumb. Her assumption was obviously wrong.
He laughed, the sound carrying over the air. “No, I’m not an actor. I’m a nobody.”
A sadness settled over Riley as she began to see him in a new light. He was an extremely successful singer, but maybe he felt like an awkward nobody when he wasn’t wearing his mask. She stopped and turned to him. Behind him, the full moon reflected off the water. It was getti
ng late, and there weren’t too many people walking on the street. They were essentially alone, besides his security guard who had stopped a few yards back to give them some privacy. “You’re not a nobody.”
He gazed at her as the moment stretched between them. “You…” He spoke so quietly she could barely hear him. “You might be disappointed if you knew the truth.”
Riley’s heart lodged in her throat. Was he thinking of telling her who he was? Her mouth went dry, and she couldn’t breathe. She was so close, she could feel it. And yet, a part of her held back. What would it mean if he trusted her enough to let her see his face? Could she go ahead with the story and expose him? The thought made her sick to her stomach.
She swallowed, pushing away the guilt that once again rose in her chest. “You’re a kind person. That’s all I know.”
He pulled her gently to him. His hands rested on her hips, and her pulse quickened at his touch. He’d finally pulled off his gloves. He traced one finger down the side of her face, sending her heart into overdrive.
“And you, Miss Riley, are a beautiful soul.” He leaned closer to her, but hesitated when he was mere millimeters away from her lips. She waited, breathless. Surely he was going to kiss her. But he just stood there, frozen.
“Riley?” His breath tickled her lips.
“What?”
“Can I kiss you?” he whispered.
If her heart had not already been melted enough, those four words finished the job. “Yes,” she said, then closed the gap, unable to wait for him any longer.
Chapter 14
When Riley’s lips met his, Jalen’s heart stopped. Nothing could prepare him for the silky-soft feeling. He’d kissed a girl before, but that was when he was an awkward teenager, and it hadn’t ended well. It also hadn’t lasted more than two seconds. This was an entirely different experience.
Her kiss was slow, like a lazy dance on a summer afternoon. It took his breath away. He matched her movements, his lips tugging at hers, pulling her body closer and taking in every sensation that washed over his skin. The music of their kiss wrote itself into his soul. It was a slow song, the tempo accentuated with his beating heart.
Her hands slid up his arms, and his hold on her tightened. Did she know what that did to him? He kissed along her jaw and down her neck, feeling her pulse under his lips. He could so easily get lost in her. The smell of her skin. The feeling of her in his arms, pressed up against him. She cupped his face, dragging his lips back to hers.
Her fingers explored the skin just below his mask as her lips sent more waves of desire through him. With one flick of her hand, she could take his mask off. It was unnerving, yet he fully trusted her. In fact, at this moment he no longer cared about being in disguise. If she unmasked him, he knew he would not hide his face from her.
The more he thought about it, the more he yearned for her to know the truth. For her to see who he really was and accept him. He wanted her to know who she was kissing.
Her fingers stilled at the edge of his mask. He almost whispered for her to go ahead and take it off, but his security was watching. And anyone could walk around the corner. Now was not the time. He pulled back from her, breathless, his heart beating so fast he could barely get in enough air.
Riley peered up at him, a smile spreading across her face. “Wow.”
“Wow? That’s what you say?”
“Well, that was pretty amazing.”
“I’m glad. I’m not very experienced in that area.” Heat rushed to his face. Why had he said that?
A puzzled look came over her face. “What do you mean?”
He pointed to the theater at the end of the block. “Do you want to see a movie?”
“You’re not getting away with that. Tell me what you meant first. Surely you’ve kissed a girl before.”
“I have.” A quick glance at her told him she wasn’t satisfied with that answer. “We were both sixteen, and I had a crush on her. Her parents were friends with mine, so she went out on a pity date with me because her parents pressured her to.”
Riley frowned and shook her head. “This doesn’t sound like it ended well.”
“Yeah, the kiss was brief and not very welcome. I probably should have asked, but I was young and thought I knew how the world worked.” He tugged on his shirt collar. Why was it so tight all of a sudden?
“I’m sorry.”
Now that he’d sufficiently embarrassed himself, he motioned to the theater again. “I was serious about that movie.”
“Let’s go. I’m totally in a popcorn mood.”
They approached the theater. Several movie posters showcased what was playing. A young teen sat behind the glass. She chewed a wad of gum. “Which show?” she asked when they approached.
“Which movie is your smartest?” Riley asked.
Jalen choked on his spit at the look on the teen’s face. Riley had remembered. It made him like her even more.
“What?” The girl leaned forward, as if she hadn’t heard Riley correctly.
Riley kept a straight face, but Jalen could tell she was on the verge of breaking into a smile. He hadn’t known she was such an actress. It was quite amusing. “I said, what’s your smartest movie?”
“We don’t have any smart ones. Just these four.” She pointed to the posters.
Riley turned to him and put her hand on his chest. “Honey, they don’t have any smart ones. Just these dumb ones.”
He had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from howling with laughter.
“They’re not dumb,” the teen protested. “I just didn’t know what you meant by smart movie. They’re all good, I swear.”
“What about this one?” Riley pointed to a poster showing a city that looked like it was folding in on itself.
“People love that one. It’s sci-fi, and it’s got a lot of cool special effects.”
“When’s the next showing?” Jalen asked.
The teen looked at him for the first time. “Hey, you’re Shadow Walker.”
“Yes.”
“I heard you were on the island.” She grinned. “The next one starts in thirty minutes. Previous showing is just letting out. By the time you get your snacks, it will be cleaned out, and you can go sit down.”
“Sounds perfect. We’ll take three tickets.”
“Three?”
“Yeah,” he pointed to his security standing off behind them slid a couple of bills under the glass, and took the stubs.
It took ten minutes to wait in line, get their sodas and popcorn, and find their seats. They got quite a few sidelong glances as people noticed him in his Shadow outfit, but no one approached them. And when they entered their theater, the lights were on, and no one was in the room yet. His guard stayed behind, standing at the door.
“I love these comfy seats,” Riley said as they reclined their chairs all the way.
“The best way to watch a movie.” He took off his gloves, reached into the bucket and grabbed a handful of popcorn.
Riley pulled out her phone and silenced it. “We have a while before the movie stars.”
“Anticipation is part of the fun.”
She gave him a devilish grin. “We could just make out for thirty minutes.”
He scoffed. “And be caught in a scandal?”
A funny look crossed her face, and she glanced at the empty room. “I see no paparazzi around.”
“Right. But anyone could walk in at any moment.”
She inched closer to him. “Kind of exciting, right? We could get caught.”
Where did that sassiness come from? He blinked at her. “I don’t even know who you are right now.”
Her smile slowly faded. “I’m…sorry.”
That wasn’t at all what he expected to hear from her. He’d been playing around. He expected her to be sassy back. “Why are you sorry?”
She pushed up her glasses with one finger and turned from him. “I forgot myself for a moment. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“Now, wait a minute. Get back here.” He took her hand in his, and she turned back to face him. “I like the sassy you. Don’t run from it. Embrace it. Let your hair down every once in a while.”
A blush graced her cheeks, and she had a hard time meeting his gaze. “Well…”
“Don’t think too much about it. I’ve seen you let loose. You just have to be willing to let me see the real you.”
She stared at him, and something unspoken passed across her features. And then that same look of guilt he’d seen earlier flashed in her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
An unseen door closed between them, and Jalen couldn’t understand what had just happened. Had he said something offensive? Or was he imagining it and overthinking everything? Instead of continuing the conversation, he simply placed a kiss on her nose and sat back into his seat.
She closed her eyes and smiled. “That was nice.”
The lights dimmed, and the pre-movie ads started. They were still alone in the theater. He reached over and gently brushed his fingers over the side of her face. “Your skin is so soft. How do you keep it that way?”
“Moisturizer,” she murmured, her eyes still closed. She snuggled into her seat, moving closer to him.
He ran a finger along her jawline, then over her lips. She grabbed his hand, stopping his progress. Her eyes opened. “You might not want to do that.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t know what I will do if you continue.”
The sassy Riley was back. He grinned and inched closer. “You’re making me curious.”
“You don’t want to face the consequences.”
He wiggled his hand free from hers and ran a finger down her neck. “I might.”
She grabbed his shirt with both fists and pulled him to her, pressing her lips to his in a heated kiss. Fire raced through his veins. This was not the lazy kiss from the beach. This was explosive, and it made his head spin.
She pulled back, a satisfied smirk on her face. “You deserved that.”
He sat back in his seat, his heart racing. “What can I do to deserve more of that?”
A Deception of Massive Proportion: A Romantic Comedy (The Billionaire Club Book 3) Page 9