by Harlow Layne
Hollywood Fairytale
Fairlane Series Book 2
Harlow Layne
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Epilogue
Afterword
Acknowledgments
About Harlow
Also by Harlow Layne
Hollywood Fairytale
Copyright © 2018 by Harlow Layne. All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Manufactured in the United States of America.
First Edition September 2018
Editor: Melita Bloomer
Cover Design: Harlow Layne
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author’s imagination or are use fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
To my dad. You made me who I am today.
1
Miserably I drug myself down to the beach. I’d left my heart with Luke, but I needed this time to breathe and think. I was too upset to talk rationally and I knew that my old defenses would come into play if I stayed and tried to talk.
About halfway down, I looked back to find him missing from the balcony. How badly had I fucked things up with the best thing that had ever happened to me?
Luke didn’t deserve anything but the best of me. Not the irrational side that would yell and likely say something I’d regret. The look on his face when I walked away nearly killed me.
I needed to remember that taking this time would be for the best.
Sitting down on a lounger next to Anna, I looked out at the water. I loved hearing the sound of the waves crashing, but even they couldn’t stop my heart from aching.
“Is everything okay?” I wasn’t sure how long I’d been sitting there not saying a word. Maybe they thought it was because of Ruby that I was keeping quiet.
“No,” I shook my head and continued to look out at the water.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“I don’t know.” I answered truthfully.
“Why don’t we go up to the pool and talk? We don’t have to talk about what’s bothering you if you don’t want to,” Anna said as she stood gathering a few of her things. “Where’s Luke?”
Looking to where I’d left him, Luke was nowhere in sight. “He’s back in our room.”
Since I’d forgotten everything I was planning on taking down to the beach, I waited for Anna to tell everyone that we’d be back before I followed her up to the pool at our villa.
We waded in silently and didn’t stop until we were each at the edge with our arms crossed on the ledge, looking out at the ocean once again.
Anna didn’t pressure me to talk. Instead she seemed content to stare out at the ocean and wait until I decided if I wanted to talk.
“I don’t normally open up to people about my problems,” I confessed after we’d been there for quite some time.
“Most people are like that, but when someone is your friend, you should be able to talk to her and hopefully she can help you. If not, the least she can do is listen.”
I thought about what she said for a minute and realized she was right. I did want to talk to her and see what she thought about the house and what Luke had thought. I told her everything. From Luke buying a house, hearing Luke talking to Colt, to how I needed some time because I didn’t want to overreact or say something I’d regret.
“That’s an awful lot to take in.” She finally said with a sympathetic glance. “It was probably wise that you gave you and Luke a little space even if it hurt you both.”
“He looked so sad,” I responded, my chin quivering.
“Because I truly believe he was sorry. It was a knee jerk reaction. At least he told you the truth when you asked him. We’re all human and we’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to fight every once in a while, honey.”
“I know it's normal, but it brought back the horrible feelings of being with Decker. All the fighting and the way he changed almost instantly when we moved in together. I told Luke I loved him last night, and he loves me back. I don’t want to ruin what we have.”
“Of course, he does. I’ve known it since the moment I saw the both of you when you got here.”
“I never thought I’d feel love again in that way or that I’d find a good man who’d want me. He’s perfect for me, but I need to realize that not everything is going to be perfect for us. Being with Luke here has been wonderful and to know that he loves me now… I already knew the next few months were going to be tough, but now I don’t know how I’m going to cope with missing him.”
“I can tell you it’s not easy and it will test your relationship. It’s hard enough when you’re in the same time zone but with the time difference it will make it harder.”
“I’ve had a little taste and the time difference definitely made it difficult. I know that Luke’s going to have long hours and we’ll just have to make time for each other. It’ll be a lot harder this time.”
“Well, you know that if you want to talk, I’m here for you. I’ve been through it all and had my share of failed relationships because of what you’re going to go through. And with the Ashlyn bullshit you know that you can’t believe everything people or the media say. You know you can trust Luke.”
“I know I can. He could have easily lied to me earlier.”
“Exactly. It would have been easy for him to do that, but he told you the truth even though it hurt you both.
“Someday Ashlyn is going to mess up and get caught. Until that day happens, you have to continue to document the things you know about. She’s crazy, and you have to watch out for her.”
“I don’t worry about her too much. I know everything she says is a lie and that Luke’s telling me the truth. I don’t doubt him. If it was anyone else I would, but not him. That probably sounds stupid.”
“No,” she answered back with a sweet smile. “I don’t think it’s stupid. My advice is to talk to Luke. Always. Tell him how you’re feeling. Don’t let it come between you.”
“I know. I didn’t want to ruin our trip, but I’ll talk to him.”
“Good. Now about the house.”
Groaning, I ran my hands through the water. “Yeah, about the house.”
“What Colt said is true. Everyone who lives there paid a fraction of the cost of what their houses are worth.”
“It still doesn’t feel right, but I also know I’ll never get another offer like this. I’m going to talk to Luke about it.”
“You’re thinking like a couple and that’s always a good thing.”
“Yeah, that’s one thing I learned from Decker. It was always about him, and I don’t want to follow those same footsteps. I would’ve happily discussed matters with Decker if he’d been willing.
”
“You won’t sweetie. There will be times when it’ll be hard, but you know what you need to do. Just talk to Luke like you want to now.”
Smiling sadly over at her, I spoke. “I’m glad you have such faith in me. Now let’s talk about something else.” I laughed and looked back out at the ocean.
Anna laughed her soft laugh and put her wet hand on my arm. “Maybe later. Right now, I think you should go talk to Luke. You’re both hurting and only you have the ability to stop it. Do what you need to do, and I’ll be here when it’s all over. Well, not right here because I’d be a shriveled up, pruny mess, but I’ll be around.”
Turning, I gave her a hug before I started to make my way back across the pool. “Thank you, Anna.” I called over my shoulder.
“Anytime and don’t hurry back.” She gave me her girl next door smile and winked at me ruining the innocence in her smile.
2
Luke’s eyes lit up the moment I walked into our room. He sat up moving to the edge of the bed. “Are we okay?”
Tears burned my eyes as I made my way over to him and by the time I was standing in front of him, one lone tear was trekking down my cheek.
“Baby,” Luke choked out, wrapping his arms around me and laying his head against my chest.
“It’s okay,” I whispered into the top of his head. My fingers threaded through his hair while my other hand cupped the side of his neck. “We’re okay.”
Pulling his head away, he looked up at me devastated. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry, too. I should’ve stayed and talked to you, but I was afraid of what would be said and my old behaviors from dealing with Decker would come out. I don’t want to fight with you, but I realized that we’re going to. We’re not going to agree on everything, but we need to talk through it and not let it get in the way of us.”
“You came to that realization while you were at the beach?” he smirked at me.
“Kind of, Anna and I went to the pool and talked, but it was more like she was telling me what I already knew. I… I’ve always thought you’re perfect for me and in my head, I thought we wouldn’t fight. Now I know that even though you’re perfect for me, we’re going to fight if we’re together. Its life. I was scared that if we fought, we’d somehow turn into Decker and me.”
Pulling me closer, he shook his head. “No, baby. We’ll never be anything like you and Decker. I promise you.”
“I hope you’re right.” I laid my head on top of his. “I don’t want my baggage to ruin this.” I let out a deep breath that felt like I’d been holding it since we walked down to the beach. “We need to talk.”
“We are talking.” He shot back.
“I know.” I laughed out. “But I want to talk to you about Colton’s offer. About us.”
Tilting his head to the side, Luke had a look of confusion on his face. “What about us?”
“After shooting this season of Night Shadows, you’ll still have two more years left on your contract. They might even want you for more, you never know.”
Moving back further on the bed, he patted the space beside him. Crawling onto the bed, I looked over at him. “What does that have to do with us?”
“I guess I want to know where I fit in. As much as I want to be with you, I live in Missouri and there’s no way in hell that Decker is ever going to let me move away with Mason. Night Shadows takes up a quarter of the year and then you film a movie or two before filming the next season.”
“I don’t have anything set to film after this season. Nothing has felt right, and I want to spend time with you and Mason.”
Taking another deep breath, I tried again to get out what I wanted to say even though I was afraid of what his answer might be.
“Okay, I guess what I’m saying is I don’t want to be apart any more than we have to be. You bought a house for me to stay in LA which is amazing. You know I love the house and I can’t wait to spend more time in it with you.”
“Do you think I don’t want the same thing? Christ, Alex, it already hurts knowing how much I’m going to miss you while we’re apart.”
“I know you do, but when? I don’t want to wait two more years. You tell me you’re never going to let me go and that you miss me, but living long distance for years is not ideal. I heard a little of what you said to Colt and I’m seriously thinking of taking him up on his offer to buy a house in that neighborhood, but I want to talk to you first. I guess what I’m asking is where do you see this going?”
He chuckled and knocked his shoulder into mine. “Now you’re being the girl wanting to talk about feelings and all that.” He joked, his face becoming serious before taking my hand in his. We both looked down at my small hand dwarfed by his large one. “I was going to talk to you about all this once I had some answers, but I see that we need to do it now before you drive yourself crazy wondering. First, I was waiting until you told me you loved me. Now that I’m one hundred percent positive you feel about me the way I feel about you, not that I was really questioning it, I want to talk to H@T and the director to see if they’ll change the filming schedule to start in the summer. That way you and Mason can be in LA with me while I shoot most of it.
“Once the season is finished filming, I can come to Fairlane, if you want me to. Tell me if I’m wrong.”
“You’re not wrong. I want you there, but I’m worried that Fairlane isn’t exciting enough for you.”
“Fairlane has you. We’ll make our own excitement.” He countered. “I don’t know if I can promise you that they’ll change the shooting schedule for Night Shadows, but I’m going to try my hardest and I hope that they’ll understand.”
“Understand what?”
“That I fell in love with you and it will kill me to be apart from you.”
“Luke.” Kneeling on the bed, I brushed my lips across each of his eyes, his nose, chin, and finally across his soft lips.
“In a year we’ll be married and maybe one day we’ll have a baby.” His lips brushed mine with each word.
Oh my! That was more than unexpected.
“Are you proposing?” I squeaked out, my eyes wide with excitement and surprise.
He shook his head with a lop-sided grin on his face. “You’ll know when I propose and now is not it.”
“But you’re going to propose?” I asked with what I knew was a silly smile on my face.
“One day, but you won’t know when. I know you’ve said that there’s a possibility that you’d never get married again unless you found the right man…”
He wanted to know if he was the right man and if I’d say yes. There was no doubt in my mind that he was the right man for me and I would most definitely say yes. I would scream it from the rooftops and the highest mountain.
“I found him. I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about.”
“That’s good news.” His smile reached his eyes lighting up his face and my soul. “So, you’re thinking of taking Colt up on his offer?”
Talk about a subject change. Did he not want me to ask questions?
“Thinking about it. I know I’ll never get offered a house that’s worth that much for only fifty-thousand dollars. It’s too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
“But?” he asked, his smile fading.
“It feels like charity and like I’m taking advantage of him at the same time. But I think it’s the right move. I don’t need any crazies coming up to my house and scaring Mason, and it should keep Decker away at least for a little while. Once he knows that I moved though, he’ll be giving me lots of shit, but I can handle it.”
“He won’t be able to get through the gates. I don’t know this neighborhood, but that’s why gates are there. Although there are ways to get around them. Hopefully, he isn’t that smart.”
“Hopefully, but I won’t underestimate him and his need to make my life miserable.”
“I won’t let that happen.” Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, Luke pulled me into his side. “So,�
� he drew out the word nervously. “I’d like to help you pay for the house.”
“I can’t let you do that,” I replied instantly.
His brows furrowed. “Why not?”
“Because until recently you didn’t even own a house and now you’re going to buy two?”
“The house in Fairlane is the price of a car. It’s not going to break the bank and it will be worth it. You and Mason will be safer and in a bigger house. A house that I plan to live in with both of you. I want to do this. I want to help.”
Shaking my head, I looked to him. “I don’t like this. I’ve been saving to buy a house since I left Decker. It means something to me.”
“I know it does and I’m not trying to belittle you, or what you want. Let me ask you a question. If we were married would you have a problem with me buying the house for us?”
“No, I guess it wouldn’t. Would you have a problem with me buying the house?”
His eyes widened. “No, why do you say that?”
“Because I was going to buy it. I’ve been saving and you saying you’ll buy it makes me feel like what I’ve been doing is insignificant.”
“That was not my intention at all. Alex, I want to help. I want you to keep your money and keep saving if you want. Those tickets that you bought me to Hawaii weren’t cheap. I… I don’t know how to say this without you taking offense so please know I’m saying it with the best intentions. You work hard. In my opinion too hard sometimes, and I want you to be able to live easier and not worry about saving money to buy a house and feeling like you can’t buy Mason something he wants. I know you deprive yourself. I want you to live easier that’s all. Think if our roles were reversed. You can understand that can’t you?”