Falling Star (Combustible Book 2) (11 page)

Nervous energy danced through her. Trent didn’t even hesitate to tell his nephew she wasn’t Raven Star. Was it a good sign? Or not? And what would he think when he found out she really was.

He’d said she was prettier than Raven Star. Blaze said he had a crush on her. Blushing, she made her way upstairs for a quick shower.

When she finished, she went through emails from Ryan. Not a single one from her brother. She sent a vague reply to Ryan. Then she sent a message to Sam.

Hey big brother,

Just checking in. I know you’re busy, but I thought you’d send an email by now. Guess you’re still mad I didn’t want to stick around in Hollywood, but I needed to get away from everything and find myself again.

I’m sure you’re busy. Love you. Maybe I will visit sometime soon.

Love,

Your sister

With tears in her eyes, she climbed into bed. Almost a month since her argument with Sam, and he hadn’t responded to her emails. There had been a time they were close, but Hollywood seemed to change him. He wasn’t the one in the spotlight or the one who was recognized every time they stepped outside. No one stopped him on the street to ask a million questions that weren’t any of their damned business. She’d hoped he would forgive her after a little time had passed, but maybe not.

Her phone dinged with a text and she pulled it off the end table.
Can’t get you off my mind.

A smile washed out the sadness. She didn’t want to resist the connection anymore.
About to dream of you.

His reply was instant.
Then I won’t feel guilty dreaming of you. Sweet dreams, Ella.

Then she remembered something.
My glasses.

I’ll drop them by tomorrow. If you aren’t up, I’ll leave them on the chair on your porch. With your dishes.

Good night, Trent.

Good night.

She closed her eyes and fell asleep with Trent on her mind.

Chapter 13

Dressed, and ready for work, Trent gathered up her glasses and the dishes from the snacks. He hurried across the street, hoping she would be awake and hear him on the porch. He wouldn’t wake her, but after dreaming about her all night, he wanted one taste before joining the real world for the rest of the day.

He lifted his hand to ring the bell when the door opened. Ella’s face lit up as she met his gaze. Her caramel hair was pulled into a high ponytail, her eyes glittering beneath heavy bangs.

After tucking the tubs under his arm, he handed her the glasses. “Forgetting something?”

“Ah, thank you.”

His brow cocked. “Dream of me?”

“Mmhmm, you?”

“Thought I mentioned you star in every dream since I met you.”

Pink flushed her cheeks as she dropped her gaze and slid her glasses on. “So, tomorrow. Lunch?”

“You got it. Then the barbecue?”

She nodded.

He held the plastic containers between them. “Might want to put these away.”

“Thanks.” She ducked inside and he followed, shutting the door behind him. He’d never been more tempted by a woman in shorts and a sports bra than he was at that moment.

When she bent over, putting the tubs in a low cabinet, he had to readjust himself before she turned back with a smirk on her lips. “What are you looking at?”

“Can’t say without getting slapped.”

Even her laugh was a temptation. “Checking out my ass?”

“You’re the one showing off perfection.”

Another laugh rolled over him. “You’re full of lines, aren’t you?”

“Not a line. Besides, you forced the topic. I was going to bite my tongue and keep it to myself.”

A wicked grin spread across her lips. “Don’t do that. I like the way you taste.”

He pulled her into his arms. “Is that what you want?”

She wrapped her hand around his neck, rising up to nip his bottom lip. “I can’t get enough,” she whispered before closing her mouth over his. Her taste was sweet, with a hint of coffee. His hands slid down her body, grabbing her firm, round ass.

Perfect fucking fit.

Ella broke away, panting. “Better get to work, before you’re late.”

“Unfortunately. Hey, are you busy later?”

“Don’t know yet, but call me. Maybe we can talk tonight.” She stepped back, her stare inching away.

“I’m not worried about whatever you have to say.”

“I am,” she admitted in a soft, almost whisper.

He brushed his lips over hers and stepped back. “Don’t. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye, Trent.”

* * * *

After her run, and a shower, Ella opened her laptop and went through her emails. Nothing from her brother. Ryan had left her one that made her pause.

Angel,

I know you don’t want anything to do with lights and cameras. Come to the ranch for a day. We need to talk. Your brother is in trouble. I don’t know much, but you should hear what I have to say.

Give me a call. We can figure out how to meet, even if it’s not here.

Your buddy,

R

Dread churned through her veins. Had the stalker gone after him when he couldn’t find her? Was he hurt? Had something happened? Only one way to find out, she sucked in a breath and went to the closet. Ella dug the prepaid phone out of her luggage and dialed the number for Ryan, her old friend and co-star. He answered a few seconds later.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me.”

“Angel, we need to meet. I have news about Sam.”

“Then tell me.”

“Not like this. Please. Either come here or meet me somewhere. I can sneak away, drive to a remote area and meet up with you.” His concern heightened her anxiety.

She didn’t have the energy to argue. “How about Martinsville?” The small town was located between his ranch and Lakeridge. Far enough away from both where no one would likely follow either. And hours from LA.

“When?”

She sighed. “I can be there in two hours. I look different.”

“Ah, we spent so much time together, I’d recognize you anywhere, angel.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t resist a laugh. “Don’t call me that.”

“I’ll be there… in disguise too. Don’t want anyone to find out where you are.”

“Thanks. Make sure no one follows you.”

“I’ll do my damnedest.”

She thought about calling Trent, but he was at work and would only worry. Mila might try to go with her, and she didn’t want anything to happen to her or the kids. Ella was on her own.

* * * *

Trent looked up as Tina entered the kitchen with two picnic baskets overflowing. The firehouse had visitors often, and while Tina was doing well he could expect to see her often. This time, her smile was infectious, but he couldn’t help wondering one thing.

“Where’s Blaze?” He didn’t mean for the question to be an accusation, but it sure sounded that way.

Her brow creased, the smile falling away. “At Kyle’s, having a playdate with Cherish and Jenny.”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry.” He gripped the back of his neck, offering a smile. “How are you?”

She placed the baskets on the table and sat down beside him. “I know you’re mad about me staying away so long—”

“Wait, slow down,” Trent said. “I get it. A friend explained that sometimes you need to take extra time to find strength on your own terms.”

She smiled and leaned in to whisper, “I heard about your movie star girlfriend.” She waggled her brows.

Trent groaned, leaning back. “Ella is not a movie star, and she’s not my girlfriend. At least not yet.”

“Blaze told me about her suggestion to be
friends.
”

“Yeah, she was trying to keep Kyle from strangling Blaze for crushing on his baby girl.”

Tina grinned. “They make an adorable couple, though.”

“Yeah, but that’s his little girl. Remember how protective Dad was when you started dating?”

She sighed. “Sure, once he was sober enough, but it was too late to keep me from falling into the same trap.”

His brow arched. He never truly expected her to see reason about how she’d behaved for years. For the first time in a long time, she gave him hope.

“So, what brings you by?”

She shrugged. “Had trouble sleeping, so I baked goodies all night. Thought you all could use them, since you, and the other guys on duty saved my life. Especially you. I made your favorite. Snickerdoodles with Hershey’s Kisses smooshed in.”

He grinned. “I appreciate that, but you didn’t need to.”

“Yeah, well drinking helped me sleep, and since I’m not doing that anymore, I needed to do something to keep me busy once Blaze drifted off.” Lifting one shoulder in a shrug, she met and held his gaze. “I know I fucked up, but like I told the police, I had been clean when Wade showed up. Two months, without touching anything. He forced me to take the drugs.”

“They finally convicted him for that and more. He won’t be coming back.”

“Thank God. I don’t think I could handle another stint in rehab.”

“But you were gone so long.” He shook his head. “I can’t understand why you stayed away from Blaze all that time.”

Tina sighed. “They hadn’t nailed Wade yet. I was terrified he would come back and kill us this time. I told Blaze to hide.” Her eyes became glassy as she blinked rapidly, then wiped at her face.

Trent pulled her into a hug. “Hey, I get it.” At least enough to forgive her for taking such a long timeout from being a mother. When he looked at it from her point of view, it started to make sense. “I’m sorry I was such an ass.”

Tina smiled. “You were worried about Blaze. I don’t blame you.”

“We’ll get through this. I’m still here if you need me for anything.”

Her brow arched, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “You sure you have time for me with a new girl in your life?”

He sighed. “Of course. And she’s not just a new girl. I want more than a roll in the sheets.”

Her eyes opened wide. “It’s serious, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, so don’t fuck this up for me. But I still have time for you and Blaze. I’ll never turn my back on my family.”

She pouted. “I wouldn’t. And you’re always there. Even when I don’t deserve it.”

Squeezing her hand, he grinned. “You’re my little sister. Of course, I am. So, what else are you doing until the playdate ends?”

“Hanging out with you unless you all get called out on an emergency.”

The doors opened and he didn’t bother to turn to see who came in. The grin on her face said it all. She’d had a crush on Gavin since the fifth grade.

“Hey, Tina,” Gavin drawled. “Good to see you out and about.”

Her cheeks flamed pink as she ducked her gaze. “Thanks, Gavin. Hey, Kyle. Both of you have very sweet girls. I’m sure Blaze is having a blast with them.”

Kyle smirked. “Yeah. Mila called a bit ago to tell me all about their new adventure in the back yard. They’re pretending to be pirates.”

Gavin laughed. “As long as there’s no plundering of the booty, we’re good.”

Tina’s eyes popped wide. “They’re seven!”

“I know, which is why neither of us is freaking out,” Kyle answered. “In a few years, I will be.”

“He’s a good boy,” Tina insisted.

Kyle nodded. “He is. But hormones may change that.” He dropped into a seat and lifted a lid of one of the baskets. “What’s this?”

“Goodies, for saving my life.”

“Aww,” Gavin cooed. “That was all Trent. We didn’t do anything but put the fire out. Your brother carried both you and Blaze out of the house.”

Tina nodded, smiling over at Trent. “Thank you.”

He sighed. “Stop thanking me, Tina. I just want you both safe, and I think you will be now.”

Kyle nodded to Trent. “Can you come here a minute? Need to talk to you about something.”

Tina reached into the basket and pulled out macadamia nut cookies for Gavin. His sister had flirted with Gavin since they were kids though she always denied her crush.

Trent jumped up to join his friend. “Be right back.” He followed Kyle into the hall. “What’s up?”

Kyle sighed and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “So, I think Blaze might have a point. Mila clams up anytime anyone mentions Raven Star. Then when Blaze showed up, he asked Mila if she knew Ella was the actress. She shut him down harsher than I’ve ever seen her do, and then ushered them outside.”

“Did you ask her why?”

He shook his head. “Nah. I had to get to work. Besides, if Ella really is Raven Star, it makes sense she doesn’t want anyone to know. Mila would protect her best friend’s secret until the bitter end.”

Trent shook his head. “Yeah, but I bet Raven Star is filming her next blockbuster as we speak.”

Kyle shook his head. “For as much as you watch that woman on the screen, how do you not know all the shit she went through a few months back?”

“What shit?”

“It was all over the news. Some stalker kidnapped her, broke her face, gave her a concussion. She got out, but they never found the guy who did it. Apparently there was a big fire. Would explain that burn scar on her wrist. Raven Star officially retired, then disappeared from Hollywood. Ella doesn’t want much attention unless it comes from you. Sounds like a celebrity who’s burnt out on the paparazzi. I’m not saying it’s a definite, but it sure does explain a few things.”