Falling Star (Combustible Book 2) (21 page)

“That is part of my job. That and to help you find the strength to battle your demons.”

“Where do I start?”

“The beginning is usually the best place.”

Ella sucked in a breath and started slow. “My legal name is Ella Cross. My mother gave me the name Ella, but my last name was something else. I changed it legally after a man took me against my will and held me for a couple days. I don’t remember much of the ordeal. Though, before I left Hollywood, I was an actress. Raven Star.”

Dr. Eisman nodded slowly. “That’s why you look familiar. I remember hearing about the accident, the abduction, and your retirement from acting.”

Ella nodded. “Yeah. A close friend suggested I might be suffering from PTSD. I’m prone to panic attacks with a few triggers. I get anxious for no apparent reason. Part of it is the fact my stalker is still out there. I think I’ve figured out who he is, but I didn’t believe it was possible until the other night, and even then, I can’t be sure.”

“But you believe you know this man?”

“The more I think about it, the more it has to be. Do I tell the police? Only a few close friends in town know about my life in Hollywood. I don’t want anything from my past to affect their opinion of me now. Also, I have no desire to ruin this quiet little town with paparazzi hanging around.”

“Well, Ella. Your secret is safe with me. And it seems you have a grasp on the problem. Why don’t you tell me the story in your own words and we can go from there?”

That sounded so simple, and Dr. Eisman’s warm expression gave her courage. She told her about Logan, and how he made her skin crawl in high school. Then she explained about all the gifts her stalker left, about the accident, what she’d started to remember about those two days, and about all of her panic attacks during the last few weeks.

Ella knew she’d talked far past her time, and Dr. Eisman listened, asking questions here and there. By the end of their session, a weight had been lifted from Ella’s shoulders. One larger than she’d even realized was there.

“You should talk to the police. Even if you don’t tell them your stage name. They can help look for Logan, or whoever the man stalking you now is. There is a chance it’s coincidence, but often our instincts are right.”

“Trent has been trying to convince me to go to the authorities. Now, I need to figure out what to tell them. I know someone will eventually recognize me.” She smiled. “Someone other than a sweet seven-year-old boy.”

Dr. Eisman nodded in amusement. “With your fame, I’m surprised no one has said anything yet. This may be a small town, but people know the name Raven Star.”

She nodded. “I realize that. Maybe it’s selfish, but I want people to know the real me, not the person the media portrays. I’m hoping when my secret does come out, they don’t think of me as a snotty star.”

“Ella, how many stars are snotty?”

“Most aren’t. We’re like everyone else. But that’s not what most fans think.” She sighed. “People make assumptions, in this case, they’re rarely true.”

“Agreed. I think we’ve gotten off to a good start. I want to give you my number in case you have another panic attack, but I expect to see you again in a week unless you need me sooner.”

“Thank you. Wow. You listened to me for two hours. I don’t mind paying you for the extra time.”

She shook her head. “No. I’m happy you were my last appointment. You needed to talk and were ready. We’re nowhere near done, but it’s a far better start than what I usually see.”

“I’ll make an appointment in the morning. Thank you.”

“I’ve already put you down. If you need to reschedule, you can. And if you need me before then, call anytime.” She handed Ella the card.

“Until then.” Ella left, relieved it had been far easier than she ever expected. Though today had been a good day. Next time might not be so easy.

Chapter 26

Trent wasn’t waiting outside her house, and Ella was admittedly disappointed. He didn’t have a key, and they had parted ways after the shop. Then again, she was nearly two hours later than planned.

A shiver traveled down her spine as she thought about the long conversation with Dr. Eisman. Had she trusted the woman too easily?

Maybe Trent had come by, but she’d been gone so long. With a sigh, she pulled her phone out and sent a quick text.
Hey, I’m home. Sorry, my appointment ran longer than I expected. I miss you.

She set the phone down and went to her room to change clothes, flipping lights on as she went. Her lips formed a smile when she found his t-shirt lying on the floor. When she picked it up, she breathed in his scent. Just a hint of cologne, his soap, mostly just him.

God, she missed him. Before she could get too sappy, she folded the shirt and laid it on the dresser before changing.

A knock echoed up to her room as she fastened her pants. Ella ran down the stairs and peeked out the window. Trent stood there with a smile. She threw the door open.

Trent’s lopsided grin made her melt inside. “Would you let me inside?” he asked with his hands still behind his back.

Her eyes narrowed playfully. “What do you have?”

“Let me in, and you’ll find out.”

Ella moved out of the way and Trent entered, still facing her, hiding whatever he hid behind his back. A thrill of excitement danced through her.

“What’s going on, Trent?”

“Well, I would really like to take you on a proper date. Right after I give you a welcome gift. I’m actually kind of glad your appointment ran late because it gave me more time to put this together.”

He presented the basket to her, anxious for her reaction.

Warmth spread through her, including a soft blush as she smiled. She met his pale blue eyes. “Trent, this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.” She took the basket, looking through the contents. Chocolates, bath supplies, a couple of books, and a silk robe. He had clearly put a lot of thought into the gift. Her heart raced. “You didn’t need to do this.”

“Need to? No. But I want you prepared for long days running your shop, or nights when your fears haunt you. You can relax and think of me. Otherwise, I’ll be here, making sure you forget about any problem we can’t immediately fix.”

“You’re too sweet. And here I thought you weren’t coming.”

He sat the basket aside. “Why? Did counseling not go well?”

“Oh. It did. I didn’t see any lights on at your place, and I was so late. I thought maybe you’d be upset.”

“Not at all. I’ll admit I was starting to worry, though. At least, until I remembered taking Metcalf to his first appointment. He sat in there for hours.”

“She didn’t stop me when I went over the hour. I didn’t even realize how long I’d been in there until I finally stopped talking. Telling her everything helped so much more than I can say.”

“I won’t tell anyone anything you tell me.”

“I know that now, but I didn’t at first, and talking to a therapist is different than talking to you. She helps guide me through the emotions. You want to slaughter Logan, or whoever took me.”

“If it’s someone other than Logan, then I want to slaughter them both.” He smiled slightly. “I get it, though. Ella, I want to be whatever you need. I don’t have to be the only one you turn to, but I want you to reach for me whenever you need me.”

Her heart swelled. The connection between them was more than chemistry and it scared the hell out of her. She’d trusted before and had been burned. Luckily, the past didn’t compare to the present.

Ella took another look at the basket and made note of the scents. She had to smile at his attention to detail.

“Let me run these upstairs, and while I’m at it, do I need to change for whatever you’re planning tonight?” She couldn’t help noticing his slacks and button-down shirt. His attire was fancier than what he normally wore. She liked the change.

“That’s up to you. We’re staying in town, but I’m taking you to a steakhouse instead of the diner. That is, if you’re up for it.”

“Sounds divine. I’ll be ready in a few.”

She took the basket upstairs and set it on the dresser before slipping into a dress and freshening her makeup. Ella almost walked out the door before remembering the glasses.

Trent stood, leaning against the back of the couch. “Gorgeous.” He pushed away from the furniture and strode to her. “I’ve never craved a woman more than you.”

“If I weren’t hungry, I’d make you show me.”

His eyes darkened as they traveled down her body. “Anything you want, when we get back, it’s yours.”

“A bath. You and me, wet and naked.”

He groaned, pulling her toward the door. “Dinner, then I’ll enjoy washing you from head to toe.”

* * * *

Trent drove Ella to Long Ride Steakhouse and parked. “Allow me to get the door?”

Her dazzling eyes sparkled. “Sure.”

She wet her lips as she watched him round the car to open her door. He wanted to take her somewhere in the woods and make love to her under the stars. In fact, ideas swirled through his head as he opened the door and took her hand.

She stepped down beside him and he leaned in to take a kiss from her sweet lips. “I should have ordered out and brought it over,” he murmured.

“Don’t want to show me off?”

“Oh, I do. Don’t want anyone thinking you’re unattached.”

“You do realize you’re the only man to hit on me since I moved here.”

“Only because you haven’t been out much. In fact, I want to bring you to town the night we all play pool. That is, if you’re interested.”

“As long as no one minds. I’m horrible at it.”

“Come hang out with us. Mila and Kyle will be there. Gavin and Cadence. Most people in town are friendly.”

“I’d have to agree. At least, everyone I’ve spoken to so far. I keep meaning to explore, but then I get nervous. Running is easy. I might wave as I pass, offer a smile, but no one really bothers me while running.”

“Except me,” Trent murmured. “I couldn’t let you run without me.”

“I’m glad you joined me.”

He grinned. “Me too. I found a great trainer.” He pulled her toward the door, then slipped his arm around her. “Relax. No need to be nervous.”

She snorted. “Easier said than done. I’m in this weird state of waiting for people to start snapping pictures because it was my life for the last twelve years, and waiting for Logan, or whoever to show up.”

“No one knows where you are. Don’t worry. We’ll figure something out.” He planned to keep a close eye on her to make sure no one who seemed out of place came near to hassle her.

They stepped inside the restaurant and she looked up at him. “Do you know any of the police? Someone who would keep my secret?”

He stopped her in her tracks. “All of them would, Ella. You might be most comfortable talking to Marissa. Her brother works with me, and I’ve known her a long time. She would know what needs to be shared with the department, and what she could safely keep to herself while still providing you with the protection you need.”

“Thank you. Maybe you could get me her number? I know you work tomorrow. It’s a detail I need to handle.”

“Sure thing.” Ella walked ahead of him. He caught up and threaded his fingers through hers.

The hostess smiled. “Welcome to Long Ride Steakhouse, Trent, and…”

“Ella, my girlfriend. And this is Melanie. Ella’s opening a boutique on Main Street soon.”

“Ooh, I was wondering what was going in there. How exciting. We need a clothing shop closer to home.”

Ella lit up. “You should come by. The grand opening is in two weeks.”

Melanie looked to Trent. “Just you two?”

He grinned. “This
is
a date.”

Melanie grinned. “Wow, okay, right this way.”

Ella gave him a curiously raised brow. He shrugged. Mila had already told her about his reputation. Though he didn’t feel he’d actually earned the title man-whore.

Once they were seated and Melanie walked away, Ella leaned over the table with a smirk and whispered. “She one of your past hookups?”

He shuddered inwardly. “No. Come on, she’s barely nineteen. I’m not that big of an ass.”

“Never said you were an ass,” Ella offered lightly, amusement dancing in her gorgeous eyes. “She seemed surprised you were with a
girlfriend.
”

“I dated. I don’t think I called any of them girlfriend. None of them were you. I’ve had sparks, but never fire.”

She shivered, the corners of her mouth tipping up. “Hopefully, it’s more than that with me.”

“Ella, you and I are an inferno.” God, he wanted to touch her, to pull her into his arms, and lay his mouth on hers, taste her lips.

A familiar voice interrupted. “Evening, Trent. Who’s this?”

Forcing a smile, he glanced up at Rene. She’d caused plenty of trouble for Kyle when Mila first showed up. And yeah, he had turned her down. She’d been pissed until she met the man she was still with months later. The guy seemed to be everything Rene had been looking for, and her bitchiness had calmed. Hopefully, she wasn’t having a relapse.

“Evening, Rene. This is Ella, my girlfriend. Ella, this is Rene, Gavin’s sister.”

Ella smiled and offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Rene. I love that dress.”

Rene grinned, studying Ella as if she might recognize her. Finally, she replied, “Thank you. Unfortunately, I have to drive an hour to do any good shopping around here.”

“Hopefully, not for long. I’m opening a boutique on Main Street.”

“Designer clothes?”

“Some. I plan to hand pick what I carry. In a town like this, I want to cater to everyone, but they won’t all want designer. Though, I do have my favorites.”

“Finally, I can’t wait to see what you carry. Anyway, I should get back to Theo. Good luck with this one. Maybe you’ll be the one to tame him.” She nodded to Trent with a smile and walked back to her table.

Ella met his gaze. “She’s nice.”

Trent snorted and shook his head as if shaking cobwebs. “She has her moments. Rene is the one who gave Mila hell when she moved here.”

“She mentioned that. Maybe Rene has learned her lesson? It’s really hard to hate Mila. I don’t know anyone who ever managed to for long.”