Falling Star (Combustible Book 2) (9 page)

Her brow arched as concern filled her eyes. “He kissed you?”

Ella dragged her fingers through her hair and twisted the ends. “Or maybe I kissed him. He took it a step further until he remembered I wasn’t ready to start anything. Then I told him about that hell, but left out the part about being Raven Star.”

“If you take this much further, you’re going to have to tell him.”

“Yeah. That’s what I’m afraid of. What happens if he finds out and the whole dynamic changes?”

“Who says it will?” Mila challenged.

“Who says it won’t? What if his only draw is the damsel in distress bullshit?”

“I think it’s more. But you’ll never know until you tell him.”

“Sooner or later I will. I feel like I’m lying to him and I hate it.”

“You have a good reason. But I really doubt he would take that kind of knowledge public.”

Ella shook her head adamantly. “Not on purpose. I’ve seen it happen. And with this creep out there, I don’t want the tabloids to find me. They still think I’m in Europe. Sooner or later, they’ll figure out it’s my stunt double.”

“Hey, they won’t. And even if they did, you can hide in my basement.” Mila winked at her.

Ella raised her hands as her voice inched up a few notes. “Yeah, because being restricted to a basement brings back such great memories. And what if that asshole finds me? What if he ties you to me and hurts you or your kids?” She pushed her fingers through her hair. “I’m starting to wonder why I didn’t move far from everyone.”

Mila took her hand, a sad look appearing on her face. “You can’t look at things that way. Besides, you needed a friend you could trust who wasn’t in the spotlight. And I missed you so much.”

“Missed you too.” She leaned over and bumped Mila’s shoulder. “If you were me, what would you do about Trent?”

She smiled. “Well, if you feel anything for him like I felt for Kyle, I’d tell him. Resisting that kind of attraction is damn near impossible.”

Ella laid her arms on the counter and rested her head. “The way he looks at me lights me up. That kiss—God, I want another taste of that man. And I know it’s a bad idea right now.”

“What’s your impression of Trent?” Mila asked.

“That he’s sincere. He wants to know me, the real me. And if there weren’t a world of secrets between us, we’d be good for each other—if he can handle my real identity.”

“I get you being cautious, but don’t hold him away too long. He keeps checking with Kyle to make sure you’re okay.”

Warmth infused her whole body and the flush washed over her face… until the doubt rolled in. “What if he’s only interested because I’m clearly running from something? What if it’s just the mystery?”

Amusement danced in Mila’s eyes. “If that were the case, he wouldn’t be patient, and he sure as hell wouldn’t invite you to movie night with his nephew.”

A laugh escaped, the tension melting away from Ella. “True.”

“Give him a chance. I know what I said about him being a man-whore, but Kyle assures me he’s not. I don’t believe he’ll do you wrong.”

“Hope not. I should go find some food that’s kid-friendly and snackish. Something healthy but fun and yummy.”

Mila hopped up. “Let’s go to the store. Kyle won’t mind hanging with Valor a little longer. I’ll help you come up with some fun ideas.”

“You’re amazing, thank you.”

“Let’s go impress your man and his nephew.”

“I can’t call him mine until I tell him the truth.” Ella paused, tipping her head, rolling the word
mine
around her head. Was it too soon to want that?

Mila smiled. “So give him a chance.”

“I will.”

* * * *

Trent left his house, thinking he’d go to Ella’s and see if she wanted a coffee. A few hours earlier, they’d gone for a run, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

Too late. Mila stood next to Ella as she locked her door. Other than their morning runs, she seemed to be avoiding him now. He’d begun to wonder if he’d taken things too far with that kiss, or maybe not far enough. At least, she’d agreed to the movie night and was still coming over later.

Instead of heading for Mila’s house, they walked to the car.

Smiling, he jogged to meet them. “Hey, Ella. You still coming tonight?”

Her eyes sparkled as she focused on his mouth. “Yeah, I’ll be there.” Biting her lip, she met his gaze. “What brings you by?”

“Couldn’t resist saying hi. I’m heading over to visit Kyle and the munchkins. You were on the way.” He reached past Ella to open her car door.

She blushed. “Well, hi, and thank you.”

He wanted to touch her so damned bad. Instead, he nodded at Mila. “Hi, Mila.”

“See you later, Trent.” Mila ducked into the front seat of the car and shut the door.

Ella turned toward Trent. He crowded her, staring into her eyes. “I’m looking forward to tonight.” He all but dared her to take another kiss.

She licked her lips as if thinking about it. “Me too.”

“Any more nightmares?”

She glanced away. “Always have them. Every night since it happened. Not as bad, though.”

“You have my number. If you ever feel like talking, or want some company, call.”

Her eyes sparkled as her brow arched. “You were with me just a few hours ago. Did I seem freaked out?”

“No, but if you wake up and need to hear a friendly voice, you know how to reach me.”

“You’re sweet, but I’m okay. I’ve had the nightmares for months.”

“The offer still stands. Go on. I’ll let you have your girl time.” He grinned. “I get to see you tonight.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Bye.” He reached out and squeezed her hand before backing away.

Trent watched as Ella’s Jeep pulled out of the driveway, then he turned and walked to Kyle’s house.

When Kyle opened the door, he was holding Valor against his shoulder. “Hey, I didn’t expect you.”

Trent shrugged. “I was going to see Ella, but she left with Mila.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Mila called a few minutes ago. They’re headed to the store.”

“Didn’t get anything out of Mila?” Trent asked hopefully.

“Not yet. She tells me Ella’s safe here. That’s all.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

Kyle shrugged. “I trust her. Besides, it’s not her secret to share.”

Trent’s hands clenched into fists. “Ella told me what happened. Why she’s here. She’s still hiding details about where she came from and what she did, but I can’t figure out why.”

“Is that what you’re interested in? Her story? Or
her?
”

“Her. But her story is part of who she is.”

Kyle’s brow arched. “You hurt Ella, and Mila will have your balls, you know that, right?”

“Yeah. I know.” Trent rubbed his hand over his hair.

“So, what’s your plan for the night?”

He shrugged. “Blaze is going to be there. Figure we’ll hang out. I’ll show her I’m interested in more than her body. Maybe she’ll trust me with a few of the parts of her life she hasn’t revealed yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“Not my story to tell.” Trent shrugged a shoulder. “Though, if anything comes up, and she winds up in trouble, I’ll tell you what I know. Until then, I’m going to keep an eye on her. She’s worried, which leads me to believe there is a possibility trouble will find her again.”

“Anything you need, you got it.”

“Thanks.”

* * * *

As soon as Ella was on the road, and away from Trent, Mila piped in, “He hasn’t pushed for answers?”

She shook her head.

“He’s a protector. He’s going to want to know sooner or later. He may be holding off for now. That’s not going to last.”

“Yeah, but I’m not telling him tonight. His nephew will be there. This has potential to blow up in my face.”

“Give him a chance. This isn’t Hollywood. He’s a small town boy. Kyle tells me he turned down a football scholarship at a big school to stay around here. He did his college locally and then the academy, and straight into being a fireman. I don’t think it will make much difference when he learns the whole truth.”

Ella sighed. “But if he’s too small town, and the media finds me, it will get crazy. At least for a while. He won’t want what my other life entails.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Maybe.” Ella sighed and leaned back in the seat. “So, give me some ideas for those snacks, okay?”

Chapter 11

Once again, Ella suffered from a case of nerves. Part of her couldn’t wait to see Trent, the other was trying to work out how to tell him who she was. Fighting their growing attraction was getting more difficult all the time.

She stepped onto his porch and shifted the stack of food tubs to ring the bell. The door opened and Blaze smiled up at her. “Hello, Ella.”

Trent came down the stairs. Their eyes locked as he took the tubs of food. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to.” She winked at Blaze. “I’m hoping they’re fun enough that the healthy factor won’t turn you off.”

“What did you bring?” Blaze asked, bouncing on his feet.

“Fruit pizza and apple racecar snacks,” Ella answered.

“Yum!” Blaze squealed.

Trent chuckled. “Go wash up, Blaze. Then we’ll fix you a plate.”

Blaze charged up the stairs.

Trent took the food to the kitchen. Ella followed while quickly taking in the surroundings. Clean, masculine, and a home, not a bachelor pad.

“How long have you lived here?” she asked.

“A few years now.” He set the food aside and took her hand, pulling her closer. “Is it too much to admit I missed you?”

Ella shook her head as a smile spread. “I was thinking the same.”

Trent stepped even nearer, staring into her eyes. “Is it too soon to kiss you?”

She glanced toward the living room, wondering how long they had alone.

“Blaze will be a few minutes,” Trent answered the silent question.

Ella hesitated but advanced forward. He leaned down, brushing his mouth over hers, then sucked her bottom lip between his. She melted against him, savoring the heat of his body.

Small feet pounded down the stairs, and Trent backed away with a sheepish smile. “Maybe later I can have another taste.”

“We’ll see,” she answered. Turning, she pulled the lids off the food containers. “Hey, Blaze. Would you like these?”

He looked into the tubs and nodded. Trent grabbed a plate and handed it to his nephew. “Have at it.” Before Blaze could grab anything, Trent picked up one of the apple racecars and popped it into his mouth. “Mmm. Hurry, kiddo. I may hog them all.”

“I made them for you both.” She turned to go back to the living room, but Trent caught her hand and pulled her back.

“Hey, don’t you want something to snack on?”

“Nah. I ate a late lunch, and may have sampled a few too many while making them.” She winked, pulling free of his hold. Truth was she was too nervous to eat.

When Ella glanced back, she caught Trent watching her. He dragged his gaze up her body with a sly grin and offered a shrug. If it weren’t for Blaze, she might have spilled her secret if only to find out if they had a future.

She settled near the crook of the L-shaped couch and Trent hopped over the back with his own plate, to sit beside her.

“Come here.” He leaned back, gently pulling her shoulder until she leaned in toward him as he stretched his legs out. “Kick off your shoes and relax.”

Blushing, she did and straightened her legs out beside his, crossing her ankles.

A smile spread across his face as he threaded his fingers through hers. “We’re watching
Super Wolf
first.”

“Then Trent said we could watch the newest
Midnight Daughter
movie,” Blaze added, mischief in his gaze.

She stifled a gasp. Panic edging in. She turned to Trent and mouthed,
Isn’t he a little young for that?

Trent shrugged. “He’s a huge fan of Raven Star.”

“So are you,” Blaze chimed in. “We watched the third one last week.”

Looking from one to the other, she shook her head. “I don’t think I can stay for both. I have stuff to do early tomorrow. Maybe a rain check?”

Trent’s head tipped to the side. “You sure? We could watch it first if you prefer?”

“No, that’s okay,” she answered quickly. “Watch his movie.” She hoped to God he didn’t press and switch the disks.

Trent settled back. “All right,
Super Wolf
, it is.”

She relaxed against Trent, and he pressed play.

Blaze leaned over and whispered. “You’re Raven Star, aren’t you?”

Her eyes widened as she sat up, shaking her head. Escape plans and panic almost overtook her. “Why would you think that?”

“You look just like her,” he answered with an innocent smile.

Trent rolled his eyes, pulling her back. This time, he settled his arm across her shoulders. “Like I told him, you look a little like her, but you aren’t Raven. She’s probably filming her next blockbuster right now.”

Ella closed her eyes, trying to quiet her thoughts. Clearly, he didn’t keep up with Raven Star’s life, or the fact, she had announced her retirement a few short weeks ago.

“You all right? I’m sure we’re not the first people to notice you have her eyes.”

“I’m fine, and nah, not the first.” Only she didn’t deny who she was then.

Blaze half-laughed. “You really do look like her, but prettier. Trent thinks so too.”

She smiled over at the boy. “Thank you.”

He blushed. “It’s true.”

Trent leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Much prettier.”

A nervous laugh escaped and he pressed his lips behind her ear. She let out a soft sigh as he pulled her closer.

Relaxing against Trent, she nodded to the TV. “Thanks, now let’s watch this movie.”

* * * *

Ella’s reaction to Blaze’s question was puzzling.

Fear.

For half a second, Trent couldn’t help wondering if his unassuming neighbor really was Raven Star.

Then she relaxed when he admitted she was prettier. Shit, she was more beautiful than any woman he’d ever laid eyes on. The movie played on and he ignored most of it as he ran his fingers in circles on her arm. She leaned her head against his shoulder.