Hollywood Ever After (26 page)

The kettle whistled and I finished making the tea. Humming softly, I carried the tray to the bedroom and pushed the door open with my toe. He sat up, bleary-eyed, in bed.

“I wanted to wake you up. You’re ruining my surprise.” I wrinkled my nose and stuck my tongue out at him.

“Sorry.” He smiled. “I was about to come looking for you.”

I handed him a cup and perched on the edge of the bed. “You’re forgiven.” I watched as he took a sip of his tea. “How is it?”

He took another sip. “Delicious.”

I smiled. He looked gorgeous with the morning sunlight filtering through the windows. His jaw was covered with dark stubble, his eyes hooded and amused. As my eyes traveled over his bare chest, my breathing grew a little unsteady.

I took a sip of my tea. His eyes were warm and heavy-lidded, his smile an invitation. I set my tea on the floor and climbed up next to him, burrowing into his side. “Last night was nice.”

“It was.” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me closer.

I looked up at him, his lips distracting me and holding my attention. He smiled, his hand catching my chin. His thumb was soft against my jaw, tracing my lower lip while his slightly red-rimmed eyes regarded me intently. I felt a flush flood my cheeks as desire filled me, unexpected and undeniable. He looked delicious.

“You’re a very passionate woman,” he murmured huskily.

“Am I?” My voice was husky as I swallowed against the sudden tightness in my throat.

His hazel eyes slid to the neck of my blue silk robe. “You are.” He cleared his throat and tried to tease as he added, “It’s something I’ll have to accept, I suppose.”

I laughed, hitting him with a pillow. He grabbed the pillow and pulled me against him, his laughter fading as his eyes fell to my mouth.

I leaned forward and kissed him, my lips clinging to his as I wrapped my arms around him. I felt him pulling me to him and tangled my hands in his hair.

“Is this what I can expect for breakfast from now on?”

I spoke against his mouth, “If I’m feeling passionate.”

“Excellent.” His hand crept under the hem of my robe, tracing up my thigh to my hip.

My breath caught at the feel of his hands sliding over my skin. I felt the tremor of response shudder across my thigh as his hand came to rest on the curve of my rump. “I don’t know whether it’s that you’re so greatly affected when I touch you here or it’s due to its lovely curve, but I happen to be very fond of your arse.” His hands tightened on the object of his affection.

I pulled his face to mine again, kissing him deeply as his hands continued to travel. He pulled, encouraging me so that I ended up straddling him, my hands on his chest. “Are you sure you don’t want to finish your tea first?” I asked somewhat breathlessly.

“Very.” He kissed me, his hands and mouth silencing my doubts. “I’m at your mercy…” I felt his desire press against me. Heat roiled through me, heady in its weight. His hands were warm on my hips, lifting me.

My chest tightened as he entered me, sliding deep. My hands pressed against his chest as I arched back to deepen his reach. He groaned, his hands tightening on my buttocks. It started gently, with no sense of urgency. On and on we went, each thrust stroking my nerves tighter and tauter around him. I lost myself to his touch, letting the feel of his hands, his smell, and his body take over.

When his release came, his voice broke as he called out my name. And I slipped over the edge, riding a brilliant wave of pleasure as pure sensation washed over every inch of my skin.

Minutes later, I lay gasping against his chest. My body quivered as little shocks of pleasure danced along my nerves. His hand moved slowly up and down my back, his breath ragged in my hair. “Would you like your tea now?” I whispered.

He shook his head. “Not yet. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” I smiled up at him, his smile widening in answer.

His hand cupped my cheek. “Yes, I know.”

“Does it bother you that I’m…”

“Vocal, passionate, uninhibited?” His eyes twinkled as he teased me.

“I was just going to say
loud
.”

“I don’t think I could explain how much I enjoy the sounds you make.”

“That’s a relief. I don’t think I could restrain myself.”

“I’d never want you to.” His arms were tight around me and he sighed. I closed my eyes, enjoying the soothing strokes up and down my back, his heartbeat against my cheek. If I stayed this way much longer, I’d fall back to sleep. It wasn’t a bad idea, since we’d spent the night talking. But I felt that each minute I had with him was something to cherish. I could sleep later.

He was humming softly. I recognized the song he’d played that first night, on the beach in California. “I like this song,” I murmured.

“It’s one of my favorites.”

I looked up at him. “If I stay here I’ll go back to sleep.”

“Is that a bad thing?” His crooked smile threatened my barely restored heart rate. “There’s no place I’d rather be.”

“You mean we could stay in bed all day?” My smile echoed his.

“Yes. I suppose we could have another bath if you like?” He laughed softly. “Find some food?”

“Can we sleep first?”

He nodded. “Thank you for sharing your bed with me,” he whispered in my ear.

“I like sharing my bed with you.” I slipped down, burrowing under the duvet with a sigh. He burrowed down beside me, throwing an arm over my side. I wriggled back, pressing against him. “You can come a little closer if you want.”

He slid up behind me, molding against my back and sliding his arms around me. “Much better,” he whispered against my neck.

***

We made it into Stratford that evening, starving. It was a brisk walk into the village, the chill in the air keeping us moving swiftly. We talked the whole time, laughing at each other’s stories and holding hands.

The White Stag was a grand old-world pub. It, like most of the buildings on the village square, was done in the Tudor style with white walls and dark wood bracing. All in all, I was in awe of how enchanting Stratford was, but I was too hungry to explore now.

The White Stag’s menu was posted in front. Fish and chips, their specialty, sounded divine so we pushed the door open and stepped inside. I felt a moment’s concern over Josh being recognized, but no one looked up as we came in. It was crowded enough to make blending in a possibility. I hoped so. I was enjoying being completely caught up in each other for the time being.

I stood, holding his hand, as we surveyed the crowded pub. He pointed. “Come on, then. There’s a table in the back.”

We moved quickly, making our way to the table. “It’s really crowded.”

“Saturday afternoon,” Josh said in explanation. “Lots of tourists and families having an evening out.”

“So it’s not that the food is fantastic?” I asked. “Not that it matters if the food’s fantastic or not. I’m starving.”

He smiled a self-satisfied smile. “You should be. I am as well.” He touched my cheek. “Shall I order dinner?”

I nodded. “Oh, yes, please.”

A cheer went up from the bar. The rather rambunctious group sang something loudly before cheering again. I laughed.

“Rugby. Want a pint?” He raised his voice to be heard over the noise.

“Sure.”

“I’ll be back.” He stood and made his way toward the bar.

I let my eyes travel over the wood-paneled pub. Families sat around tables eating food, a group of teenage boys were throwing darts, and the bar was lined with middle-aged men watching rugby on the only television.

Josh made his way to the bar and spoke to the bartender, ordering our drinks. He laughed at something the man said and I smiled. I glanced away, scanning the faces quickly. Would he be recognized here? Would it matter? If he was recognized, he’d be gracious about it. That was the way he was. Giving and kind.

Josh turned and brushed past a man at the bar, bumping his elbow. Josh said something to the man, smiled and moved on to me. The man turned, watching Josh with narrowed eyes. The man’s eyes, pale blue, met mine briefly and he smiled at me.

Oh God
. It was Daniel.

I closed my eyes, fought the fear clawing at my chest. I felt sick.

Daniel was here.

Josh stepped around a table, blocking my view of the bar. “Your pint.” Josh sat at the table, smiling.

I stared, my eyes scanning the bar frantically. Daniel wasn’t there. My eyes traveled the room quickly, but I didn’t see him. Was he ever there?

“Claire?”

“Did you see that man?” My voice sounded strange, thin and brittle.

“What man?” Josh took my hands. “Your hands are like ice.”

“The man…the man you bumped.”

“Was he angry? I think I spilled his…” His hands rubbed mine as he mumbled to a stop. His eyes settled on my face, worried.

“He…it was Daniel,” I said quickly.

Josh stared at me, his face stiffening and his hands growing still on mine. He stood up, tugging me against his side. “Where is he?”

My eyes searched the room again, hesitantly. I wasn’t sure which was worse, not finding him or finding him. “I don’t see him now. I don’t know.” I had to keep control. I couldn’t afford to fall apart now.

“He left? He knew you saw him?” His eyes continued to scan the crowd.

“Yes. He smiled at me.”

Josh’s arms wrapped about me and he pulled me against him. “Come on. We’re calling the police.”

“What will you say? He’s done nothing wrong.” As terrifying as his presence was, I knew he’d broken no law.

Josh pulled out his phone and began dialing. I didn’t hear what he said, but I caught, “Yes, at the White Stag. My name is Josh Wiley.”

Chapter Thirteen

In other news, Josh Wiley and his lady love are once again in the news. And this time, law enforcement was involved. According to eyewitness reports, Josh and Miss Collins were disturbed by a patron at Stratford pub the White Stag. While there’s been no statement or explanation issued at this time, there are numerous rumors circulating. Is Miss Collins involved with another man? Could it be that Josh Wiley isn’t enough for her? Or could this mysterious patron be—

Josh turned off the television. “Enough of that.”

I nodded and took a sip of my tea. Tea was growing on me.

The morning sunlight peeked through the intermittent gray clouds. It looked like the rain was going to stay, which was a fitting reflection of my mood.

I peered out the back window, startled by the immense form of one of our new security escorts patrolling the back garden. Two large men, Angus and Jim, had arrived less than two hours after I’d seen Daniel. Meg was quick. While they were solid and quiet and came highly recommended by other celebrities, they made me feel nervous.

“Did you get any sleep?” Josh asked me, sitting in the chair next to me.

I nodded. “A little.”

“You were restless.” He pulled me into his lap.

“I kept you awake?” My forehead rested against his. “I hate that this happened. I know you don’t want me to say I’m sorry, but…”

He put his hand over my mouth. “I needed security, Claire. I’ve put it off because I’m a bit of a procrastinator.”

I laughed. “You’re being sweet again.”

He kissed me. “I’m not sweet. Selfish, remember? I need to feel safe, to know you and the children are safe. That’s why they’re here, and Roman has gone to accompany Nat and Will and your mum here this afternoon.”

“You are a sweet, sweet man.” I kissed him.

“Josh? Hello?” Helen’s voice called out from the front door.

“Who are the giants milling about the gardens?” Nathan asked.

Before I could slip from Josh’s lap, Helen and Nathan joined us in the kitchen.

“Are you both all right? We caught the news this morning, and there was something in the papers, too.” Helen ruffled her brother’s hair and hugged me.

“What’s this all about, anyway?” Nathan sat at the kitchen table with us.

Josh looked at me. “Claire’s ex-husband has decided to give her a bit of a scare.”

Nathan’s eyebrows formed a single line as he scowled. “What the devil is he playing at?”

“I’m not sure,” I replied softly.

Helen busied herself in the kitchen, putting out the teacakes and sweets Josh and I had purchased this morning. We’d planned to shop for our time at the cottage, but being followed through the store by photographers and reporters ended that rather efficiently. And that was with our giant protectors keeping the press at a distance. I couldn’t imagine what kind of nightmare it would have been if we hadn’t had them with us. We’d managed to get a few things to nibble on and decided it was time to retreat.

“I think it’s good you’ve got them. The bodyguards, I mean.” Helen poured tea for everyone and sat at the table. “When do your mum and Nat and Will arrive?”

“This afternoon.” I shook my head as Helen offered me a tea cake.

“Then you’ve time to take a nap before they get here. From the look of it, you both need one,” Helen said.

Nathan added, “Helen and I will go do a proper shop while you two sleep a bit.”

Josh squeezed my hand. “I think that’s an excellent idea.”

I nodded, making my way to the bedroom with a quick smile all around.

I lay on the bed and closed my eyes, trying to relax. I heard the bedroom door open, felt the mattress shift, and the warmth of his hand as it slid around my waist. Josh’s breath stirred my hair as he leaned close to whisper, “Sleep, Claire.”

I woke up three hours later to Josh’s kiss. “Time to head to the train station.”

I rolled over to find him bleary-eyed and sleepy. I smiled at him. “You can stay. Get some more sleep.”

He shook his head. “I’ve missed them too, you know.”

It was a short ride. We probably would have walked it, but the rain was falling heavily. We ran into the station and onto the covered platform as a train pulled up on one side of the platform. A crush of people exited the trains, heading off the platform and to their homes. Others, tourists, milled about to check the wall maps or their guidebooks.