Dreaming With My Eyes Wide Open (Hollywood Legends #2) (28 page)

“Why does this smell of bullshit?”

Nate wanted to believe it was over. He would love to tell
Paige and Chuck that the threat was over — that they could get back to their
normal routines. Ones that didn’t include twenty-four-hour surveillance and
bodyguards.

“We smell it too, Nate. We listened to a recording of
Renshaw’s confession and we have a transcript. Everything he says meshes with
the facts. He claims he wanted you to pay and when he saw his opportunity, he
took it. The first attempt on your life was simply taking advantage of the
situation. It wasn’t premeditated. When it didn’t work, he became obsessed with
the idea of killing you.”

“He followed me to Montana and decided to blow up a truck I
wasn’t in?” Nate asked. The facts might mesh, but it didn’t make sense. “Does
he have a background in explosives?”

“He claims he got the information off the internet. And
before you ask, we can’t check his computer. Renshaw says he destroyed it. It’s
in the ocean somewhere between Los Angeles and Catalina.”

“Right.” Frustrated, Nate ran a hand through his hair. “What
do the police think?”

“Are you kidding? They’re over the moon. This is a high
profile case and as far as they are concerned, it is now closed. The D.A. is
already using the story for his re-election run. He’s been on every news
program, local and national, touting the amazing job his people did to bring
this dangerous criminal to justice.” Jack’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “The
asshole has conveniently forgotten that until Renshaw confessed, they treated
the failed stunt as an accident.”

“Whoever is behind this wants me to let down my guard.”

“I knew you weren’t just a pretty face.”

“What’s our next move, Jack?”

“You keep doing what you’re doing. I could increase
security, but I don’t think that’s necessary. Stay as close to the ranch as
possible and don’t go anywhere alone.”

Nate looked out the window at nothing but open space. He
couldn’t be more alone. However, he wasn’t going to tell Jack that.

“I should be wrapping the movie in about a week. Once I’m
gone, Chuck and Paige can get their lives back.”

Nate realized his plan to ask Paige to go with him would
have to wait. He couldn’t risk her life. She would be safe here in Montana
while he found out who was behind the attempts on his life.

“There is another option, but you won’t like it.”

“At this point, I’m open to any suggestion.”

“We pull the security. Or at least, we make it look that
way. If this is about getting you to let down your guard, it naturally follows
that another attempt on your life will be made.”

“Absolutely not, Jack.” Nate shuddered at the thought of
putting Paige, and everyone else, in that kind of danger.

“That’s what I thought you would say.” Jack paused. “This
confession has to be about money. Nobody gives themselves up unless they are
crazy or being handsomely compensated. From all reports, Renshaw comes across
as rational.”

“Can you find a money trail?”

Jack’s laugh held no humor. “If it’s there, we’ll find it.”

“Good.” Nate drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “I
need a place, Jack. Somewhere remote where a man who has been under a lot of
pressure would go to be alone.”

Jack caught on fast. “A place where a would-be killer could
track this man down and finish the job?”

“Exactly. Could you find me such a place?”

“In about a week?” Nate could practically hear the wheels in
Jack’s brain turning. “That will give us plenty of time to set up a band of
security. You will look like a sitting duck, but we’ll drop the net before the
killer gets within shouting distance.”

“What about the crew and me? Are we staying after Nate
leaves?”

“I don’t want Paige and her father left alone.” Nate didn’t
know how long it would take to flush out his enemy. He didn’t want Paige and
Chuck vulnerable.

“If they agree, two of the crew will stay behind.”

“They’ll agree.” Nate wouldn’t give them a choice.

“You sound awfully confident. If Paige is anything like the
women in my life, she doesn’t appreciate having decisions made for her.”

“Paige has a stubborn streak, Jack.” This came from Travis.
“She and Rose would get along just fine.”

“Like Rose,” Nate interjected, “Paige is smart. She’ll
listen to reason.”

“Mmm. If you say so.” Jack didn’t sound convinced. “I’ll
leave that up to you. Keep your plans under wraps, Nate. When it’s time for you
to leave, we’ll
leak
your location. Until then, the fewer people who
know, the better.”

“Jack is right, Nate.” Travis hung up. “I know it will be
difficult to lie to Paige.”

Nate wanted Paige safe. He wished he could tell her
everything. But it wouldn’t change what he would do. All it would do was give
her sleepless nights worrying. He wanted to spare her that.

“Popular guy,” Travis laughed when the phone rang. “Ah, the
lovely Paige. Want me to speaker it?”

“Yes, but keep your comments to yourself.” Nate shot him a
warning glance. “Paige.”

“Are you cast-free?”

“Thank God. That thing itched for weeks. The second it was
gone, so was the itch.”

“Psychosomatic.”

“Gesundheit.”

Travis snorted. “Really? No one will accuse you of having a
rapier wit.”

Nate flashed him a middle finger.

“Tell Travis hello for me.”

“Hi, Paige.”

“Hi. Nate, would you mind stopping in Basic and picking up a
few things? I meant to have Lottie do some grocery shopping for me, but I
forgot.”

“No problem. What do you need?”

“Flour. Salt. We usually get our eggs from a local farmer,
but we’ve been going through so many, we need to supplement. Organic if they
have them. Then—”

“Honey.” Nate chuckled. “Send me a text. I’ll get whatever
you need.”

“Okay. And Nate?”

Nate straightened. Recognized the tone in Paige’s voice.
Husky and filled with promise.

“Travis can hear you.”

“I know,” Paige’s voice lowered, sending a shot of heat to
his dick. “I wondered if we could go for a drive after dinner. We need to christen
your truck. That big back seat should do nicely.” With a sultry laugh, she hung
up.

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered. Aware of Travis sitting next
to him, Nate tried not to squirm.

“Something wrong?” Travis asked.

He sounded a little too happy. Nate decided to ruin his day.

“Nope. I have a sexy woman waiting for me. What do you
have?” Nate seemed to contemplate the question. “Oh, that’s right. A bunch of
smelly, hairy men. I wonder which of us is going to have the better evening?
The one in the truck with the gorgeous woman? Or the one watching from a
discreet distance?”

“And everyone thinks you’re such a nice guy,” Travis
grumbled. “You have a mean streak, Nate Landis. A mile wide and just as deep.”

“I went to Beverly Hills High. There is nothing more destructive
than a pack of over-privileged trust fund brats.”

“Come on,” Travis scoffed in disbelief.

“Laugh if you want. By the time we graduated, half my class
battled either an eating disorder or drug addiction. Or both. I was lucky.”

“What saved you?”

“Three brothers who had my back. And,” Nate smiled, “I had
amazing parents. They weren’t about to let any of us head down a dark path.
When we stumbled, they were always there to catch us before we could fall.”

“That sounds like more than luck,” Travis said, smiling
back.

Luck
, Nate thought,
and two secret weapons named
Caleb Landis and Callie Flynn.

“THAT’S A FEW things?” Travis asked, looking at the grocery
list Paige had texted. “Who is she feeding, an army?”

“You know she likes to bake. How many cookies have you
eaten? Or pieces of cake?”

“I ate half of an apple pie yesterday,” Travis said with a
happy sigh. “I see what you mean. I’ll grab a shopping cart.”

“What is the difference between bleached and unbleached flour?”

This was the second aisle they had been down. The choices
were mind-boggling, even in the small
Basic Market
. Nate didn’t shop for
food. He either ate at his parents’ house, ordered in or went out. He tried to
picture the contents of his brand new stainless steel Sub-Zero refrigerator.
Water? Some kind of fruit that by this time was either wizened or moldy.
Probably both.

Nate quickly realized he was way out of his depth. He hoped
Travis knew something about this stuff. If not, he would have to call Paige.
Nope. Too embarrassing. It was either Travis or the lady stocking the shelves.

“Go for unbleached. That’s what my mom buys.”

“Good man.” Nate grabbed a ten-pound bag. “Is that enough?
Paige didn’t say how much she wanted.”

“I gave you my one bit of knowledge,” Travis said. “You are
on your own.”

“Two it is.” He looked at the list. “Salt. How hard can that
be?”

Kosher. Table. Sea salt, Nate groaned. He gained a new
appreciation for anyone who did this on a regular basis. Table salt sounded
generic. Hoping for the best, he grabbed a box.

“She called last night.”

Two men stopped a few feet away. They wore similarly lined
jean jackets that failed to cover stomachs that protruded over the sagging
waistband of grease-stained jeans. With an automatic glance, Nate noticed their
cart contained beer and frozen pizza. If those were the basic staples of their
diets, it was no wonder they couldn’t pull up their pants. When one of them
reached for a can of confetti frosting, Nate shuddered.

“No kidding? It’s been over a month. Was she begging you to
take her back?”

“Bitch knows better than to try that,” the taller one
sneered. “She wanted the dog. Can you believe it? She begged me to get her that
puppy. Something to keep her company while I was at work. Then she runs off
with a car salesman from Billings. It felt good to tell her what I did to her
precious Cocoa. I said,
I threw
the bitch in a bag and booted her out
of the truck. Just like I should have done to you.
”

“What did she say?”

“Fuck. She cried so hard, I hung up so I wouldn’t have to
listen. Come on. I want to get home before the game starts.”

“Stop!” Nate barked.

The tall one looked around. “Are you talking to me,
asshole?”

“That’s right.”

“Fuck you, pretty boy. Why don’t you and your fag boyfriend
fuck off?”

Travis moved so he could keep an eye on the two men, his
body blocking Nate from going after them. “I know what you’re thinking.”

“Do you?” Nate’s voice was even — seemingly calm. One look
at the storm brewing in his eyes and Travis knew there was nothing calm about
him.

“You want to tear the idiot in half for what he did to
Beauty.”

“That sounds about right.”

“Beauty?” The tall one snickered. “Who the hell is Beauty?
Is that his pet name for you?”

“If you hit him, what good will it do?” Travis put a hand on
Nate’s arm. He knew it wouldn’t do much good if Nate were determined. However,
he had to try.

“Move your hand, Travis.”

Nate didn’t look at Travis. Unblinkingly, Nate stared at the
idiot who continued to run his mouth off. Travis doubted the man had a death
wish. He was simply too stupid to understand how close he was to drinking his
meals through a straw for the next few months.

“Let’s go, Harv.”

“Smart,” Travis said. “You take your friend and go. I won’t
be able to hold Nate back much longer.”

“Are you holding me back?” Nate raised an eyebrow but his
stare didn’t waver.

Jesus
, Travis thought.
The man was a scary son of
a bitch when he wanted to be.

“Shut up, Leroy.” Harv shoved the cart at his friend. Full
of himself, and half a dozen beers, he raised his fists. “Bring it on, faggot.”

“Really?”
Maybe the guy was suicidal.
Travis stepped
aside. “It’s your funeral.”

What happened next couldn’t be called a fight. If you
blinked, you missed it.

Harv threw a sloppy punch that Nate easily sidestepped. Nate
aimed at the man’s nose. The sound was unmistakable. The bone didn’t break. It
shattered.

Without a backward glance, Nate wheeled the shopping cart
down the aisle away from the screaming Harv.

“Oranges.” Nate checked Paige’s list. “How many should we
get?”

WHEN PAIGE WAS a little girl, the days were long. As with most
children, she wished her time away, waiting for milestones and special
occasions. Christmas couldn’t come soon enough. If only she were sixteen and
could get her driver’s license. High school graduation.

All she could see was the next thing. Why would she want to
live in the present when the future held the promise of excitement — the lure
of the unknown.

She sat on the steps of her home, watching as they filmed
the last scene of her mother’s movie and all she could do was wonder — where
had the time gone?

“I can’t go back and slow the clock, Beauty.” Paige smoothed
her hand over the puppy’s head. Happy, Beauty snuggled deeper into Paige’s lap.
“You’ve been here as long as Nate has. Five weeks. Is it wrong for me to wish
for five more? I would settle for one.”

Today would end Nate’s reason for being on the Double C
Ranch. The cast and crew gathered around, watching as Wilt and Edith played out
the ending. A simple shot. Few words — so many emotions. After the struggles,
the decision had been easy. Love won out. They would face the future — whatever
it brought — together.

It was a lovely ending. Two people. Hand in hand. Their
backs to the camera as they looked out over their land. The sun wasn’t rising
or setting. It was straight overhead — bright. Hopeful.

It was ridiculous, but Paige found herself envying that
fictional couple. They had love. Years and years of it. With more to come. A
lifetime together. She was going to lose the love of her life. Five weeks. That
was all she’d had.

“I want more, Beauty,” Paige whispered. “
I
want a
lifetime.”

“And cut,” Nate called out. “That’s a wrap.”

Applause broke out. Hugs and handshakes exchanged. Paige
watched as everyone gravitated toward Nate. He stood out — not just because of
his size. He had taken control from day one, steering the production with sure,
steady hands. Nate always spoke of the team, but they knew he was the reason
they made it through.

“I understand we’re having a party,” Nate said, his arm
around Edith.

“Damn straight,” Wilt called out. His wife was by his side,
holding his hand, her eyes filled with love and pride. “We’ve earned a little
shindig.”

“Emphasis on little,” Edith clarified. “We want to
celebrate. We started out friends and neighbors. Thanks to you, Nate, we are
now a family.”

Paige could see how touched Nate was by Edith’s words.

“Does that make me everyone’s father?” Nate asked with a
grin.

“Well, Daddy.” Edith pushed Nate out of the barn. “You go
rest your old bones while we youngsters set up the party.”

Paige knew Nate wasn’t ready to rest. There were details
that needed his attention. While he consulted with Homer, she lifted Beauty and
headed into the house.

“I know you would like to run around and play,” Paige told
the puppy when she tried to get down. “There are a lot of big people with big
feet out there. I don’t want anyone trampling you.”

She set Beauty on the floor. Paige looked around, momentarily
at a loss.
Cookies.
That was the answer. Baking always made her feel
better. Chocolate chip could be a nice addition to the party. Paige started
pulling out the ingredients. She had plenty of everything, thanks to Nate and
Travis’ trip to the store.

“He was your hero, wasn’t he?” Paige asked Beauty. “You
might not understand, but you know he loves you. He took care of that nasty
creep who dumped you on our property.”

The incident in the store had been witnessed by half a dozen
people, adding to Nate’s popularity — in Basic and beyond. The story buzzed
across social media before the police arrived. Harv tried to shift the blame,
claiming Nate sucker-punched him. He expected his friend to back him up.
However, in the face of so many witnesses, Leroy caved like a house of cards.

Nate walked out of the market a bigger sensation than when
he went in. And Paige had enough pantry staples to last her the rest of the
year.

“Sometimes things do work out.” Paige measured the flour
into a bowl. “You found a better home. You will be loved and cared for the rest
of your life.”

As for Paige, she could make these cookies with her eyes
closed. Instead of distracting her, she had too much time to dwell on what life
would be like without Nate. Sick of her self-pity, she added a cup of chocolate
chips. Then for good measure, she shoved a handful into her mouth.

She was taking the last batch out of the oven when Lottie
burst into the house.

“Where’s the fire?” Paige paused, spatula and cookie in
mid-air. “Oh, God. Please tell me nothing is on fire.”

“Way more exciting without the destruction.” Lottie put a
hand to her chest, her breathing ragged. “Outside. You have to come.”

“I’ve been outside, Lottie.” Paige continued transferring
cookies to the cooling rack. “You’ll have to do better than that if you want me
to drop everything.”

“Nate’s parents are here.” Lottie sighed. “Nate comes by his
good looks honestly. His mother is more gorgeous in person than in her movies.
And his father? Hubba hubba.”

Paige blinked once, then twice. She couldn’t have heard
correctly.

“Callie Flynn and Caleb Landis? Here? Now?”

“Yes,” Lottie cried.

“No.”

“Yes. And before you say no again? Yes, a million times. Now
do you believe me?”

“Yes.”

With deliberate care, Paige removed her apron, hung it up,
and headed for the back door.

“Hey, what are you doing? You’re headed the wrong way.”

“Nate’s parents are out there?” Paige tipped her head toward
the barn.

“Right.”

“Then this isn’t the wrong way.”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Lottie jumped in front of her, blocking
her path. “Running away? My best friend? Since when?”

“I’m a mess.” Paige grasped the easiest excuse. It helped
that it was true. “This morning I was working with the horses. Then I made
cookies.”

“I can tell.” Lottie wiped the corner of Paige’s mouth.
“Chocolate chip?”

Paige rushed past Lottie into the mudroom. Looking in the
mirror, she groaned. God, it was worse than she thought. She looked like a bag
of chips had melted down her chin.

“I understand why you’re nervous.” After Paige had washed
her face, Lottie handed her a tube of lip-gloss. “I’ve known Danny’s folks all
my life. Now that he and I are officially dating, my stomach was in knots the
first time he took me over there for dinner. Guess what, I survived. His mother
and I are having lunch next week.”

“That’s nice, Lottie,” Paige said. She was happy for her
friend. This was different. “I’m a mess.”

“You’re beautiful.” When Paige tried to protest, Lottie
stopped her. “I know what you mean. Things are up in the air with Nate. The
idiot hasn’t told you he loves you.”

“He doesn’t.”

“He does.” Lottie gave Paige’s hair a quick fluff.
Blond
perfection
, Lottie thought, without a twinge of envy. “Not that it would
hurt for you to say it first.”

“I’m not saying it to you before I’ve said it to him. And
I’m
not
saying it to him.”

“Then—?”

“No.” Paige looped her arm through Lottie’s. “Nate is
leaving Montana. He’s never said differently.”

“You could go with him.” Lottie’s smile was a little sad. “I
would miss the hell out of you but it would give me an excuse to visit Los
Angeles. Maybe I’ll be discovered.”

When Lottie struck an exaggerated glamour pose, Paige
laughed in spite of herself.

“What they’ll discover is what a goofball you are.”

“True. Paige—”

“Nate is leaving. I’m staying. We had fun.” Paige shut her
eyes and took a deep breath. “He isn’t going to break my heart, Lottie. If it’s
a little bent, I’m to blame, not him.”

Lottie rested her head on Paige’s shoulder in silent
support. Words weren’t necessary. She knew her best friend better than anyone.
It wouldn’t help to point out that she was lying to herself.
Bent heart, my
ass
. Lottie could hear it cracking. The second Nate Landis drove away,
Paige’s hearts would break into a million pieces. And Lottie would be here to
help pick up the pieces.

“Am I presentable?”

Paige turned in a circle. She had a smile on her face that
almost reached her eyes.

“Like I said. You are beautiful. Ready to meet some honest
to goodness Hollywood royalty?”

Royalty. Paige could handle that. Nate’s parents? That was
another matter. Squaring her shoulders, she nodded and opened the door.

“I CAN’T BELIEVE you’re here!” Nate swung his mother around in
a circle. Her laughter filled his heart. It was the happiest sound in the
world.

“Since it was on our way, we decided to stop by.”

“I thought you were on your way to New Orleans to finish
your movie.” Frowning, Nate looked at his father. Caleb shrugged.

“In Callie’s world, Montana is on the way to Louisiana.”

“But—”

“Nate, are you arguing with your mother’s logic?”

Grinning, he hugged his father. “No, sir. It’s good to see
you. Both of you.”

“Chuck,” Caleb stuck out his hand. “It’s been too long.”

“Thirty years too long.” Chuck greeted Callie with a kiss on
the cheek. “Though looking at this lovely lady, I would think it was yesterday.
Then I look at you…”

Caleb’s deep laugh ran out. “It’s true. Callie stays forever
young. I don’t know how she does it.”

“Pure thoughts and plenty of sunscreen,” Callie said, her
famous gray eyes twinkling.

“Pure thoughts my—”

“Caleb,” Callie shot her husband a warning look. Then she
winked and their fascinated audience sighed with delight. “Hello.” Callie
beamed, waving at the people gathered around. “Chuck, why don’t you introduce
Caleb to your friends? Nate and I will be there in a minute.”

Callie waited until they were alone to pick up Nate’s left
hand, kissing the back.

“All better?” she asked.

“It was just waiting for your blessing.” Nate tipped her
chin with his finger until he could look into her eyes. “So Montana was on your
way?”

“I could play dumb.”

“You? Never.”

“I
am
an actress.” Callie took his arm. “I don’t see
your Paige.”

“How do you know?” Nate looked around. There were several
young, attractive women in the crowd.

“Call it intuition. I thought it might be the brunette who
ran in the house as we arrived. But you didn’t take any notice.”

“Why would I?”

“Because, when…” Seeing Nate’s attention shift over her
shoulder, Callie turned her head.
Ah. There she is
. Not the curvy
brunette. The leggy blonde.

“What?” Nate’s eyes returned to his mother. “What were you
saying?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Callie took his arm. “Introduce me to
Paige.”

“How did you know?” Nate led his mother toward the house.
“You’re a witch, Callie Flynn.”

“No, Nathaniel. I’m a mother.”

“SEE YOU LATER.”

“Wait.” Paige grabbed at Lottie’s arm, her eyes darting to
Callie Flynn. “She’s coming this way.”

“I know. Introduce me later. I’m going to drool over Nate’s
father. I love a yummy older man.”

“What about Danny?” Paige called out as Lottie skipped away.

“I’m fully committed. But I’m not dead. There are no rules
against looking.”

“This must be the famous Beauty.”

Nate grinned. He loved how his mother picked up the puppy
all the while keeping her eyes on Paige.

“Hello.” Callie smiled, holding out her hand, gently
grasping Paige’s. “I’m Callie.”

“I know.” For all the butterflies in her stomach, Paige
couldn’t help smiling back. “Welcome to Montana.”

“Why, thank you.” Callie handed the squirming dog to Nate.
“I’ve never been here before.” Keeping the young woman’s hand, she looked
around before her eyes settled on Paige. “I can see why Nate has enjoyed his
time here.”

“Mom—”

“Is that punch everyone is drinking? Be a love and get Paige
and me a cup.”

There was no use arguing, not that he would try. His mother
was a force of nature — one the men in her life rarely challenged. On those
rare occasions they did, she knew it had to be important. She would listen
carefully, and weigh their opinions. And sometimes, let them think they won.

Hugging Callie, Nate whispered, “Be good.”

“Such a darling.” Callie let loose her mega-watt smile.
“Would you mind giving me the mini-tour?”

Paige felt torn between good manners and the urge to bolt
into the house. Two things kept her where she was. Lottie’s voice reminding her
she didn’t run from anything — and the kindness she saw in Callie’s eyes. The
color was different, but when she looked closer, she realized it was the same
quality she would often see in Nate’s.

It calmed her. Centered her. It allowed her to return
Callie’s smile warmly instead of stiffly and artificially.

“Would you like to meet two of my rescue horses? Rollie and
Winter are fixtures around here. Don’t tell him I know, but Nate talks to them
on a regular basis.”

“Really?” Delighted, Callie strolled alongside Paige. “You
could tell them anything without fear of judgment.”

Surprised that Callie understood, Paige nodded. “I admit
they’ve heard a few of my problems. When my mother died, I would brush their
coats and talk for hours. They are very good listeners.”

Callie felt for Paige’s loss. It was obvious she still felt
the loss of her mother deeply. As they walked, Paige told her about how
rewarding the work she did with horses was when they were healed and ready to
be placed with owners who cared for them properly.

“You have a kind and gentle heart, Paige — filled with love
and compassion.”