Hollywood Ever After (23 page)

I smiled as Natalie patted her hair and straightened her shirt. “Let’s just say goodbye here. You’re going to have a terrific time and we’ll see you at the station in Stratford in a few days.”

Will hugged Josh fiercely, whispering, “And don’t worry, Josh. I have my light saber this time.” Josh still looked concerned, but he tried to laugh for Will’s sake.

Kisses, hugs, and several cheerful goodbyes later, the kids and Mom were safely stowed in the cab and off to the train station.

Josh asked the valet to bring the car to the back door. We headed back up to get my bags.

Once the elevator door closed, I turned to him. “Will’s right, Josh. This isn’t your fault.”

He finally looked at me and I saw how upset he really was. He nodded his head, but his face remained stiff.

I hugged him, wrapping my arms around him. “It’s okay.”

His arms caught me to him. “It bloody well isn’t okay and I know it. Will was scared. I think Nat was a bit, too, though she’d never admit it now. It shouldn’t have happened.”

I wasn’t thrilled about it, but there’d been no harm done. I was, after all, dating someone in the public eye. It was something I was going to have to be prepared for if I wanted this to work out.

And I did.

I tried teasing. “It’s not a big deal. If I become some big-time published author, it’ll happen all the time.”

“I’d like to have Meg look into security for the children. Maybe for me and you as well?” He was asking for permission.

“Will it make you feel better?”

“A bit.”

“Then please call her.” I added, “Now.”

He arched an eyebrow at me. “Now?”

“I don’t want this morning to ruin our time together.” I spoke softly. “Please call her so you won’t worry or stress anymore.”

His hand cupped my cheek. “You’re remarkable.”

“I am?”

“You are.” His smile grew. “Which is why I love you so very much.”

How did his sweet declaration make me so euphoric and completely terrified all at the same time? It was somewhat of a mystery.

I was saved from having to say anything as the elevator doors opened. I stepped out of the elevator and led the way back to our suite, talking over my shoulder to fill the silence. “I’d planned to have everything ready when the kids left. Will we be late getting in?” I led the way across the sitting room to my room.

“No, it’s a short trip.” He followed. “Did you enjoy London?”

I smiled at him. “Yes.”

“It’s been going rather well.” Josh was smiling as he spoke. “Except for this morning, I mean.”

I scowled at him then said, “It’s going great, Josh. Amazingly.” I glanced into the open suitcase on the bed.

He shot me a lopsided grin. “You sound doubtful?”

“It’s an adjustment. For me, that is. I keep waiting for something to…turn off the happy.” I laughed a little.

“I forbid it.” He made a stern face and I laughed. “The cottage might seem a bit small after this, though. And will be somewhat less elegant, as well.” He stared about the hotel room with meaning.

“That’s fine. I’ve been terrified Will would break something or Natalie would spill nail polish or soda on the silk upholstery.”

I went into the bathroom and quickly put all of my toiletries in my bag. After I’d made sure the cabinet was empty and I had all of my personal items, I took the bag back into the bedroom and put it in my suitcase.

“There’s only one thing I’ve loved about this room,” I said. “I didn’t have to share a bed. Will becomes a ninja warrior when he’s sleeping and Natalie talks in her sleep. Neither are the best bed partners.”

“If I promise not to kick you or talk in my sleep, will you let me share your bed?” His voice tickled my ear as he came up behind me. He moved my hair from my neck, dropping a warm kiss at the base of my neck.

I shivered under his touch. “I’ll have to think about it.”

He turned me in his arms, his mouth closing on mine with a soft growl. I loved the way his touch made me tremble. The taste of his breath, mingling with mine, instantly ignited a raging fire within me. His hand came up under my hair, holding my head as his lips parted mine and he deepened his kiss. His other arm came around me, grabbing my hip and pulling me against him. I gasped, feeling light-headed.

“We’re not going to leave this room if you keep that up. You’re a terrible distraction,” I told him, putting my hands against his chest.

“Terrible bad or terrible good?” His voice was hoarse.

I felt my stomach tighten, the rush of hunger spreading through me quickly. I laughed shakily, shrugging.

“You laugh now. Should I be insulted?”

“No. It’s me. I just lose control around you.” I looked at him, my cheeks warm and a hitch in my breath.

His hand came up to trace my face. “I hope you always do.” He kissed me very softly.

My desire was tempered by the sweet contentment his words stirred.

“I’ll try to behave.” He let his hands slide from my shoulders and stepped back.

I smiled at him before zipping up my suitcase and surveying the room carefully. “I’m ready.” I extended the suitcase handle and pulled it behind me. We closed up the hotel room and entered the elevator.

“Let me.” He took the suitcase handle in one hand, mine in his other. “I’m behaving, remember?”

“You’re a true gentleman, Mr. Wiley.” I cocked an eyebrow at him and waited for the elevator doors to close before I whispered, “Not always, of course. I admit I like the not so gentlemanly Mr. Wiley, too. You’re very good at misbehaving.”

His eyes darkened and his cheeks reddened. I’d surprised him. He grabbed me, pulling me to him. “You’re making me feel the need to misbehave, Claire.”

My eyes grew wide as I innocently asked, “Me?”

He shook his head, his eyes molten as he whispered, “I’ve never wanted to behave less like a gentleman than at this moment.” His lips were hungry on mine and I felt myself sway into his hold. His mouth was all the invitation I needed.

I should have given in upstairs. I sincerely regretted that I hadn’t. I wrapped my arms around him, smiling as his hand tangled in my hair. His mouth found mine, his lips pulling and parting my lips. I clung to him.

The elevator doors opened to reveal Josh and me in this passionate embrace.

We were greeted by the blinding flash of cameras and the garbled voices of the throng of reporters crowding into the elevator doorway.

Josh shook his head and cocked an eyebrow at me. “Sorry,” he whispered. He shot me a reluctant grin in attempt to reassure me. “Shall we go back up?”

I wasn’t sure. Should we? But the damage was done now, obviously. I was still clinging to him, though it was more out of shock now. I shook my head. “No point now. Let’s just get out of here.”

He slowly released me from his embrace and took my hand, pulling me behind him as much as possible. “Hold tight.”

I was completely uncomfortable by the number of people staring at us. In the midst of the lobby, I saw the concierge arguing with some of the reporters. The older doorman was trying to corral the group back but wasn’t having much success.

My eyes couldn’t focus, the continual flashes making me momentarily blind. I gave up on navigating on my own and concentrated on clinging to his hand. He moved confidently, guiding us through the throng. He looked back at me, winking. I felt a small answering smile cross my face. Was he actually enjoying this?

Questions were yelled in our general direction. “Josh! Josh, is this your girlfriend?” “Are you the American? Aren’t you a divorcee?” “Miss Collins? You are Claire Collins?” “What does Fiona think?” “Who were those children at the park this morning, Josh? Were they yours?”

Josh didn’t say anything as he led us to the back of the lobby. Security intervened finally, keeping the throng of reporters from following us down a long and winding hallway and through a secure door. Our car was blessedly waiting for us. Josh handed the bag to the valet and closed me into the passenger side.

He inspected me when he climbed into the car. “You all right, Claire?”

“I think so.”

“You did well. You even smiled a bit. You’ll be a pro at this in no time.” He was smiling as he added, “I suppose we’ve now gone public, then?” He started the car and pulled away from the hotel. He looked at me, his crinkling smile never failing to knock me for a loop.

I shot him a look. “Possibly,” I murmured. I wasn’t sure this was a good thing.

He grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. “Possibly?” He laughed then regarded me. His face grew concerned. “Is that okay?”

I let my hand caress his cheek, tracing his jaw leisurely. “It might be a little late to ask that question.”

His smile faltered a bit. “Claire.” He took my hand in his.

“It’s fine. No, it’s good.” I squeezed his hand, his face relaxing as I spoke. “Truly.”

He squeezed my hand back, driving through the city streets without pause. “I’d like to show you something. It’s a bit of a detour, though. Do you mind?” His voice wavered, full of uncertainty.

“No. I’ve no place I need to be. Lead the way.” I smiled at him.

“We’re heading to Worcester Park. It’s a bit high brow, but the homes are big and the schools the best in the city.” He turned sharply, his eyes firmly on the road.

I peered out the window. The light rain of the morning had vanished and the gray was parting to reveal blue skies and white puffy clouds. As we drove, the buildings began to change, too. There was a distinct feel of wealth as the buildings grew larger, older, cleaner, and well-maintained. There was still a sense of village life, but on a grander scale.

“What are we looking for?” I asked.

“It was once a vicarage. Hold on, it’s down the next street.”

He turned left and slowed, his eyes narrowing as he pointed to a stone fence. “I believe that’s it.”

I leaned forward. “Can’t see much of it from here.”

He smiled brightly. “I know. Let’s take a look.” He turned the car, passed through the open gate and down the short drive. We pulled through the turn-around drive and parked in front of the house.

The house was gorgeous. Obviously old, it held on to its history with its arched windows and gray stone exterior. It had high-pitched ceilings and a thatched roof with three different peaks, and the promise of a large garden beyond. The stone wall that had so delighted Josh encircled the entire property.

Josh stepped out and came around to open my door.

A tall man walked from the front door, a welcoming smile on his face. “Good morning, Mr. Wiley. Miss Collins.”

I was beyond curious at this point. “Morning,” I murmured, turning a questioning eye on Josh.

He was still assessing the house. “Thank you for meeting us on such short notice, Mr. Plumbley.”

“It’s my sincere pleasure. It’s not often I have the opportunity to help a celebrity find a home in one of London’s finest boroughs. And with children, it’s understandable to want room to grow. This grand property provides plenty of room for everyone in the family.” Mr. Plumbley was leading us to the front door as he spoke. “There are numerous parks, one just beyond the back gate. The train station is three blocks down, away from town, while the market is the same heading into town. And the schools are excellent, as I mentioned on the phone.”

Schools
? I froze to stare at Josh. “Josh?”

He was smiling. “Let’s have a look around, shall we?” His hand caught mine. “Please.”

I sighed and followed him, curious in spite of myself. And it was easy to forget my irritation as we toured the home. Full of intricate details, the house was lovely. With its carved woodwork, built-in book casings that ran from floor to ceiling, fireplaces with antique knobs and hooks, and a truly magnificent updated kitchen, it was the kind of house that needed just the right family to fill it.

The garden was stunning, half the size of a football field, half of that covered with blooming fruit trees and berries.

“The detached guest house is there.” Mr. Plumbley pointed to a small cottage in the back corner of the garden. “It’s been completely refinished.”

Josh nodded. “Excellent.”

“I’ll let you take some time.” Mr. Plumbley smiled and walked downstairs.

We stood in the massive master bedroom. The large windows faced the rear of the house, affording a view of the garden below. The trees lining the back of the property provided a natural fence in addition to the surrounding stone perimeter, keeping prying eyes at bay.

“It’s an amazing home,” I admitted.

“It’s time for me to have a real home. I’d mentioned it to Meg and she sent me the information for this place last night. It’s perfect. What do you think?” His eyes bored into mine.

What was I supposed to say? It
was
perfect, in so many ways. Gorgeous. “It’s big.”

He laughed. “Yes. I suppose it is.”

I stared at him. “Isn’t it a bit much for just you?”

“It won’t always be just me, Claire.” He was still smiling. “At least, I sincerely hope not. Come on.” He pulled me along, exploring each room again.

I chewed on the inside of my lip and considered the various meanings to that cryptic announcement. While I’d like to think he was referring to me and the children…

Wait.
Did
I want him to be talking about me and the children? My heart began thumping unsteadily then.

The other option was that he wasn’t talking about me. And that possibility made me feel sad. Desperately sad. My hand tightened in his at the thought.

So, yes, I guess I did want him to be talking about me and the children. And while this realization didn’t make me feel sad, it was extremely disconcerting.

We took our time, walking through the garden, finding the gate and the park beyond. It would be a wonderful place to raise children… I shook that thought from my head.

After Josh exchanged numbers and a firm handshake with Mr. Plumbley, he said, “I’ll let you know within the week, Mr. Plumbley.”

And we left, me with my head spinning and Josh lost in thought. As I wasn’t ready for a deep conversation at the moment, I decided to try small talk.

I settled back into the seat. “When did you get to London?”