Spotlight (29 page)

“See? We do make a good team.” She raised her glass in salute to him.

“That we do, Lily.” He clinked his glass to hers.

After their momentary respite, they cleaned the kitchen—Nate washing and Lily drying. He didn’t set the table in the formal dining room. Instead, he grabbed two plates, flatware, and another bottle of red and set them on the island.

Serving her first, he joined her and raised his glass to her. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Lily’s cheeks flushed, both from the wine she’d already consumed and from the sentiment. “Me, too.”

After dinner (which Lily had gushed over), they shared a bowl of gelato (which Nate confessed that he did not make himself) for dessert. He also suggested they watch a movie outside, and Lily immediately agreed. She offered to store the leftovers while he started a fire to warm them from the cool night. Once she loaded everything into the dishwasher, she grabbed the rest of the wine and their glasses and joined him outside.

As the movie started, Nate sank into one corner of the couch and Lily cuddled into his side. He draped his arm over her shoulder, rubbing her arm as the opening credits flashed on the large screen.

“This is way better than a drive-in,” Lily observed, glancing up at Nate. “Private and much more comfortable.”

Nate took her wine glass and set it aside before turning back to her with dark eyes. They then spent the first half of the movie making out like the teenagers they definitely were not. Lily hadn’t expected being with Nate this way to feel so right. Even though they’d only been together a short time, this felt long overdue, rather than much too soon.

Later on, Lily’s eyelids grew heavy.

“I think it’s bedtime for you, sleepy one,” Nate whispered.

Lily sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes for a moment. “I guess so. I’m sorry, I’m no fun.” It wasn’t even ten o’clock on the West Coast.

Nate’s soft laugh rumbled in his chest as he planted a kiss on top of her head. “Sweetheart, you’ve had a long day. Let’s get you settled. And don’t worry, I think you’ve been quite a lot of fun tonight.”

Lily laughed as Nate teased her foot with one of his.

Hand in hand, he led her to the master bedroom, grabbing her luggage on the way.

She slowed as she entered the room, intimidated by the dark walnut headboard and fluffy white duvet on the king-size bed.

She cleared her throat before speaking. “If you don’t mind, I’d love to take a quick shower. Traveling always makes me feel grimy.” She hoped the few minutes of privacy would help her clear her first-night-together jitters.

Nate nodded toward the bathroom. “Sure. There are fresh towels and such by the sink. Help yourself to whatever you need and feel free to move anything that’s in your way.”

She smiled gratefully and grabbed her bag. He kissed her forehead and left to turn off the lights and set the alarm.

Twenty minutes later, Lily emerged to find Nate lounging on top of the covers, watching a late-night talk show with his back against the headboard and his feet crossed at the ankles. He wore a pair of navy pajama pants, his glasses, and nothing else. Lily sighed at how handsome he was.

Her makeup-free face and matching tank top and sleep shorts suddenly made her feel very plain. She leaned against the doorframe, biting her thumbnail.

Nate smiled when he caught her eyes but seemed to notice the slight furrow of her brow. “What’s wrong, love?”

Lily’s cheeks flushed with mild embarrassment. “Oh, nothing’s wrong. Not at all. It’s just . . . a little wave of nerves.”

Nate sighed. “Lily, come here.” He switched off the television and moved to get under the covers. He held part of the duvet back for her.

She smiled tentatively as she sank down onto the pillow-top mattress.

When she turned to face Nate, her eyes were wide.

Smiling at her, he ran a finger along her cheek. “First of all, you should know that I’ve never seen you look more beautiful than you do right now.”

She tried to hide her face in her pillow. He used the same finger to guide her gaze back to his earnest eyes. “Second, you have absolutely nothing to be nervous about. I didn’t invite you here with expectations.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really,” Nate said with an exasperated chuckle. “Now come here. We’re both exhausted, so why don’t we get some sleep? We have plenty of time to be together.”

She slid closer and rested her head on his chest. He let out a contented sigh, wrapped his arms around her, and closed his eyes.

“Good night, love.”

“Good night, Nate.”

Lily stirred before it was light out, used to East Coast time. She groaned softly when she noticed Nate’s alarm clock read 6:00 a.m. and settled back into the luxurious comfort of Nate’s cloud-like mattress. She was wide awake but didn’t want to disturb him. He looked so peaceful in his sleep—like all his cares had disappeared. She wondered if this was what he looked like as a little boy. A mental image of a younger Nate, so innocent but serious and carrying the weight of the world on his tiny shoulders, came to her mind. A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips as she moved to stroke his cheek.

He let out a soft sigh at her touch. His sleepy green eyes fluttered open, focusing on the blue ones gazing back at him.

“Now, that’s a great way to wake up.” His voice was still deep and throaty with sleep. “Morning, beautiful.”

She grinned lazily at him. “Morning.”

“Can we stay like this all day long?” Reaching around her waist, he pulled her closer, and placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder.

“Mmm . . . that does sound like a good idea.” She traced his now scratchy jaw with her hand. “But I was hoping you’d play tour guide today, show me all the touristy spots in Los Angeles.” She batted her eyelashes innocently at him.

He groaned, burying his face in the crook of her neck. The vibrations tickled, causing Lily to laugh.

“I’m just teasing, love. Why don’t you get ready, and I’ll start breakfast.”

She grinned back at him. “Okay. See you in a few.” After giving him one last kiss, she hurried through her morning routine. By the time she brushed her hair, the scent of freshly brewed coffee made its way to her. She inhaled, feeling even more awake.

She padded into the kitchen, unable to stop herself from leaning against the doorway and staring at the sight before her. Nate stood at the stove, barefoot and bare-chested, wearing only his sleep pants. His normally groomed hair stood out in every direction, and a cup of coffee sat on the counter beside him as he stirred a pan of scrambled eggs. Steam billowed from another mug sitting beside the coffee pot. He’d left the creamer and sugar out for her, along with an extra spoon.

This is the way every morning should start
, she thought.

She made her coffee and sat at the counter as Nate divided the eggs between two plates and grabbed some now-golden-brown bread from the toaster.

“I hope this is all right,” he said as he placed the plates in front her.

“Of course! You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

“Anything for you.” He sat beside her after grabbing the butter and strawberry preserves from the huge refrigerator.

They ate quickly in comfortable silence. She offered to clean up while he got ready for the day.

A little while later, Nate took her on a tour of his Los Angeles. He pointed out some of the places tourists gravitated, but he wanted her to see his favorite spots. He showed her his favorite local coffee shop, where he often stopped in on his way to work for a latte. He showed her the park where he went for a morning run several times a week. And he showed her his favorite strip of sand—a quiet spot just outside Santa Monica that looked out over the Pacific.

They ate lunch at a nearby café that Nate was fond of, and later that afternoon, Lily admired all the shops along Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard as they made their way back to Nate’s house.

He held her hand as he drove. Lily couldn’t have pictured a better tour.

When they pulled into his garage, Nate said he had a small surprise for her that night.

“I’m not a fan of surprises.”

Nate simply smiled at her. “I think you’ll like this one.”

Lily sighed. “Okay. I trust you.”

They each grabbed a book and retreated to Nate’s outdoor area. Sitting at opposite ends of the sofa, they read with their feet intertwined. About an hour later, a knock came from Nate’s door.

“Sounds like the surprise has arrived.” Nate got up, and a few moments later, Lily heard him answer the door. A muffled conversation grew louder as the speakers made their way through the house.

“Daniel!” Lily jumped up when he followed Nate outside. He grabbed her into a hug.

“Hey, Lily! It’s good to see you,” he said. Sam waved over his shoulder, and Lily grinned and waved back.

“It’s good to see you both, too!”

Nate motioned for everyone to take a seat. “I thought we could all have dinner together.” Lily grabbed his hand, giving it a small squeeze, and mouthing a silent thank you. He winked back at her.

Daniel snickered. “I’m glad you came to your senses, man. I thought you were going to keep her all to yourself!”

Nate shrugged. “I thought about it.”

Sam jokingly smacked Daniel’s shoulder. “Oh, come on. You remember what it’s like. Give them a break! They never get to see each other.”

Daniel simply rolled his eyes and grumbled. “She was my friend first.”

The two women laughed as Nate’s eyes narrowed at his best friend.

Night fell as they all caught up. Nate and Daniel fired up the grill, and the girls moved to the kitchen to bake potatoes and make a salad. It was easy for Lily to forget that she was surrounded by Hollywood while doing something as mundane as chopping tomatoes.

“Lily, I just have to tell you, I’m glad you and Nate are together. I think you two will be good for each other.”

“Thanks. I’m a lucky girl. How about you? Everything good?” she asked, sliding the last of the tomatoes into the salad bowl.

“Oh, sure. Just enjoying the downtime. I’m starting a new project right after Daniel starts the third Grady Pierce movie.”

“That’s exciting! I’m sure you’ll be great.”

“Thanks. I’m not looking forward to the separation, but they’re both good projects, so it’ll be worth it.”

Lily placed her knife in the sink. “If you don’t mind my asking, how do you two deal with being apart?”

Sam leaned against the counter. “It’s not easy. Not at all. But we talk as much as possible. That helps. And we try to see each other when one of us has a break.”

Lily nodded thoughtfully.

“Don’t worry, Lily. The distance shouldn’t stop you two from being together. But any time you need a pep talk, just give me a call.”

Lily smiled. “You know, I’m probably going to take you up on that offer.”

“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want you to.”

Later, when her friends were gathered around the dining room table, Lily took a moment to reflect on the fact that they were really a part of her life. She could hardly believe it but offered a toast to them all the same.

“To good food and good friends. I’m happy to be here. Salut!”

“Salut!” the others echoed.

A couple of hours later, Nate closed the door behind their guests. When he turned around, Lily kissed him soundly.

Resting his forehead against hers, he smiled. “Not that I’m complaining, but what was that for?”

Lily leaned back so she could look into his eyes. “Thank you for tonight.”

“You’re welcome, love. I knew you’d want to see them. And I don’t mind sharing you—for a few of hours.”

She laughed. “Well, I’m all yours now. Any ideas what you’ll do with me?”

Nate gave her a sly grin and grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the patio. “How does a midnight swim sound? We’ll deal with the dishes in the morning.”

Chapter Nineteen

The next day started early. Nate had to work, so Lily decided to bring her laptop and join him at his office to tackle some work of her own. She made the scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee while Nate got ready for the day. Then she showered and dressed while he cleaned the kitchen. Lily couldn’t help but notice how effortless the morning was. It was as if they’d been doing this for years. The thought didn’t scare Lily. Instead, it gave her comfort.