AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He nodded gravely. “I appreciate that. How was your date?”
She smiled. “It was amazing. Damon seems like a down to earth guy. I enjoyed getting to know him.”
“Most of us are pretty normal.”
“I know, but when you come from a small town in North Carolina, where hurricanes are the only excitement, getting to meet a movie star is a big deal.” She noticed he was frowning and not paying attention to her. “What’s wrong, Reece?”
“Nicole’s not wearing her ring.”
“She hates the ring.” At the surprise in his eyes, she explained. “I mean she loves it because it came from you, but it’s not really her cup of tea. I get that you want to put your mark on her. You have, in a big way, but you should’ve gone with something a little less extravagant, such as a sapphire or a blue topaz. Something small and tasteful.”
“I chose a chocolate diamond, hoping she’d look at it, think of Reese’s Cups, and then think of me.”
“That’s a nice sentiment, I guess. It doesn’t help that she’s afraid she’s going to lose it or break it. That rock is huge, Reece. She catches it on her clothes and bumps it against the walls and counters. It scares her.”
His brow furrowed in thought. “And you’re sure there’s nothing wrong? No underlying concerns? She just seems awfully unsure of herself.”
“Well, she is unsure of herself, dummy. She’s taking a lot of responsibility on her shoulders with this movie script. She wants to do it right, making it good for you.”
His lips pursed. “She shouldn’t be doing it just for me, but for herself as well.”
“Look, my dad told you she always second-guesses herself. Just trust that she’ll be okay once filming gets underway, and her job is completed.”
He nodded, still unconvinced. “Why don’t you go to bed? I’m leaving soon. There’s no point in you not getting a decent night’s sleep.”
“Reece, it’s going to be okay. I’m here to keep her company. We’re both coming over for the play’s grand opening. Coley is going to be fine.” She rose from the sofa, giving him a hug. “I’m going to bed. Damon said he’d take me out for lunch while Coley is at the studio with Davis.”
He smiled. “Sounds like you’re good to go then.”
“Yeah, we are. Have a safe flight. Call us when you get in. Even if we don’t answer, leave a message.”
“I will.” He looked toward the bedroom. “Tell her I love her, okay?”
“Will do.” She moved to the bedroom, closing the door.
Reece breathed deep, letting himself out of the suite. There was a car waiting for him when he exited the hotel. He rode to LAX, his mind troubled as he took the ring from his pocket and studied it.
Maybe he had gone a little overboard when he chose it, but he wanted her to have the best there was. He should’ve expected her taste to be conservative and gone with something more sedate. He’d shop for something less extravagant when he arrived in London.
Perhaps he should wait until she came over for the play to take her shopping, letting her choose her own ring. No, he wanted this to be his choice.
His cell phone beeped with a text. He opened it to see a picture of Nicole, sleep tousled and pouty. I’m missing you already. Thank you for making the night worthwhile and holding me while I’m discombobulated.
He smiled at the picture, texting back. What are friends for?
I hope we’re more than friends, Reece.
Was that what she was worried about? He frowned. You know we are. Don’t call me Reece.
Sorry, still half asleep. You are my best friend with benefits.
He laughed. That’s better. I feel the same about you. Go back to sleep. Dream of me. I love you, Coley.
When she didn’t reply, he shut the screen off, leaning his head against the back of the seat and closing his eyes.
The next thing he knew, the driver was opening the door of the car. “We’re here, sir. Have a safe flight.”
“Thank you,” he said, striding through the doors of the airport. As he strolled down the terminal toward his departure gate, he spied a flower shop. He ambled over, perusing the arrangements until he found the one he wanted, paying the salesclerk. She filled out a delivery slip, while he wrote out a card. Hoping to make your dreams come true. Counting the days until we meet again . . . Colin
