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Journey
I don’t know what I thought it would feel like being inside the beach house again. The last time I was here I dressed, poured a smoothie, and left for my killer workout session with Tristan. I grimaced. Bad choice of words.
I wandered through the rooms, feeling like a stranger.
Asher followed behind me. “I’ve added additional window sensors and laser triggers at all entry points. I don’t have a full computer system installed, but by the end of the week you’ll have the best tech I’ve got.”
“Mmmhmm.” I nodded absently.
I looked out at the ocean breaking against the shore. It was rough today.
There were two men planted on the beach, wearing ball caps. There were two more in my driveway. This didn’t feel like home. I missed Big Bear.
Suddenly, Asher’s arms wrapped around me. He kissed the side of my head.
“Something’s wrong. What is it?” he asked.
I didn’t want to admit he was right. I was more comfortable at the cabin. I liked the serenity and isolation. I didn’t realize how soothing it was until it was gone.
“It sounds dumb.”
“Try me.”
I sighed. “It feels creepy here. Like someone’s watching. Maybe it’s all the windows.”
It was why I had loved the old house to begin with. It wasn’t one of the new fancy Malibu houses. It had been here since the first wave of celebrities moved to the coast in the fifties. The windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling. I had loved the sunlight. Now I wished I could board up the windows and hide.
Those beautiful old windows made my skin crawl.
“Let’s head back to Big Bear,” he offered. “We don’t have to stay here. Nothing says you’re locked into the beach house.”
I shook my head. I had finally achieved the greatest recognition in my career. I couldn’t let some maniac ruin that for me. This was my time. My hard work had gotten me here.
“I’m not going to be scared out of my own home. Besides, I’m not going to miss my first awards dinner. I have a dress you’re going to love.”
I spun to face him. Maybe all I needed was a little Asher distraction.
“What kind of dress?” he asked.
“A very low-cut black dress.” I grinned, flattening my hands against the ridges of his abs.
“Is that so?”
I nodded. “Want a preview before tonight?”
He brushed his lips over mine. “I’d love a preview, but I have to go over the schematics for the venue.”
I st
uck my bottom lip out. “Schematics over sex?”
“Believe me. Not an easy decision, but the dinner is only a few hours away, unless you want to cancel. In that case I promise to put your dress to good use right now.” He gripped my ass roughly and I moaned. “Want a trade?” he taunted.
I shook my head. “You know I can’t do that.”
“Then sex will wait.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Fine.” He took a step back. “But you aren’t leaving, are you?” Little alarm bells went off under my skin. I didn’t want to stay in the beach house alone even if I was under heavy protection. I couldn’t bear it without him.
