Carolina Breeze

by Denise Hunter

  “But they broke up. There must’ve been a good reason.”

  He wasn’t about to divulge Mia’s personal business, but that was something to hold onto. Still, he kept remembering the way Wesley had taken Mia’s hand just now. That didn’t seem like the action of a man who’d used her for selfish purposes. Nor did his traveling all this way to see her. He’d already gotten what he’d wanted from her. Why was he here?

  He didn’t want to talk about this anymore. Didn’t even want to think about it. “I should get back to the front desk.”

  Molly followed him down the hall. “I noticed reservations are still going pretty strong since you increased the rates.”

  “It’s only been a week and a half, but yeah, I noticed the same thing.”

  “That means an 8 percent increase in profit if it continues.”

  “That would go a long way toward making the inn profitable.”

  “And we have another wedding party coming later in the summer, so that’s good.”

  “It looks promising,” he said.

  They talked for a while about what the profit margins would mean as far as selling the inn went. That Molly was willing to talk numbers was a testament to her love for him.

  A while later, when they heard a car start up out front, Mia peeked out the window. “He’s leaving.” She looked at Levi. “Why don’t I cover the desk awhile? Go on out and check on Mia.”

  thirty-five

  Levi spotted Mia down on the dock, sitting on the bench. He made his way down the sloped lawn, his mouth going as dry as Lone Creek Falls in August. He thought she might come inside once Wesley left, but she obviously needed time to think. He hoped that wasn’t a bad sign.

  The wooden dock shimmied as he made his way down it. She must’ve felt the movement, but she didn’t turn.

  “Can I join you?” he asked once he reached her.

  She smiled warmly at him. “Of course.”

  He lowered himself into the seat, keeping a respectful distance. He wanted to take her hand. But did he even have the right to touch her anymore? He hadn’t known how strong his feelings were until Wesley showed up in their lobby. Now he thought he might burst for fear of losing her. How had this happened so quickly? He wasn’t impulsive like Molly. He wasn’t a romantic. He sure didn’t believe in love at first sight.

  Yet even though he’d known Mia fewer than three weeks, he couldn’t deny what he was feeling. His pulse throbbed at the realization.

  He was in love with the woman.

  It didn’t matter that he’d only known her a matter of days. It didn’t matter that she lived clear across the country. It didn’t even matter that she was a famous celebrity.

  All that mattered was that his heart was full of this undeniable, inescapable feeling he’d never before experienced. And he didn’t know what to do about it.

  “So . . .” Mia cut a look at him. “I guess you know that was Wesley.”

  “I’m aware.” He stared at her profile, his gaze all but burning a laser into her skin. Tell me he doesn’t matter to you. Tell me you don’t have feelings for him. Tell me it’s me you want.

  “He was working in Asheville and decided to come see me. He wanted to clear up a few things about our breakup.”

  “Okay . . .”

  She gave him a long, unreadable look. “I feel a little silly. It turns out I was wrong about him using me. I guess he really did have feelings for me.”

  Levi gritted his teeth. He guessed Wesley wasn’t finished with his games. “He wants you back. He’s trying to charm you back into his arms.”

  “What? No, Levi. That’s not it.”

  “Don’t be naïve, Mia. I mean, it’s fine if you don’t want to continue with this, you and me. But don’t buy into this guy’s lies.”

  Mia’s eyes warmed as they roved over his face. “Is it fine if I don’t want to continue with this?”

  His heart squeezed hard. That was a lie, and unlike Wesley, he wasn’t going to play games with Mia. Even if he wound up humiliated by his admission.

  Levi’s shoulders sank, even as his eyes held hers. “No. It’s not fine at all. Not with me. But if that’s what you want . . .”

  What? He’d understand? He’d be okay? He’d support her decision? None of that was true either. He sighed.

  She skimmed her fingers along his cheek, her touch leaving a trail of fire. All she had to do was touch him, and his whole body hummed. He feared he’d never find that with someone else.

  “It’s not what I want,” she said. “Wes didn’t come here to resume our relationship. And even if he did . . . I’m not interested in him. I’m interested in you, Levi. Only you.”

  Relief filled all the spaces around his heart. Her admission made him feel like he could levitate right off the bench. Words scrambled in his brain and clogged in his throat.

  Her eyes lighted mischievously as she brushed his cheek. “Now’s when you tell me you’re interested too.”

  His laugh escaped on a breath. He took her hand and set a gentle kiss on her fingers. “Interested doesn’t begin to cover it.” He didn’t want to scare her off with I love you, even though his head was screaming with the words. It was too soon for that. But it wasn’t too soon for the kiss he placed on her lips.

  A few lingering moments later Mia pulled away, a hand pressed lightly to his chest. “I think I might have a little growing to do. I seem to have a little problem opening up. I may be a little guarded. A little reluctant to let someone else in.”

  “Why do you think that is? The business you’re in? Your mom? Your dad?”

  “Maybe all of the above. Mostly my dad’s leaving, I think. Even now, with you, it’s so scary. My heart’s beating so hard just admitting this to you.”

  “We all have issues and problems, Mia.” He held her hand tightly against his chest. “And you don’t have to be worried about anything you tell me. You can trust me with your thoughts and feelings. I’ll try my best to be a safe place to fall.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “I’m afraid I’m going to push you away like I did Wes.”

  “If I feel that happening, I’ll tell you. We’ll talk about it. This is a process, a journey. Neither of us is perfect, Mia.”

  “You’re so good to me, Levi. So patient.”

  “You deserve all that and more,” he said. Then he lifted her chin and set a soft kiss to her lips.

  thirty-six

  Mia awakened to a text buzzing on her phone. She stretched, too cozy to get up just yet. Buttery sunlight filtered through the drapes, warming the room with a golden light. Familiar morning noises sounded in other parts of the inn: floorboards creaking, suitcases rolling by, air conditioning kicking on. According to the mantel clock it was after ten.

  A smile curled her lips as she thought back to the evening before. Back to Levi and the sweet confession of his feelings. Back to his promising kisses. He’d had to return to work after their talk, but they’d spent the evening together last night. He’d made her dinner, and they’d eaten alone in the dining room. She’d never had a man cook for her before.

  Who would know that her ex-fiancé’s appearance would actually be good for her relationship with Levi? It had forced them to declare their feelings and brought them closer together.

  She frowned as she remembered what Wes had told her. She’d never meant to hold back. It hadn’t been a conscious decision but an automatic defense mechanism. She supposed a girl didn’t get abandoned by her father without certain ramifications.

  It hadn’t been pleasant to hear. It was much easier to blame their failed relationship on Wes. She’d have to be more aware of that tendency going forward so she didn’t drag baggage into her relationships. Into her relationship with Levi. It would be scary, but the alternative—failed relationships—was even more terrifying.

  She thought again of Levi and his patience with her yesterday. She’d originally thought he’d be a short-term thing, but that had changed for her. Her feelings had deepened, and s
he was no longer willing to just let him go.

  She hoped he felt the same about her.

  She knew he was committed here for a while, but she could visit him between projects. Maybe he could even fly out to see her sometimes. Other actors made it work.

  Although, more often than not, they didn’t.

  Her mother’s warnings cropped up in her mind. Maybe Levi wasn’t in the film industry, but he’d proven himself supportive and understanding of her career. She was pretty sure he had the makings to survive in her crazy world. They’d be the exception to the rule. She gave a nod as if to solidify the thought.

  Resolved, she rolled over and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. There were a few texts from Brooke.

  Wesley is there? Why didn’t you tell me?

  There are pics all over the internet!

  What’s going on?

  Oh no. There was a text from Nolan, too, informing her that photos of her and Wes were making the rounds. In fact, he’d sent her one of them.

  In the photo Wes was leaning toward her in the backyard, his hand covering hers. They seemed intent on each other, sharing an intimate moment. Based on the perspective, the photographer had been on the lake and must’ve used a telephoto lens to capture the close-up shot—an illegal action. But reporters continuously got away with such things.

  She stared at the photo, knowing what it implied. This wasn’t good. She called Nolan, and he picked up immediately.

  “I never knew North Carolina could be the hotbed of so much gossip.”

  “It’s not what it looked like. Wes was in the neighborhood and just came to talk. We resolved some things. It was just . . . closure, that’s all.” She was almost afraid to ask the next question. “What are the tabloids saying?”

  “That your relationship with the innkeeper was nothing more than a ploy to make you look innocent in the Jax scandal. You’re trending on social media again, and not in a good way. Whatever you do, don’t get online and start reading.”

  Mia’s heart sank at the thought of what people were thinking and saying about her. “Nolan, the thing is . . . Levi and I really are together now. It developed quickly, but it’s real. We have feelings for each other.”

  “Well, that’s good, Mia, but unfortunately perception is reality in this business. And right now the public perceives that you faked the relationship to cover your own skin.”

  Mia cupped her forehead, thinking of the production company. “How much damage do you think is done?”

  “I want to get right on this,” Nolan said. “I’ve already started writing a press release. Basic story is this: you and Wesley parted as friends and since he was working in Asheville—a fact that can be proven—he dropped in for a visit. You and Levi are in a relationship, and you extended your stay in Bluebell to spend more time together. How do you like that spin?”

  Mia gave a rueful laugh. “Well, it’s the truth, so it’s great. Do you think it’ll work?”

  “Will Wesley back this up? If we ask him for a statement?”

  “Yes, of course. As I said, it’s the truth.” Apparently that mattered to her more than most people. She winced a little as she remembered that she had actually faked her “relationship” with Levi for a while.

  She was worried for her role in Lesser Days. She appeared to be walking the line of that morality clause in her contract, even though the worst thing she’d done was fake a relationship.

  “Have you talked to Maura recently?” she asked. “Does the studio still want me onboard for the movie?”

  “They do, but I’m not going to lie, kiddo. Maura’s very concerned. The studio isn’t digging all this negative publicity. We really need to get on top of this. I’ll get a quote from Wesley and get this release out for public consumption. Then we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”

  * * *

  Mia snuggled closer to Levi on the living room couch. It was a rare night at home with no guests, and they’d decided to watch a movie: First Man.

  Molly was at Adam’s house, and Grace was out with a friend. The movie had been running a while, but Mia was having trouble keeping up with the plot.

  Nolan had gotten out the press release around noon. She’d told Levi what was happening, and he’d offered to do whatever she needed to help clear this up. Maybe they should’ve been seen out together tonight, but she was afraid to do anything that would fan the flames.

  She knew she must look like an erratic mess to the general public. Obsessed with Jax one moment, dating a random innkeeper the next, and then having a rendezvous with her ex-fiancé in the inn’s backyard! She hoped her fans stuck by her. It was bad enough that the studio might not.

  She didn’t know what she’d do if that happened.

  “I can hear the wheels turning from here,” Levi whispered against her temple. He paused the movie, and Claire Foy froze on the screen.

  “Sorry. Guess I’m a little distracted.”

  He pulled her closer. “Talk to me. Are you worried about the press release?”

  The realization hit her suddenly . . . This was the type of question she would’ve brushed off with Wes. She would’ve put on a brave face and said she was sure it would work out fine. But she was trying to build something with Levi. She wanted more with him than she’d had with Wes. She wanted depth and intimacy and possibly a happily-ever-after.

  Did he want that too?

  Mia looked up at him, into those steady blue eyes. He wanted to know her, all of her. And if she wanted this to work she had to let go of her fears.

  “Mia? You all right?”

  “Yeah, I’m just . . . You’re right, Levi. I’m worried the press release won’t be enough. I’m worried I’ll lose my part in Lesser Days.”

  He squeezed her shoulder. “Is that really a possibility? What about your contract?”

  “There’s a morality clause in it. Most studios aren’t so stringent, but this particular one is. They have a wholesome image, and they’re very protective of their brand.”

  He frowned. “But you didn’t do anything wrong.”

  Her heart squeezed at the way he came to her defense. “There’s wording in the clause that includes public perception of immoral behavior. It’s about my reputation or image, so I don’t actually have to be guilty of wrongdoing. I just have to be perceived as having done wrong by the public.”

  “That’s awful. How could your agent have let that clause stand?”

  “I think it’s boilerplate stuff, and they never invoke it. But after this fiasco, you can bet I’m going to push for different wording on my next contract.”

  A call buzzed in on her phone. She checked the screen and saw Nolan’s name. Her pulse sped. “Do you mind?”

  “Go ahead.”

  “It’s not good, Mia,” Nolan said by way of greeting. “Emma was interviewed on the Entertainment Tonight site. She says you’re so obsessed with Jax that you’re trying to make him jealous.”

  Mia’s heart plummeted. “What?”

  “She doesn’t state it quite so blatantly, but that’s the basic narrative. And of course she sounds as if she feels sorry for you and only wants you to get help.”

  “Jax is the one who needs help. What a narcissist. He sure pulled the wool over her eyes.”

  “You know that, and I know that, but the public has been fed two explanations for your photos with Wesley today: yours and Emma’s. And her story is more salacious.”

  “Plus, she’s perceived as the victim here.” Mia leaned forward, elbow on knee, feeling Levi’s gaze drilling into her. “Unbelievable.”

  “I’m sorry to bother you with this. I know it’s late there, but I didn’t want you to be blindsided in the morning.”

  “What are we going to do?”

  “We’ll just have to see how it plays out. Hopefully the moral support is on your side.”

  But two days later, Mia discovered that was not the case. The inn was bustling with guests on Saturday when Nolan called. The producer was sympatheti
c to her situation, but the studio had decided to invoke the morality clause in her contract. They were officially seeking her replacement.

  Mia got off the phone and sank onto her bed, unable to breathe. Why is this happening, God? A sob caught in her throat for only a moment before it spilled out. The feelings inside roiled, stirring up something far deeper than she’d expected. She buried her face in a pillow and let it all go.

  She’d never been fired from a job. And of all jobs to lose, this one! She’d taken the part in Into the Deep because it was a great script, and she’d known the movie would further her career.

  But Fiona was her dream role. When Mia had read the script she’d felt like she knew Fiona. Like she was Fiona. She’d wanted to tell this woman’s story. And now someone else would get it.

  She sobbed harder. Her chest was so tight it ached, all of it seeming somehow out of proportion with the actual event. She could hardly think past the visceral reaction. What was wrong with her? She had been through a lot these last few months. Had she just reached her limit?

  It was so unlike her to just lose it. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cried like this—she’d been a child. Maybe something else was going on. Maybe this loss had triggered something, like a past loss. Like a previous event in which she’d been replaced. The thought held weight, made her sobs come harder. She could hardly breathe through the pain.

  It wasn’t just that she’d lost this role. It was that she’d been rejected again. That she was being replaced. Another person had judged her and found her lacking. It made all the old wounds fresh again. So fresh. She ached from the depths of her core.

  And of course the news of being let go would immediately go public, bringing further humiliation. It would also make her look even guiltier. The realization only made her weep more.

  She was also out of work. She’d need to scrounge for another role, and quick. Sometimes the public’s attention span seemed eternal, but in other ways it could be very short.