by Erika Wilde
“I’m not going to leave you alone, without transportation or a phone,” he said, giving her a quick, meaningful glance before training his eyes ahead again. “I promised Glen I’d keep you safe and I’m very attached to certain body parts, so you’re stuck with me for now.” He’d call work first thing Monday morning and take a few vacation days, of which he had plenty accumulated, so he knew it wouldn’t be an issue. He rarely took time off for himself.
“I don’t think being stuck with you is a bad thing,” she said softly, and gently clasped the hand he’d rested on the console—the jolt of awareness that passed between them confirming to Collin that their desire and connection were still instantaneous. “Despite how things ended with us, truth be told, I’ve missed you.”
The thread of pain, which he’d caused all those years ago and she clearly still felt, was unmistakable in her voice. It truly gutted him to know she’d carried that hurt with her, even now. Without pondering what it all meant, he did something crazy and foolish but didn’t care. He lifted her hand to his mouth, and meeting her gaze for a quick second, he brushed his lips over her knuckles in a soft kiss.
“I’ve missed you, too, sweet girl,” he said, and boldly placed their joined hands on his thigh.
He was glad when she didn’t try and pull away and instead relaxed. She leaned her head back against the leather seat, her face turned his way, her expression reflecting how tired she was after a night of singing and performing. “Considering you’re going to be alone with me for a few days, is there a girlfriend I need to worry about?”
“No.” And he already knew she was single after her breakup with Zane months ago, though he had no idea where she stood emotionally after being with the guy for three years. “I haven’t had a girlfriend in a long time.”
Since her, actually. He’d dated throughout college and even now went out occasionally. He certainly hadn’t been a monk and had been with other women, but nothing serious had ever come out of those hookups. Truth was, no one had ever come close to making him feel everything she had.
“When we get closer to Margate, do you think we could find a twenty-four-hour Walmart?” she asked, then indicated her elaborate stage outfit. “Clearly, I wasn’t prepared to run away and I’ll need clothes and some toiletries,” she said impishly.
“Sure.” He already knew where one of the supercenters was located, which wasn’t far from his parents’ house. “We can pick up food for a few days, too.”
“Thank you,” she said, and with a sigh, she glanced out her passenger-side window.
There were still so many questions he wanted to ask her. So many things he wanted to know—about her phenomenal career as a pop star and her worldwide fame, and most especially why she felt the need to step away from that life, even for a short while. But a few minutes later, when he glanced her way to ask, he realized she’d fallen asleep.
The fingers curled around his hand loosened but didn’t let go, and he liked that vulnerable show of trust, too much. Her eyes were closed, her head now resting against the window. Her lips were slightly parted as her chest rose and fell in deep, even breaths, prompting his gaze to flick down to her ample breasts outlined in her tight dress—so much fuller now than they’d been as a teenager. He could easily remember how soft her bare breasts felt in his hands, how sweet her nipples tasted when he sucked them into his mouth. And especially, how she’d spear her fingers into his hair and arch against him, offering him more of her body.
Yeah, recalling all those hot make-out sessions they’d had, his dick twitched in his slacks, and he swallowed a groan so he didn’t wake her. While he’d already noticed that her body looked toned and fit from the physicality of performing and her demanding choreography, all of her curves were more prominent. More seductive and tempting.
He exhaled a deep breath, leaving her to rest because she clearly needed it, while he continued the drive toward Margate Beach. There would be plenty of time for them to talk later, to resolve the painful past and to tell her the truth of what really happened seven years ago, which would hopefully give them both the closure they’d never had.
And once she was ready to return to the career waiting for her, they’d go their separate ways and back to their vastly different lives.
Chapter 4
As soon as Collin parked the car in the Walmart lot and turned off the engine, Raevynn slowly, gradually woke up. He watched her glance around at her surroundings and gave her a few extra seconds to gain her bearings on her own. When she realized where they were, she glanced at him and smiled guiltily.
“Oh, my God,” she said, her tone apologetic. “I am so sorry I fell asleep. I closed my eyes for just a few minutes, or so I thought, and—”
“It’s fine,” he assured her, finally letting go of the hand he’d held the entire drive into New Jersey. “You clearly needed the rest.”
She looked back out the window to the store’s entrance, all lit up for evening shoppers, and groaned. “I really need some things, but I can’t go in there wearing this flashy dress and high-heeled boots that will immediately draw attention in a place like this, not to mention all this hair,” she added, because yes, that thick mane of blonde hair was gorgeous, iconic, and would turn heads her way.
“Ugh.” The word was rife with frustration. “I know it’s not busy this late at night, but the last thing I want to deal with right now is being recognized. I just want to go in there and shop in peace like a normal person.”
“Yeah, well, you, Raevynn Walsh, are not a ‘normal person,’” he said with a soft laugh, though she didn’t look amused by his comment. Clearly, not being able to blend in with her surroundings like an ordinary customer bothered her, and he tried to figure out a way to allow her to walk into the store without having people stare or being bombarded by fans.
Remembering he’d tossed a hoodie into the backseat of his car the previous weekend when he’d been out, he reached around and grabbed the dark navy-blue sweatshirt and handed it to her. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d worn one of his shirts.
“Here, this is the best I can do on a moment’s notice,” he said with a grin. “You can wear this over your dress, and if you put the hood up over your head and tuck your hair inside, it’ll help disguise you a bit.”
“You’re definitely resourceful,” she teased. “I’ll give it a try.”
After opening the passenger door, she stepped out, and Collin did the same. He shrugged out of his formal tuxedo jacket and tossed it into the backseat along with his bow tie and unfastened a few of the buttons on his shirt to downplay his own appearance. He locked the car as he met Raevynn on the passenger side, where she was pulling the sweatshirt over her head, then pushing her arms through the sleeves. The hoodie was at least two sizes too big for her, but once she had it on, the excess material offered her a lot of coverage and concealed her body’s curves. She tugged the bottom down to her legs, though the hem of her sparkly dress still showed a few inches.
She gathered her hair to one side and twisted it all together like it was silken threads of rope, then pushed it into the collar of the sweatshirt so it fell down her back inside the top before lifting the hood over her head.
They were standing under a parking lot lamp, and she glanced at his car’s tinted window, which offered Raevynn a reflection of herself.
She grimaced at her image before glancing at Collin. “Yeah, people are definitely going to stare, but not for the reasons I was worried about. From the waist up, I look like a delinquent, and from the waist down, I look like a hooker.”
He busted out laughing at her description, at her familiar sense of humor he’d always loved, though she wasn’t wrong about her sketch appearance. “Welcome to Walmart. You’re going to fit right in.”
She lifted the front collar of the sweatshirt to her nose, inhaling the soft cotton fabric before grinning at him. “It smells like you.”
He tipped his head curiously. “Is that a good thing or bad?”
; “Good,” she murmured, her voice low and husky with seductive undertones. “Really good. I like it. It reminds me of all the times I’d wear your jacket when we were in high school.”
God, she was tempting him, when all he wanted to do was press her up against his car, put his mouth on hers, and kiss her senseless. And judging by the desire glimmering in her eyes, he didn’t think she’d argue or refuse such a bold advance.
Seven years had passed, but it was like time between them had stood still until now, as if they were resuming right where they’d left off—as young infatuated teenagers who were solely focused on each other. There was no denying she’d developed into this megastar currently dominating the music industry with hit song after hit song that kept raising her fame higher and higher, yet in this moment, Collin recognized that there was so much about Raevynn that had remained the same. Beneath the glitz and glamour, and just beyond that moment of desperation he’d witnessed back at the charity ball as she’d begged him to take her away from her chaotic life, he’d seen glimpses of the amusing, sentimental, flirtatious, and vulnerable girl she’d been and obviously still was, given the chance.
Knowing now was not the time to delve into all that emotional upheaval, he held his hand out to her. “Come on,” he said, nodding his head toward the store. “Let’s go shopping.”
Without hesitating, she slipped her hand into his, their fingers entwining as she fell into step beside him, as if they were a real couple. “God, this is so humiliating, but umm, you’re going to have to buy this stuff for me,” she said, ducking her head low in embarrassment, even though she was wearing a hoodie that shrouded her face. “I don’t have my credit card with me, obviously . . .” She exhaled on a groan. “Clearly, I did not think this whole running away thing though.”
He gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. “You’re doing a good job of winging it, and I have a credit card and plenty of money to cover your purchases.” Being a security analyst at MadX-Tech paid extremely well, and while he’d splurged on a nice sports car, he was a saver by nature and had a nice, padded bank account.
“I’ll pay you back.” She peeked up at him, and as they neared the store, the bright lights from inside illuminated her beautiful features. “You know I’m good for it, right?”
He laughed and rolled his eyes at her. “I don’t know, Rae,” he said, deliberately sounding skeptical. “I might need some kind of collateral.” Of which she currently had none to offer. Or so he thought.
A slow, seductive grin curved her lips. “You’re already in possession of my most expensive asset. Me. I’ll be your collateral.”
She laid that on him just as they walked into the Walmart, definitely giving him something to think about. Not that he’d ever take advantage of her, but there was no denying their still-hot-as-ever attraction, and they were grown, consenting adults. He didn’t miss the irony of that considering they’d been neither the first and only time they’d had sex.
He grabbed a shopping cart and they started through the store. It was almost midnight, so the place was nearly empty, and while they did get some odd and curious glances from customers and employees because of the peculiar way Rae was dressed, nobody noticed that it was Raevynn Walsh hiding beneath his hoodie, and that’s all that mattered to her, and him. He wanted her to have this normal, ordinary experience.
They hit the women’s clothing area first, and for a woman who was now probably used to designer labels, she didn’t seem to be fazed by the lack of fashion choices. He followed her through the aisles, and it didn’t take her long to toss a bunch of items into the basket—black leggings, jeans, a few tops, a pair of shorts, and a couple of easy-to-wear dresses. Since it was nearing summer and they’d be within walking distance of the beach, she picked out a tiny bikini in her size—God help him—along with a cover-up and added them to the pile. Next, she found slip-on sneakers and sandals, which joined the rest of her new attire.
In the undergarment section, he watched as she selected sexy-as-fuck, barely there panties over the more standard cotton pairs, and two lacy bras—one in black and the other beige. In went a sexy little camisole and shorts pajama set that he had no doubt was going to wreak havoc with his self-control and wandering gaze. She’d always liked pretty underthings and clearly that hadn’t changed.
Toiletries were next, including bath and hair products and a few basic makeup items, then on to the food department, where Collin picked up provisions for breakfast and lunches, figuring they could order in for dinner or go out to eat at a nearby restaurant if she was feeling up to it. As they started down the next aisle, Rae gasped loudly and abruptly stopped, her eyes huge as she took in everything featured on the shelves in front of her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, having no idea what had caused her shocked expression since there wasn’t anyone around.
“Oh, my God,” she breathed as she walked up to a huge display of every kind of candy imaginable. “Look at all this chocolate!” she exclaimed as she clasped her hands in front of her like a delighted little kid, making him laugh. “And Twizzlers and Skittles and Milk Duds!”
She named off all her favorites, her voice wistful as she glanced to the other side of the aisle and the long row of cookies ahead of her. “And Double Stuf Oreos!”
She rushed to the display and picked up a package of the cookies, staring at it with such yearning before she glanced up at Collin. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had cookies or candy or junk food in general?”
Her reaction was absolutely adorable and so sentimental, yet it spoke to just how rigid and restricted her life had been, and it made something in his chest ache for her. That she worked her ass off yet couldn’t occasionally treat herself to the things she enjoyed the most. He remembered it had been that way for her growing up, and when she came over to his house, raiding his mother’s pantry for something sweet had been a rebellious little thrill for her.
“I’m guessing it’s been a while?”
She nodded, the hoodie on her head bobbing with the movement, her expression surprisingly sad and somber. “I honestly can’t remember the last time I indulged in anything that wasn’t deemed as healthy or nutritious or within my macros. It’s been years. My mother orders all our groceries and meals based on what my personal trainer puts on my weekly diet plan, and trust me when I say that the food is always bland and boring and barely tolerable.” She made a gagging gesture and he chuckled.
“Yeah, well, your mother isn’t here right now,” he pointed out, purposely appealing to that daring side to Raevynn’s personality. “So why don’t you enjoy yourself and your self-imposed vacation, including eating copious amounts of junk food if you want to?”
She bit her bottom lip, clearly contemplating the pros and cons of his suggestion, but it didn’t take her long to come to a decision and then she was quickly, happily, and gleefully adding all of her favorite snacks to their cart, including bags of Cheetos and Doritos.
He eyed the amount of processed food now in their basket and shook his head at her, though he was grinning. “You know, you probably won’t eat all this.” And if she did, she’d make herself sick.
She blinked at him oh so guilelessly. “I know, but I want to have options.” She shrugged. “Can we check out the ice cream aisle while we’re here, too?”
He laughed, and while he’d never been able to deny her anything way back when, it was clear that still held true. “Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie?” he guessed, knowing way too many of her weaknesses.
She nodded impishly and put up a finger. “Maybe just one.”
God, he wanted nothing more than to kiss her cute, smiling, happy face. Instead, he pushed the cart in the direction of their next stop.
Chapter 5
While Collin put away the groceries, Raevynn stood under the hot spray of the shower in the guest bathroom at the Donovans’ beach house, letting the water wash away not just the night’s sweat and grime from all her performing—along with her
heavy application of makeup and the two tons of product weighing down her hair—but also months’ worth of stress and mental exhaustion. Or at least as much as she could, considering the circumstances.
She knew one night away from her world would not change her life, nor even would a week’s absence from the spotlight. But this time to herself would offer her a reprieve from everyone telling her what to do and all the people pulling her in different directions until she felt she was merely a shell of her former self. A puppet for everyone else to direct and command, which she’d sadly fallen victim to, despite what she might have envisioned for her career.
Tonight with Collin, while running through Walmart like a young kid set free of all the restraints that had tied her down for so long, Raevynn had recognized just how orchestrated her actions had become the past few years. That all semblance of joy and fun had been sucked out of her, because her hectic schedule, which her mother was mostly responsible for, didn’t allow for playtime. Every day had become rote, and she’d grown hollow inside, as if an integral part of who she was, beyond the famous pop star, had gone missing.
She’d learned to put on a convincing smile for the crowds attending her concerts, for the campaigns she’d been hired to promote, for the cameras trying to capture just the right photo for an interview or article. Outwardly, she appeared to be living a charmed life, and she was incredibly grateful for the opportunities that had come her way, but the truth was, she was tired, overworked, and unhappy.
She lived in a pretty, shiny bubble with no real friends to hang out with, no place where she could just be her true self. No real relationships with people she trusted enough to open up to and not feel judged or used for their own purposes. Too many times she’d had her feelings and opinions dismissed as insignificant, and she’d found it much easier to just keep them to herself and go with the flow.
