HERO (The Complete Series)

by Bella Love-Wins

  “Later Alex.”

  As Sebastian left, he saw Alexandra duck back into the house to grab something before she locked up. She climbed into the car, and he noticed her staring over at his house.

  Damn, I hope I didn’t come on too strong.

  * * *

  Sebastian answered his ringing cell phone once he made it inside.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey man. It’s Clint. Got a minute?”

  “Uh, yeah. What’s up?” He looked out the kitchen window, watching this new version of Alexandra Storme ride off in the blue car.

  “Do you want Beth to bring anything more than her usual potato salad and coleslaw for the bar-b-q on the weekend?”

  “No, no. That’s more than enough. Tell her I said thanks…wait, Clint. Hey…I was wondering about something you might be able to help me with.”

  “Shoot.”

  Sebastian hesitated at first, trying to convince himself this was perfectly normal. After a beat, he went for it. “How do I find out more about Lexxi Rock?”

  He regretted asking him anything the minute Clint kicked off the heckling. The man was merciless. Sebastian should have expected it. After several minutes of put-downs, Clint suggested a few websites he had found with in-depth interviews and information about her.

  “Speed dating isn’t enough for you, Bash? You want to stalk rock stars too?” Clint laughed through the phone.

  “Go ahead. Laugh it up at my expense. I can take it.”

  “What’s with the sudden interest?”

  Sebastian was not about to tell his friend what was happening next door. “I don’t know. Seeing her on TV at your place got me thinking. With her dad in the hospital, I was wondering about her.”

  Clint huffed through the phone. “Bullshit. I don’t believe that for a second, but I don’t have time right now to drag it out of you. Beth cooked lasagna. That wins out for now.”

  “Thanks…I think. Later Clint.”

  He hung up the phone. With this time off work, he had all the time in the world to do a little research on the woman who had once been his high school crush—and was now trying to pull off being a dude so she could hide from the media. That had to be the reason.

  He quickly prepared some dinner, and while he ate, he did some digging on his laptop. Tanya—another hot chick from the ‘pretty good lay’ part of his phone contact list—was coming over tonight. He didn’t have much time before she would get there, and he was curious about catching up on Lexxi Rock. He wanted to know everything about her, to fill in the blanks from their high school days until now.

  He couldn’t pretend his interest was purely curiosity, although he did mean it when he offered to be there for ‘Alex’ as a friend. He understood more than most. He had lost both his parents, and he was in a career where tragedy sometimes happened. Alexandra needed friends and family more than she probably realized. In her disguise, she probably did not have anyone in her corner. Sebastian would gladly be that for her.

  The tricky part was figuring out how to get close to her and not look creepy doing it.

  Sebastian scrolled through another article about her messy breakup with some pompous-looking pretty boy country music singer. By the time he turned off the laptop, he knew she lived in a lavish mansion in Beverly Hills, he discovered she had a history of ugly breakups, and now he knew her closest friend was Evangeline Reese, an actress who happened to be out somewhere in southwest America, filming a new action movie.

  Wow, this internet trolling shit is way too easy.

  He knew just as much about Lexxi Rock as any other fan, but not nearly enough about the real girl, Alexandra Storme. Again, he tried to shake that physical attraction he had for her, but he couldn’t. It could complicate things.

  He stretched out on his bed, in almost exactly the same way he did when he was nineteen, imagining what it might be like to have her. Now that he had read about her life since her stardom came about, he wanted to take away the bittersweet taste of failed love from her lips. He could show her what it was like to be with someone who wasn’t star-struck by her, someone who actually wanted the girl behind the celebrity façade.

  It was surprising how much they had in common in the dating department. For years, Sebastian had gone out with a handful of women who made him second-guess the idea of settling down. They were either too shallow or too crazy or unwilling to stick it out once they understood how dangerous and demanding a job he had. Coming home to a big empty house was getting old, as were the casual flings he had with women like Michelle, Didi, Ashley, or for tonight, Tanya.

  He was going through the motions when it came to women, and had been for a long time.

  * * *

  Tanya came by, and was now sprawled out on Sebastian’s bed. He should have cancelled. He could not get Alexandra off his mind.

  Here I am, stretched out on my bed with this sex kitten. She’s naked and ready to have me rock her world for a third time tonight, and I’m fantasizing about a woman who could have any man in the world she wanted.

  Sebastian looked over and saw Tanya flash a playful look his way.

  “Come over here, Mr. Firefighter,” she teased. This role playing game of hers was not as interesting the third time around. She smiled, running her hand down his chest and letting it come to rest on his manhood. “My kitty’s on fire, baby. I need your hose.”

  God, she was annoying. If he could just get Tanya to stop talking, maybe he would enjoy it more.

  “Here, suck on the hose, baby,” he told her, ready now to do almost anything to keep her quiet.

  She smiled and got up on her hands and knees, crawling across the bed until she was between his legs. She lowered to him, and rubbed her breasts along his groin.

  “Yeah. That’s nice. Wrap your lips around it…yeah, just like that…fuck. Keep going, kitty.”

  Somewhere between then and when Tanya made him release in her mouth, Sebastian had the fantasy of Alexandra again.

  “That was good, Alexandra,” he moaned.

  Tanya lifted her head from between his legs. “For the last time, Bash. It’s Tanya. Not Alex, or Lexxi, or Alexandra. Shit, the least you can do is remember my name.”

  Oops.

  “Sorry about that, Tanya. It’s been a crazy day. Maybe you should go now.”

  “Whatever,” she said, backing off the side of the bed and picking up her clothes that were spread out across the floor. She stepped into his bathroom to get dressed, and was gone less than ten minutes later.

  Sebastian sat up. He needed to get real. Even if he and Alexandra were to become friends, he had nothing to offer her. He didn’t drive around in flashy cars or come with a huge bank account. He couldn’t pretend to give her anywhere near the lifestyle she had grown accustomed to. He could not compete. A guy like Wilkes Barracks could fly her to dinner in Paris, take her for a stroll in the park in Tokyo, or to see a carnival celebration in Rio. A guy like Sebastian Sullivan could…what? Carry boxes down to the basement for her.

  He got to his feet and took a shower before heading downstairs in his towel to lock up. He was determined to stop deluding himself. There was nothing wrong with being there for her as a friend. All he had to do was let go of the illusion he could have something more. There was no point. He didn’t have a chance in hell with a woman like her. In some ways, maybe high school never really ended.

  Chapter 10

  ALEXANDRA rolled over in bed, studying the red numbers of the alarm clock on her nightstand. It had not yet buzzed. She was awakened by the light of the approaching sunrise, which turned the walls of the room into a buttery hue. She had barely slept. Rosa would be here in about two hours to take her to the hospital.

  In the almost two weeks she had been in Tucson, she spent much of her time in the ICU, watching over her father. On most days, she would stay with him from the start of visiting hours to late at night when the nurses kicked her out. Dad’s team of doctors went to great lengths in their efforts to turn around his
condition. Still, Alexandra tried to hold out some hope, but had been disheartened with each passing day that he did not get better.

  Stretching lazily in bed, she wiggled her toes against the plush beige comforter, and threw off the heavy quilt and soft cotton sheets. In the privacy of her bedroom she could be herself. She could be a woman. She let it all hang out, breasts and all. Breasts that now strained against the fabric of her t-shirt. She stood up and caught a sideways look in the mirror, in the black lounge pants held up by a drawstring. Her stomach tapered from under her breasts, down to her waist, to her hips. Pushing back black curls falling over her face, she craned her neck and peered through the bedroom window at the house next door. Somewhere over there was the handsome neighbor who made a point of extending his friendship. Of course, she was not sure whether he was gay or not. Not that it mattered, she told herself.

  Anytime Bash Sullivan was home when she returned from the hospital at a decent hour, he would stop by to check up on her, and asked about her father. They had spent a few evenings sharing dinner. It turned out he was a decent cook, which Alexandra appreciated. She was horrible in the kitchen. She had skipped out on his party. It filled the street with cars and the night air with soft country music. Bash came by after it was over to bring her a plate of bar-b-q ribs. Basically, Bash was making it impossible for her to pretend he didn’t exist.

  She shimmied out of her pants, shaking the lounge pants and panties down her legs so she could shower and get dressed. She did not mind his constant showing up. There was something freeing about getting to play the part of being a guy. When she talked to Bash, there was no need to present herself as meat on the chopping block. She had often felt she needed to add a layer of something more when she dated the men in her past.

  She did not have to pretend she was less intelligent with Bash, or more sophisticated, or in need of a champion, or just independent enough—or any of the other often conflicting traits expected of women. She could be herself …well, she could be Alex Roberts. They chatted about his hobbies as well as hers, although in that area, she told a few white lies mixed in with some truth. She mentioned to him she played guitar, told him about her favorite shows and favorite music. She was more vague when she talked about her childhood. In spite of the odd harmless lie, she had shared a lot more with him than many of the men she had dated. Normally, her love interests were not allowed this much access to who she really was.

  Bash isn’t a love interest.

  She kept reminding herself of that. Stepping under the warm stream of water in the shower, she let it run over her hair and face. She closed her eyes, immediately picturing him without trying. She had gradually allowed him to get closer, maybe because it gave her something to think about other than her father’s waning health. She had gotten to know Sebastian’s schedule, when to expect him, and what he was likely to do. Tonight, he would probably stop by with a wrapped plate and his warm smile, ready to take her mind off her worries. They would probably watch TV for a while and make casual conversation. She needed that.

  He invited her to come by and check out the model train set his father had built in his basement, but she held back. She grinned and sluiced the water out of her face, thinking about his half-embarrassed smile whenever he mentioned the model train setup. He said it was something his father had started, and he did not have the heart to let it go. As she moved on to scrub the bath sponge over the rest of her body, she could not stop thinking about him. It was not the first time that she wondered whether he was gay or straight. She had quite a few gay friends out in Hollywood, and still, she was not sure.

  She mentally prepared herself, repeating silently that she wouldn’t be surprised if he was gay—just disappointed as ever. She had already imagined being with him. He never hesitated about casually dropping a hand on her arm during conversations or hugging her close when he was ready to leave. Come to think about it, she had never seen him with a woman, or even heard him talk about anyone female. Actually, the more she thought about it, the more she was convinced he was probably, definitely gay.

  Probably.

  She was ninety-one percent sure of it, but what did that mean for her?

  She stepped out of the shower and wrapped her body in a large pink towel, tiptoeing into her bedroom to avoid leaving puddles down the hall. She patted herself dry and looked through the closet for something to wear. Again, she convinced herself it would not mean anything for her if he was indeed gay.

  It’s not like I’m interested in him like that.

  Neither she nor her ‘Alex Roberts’ character she was playing had any interested.

  Sebastian Sullivan can be as gay as he wants, and it’ll never have to affect me.

  She threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, some sneakers, and a fitted cap. As she sauntered downstairs, her phone rang.

  “Eva!” she answered, pumped up by the surprise call from her bestie.

  “Darling, I got your messages and heard the news. How is Daddy?”

  Alexandra sighed and shook her head. “Not too well. I’m on my way to the hospital in a few. What are you up to? Where are you? I have so much to tell you about what’s been going on since the last time we spoke! Do you have a minute?”

  “It’s a rare day off, dearest,” Evangeline answered. “I have all the time you need.”

  She walked into the kitchen and reached up into the cabinet for a bowl. Digging around in the utensil drawer, she grabbed a spoon and checked the pantry for cereal. Rosa had been amazing, making sure the house was stocked with food while Alexandra spent most of her time at the hospital. All her favorites were in the pantry and the fridge—which meant anything that did not have to be cooked on a stove.

  “Like I said in my message, Eva, this isn’t exactly the vacation I dreamed up, but it’s been a welcome break. Rick has been keeping me up to speed with everything in LA. He even fed the media a rumor that I’m on the French Riviera when in reality, I barely see the outside of Dad’s hospital room. Although…I’ve met someone.”

  “Wait a minute. Didn’t we agree you were going to try being single for a while? What is he? A hot doctor?”

  “Oh, no! It’s not what you think. Gosh, where do I start?” She poured a large bowl of cereal and sat on the edge of a barstool. “Okay, you know how sometimes we go out all covered up to keep a low profile? You know, sunglasses, massive hats, head-to-toe body suits?”

  “Yes? What about it?”

  “I’ve done that times ten.”

  “How do you mean?

  “You’d never even recognize me, Eva. You’d be so proud! For starters, I chopped off all my hair.”

  Alexandra heard something clatter to the floor on the other end, a stunned silence, and then Evaienne’s high-pitched shriek. “You did not!”

  “I did! I cut it all off and dyed it black. I would send you pictures, but you and I both know hackers love getting into celebrity phones and stuff. You’ll just have to wait and see me when we both get back to LA. I’ve been playing a twenty-one-year-old guy named Alex Roberts, and so far…no one has figured out who I am.”

  “You’re kidding me.”

  “No! I know, I know. It sounds drastic, but think about it. If I hadn’t done this, those asshole reporters would be all over the hospital by now. It’s the only reason my dad’s illness has not hit the press yet.”

  “Bullocks. I hate to break it to you, but why do you think I called in the first place? It has reached the press. I was calling to make sure you weren’t having a meltdown from what that catty Phoebe Mansfield printed about you.”

  “What?” Alexandra dropped her spoon.

  “Yes, darling, the word on the street is that you’re a selfish, hedonistic brat out partying in France, neglecting your father during his illness. They’ve even got pictures of you on the Riviera, honey! Terrible pictures… of a very believable look-alike! I knew it couldn’t be true, but I have to give Rick credit.”

  “Crap. Trust the media to make the public think
the worst of me. You know what? At least that throws them off my trail. Let the rumor mill do what they do best. Anyone who knows me, knows better.”

  “Yes, of course. But, about this someone you met. Who the heck is he? And, how on earth is that working out with you being Alex Roberts, Boy Wonder? Wait! This sounds like it’s bound to be juicy! Hold on, hold on. Will I need popcorn for this?”

  Alexandra laughed. “Popcorn might not be necessary, but I do hope you’re sitting down. His name is Bash. He is exactly the kind of guy I would be into. Oh my god! He’s tall, about six three. He’s got those wide, very capable shoulders you want to…well, you know…and big hands…and, you know what that means,” she hissed scandalously into the phone. “Not that I’ve had any chance of dragging my eyes below the neck, considering I have to remain a damn dude around him. But, think of a young George Clooney in the face, only more rugged. You would love him, Eva! He’s…”

  “He’s got a fan, I see!”

  “The only thing is, to top it all off, I’m beginning to think he’s…” she dropped her voice, “he’s probably gay.”

  “What?! Noooo! Dammit. All of the best ones are, darling.”

  “He lives right next door, and that makes him so much harder to ignore. But you’ll be happy to know I’ve been on my best behavior.”

  “I’m sure you have,” she said sarcastically.

  “No, really. I’ve kept to myself, and I’ve been with Dad in the hospital as long as the nurses would let me. Bash still comes around like clockwork the minute I get home, though. Tell me what you would think if a guy kept sniffing around another guy like that…and kept bringing him food.”

  “What?”

  “That’s right. He cooks.”

  “Hmmm. That is definitely suspicious behavior. And what’s his place like?”

  “It’s all well-manicured lawns, a renovated house, and someone had an eye for interior design in there. The place is perfect, and always spotless.”