Knowing I haven’t been home in a week, I drop by the grocery store on my way to the island. Maybe I’m feeling self-conscious, maybe I’m just being paranoid, but it feels like I’m being watched. Not in a creepy way, but just that eyes are on me. But when I look around, no one’s even paying attention.
Maybe it’s just the hype of the interview that has me on pins and needles. As much as I didn’t want to see it, I couldn’t help but tune into the broadcast when it went live. Luke and I both squirmed in our seats as we snuggled on the couch to watch, since neither of us like watching ourselves on TV.
Sure, he has way more experience in dealing with the press and media, but it was cute watching him fidget when his closeup flashed across the screen. Damn, just recalling the memory, the man’s good looking. Though if I’m being completely biased, he’s far better looking in real life. As far as the interview itself went, it was portrayed as best as we could have hoped.
Since the segment ended, I turned off my phone and stayed off my social media accounts. I’ll deal with it later today, when I get home. Before the interview, I popped into my fan group and updated them about my weekend, as well as thanked them for coming out to visit this weekend in Seattle. I mentioned going into my writing cave and won’t be resurfacing for a few days. I’ve been known to do this. Hopefully, by the time I hop back onto social media, things will have died down.
I grab the last few items on my list and make my way to the checkout counter. As I place my items on the conveyer belt, I can’t help but gasp.
Holy. Fucking. Shit. There for all the world to see is my face plastered next to Luke, taking up the entire cover of an entertainment magazine. As much as I want to grab one for a souvenir, I look around and hope I’m not noticed.
Shit. I’m not wearing anything concealing. I look almost exactly as I do on the magazine. Except, thank God, I’m not wearing the same clothes. There’s no line at this time in the morning, so I take the opportunity to slip a few magazines onto the conveyer belt as the woman who’s about my mother’s age scans my items.
She had said hello, but I was too busy looking at myself on the magazine to give her much of a response. As she scans my final items, I make my way to the debit card reader to finalize my purchase. Just when I think I’ve escaped being noticed, the kind woman on the other side of the counter makes eye contact.
“You two are such a beautiful couple. I’m a huge fan of you both, and I wish you the best of luck. I can’t wait for your next release either, Charlotte.”
Well… That’s unexpected. I’ve never had a complete stranger feel the need to comment at the grocery store. My face heats, and I glance around to see if I’ve caught anyone else’s attention. Thank God, no one’s around. “Thank you.” I clear my throat as I straighten my spine. I might as well own it. She’s a fan after all. “My next book should be out by the end of next month. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.”
“Oh, I’ve read everything you’ve written. My daughter got me hooked right after you released your first book.” Interesting. You never know who you’ll meet out in the wild. I’m so not used to being recognized in public. It feels as if I’ve entered another universe.
“Wow.” Once again, I’m at a loss for words. “Thank you so much.”
The woman whose nametag reads Jackie, lowers her voice and stage-whispers, “I’m so happy you’re happy with Luke Leighton. He’s been the talk of the town since his arrival to the Rainier Renegades.” She raises an eyebrow and partially covers her mouth so that only I can hear her next words. In a conspiratorial voice, she adds, “I must admit, I’ve become a bigger fan since his arrival. That man is definitely not hard to look at. You know what I’m sayin’…” Yes. Yes, I do know what she’s saying. I’ve been caught staring a time or two, and I’m woman enough to admit it.
“Yes, I do.” I nod in agreement. Who am I to deny the truth? But not wanting her to think I’m all about his looks, I add, “He’s a wonderful man, inside and out.”
“He sure is.” She nods emphatically. “That interview you two did last night was just spectacular. He’s such a nice young man, helping you the way he did. I would’ve loved to seen him in action.”
“He’s amazing, that’s for sure.”
Another customer joins us in line, and panic sets it. I don’t want another impromptu press situation and thankfully, Jackie reads my worry well and hurries the end of my purchase along. “Thank you for coming in today. I sure hope to see you again soon. Next time, you bring that man of yours in. I’m so happy the two of you are together, Charlotte. I wish you the best of luck.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Jackie. Thanks again.” I gather my bags quickly and walk to my car. I’m not sure how I feel about complete strangers talking about my personal life as if they’ve known me forever. On one hand, it was amazing to be recognized. On the other, it’s absolutely terrifying.
It’s late when Luke finally has the chance to call. I didn’t know how much I’d missed him until I hear his warm greeting.
“Hey, Danika,” he exhales heavily, and I can picture him relaxing onto his couch after a long day at work. “It’s so good to finally get to talk to you.” My heart squeezes, and the tension in my body releases with those simple words.
His voice is a welcomed relief after a long day without him. Who knew I could get this attached to being around him so quickly.
“You, too.” I release a heavy breath and find myself instinctively relaxing into my oversized armchair as well. “Did I really just leave you this morning? It feels like days have gone by, rather than mere hours.”
A soft grunt comes through the phone, and a smile forms on my face. “No kidding. I’d give anything to have kept you here. But since you insisted on returning home so you could work and meet with your agent, I can’t say I blame you.” I can picture him with a wry smile and smirk forming on his beautiful face. When he tacks on, “Though I would’ve been perfectly fine letting you use my loft as a meeting place.”
“Luke,” I admonish. “You know she and her husband are coming to the island to stay at an Air B&B. They’ve had this trip planned for a while. The whole point of our meeting at the island is so they can be on vacation afterward and not be in a big city. They’re getting their first break from their kids since they’ve been married. They deserve every moment of peace they can get.”
“But isn’t she a book publisher, too? Why haven’t you gone with her company and published traditionally?”
“Uh…” This is such a long story. Where do I even begin? “She’s the best in the business for getting book deals into movies. She knows I prefer to be an independent publisher but loves to help indie authors as much as she can. Her business thrives on both. Sam wants what’s best for me. Though if she gets this movie deal we’ve been working on, her commission will be more than worth her while, dealing with an indie like me.”
“Makes sense.” I can picture Luke shrugging off my explanation in agreement. “Any word on how that deal’s going?”
I sigh. I haven’t had my hopes up too high over this, since I know it’s a longshot. I know I have a big enough following, but I’m not sure Hollywood execs want my story. “I haven’t heard anything yet. I hope she’ll have more to say when we meet tomorrow.”
“Well, I’m sure it will go well. From what I’ve read, you’re pretty talented.”
“Luke… You’ve read one book. For all you know, the rest of my books could suck.” When I hear Luke suck in a quick breath and before he can say anything, I stop myself from letting self-doubt creep in. It has no business occupying my thoughts, so I take in a deep breath and change my course. “But thank you for the vote of confidence, it means a lot.”
“I… uh, happen to be onto book two now, for your information.” I can see the smile play across his lips as his admission is saucily stated.
“Seriously? Since when do you have time to read? You’ve been in non-stop meetings and traveling with the team.”
His voice lowers, “Well, I picked it up this evening to read before bed. Since you’re not here to keep me occupied, maybe your words will.”
That is the sweetest thing ever. Leave it to Luke to melt my heart further. “If it makes you feel any better, I’d rather be there.”
Another heavy exhale is heard through the phone. “I know. But it made sense for you to head home for the time being. We’re traveling to Boston and staying back East until we play in Nashville the following week.”
“I know…” I groan into the phone. The thought of being without him makes my heart ache. When did this man become so important to me? To lighten the mood, I tack on, “Adulting sucks, doesn’t it?”
Chuckling, Luke agrees, “Yes. It does. But speaking of adulting, do you have plans for the week after next?”
“Uh…” I mentally play through my schedule. “Not that I know of.”
“What would you say to coming to our game in Nashville?”
Not looking forward to being away from him for nearly two weeks, I jump at the chance. “Sure. Just let me know when, and I’ll make arrangements.” I think aloud. I’ve traveled quite a bit, so it shouldn’t hit my pocketbook too hard. “I should have enough air miles to make the trip affordable.”
“Danika.” Luke stops my rambling. “I’m taking care of the arrangements right now.” Now that I’ve stopped talking, I can hear him tapping away on his computer. “Want a window or aisle seat?” Holy shit, this man’s efficient. I should’ve known better than to doubt him.
“Uh, window.” Who wants to be bumped every five minutes? “But you don’t have to do this,” I assure him. “I can get my own ticket, Luke.”
“Already done. I’ll arrange for a rental so you can come and go as you please. I’ll just need some of your information.”
I give him what he needs and within minutes, I’m apparently traveling to Nashville. My heart thumps out of my chest with the thought of spending more time with him. After being with him this week, I know his schedule’s grueling. How the man even made the time to spend with me was impressive. I guess I should be grateful.
“I hope you don’t mind, but Mama will kill me if we don’t stay with her, at least one night. After talking to her this afternoon, she insisted I do everything necessary to get you to visit her ASAP.”
“Wait… You’ve been talking with your mom about me?”
“Uh… the interview yesterday wasn’t just for local affiliates. It’s a nationally syndicated show. I called and gave my family warning that we’re dating, or I’d never hear the end of it. Trust me. Mama may be tiny, but she knows where to hide a body, if need be. I wasn’t about to tell the world we’re dating, before I told her.”
As he talks about his mother, his Southern drawl slips out a bit. It’s fucking adorable and sexy as hell. I hadn’t heard it much before now. “And… she’s okay with you bringing me home?”
“Oh, Danika, you have no idea.” He chuckles as if I should know better. “In her mind, we’re already getting married and ready to bring her grandbabies.”
“Seriously?” I ask in disbelief. That’s not at all scary. Yeah, right.
Though, it’s not hard to picture having beautiful, dark-haired, blue-eyed babies that resemble Luke. He’s a handsome man and is bound to make gorgeous babies. Who wouldn’t want to be the mother of his children? Throw in the fact he’s the kindest man I know? Yeah…
“Dani?” Luke’s voice interrupts me from my rambling thoughts.
What the fuck? Why am I thinking about babies? We just started dating, for crying aloud. But butterflies make their presence known in my belly, and my denial’s evident. Fuck. I’m so screwed when it comes to this man.
“Did you hear what I said?” Luke asks, clearly expecting an answer to an unknown question.
Hell no, I didn’t. I’m too busy fantasizing about babies with beautiful blue eyes to have heard a word. Shit. I really need to get it together. “Uh, sorry. No, I didn’t.”
“Mama wants to spend the day with you while I’m at practice with the team. Since we’re staying on the East Coast, I’ve arranged for us to practice a few times that week. I don’t want to put any pressure on you, so if you’d rather not go, please feel free to say so.” For the first time, Luke’s confidence waivers. I can tell it’s important to him for me to meet his mother. Hell, he’s already met most of my family. It’s the least I can do.
“It shouldn’t be a problem, Luke. If they’re anything like you. I’m sure I’ll love your family.”
Did I just say love? Yep. I think I did.
I hear a smile in his tone as he says, “I’m sure they’ll love you, too.”
We spend the next half hour talking about our day. When I hear his voice become groggy, I suggest getting off the phone. I get to sleep in tomorrow. He, on the other hand, must be at the stadium before seven. God knows how this man has lived off the little sleep he’s gotten in the past few days. I know I’m beat, and I’ve done only a fraction of what he has.
As Sam and her new husband Enzo exit the car, she squeals with delight. “I have the best news for you, Dani!” She rushes to greet me by embracing me with a hug.
This could only mean one thing. “What’s that?” I ask with excitement as she releases me from an enthusiastic hug.
“You did it! Your book’s being made into a movie. I just got off the phone with the producer and by the end of the day, I should have a contract for you to look over.”
“Are you kidding me?” This cannot be happening. This is just as good as waking up to finding my book had reached number one on the national bestseller’s list.
“No, not at all,” Sam assures me as she steps back. “I told you good things would happen if we just waited. They called this morning. I’d planned to put out another feeler, but it turns out I didn’t have to. They want to work with you and from the sounds of it, you’ll be able to name your terms.”
“Holy shit. This is happening…” I say in disbelief.
“Sounds about right to me,” Enzo says. “Congratulations!” He reaches out his hand to mine. “I’m Enzo. It’s nice to officially meet you, Dani.”
“Oh.” Sam bats her hand in the air. “Where are my manners? Dani, this is Enzo. Enzo, Dani.” Causing Enzo and I both to chuckle at her embarrassment.
“Nice to meet you, Enzo. Have you been to Anderson Island before?”
“No, but I’m looking forward to our first night away from the family. I know they’re in good hands with my parents, so Samantha and I will get a good night’s sleep for a change.”
“To be fair, I might just pass out as soon as we get to the Air B&B. I don’t think I’ve slept well since before we were married.”
Enzo looks to Sam as if she’s set the sun and the moon in the sky. I could only hope to have someone look at me that way. “I’m fine with anything, beautiful. You know that. I do hope we get to do more than sleep on this vacation though. We haven’t been kid-free in nearly a year.”
“Oh, don’t remind me,” Sam tsks. “Besides our wedding, I think we were in Germany before that. And that was far too eventful for my liking.”
“Hey, neither of us knew how that would turn out.” He places his hand on his chin and pretends to think something over. “If I remember correctly, you thought it was just the flu. Hmmm… I’m sure glad you were wrong.”
“Hey, it turned out to be a blessing.” She sighs. “But it doesn’t mean I’m not exhausted.”
“Do you have kids of your own, Dani?” Enzo asks.
“Oh, no.” I shake my head. “I’m not ready for them yet.”
“Honey, you know Dani’s also known as Charlotte Ann, right? My client who’s dating Luke Leighton, the head coach of the Rainier Renegades.”
“Oh, right.” Enzo shakes his head in acknowledgement, then explains, “I’ve been out of town on a job until yesterday, but Samantha mentioned something about it.”
“Yeah, it’s still kind of new.” I shrug off. I’ve been working with Sam for the past couple of years. She typically doesn’t work with clients like me who are independently published, but after reading my books, she wants to help me bring them to film.
“No judgement here, trust me,” Enzo assures me with a warm smile. I can see why Sam’s so happy with him.
“Let’s go inside and work out some possible terms you want in your contract, Dani. Then we’ll get out of your hair and head to the rental house. I can’t wait to see if it’s as cute as the online photos showed.”
“As long as the bed’s comfortable, I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Enzo teases. “A full night’s sleep has been unheard of in our house.”
It doesn’t take long for Sam and me to hammer out the possible terms we want. She has the standard contract written and just wants to clarify a few things for when the producers contact her. Hopefully, all will go my way, and I’ll have a movie deal in the next few weeks.
Before they can even pull out of my driveway, I’m dialing Luke. Energy bursts through me like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I can’t wait to share this news with him.
It’s torture waiting for him to pick up. Just as I think it’s about to go to voicemail, I hear a rough, “Hello,” come through the line. “Everything okay, Danika?” His words are clipped, filled with concern. Shit. He’s probably in the middle of a meeting or practice. But I’m just too excited, and this news can’t wait.
“Yes!” I practically squeal. “I did it, Luke! It’s really happening!”
“What’s happening?” he quickly asks, his voice still filled with concern. I can picture him starting to pace, like he does when he takes business calls and doesn’t know if the news is good or bad.
I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. Who knew I’d get so worked up over this. “My book’s getting picked up for a movie deal. You know, the one I told you about.”
“Seriously?” he asks with shock filling his tone. “That’s incredible. I knew you could do it. I really enjoyed that book.”
His confidence and support fill my heart to the brim. “I’m so excited. I’ll know more about the details later this week, but Sam seems to think it’s a done deal.”
“I’m so proud of you, Danika. When you get out to Nashville next week, we’ll have to celebrate.”
“Yes, we will!” I boast into the phone, still riding the high. “I’ve never been to Nashville. Will you be able to get away from the team and show me around?”
“I’m sure I can manage something. But Mama will likely show you all around before I get the chance. I will carve out some time each day to do something special with you.”
“Luke, I don’t want to keep you from your work.” He’s so busy as it is, there’s no way I want to be a burden.
“Danika, if you’re in town, I want to spend as much time with you as possible. Besides, my day’s usually done earlier when we’re on the road. We don’t stay back East often, and the practice facilities are only available for so much of the day. The team still gets their workouts in, but our meetings are cut a little shorter. Since I’m from that area, I’d planned to spend time with my family as well.”
“Are you sure you want me to come?” I ask hesitantly. Sure, I want to see him and meet his family, but I don’t want to take any time away from them spending time together.
“Absolutely. I had no idea how much I wanted you there until I spent last night alone in my big empty bed.”
“So… you just want me there to warm your bed,” I tease, then chew on my lower lip to keep from saying anything else. Shit, why did I say that? I’m sure I know the answer to this accusation, but now that I’ve said it aloud, I need to hear his words.
“Danika.” All humor is gone in an instant. “I want you in my life both in and out of the bedroom. Yes, having you in my bed’s a huge bonus, but I want to show you around my hometown and spend time with you.” You should know that, is heavily implied in his meaning with his last statement. And God, does it feel good to hear it.
“Me, too,” I whisper honestly. “I feel the same way.”
“Good.” I hear some noise in the background then Luke says, “Listen. I need to get back to practice.”
“Go,” I urge, then tack on, “Sorry to interrupt. I was just so excited about my news, I didn’t think about interrupting your work.”
“You can call anytime, Danika. If I’m able, I’ll answer. Congratulations on the movie deal. I can’t wait to hear more when I get home.”
“Thanks.” I end the call with excitement still buzzing throughout my body.