Page 10 of Seaside Hideaway

“You brought flowers,” Piper said as her feet touched the ground. “Like you used to for my grandmother,” she added, a sudden wave of self-consciousness washing over her. Maybe she was imagining things. Maybe Audrey was straight, and what Piper thought she saw in her eyes was nothing more than the start of a new friendship.

Audrey nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I did. Lily always loved fresh flowers in the house. I thought... Well, I thought you might appreciate them too.”

Piper’s heart fluttered at the thoughtful gesture. “Thank you.” She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear, wishing she wasn’t such a mess, because she wanted to offer Audrey a glass of wine.

Audrey’s eyes moved around the room, taking in the details, and her expression shifted to one of surprise. “You know,” she began, her tone thoughtful, “Before I knew you were Lily’s granddaughter, I’d assumed you’d be tearing this place apart and making it all modern. But this...” she gestured to the room, “This is not at all what I thought it would be like.”

Piper felt a mix of pride and nervousness at Audrey’s words. She’d put so much thought into preserving the essence of her grandmother’s home while still making it her own. “Really?” she asked, unable to keep the hint of eagerness from her voice. “What do you think?”

Audrey’s gaze softened as she continued to look around. “It’s beautiful,” she said sincerely. “You’ve managed to keep so much of Lily’s spirit here, but it’s different. More of you, I imagine.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. “I didn’t even touch her art studio. But every other room got some kind of a refresh.” Their eyes met again, and Piper felt that same electric charge from earlier. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “Do you want the tour?”

“I’d love to, but I’m meeting a friend of mine, and I’m already running late.”

Piper’s heart sank a little at Audrey’s words, but she quickly masked her disappointment with a smile. “Oh, of course. Sorry for keeping you,” she said, trying to keep her tone light. “But thanks again for your help with the fan. I don’t know how long I would’ve been up there struggling if you hadn’t come by.”

Audrey waved off the apology with a warm smile. “No need to apologize. I’m glad I could help.” She paused for a moment, her eyes meeting Piper’s once more. “I better get going.”

“Enjoy your evening,” Piper said as she walked with Audrey to the door.

“Thanks. You too.”

Piper watched as Audrey walked down the path. This was not good. Piper knew exactly what was going on here. Yes, Audrey was beautiful and thoughtful and exactly Piper’s type, but the fact that Audrey had no idea who she was, unless she was a talented actress in her own right, made her even more attractive than she already was.

Piper had always dated women in the business, because she couldn’t imagine being in a relationship with someone who’s friend might be a fan or who might unknowingly give away their location by posting something on social media. She’d always known that there were too many obstacles to overcome. Plus, she’d never met anyone outside of her own social circle who had caught her eye.

But Audrey was different. There was something about her that drew Piper in, a warmth and sincerity that she found utterly captivating. The way Audrey had looked at her, with those expressive green eyes, only made Piper want to spend more time with her. And the casual intimacy of their interactions, the way their hands had brushed, the tension that had crackled between them. It was intoxicating.

And Audrey had always treated her like a normal person. There hadn’t been even a second where Audrey had looked at her with any kind of knowing, and Piper couldn’t remember the last time that had happened. Even when she was traveling through Europe, she was recognized by hotel staff, by people on the street, and by locals who thought they’d find out what it’s like to be a member of the paparazzi.

Closing the door, Piper turned to face the room, her gaze landing on the bouquet of flowers Audrey had brought. A soft smile played on her lips as she walked over and picked them up, inhaling their sweet scent.

As she arranged the flowers in a vase, Piper’s mind drifted back to the moment on the ladder. The way Audrey’s hands had brushed against hers. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more there. Not that it mattered. Piper wasn’t staying long enough to even think about dating someone, and she already knew all of the reasons why it would never work with someone who wasn’t as famous as she was or who at least had some experience with dating someone in the spotlight.

It wasn’t going to happen, but that didn’t mean Piper couldn’t enjoy the feeling of falling for her new neighbor.

8

The dim lighting of the bar cast a warm glow over Audrey and Lisa as they settled into their seats, drinks in hand. The hum of conversation and the clink of glasses filled the air, but Audrey’s mind was far from the present moment. She stared into her glass, swirling the amber liquid absently.

“You’ve been quiet since we left the theater. What’s on your mind?”

Audrey looked up, meeting Lisa’s concerned gaze. She took a sip of her drink, the smooth burn of the whiskey grounding her. “What was the name of that actress?”

“Piper Emerson,” Lisa replied, her brow furrowing slightly. “I’m surprised you don’t know her. She’s one of the few women I can think of who’s been out since she started her career.”

Piper Emerson. The woman who had dominated her scenes, running through the jungle, her toned abdomen and arms still clear in Audrey’s mind. The same woman who had been occupying her thoughts for entirely different reasons.

Audrey’s grip tightened on her glass. How could she not have recognized Piper? And what must Piper think of her? That she lived under a rock?

“I... I had no idea,” Audrey managed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t really keep up with celebrities.” Her mind raced, replaying every interaction she’d had with Piper. It all took on a new light now that she knew who Piper really was.

Lisa’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? You didn’t recognize her? She’s huge, Audrey. Like, A-list huge.”

Audrey shook her head, a self-deprecating smile tugging at her lips. “I told you, I don’t really follow that stuff. You know I’m more of a book person.”

Lisa smiled, taking a sip of her own drink. “I know, but why the sudden interest?”

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