Page 109 of Reel Love

I look over my shoulder at Stevens.

He doesn’t say anything. Just places a soft kiss on my forehead, and then he walks around the other side of my island and back to the cooktop, where he turns up the burner and finishes cooking the asparagus.

I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep him tucked away from the public eye. If forever were an option, I’d take it. But something tells me our clock is running out when it comes to shielding him from the world.

TWENTY-NINE

Stevens

Bottom line is they can't drive the boat.

They're actors.

~ The Truman Show

Ipack the picnic basket in the storage compartment in the middle of my sailboat and look around. The sunlight sparkles across the water and there’s a breeze in the air making this the perfect day for a sail.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out.Alana. My face tugs into the smile she always puts there. I’m trying not to overthink our circumstances—especially the fact that she’s a huge celebrity. When we’re together, everything else fades away, including her status and fame. She brings out a playful side in me I had only let loose on the game before this. If my friends saw how I acted around her, I’d be roasted like a pig in a pit. But I couldn’t care less. I’ll take anything for her—even being the target of Ben’s incessant teasing. I know Alana wants to protect me from being in the splash zone of her fame. I’m a realistic man. She can only keep that tide from spilling over for solong. We will be drowning in it eventually. Thankfully, I’m a good swimmer.

I check her text.

Alana: I’m running late. Sorry! I had to take a call from Caroline, my publicist. Apparently she thinks she needs to coordinate publicity before this film releases. Rude. ;)

Stevens: The nerve of some people, trying to do their jobs.

Alana: Right?! Doesn’t she know I have a hot date with a marine biologist this afternoon?

Stevens: Does she know?

Alana: Of course not. Only Brigitte knows.

Stevens: You’re going to be the first person to see what I’m going to show you.

Alana: That sounds way too intriguing. I’ll be there asap. My driver is waiting.

Alana had a break from the madness the past two days, and was home on Marbella. Unfortunately, I wasn’t free. I got called out to consult on a job in El Segundo. We talked at night while I lay in my hotel bed, the window open so the ocean breeze could filter in. I challenged her to a match inPlay on Wordswhile we chatted by phone. It’s nowhere near the same as seeing her in person. Now that we’ve been able to actually be together, any time apart feels like a punishment for a crime I didn’t commit.

But, today, we both have a free day before she returns to LA tomorrow for an event. I actually have something I have to attend in LA tomorrow too—a costume party fundraiser for a cause that’s especially close to my heart. The organization funding a good portion of my secret project is hosting it.

Less than a half hour after her text, Alana is walking down the dock to the slip where I keep my sailboat,Sea Ya.She’s in a ballcap and those huge sunglasses, a navy tank top and some white shorts. The tie of her swimsuit shows around the back of her neck. She still looks like a star, even dressed down and climbing on my boat as if she’s any other woman.

I extend my hand to Alana and she climbs aboard.

“So, what’s this grand adventure we’re going on?”

Her face is covered by those huge glasses, but her mouth spreads wide in an excited smile.

“It’s a surprise,” I tell her. “I’ve got a secret project—sort of a passion project—and I want you to see it. We’ll snorkel to it.”

“Oooh. Underwater surprises! I wore my suit. I’m ready.”

“There’s actually a few parts to this date. You told me you didn’t have plans, so I took the liberty of planning.”

Alana walks over to me, setting her sunglasses on the center compartment in my boat. And then she drapes her arms over my shoulders and stares up into my eyes.

“I’m yours for the day. Completely free until the clock strikes midnight and I turn into a pumpkin … Actually, make that ten o’clock, or Brigitte will personally come looking for me. I’ve got a photo shoot tomorrow followed by this event at night.”

“I’ll have you home by nine thirty.” I smile down at her, and then I lean in and kiss her.

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