Page 5 of The Price of Fame

Two

MARKUS HADN’T SLEPT MUCH SINCE meeting Kylie. His brain had been infused with too much inspiration. This morning he was stretching on the beach early, waiting for her to arrive. He prayed she didn’t bail on him because he didn’t want to look like a stalker when he hunted her down.

Determined she would give him a chance, he went over his game plan. Markus knew, thanks to the lady last night, that he would need to take things slow. The only problem with slow was that he didn’t have months to woo and convince her that he was the man for her. He could try to stretch the two months to three, but then he’d have to head back to the real world and work.

He’d decided to tell her his last name to see if he got any reaction while he figured out his next move. A chocolate Labrador came bounding up, jumping all over him. Patting the dog, he looked around for the owner and saw Kylie running toward them, yelling for the dog to come back to her.

“I’m so sorry. He never jumps all over people.” She smiled at him as she patted her legs. “Buddha, come here.”

He laughed as the dog stayed by his side panting happily.

“Argh! What a traitor.”

Smiling down at her, he put his hand out, bracing for impact. “I didn’t get to introduce myself properly yesterday. I’m Markus Pegios. I’m renting a house on Emerald Street for a couple of months.” He relaxed when Kylie showed no recognition of his name. “I’m new around here and could use some friends.”

She hesitantly held his hand, and tingles shot up his body, his cock becoming rock hard. Moving so it wouldn’t be so obvious, he kept hold of the offered hand and started walking. “How far do you walk each morning?”

Kylie tugged, trying to get her hand back, but he wasn’t giving it up. Her small, warm hand fit perfectly into his. “I walk for about an hour on the weekends and half an hour on weekdays.”

He nodded, and they fell into an easy flow, throwing the ball, walking, and talking. The hour flew by, and the best part was, by the end, she was the one holding his hand.

They ended back where they started. She sat down on the sand, and he joined her as she watched the waves. “It’s funny that the sound of crashing waves is so peaceful. You would think anything that involved the word crashing would be the opposite.”

He nodded, too busy staring at her as she remained still, listening to the ocean. She was beautiful with her eyes closed, head leaning back, and her lips curled up in a contented smile.

He glanced around and noticed there were few people in the water. Some scattered here and there and others sunbathing on the beach, but for the most part, the beach was quiet.

“What are you doing with the rest of your day? I’m assuming you help teach tonight’s dancing lesson? What else do you plan to do today?”

She opened her eyes as she turned to him and licked her lips. Markus’ eyes homed in, watching as her little pink tongue crept out to lick her bottom lip followed by the top. He bit his tongue to stop a groan from slipping out.

“Sunday is my lazy day. I do try to get some work done, depending on my mood.”

He grinned, as this was the first time she’d mentioned anything about her work. “What type of work do you do?” His eyes remained glued to her lips, imagining what they would taste like while wondering if it was too soon to kiss her.

She bit her lip before she answered. “I’m an artist. I paint. That’s not what pays most of the bills, though. I work as a checkout chick part-time, and that, with the dancing and what I sell… Well, I live quite nicely. I own my house and have a little bit left of my inheritance.” She got a serious look in her eyes. “I’d much rather have my parents though,” she whispered.

“I’m sorry about your parents.” Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her to him. He didn’t know what else to say. Markus reflected that he was lucky to have both his parents, brothers, and sister alive and well.

Breathing in her scent, he stroked her hair. She let out a loud sigh, leaning into his touch. Reluctantly he let her go.

She got up, brushing the sand off. “I love your accent. Where are you from?”

He didn’t want to tell her too much and scare her away. “I’m from Greece. I’m here to have a rest as my job is very demanding.”

She raised her eyebrow at his vague answer.

“I’m here for two months, and then I’ll go back to my work.” He knew she wanted to know more, but right now, he wasn’t ready, so instead, he changed the subject. “Would you like to go to the Reptile Park with me? I’d love to see some of the sights.”

Kylie seemed to work out he was diverting her from asking more questions about his job. He smiled when she shrugged. “Okay. How about I be your guide?” She turned startled eyes on him, as if shocked by what she’d said.

Grinning, he didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. “That would be great. So the Reptile Park today, and when you have time, you can show me around some more. We can discuss what free time you have each morning while we walk.”

He watched as she turned bright red, and her eyes grew wider.

“How about I walk home with you? Then I’ll know where to pick you up.”

Kylie nodded, calling her dog to her. The big lug bounded over to them dripping wet, stopping only to shake the water all over them.

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