Page 4 of Sunrise

"Something like that. Now just relax, start packing, and remember, don't leave the house. I will email your flight info and pick you up. See you then." He doesn't even bother to turn around as he walks out the door.

Great, I'm a prisoner in my own home and soon to be one at the beach. I start to wonder not for the first time if this is even worth it anymore. I haven't been happy, but this is all I know. It's not like I can go get a normal job. I've been acting since I was in school, so I have no real-life skills.

I was smart with my money and saved most of it. Even the house I live in is small compared to the other actors in town. But it's just me. I didn't need or want a huge mansion. I wanted to save that money.

Well, I have just over two weeks to figure out my next steps because I don't think I'll be coming back to Hollywood.

Wren wasn't kidding. He didn't leave my side until we got on the plane, then I didn't see much of him as he flirted with one of the flight attendants. I'm pretty sure they had some bathroom fun judging from his face when he sits back down next to me.

"I got the airport info so I can make sure everything is lined up." He tries to play it off, but we both know, yet I don't care enough to ask him.

I may have left the playboy lifestyle behind, but he certainly hasn't, and I don't think he will any time soon. Even so, he is a good guy, and I trust him, which is more than I can say about most people who are around me on a daily basis.

As we land in Wilmington, North Carolina, Wren deals with getting me a rental car, then gets a text and his whole face lights up.

"Man, that flight attendant has a two-day layover here and wants me to meet her at her place." He slams a folder to my chest and hands me the car keys.

"Everything is in that folder. They should have the NDAs signed for you when you get there, and everything has been paid for. You might not be getting laid, but I'm about to be all weekend. Call if there are any problems," he says and is gone before it all sinks in.

The asshole abandoned me. People are starting to recognize me, so I quickly make my way to the rental car to think for a moment. I could ditch the beach and take a road trip. It would serve him right for abandoning me like this.

I like that idea, but when I looked this Sunrise Inn up online, I found a beautiful place right on the beach. Something about it draws me in, so I figure I should at least give it a try.

My drive to the small town of Seaview is full of back roads and amazing views. I pull over a few times to snap some pictures and just take in the moment. I'm already later than what Wren told the inn I'd be there, but hey, it's his fault, so I just take my time.

When I pull up to the inn, my first thought is the photos online didn't do it justice. The place looks like a mix of a modern inn and a throwback to the old resorts from the 1950s. The white clapboard exterior is clean, and the landscaping is well taken care of.

I grab a bag and toss it over my shoulder as I head into the lobby. The lobby isn't as big or as grand as some of the hotels I've stayed at, but it does have a view of the ocean that would leave most people breathless.

Only that's not what takes my breath away. No, the girl at the check-in counter steals my attention with her blond hair and sweet as sin green eyes. She smiles as she reads her book, and I can't look away. Not even when a door to my right slams.

"Girl, you will never believe who I saw at the farmers' market. Fucking Jasper is back. I threw a kiwi at his face and... OH. MY. GOD. Kade is here. I thought he'd be checked in by now!" The girl who came barging in gasps.

I thought they signed NDAs and weren't allowed to tell people I'm here? Great, the word is already out. So much for a quiet stay. I drop my bag to the ground still unable to pull my eyes away from the girl at the counter.

This causes the girl at the desk to look up, and the moment our eyes meet, I don't care if the whole town knows I'm here because I'm not going anywhere.

Chapter 3

Linly

Kade will be here today. That is the first thought that pops into my head the moment I open my eyes. A famous movie star will be staying at the Sunrise Inn today.

Mom and Dad, I know you are enjoying this, and you will have a front row seat to it all. I hope I make you proud.

My nerves have been on edge since I got the call about Kade staying here. Brynn banned me from handling anything breakable after the fifth plate I dropped because my mind was elsewhere.

We spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening cleaning every inch of the Sunrise Suite at least three times. I went over it, Brynn went over it, and then Bertha went behind both of us. This continued through all the main rooms of the inn as well. The staff gave each room a sprucing up, just in case Kade has guests or wants a different room for any reason.

I drag myself out of bed even though my alarm doesn't go off for another hour. It's still dark outside, so I'm shocked to find Brynn in my kitchen with coffee in her hands.

"Couldn't sleep either?" she asks.

"Nope. Did you get any sleep?"

She shrugs. "Enough to get me through."

That is code for about two hours of sleep. That girl is crazy. I'd be dead on my feet with only two hours, but give her some coffee, and she's good to go. I pour myself a cup, then we head out to the back porch and sit on the wicker couch facing the beach.

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