Just thinking about how I expect five houses and an entire village for myselfisn’t something I intend to admit out loud.
And then I remember I didn’t even think about where my normal security detail would live.
Though at the moment, I sincerely wish I didn’t need a security detail.
They’re great people. Don’t get me wrong.
But being here solo? Not needing protection from unfortunately real threats?
This is nice.
I like it.
“Not big enough for you?” she asks.
I blush.
My cheeks actually burn with embarrassment. “Not sure I deserve someplace this beautiful as my home base,” I improvise.
She looks back at the ocean. “I live somewhere just as beautiful for different reasons.”
“Where’s that?”
“Rocky Mountains.”
“Ah, yes. The Rockies. Shot a few films there.”
“You don’t say.”
“I’ve also gone snowboarding and climbing and rafting.”
“Yes, I saw those movies too.”
“You’ve seen them all, haven’t you?”
“Multiple times. My friends and I always try to figure out when you’re using stunt doubles for those dangerous, dangerous bunny hills.”
“I don’t have stunt doubles,” I mutter.
She grins. “I’d hope not. That movie where you fell for your ski instructor? We werewellaware you saved her on the bunnyhill and not the double black diamond you all acted like it was. That’s the only one we’ve never watched twice.”
“I can skibiggerhills too.”
Her face freezes, undoubtedly at my suddenly testy tone. “Oh, don’t be mad. Please don’t be mad. I was teasing. I’m sure you enjoy yourself when you’re not working too.”
Everything I know how to do, I learned for a role in one of my family’s films.
Enjoyed it all. Don’t get me wrong. If this movie star thing has completely fallen apart, I have a solid basis to learn whatever skill I want to do next.
But I don’t know who I’d be or what I’d do if I hadn’t been born as a third generation heir to the Razzle Dazzle film and amusement park empire.
I loop my arm around her neck and steer her back into the village. “Not mad. Just a lot on my brain.”
“Scandal and horrid publicity will do that to a person.”
Doesn’t matter how lightly she says it, I know it’s bothering her too.
We’re very different. Different worlds. Different goals, I assume, from a few hints that she’s dropped. Different lives ahead of us.
