“Nope.” And this is a perfect time for me to ask, “Why are you here?”
Whoa. It’s like all of his emotion vanishes in an instant, leaving him looking oddly blank. That’s some skill right there, but it instantly makes my hackles rise.
“Vacation,” he says lightly.
“Liar.” The word is sharper than I mean it to be, backed by a years-old desperation for honesty that I thought I buried long ago.
Whether it’s because he was caught in the lie or because he senses my growing tension, he lets the facade slowly slip away until his confusionand frustration and hints of interest are painted on his face again. “How did…” He shakes his head, though I don’t know why he would be surprised that I saw right through him when it was such a contrast from what he’s been giving me before now. Most people must let him get away with wearing a mask. “Fine. I’m under contract, so I can’t say.”
“You’re filming a movie here?”
“No.”
“Thank goodness.”
That stops him in his tracks, and he stares at me like I’m a puzzle with all the wrong-shaped pieces. I get that look often, and I can’t hold back my smirk. He’s not the only one who knows how to hide.
“You are…” He trails off, shaking his head.
I fold my arms. “I’m what?”
“Confusing.” It seems to cost him a lot to admit that as he clenches his jaw. “You don’t make any sense.”
“Thank you.”
“I don’t know if I meant that as a compliment.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“And frustrating,” he growls.
Oh, this man. I’m getting the sense that he isn’t usually like this, since I’m sure I would have come across a story or two of him insulting people he encounters if he was ever this honest when he’s out in public. I’ve clearly brought out the worst in him, or at least messed with his careful control, and I feel a strange sense of pride when I realize I actuallydidknock him off balance.
Not as perfect as you seem, Derek Riley.
I gesture to the swanky hotel just ahead, glad to be rid of him so I can get back to my normal, quiet life and forget I ever met this man. “Your humble abode, Mr. Hollywood. I’d say it’s been a pleasure, but I’d be lying.”
A disbelieving laugh ekes out of him, followed by the subtlest of smiles on his open mouth. Almost like he appreciates my honesty. “Wow. Thanks.”
“Look on the bright side, Riley.” I pat his arm and have to try so hard not to comment on the impressive muscle that greets my fingers. He’s the most famous person in Hollywood right now; his ego is big enough. “I can’t say it was a waste of my evening either.” I give him a salute, laughing at the sight of his baffled stare, and then I turn and head back the way we came.
Glad that’s over.Derek wasn’t as awful as he could have been, but thankfully I’ll never have to see him again.
Hollywood Hot Scoop
Derek Riley Takes to the Desert
Spottedinthesmalltourist town of Moab, Utah! Yeah, I know the picture’s blurry, but we have it from multiple sources that Derek Riley has made his way to the red rocks of Southern Utah. The question we’re all asking iswhy?
Derek’s no stranger to adventure, and Moab is certainly full of exciting opportunities, but after being found by fans in town yesterday—lucky ducks, all of them—our hometown hero has disappeared. A local business owner helped him escape from what I’m sure was an eager crowd, and no one has seen him since.
I think a mystery is afoot, and I have my theories as to why the Hollywood star is on the hunt for somewhere quiet to hunker down. No one wants to be a ninth wheel forever, and with best friend Cole Evanson’s baby ready to make his debut and Derek’s newly found brother recently married to the Candoran queen, who could blame Derek for being lonely? He’s already lost touch with ex Bonnie Aiken since her marriage last fall to our favorite novelist, Henry McAllister, and we all know Liam Connolly is singing for no one but his wife Kasey.
Poor Derek has no one left.
Now Scoopers, don’t go rushing off to Utah just yet, no matter how much you’re hoping for a chance to be the one to break Derek’s singledom curse. This man is a master at hiding, so you’ll be wasting your time. But don’t worry! We have boots on the ground, and we’ll be sure to let you know exactly how to find our heartbroken hunk as soon as we dig up some intel.
Will you be the one to heal his lonely soul? Sound off in the comments below on why you are his perfect match, and we’ll send one of you on an all-expenses paid trip to Moab! XO
