The rest of the day unfolded like a blur of joy. Laughter echoed everywhere, the smell of delicious snacks filled the air, and Chris somehow managed to buy more gifts for the kids than I thought humanly possible. Every time he snuck in another one—a toy, a treat, some ridiculously overpriced souvenir—I shot him my best fake disapproving mom look, and he saw right through it. It only made his grin wider, those damn crinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening every time he handed the kidsanotherprize.
“Liam, come check this out!” he called from the other side of the store. Liam came running, and I watched as Chris pulled a massive box of Spider-Man action figures from the shelf. The boy’s entire face lit up.They were rambling about something superhero-related, and I couldn’t look away. It was ridiculously sweet. He actually remembered how much Liam loved Spider-Man.
Don’t start drooling in the middle of the store, Jules.
They walked back toward me, still deep in conversation, Chris carrying the oversized box like it was nothing.
“Look, Mom! Spider-Man action figures. One forallhis costumes!” Liam wasn’t exactly asking if he could get them; it was more of a hopeful announcement.I brushed my fingers through his hair and smiled.
“I see, buddy. They look super cool, but…” I glanced up at Chris and lowered my voice. “That’s too much.”
He leaned in, not even pretending to be remorseful.
“It’s not a gift. It’s payment,” he whispered. “Liam promised to build me one of his prestigious Lego robots. Apparently, only five people in the world have one. I’m lucky to get my hands on such an exclusive item. Honestly, people in Hollywood would pay way more for a limited edition piece like that.”
Ihatedhow adorable he was with the kids, and Ihatedhow weak I was to resist. I sighed, already knowing I’d lost.
“Fine.” I turned back to Liam. “But this is the last thing, okay?” They agreed and made their way to the cashier. Chris was having as much fun as they were, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling as I watched them.
He wore a cap and aviator sunglasses, blending in to look like any other dad at the park. Well, anyhotdad, but still. From a distance, you might not notice him right away, but up close? It was harder to miss. There were curious glances from people passing by and the occasional double-take when someone recognized him. But he didn’t seem to care. Every so often, he’d lean in to talk to the tour guide or to the security team, discreetly following us around. They exchanged nods, and then everything moved smoothly. He’d obviously done this before.
He’d told me once how much he loved theme parks, which was one of the first things that made him seem… human, like he wasn’t this untouchable Hollywood star. Seeing how effortlessly he managed all the logistics, I was sure he had a system in place to make sure he could still enjoy it, even with the chaos his presence could bring.
When we entered one of the tall, themed buildings for a ride, the guide ushered us in through the back door. We were placed in a small, private waiting room while they prepared everything.
“Ireallywant to rideInsane.Maybe if I put some socks onthe bottom of my feet…” Nova was already halfway to yanking off her shoes, the tiniest one in the group, but somehow the only one with the guts for the most terrifying ride in the park.
I was about to step in, but Chris beat me to it.
“I don’t think I could handleInsane, Nova. Maybe we can try the Care Bear ride instead? You like Care Bears, don’t you?” He wastryingto be nice, but I cringed internally because Iknewexactly how this was going to go.
Nova immediately dropped her shoes and planted her hands on her hips.
“How old do you think I am?Three? Care Bears?Please, Christopher.”
We all laughed out loud.
“You arewaytoo much like your mother for your own good. You know that?” Chris said, shaking his head. His eyes were locked on me. I assumed he meant it as a compliment.
My cheeks burned.
“Yeah, yeah… Iknow,” Nova muttered, already over the moment as she plopped down at the table with Liam, Carol, and me. The map was in front of us, our next ride still very much up for debate. Nova was trying to steer us for something with animals, while Liam was pushing hard for a 3D experience that made me queasy just thinking about it. Carol, being the saint she was today, mediated their debate while I focused on the map.
I looked up, for a second, and caught Chris staring at me. His gaze was steady, soft, and… something else. My stomach did that stupid flip thing, the one I’d been trying to ignore all day.
Fuck.
I was officially falling for him.
Not the guy I’d been dreaming about for years, buthim.The flawed, asshole, hot, wonderful, and impossibly kind actor standing right in front of me.
The thoughtterrifiedme.
26
CHRIS
Iwoke up with a grin already plastered on my face. I’d forgotten how it felt waking up somewhere you actuallywantedto be. The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. I turned my head, and there she was—Jules, still fast asleep beside me. She looked so damn perfect. Her red hair spilled across the white pillow, making it look even brighter and more vibrant. I could’ve stayed like that all morning, watching her.
