Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

“I’ll try to behave.” He let his hands slide from my shoulders and stepped back.

I smiled at him before zipping up my suitcase and surveying the room carefully. “I’m ready.” I extended the suitcase handle and pulled it behind me. We closed up the hotel room and entered the elevator.

“Let me.” He took the suitcase handle in one hand, mine in his other. “I’m behaving, remember?”

“You’re a true gentleman, Mr. Wiley.” I cocked an eyebrow at him and waited for the elevator doors to close before I whispered, “Not always, of course. I admit I like the not so gentlemanly Mr. Wiley, too. You’re very good at misbehaving.”

His eyes darkened and his cheeks reddened. I’d surprised him. He grabbed me, pulling me to him. “You’re making me feel the need to misbehave, Claire.”

My eyes grew wide as I innocently asked, “Me?”

He shook his head, his eyes molten as he whispered, “I’ve never wanted to behave less like a gentleman than at this moment.” His lips were hungry on mine and I felt myself sway into his hold. His mouth was all the invitation I needed.

I should have given in upstairs. I sincerely regretted that I hadn’t. I wrapped my arms around him, smiling as his hand tangled in my hair. His mouth found mine, his lips pulling and parting my lips. I clung to him.

The elevator doors opened to reveal Josh and me in this passionate embrace.

We were greeted by the blinding flash of cameras and the garbled voices of the throng of reporters crowding into the elevator doorway.

Josh shook his head and cocked an eyebrow at me. “Sorry,” he whispered. He shot me a reluctant grin in attempt to reassure me. “Shall we go back up?”

I wasn’t sure. Should we? But the damage was done now, obviously. I was still clinging to him, though it was more out of shock now. I shook my head. “No point now. Let’s just get out of here.”

He slowly released me from his embrace and took my hand, pulling me behind him as much as possible. “Hold tight.”

I was completely uncomfortable by the number of people staring at us. In the midst of the lobby, I saw the concierge arguing with some of the reporters. The older doorman was trying to corral the group back but wasn’t having much success.

My eyes couldn’t focus, the continual flashes making me momentarily blind. I gave up on navigating on my own and concentrated on clinging to his hand. He moved confidently, guiding us through the throng. He looked back at me, winking. I felt a small answering smile cross my face. Was he actually enjoying this?

Questions were yelled in our general direction. “Josh! Josh, is this your girlfriend?” “Are you the American? Aren’t you a divorcee?” “Miss Collins? You are Claire Collins?” “What does Fiona think?” “Who were those children at the park this morning, Josh? Were they yours?”

Josh didn’t say anything as he led us to the back of the lobby. Security intervened finally, keeping the throng of reporters from following us down a long and winding hallway and through a secure door. Our car was blessedly waiting for us. Josh handed the bag to the valet and closed me into the passenger side.

He inspected me when he climbed into the car. “You all right, Claire?”

“I think so.”

“You did well. You even smiled a bit. You’ll be a pro at this in no time.” He was smiling as he added, “I suppose we’ve now gone public, then?” He started the car and pulled away from the hotel. He looked at me, his crinkling smile never failing to knock me for a loop.

I shot him a look. “Possibly,” I murmured. I wasn’t sure this was a good thing.

He grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. “Possibly?” He laughed then regarded me. His face grew concerned. “Is that okay?”

I let my hand caress his cheek, tracing his jaw leisurely. “It might be a little late to ask that question.”

His smile faltered a bit. “Claire.” He took my hand in his.

“It’s fine. No, it’s good.” I squeezed his hand, his face relaxing as I spoke. “Truly.”

He squeezed my hand back, driving through the city streets without pause. “I’d like to show you something. It’s a bit of a detour, though. Do you mind?” His voice wavered, full of uncertainty.

“No. I’ve no place I need to be. Lead the way.” I smiled at him.

“We’re heading to Worcester Park. It’s a bit high brow, but the homes are big and the schools the best in the city.” He turned sharply, his eyes firmly on the road.

I peered out the window. The light rain of the morning had vanished and the gray was parting to reveal blue skies and white puffy clouds. As we drove, the buildings began to change, too. There was a distinct feel of wealth as the buildings grew larger, older, cleaner, and well-maintained. There was still a sense of village life, but on a grander scale.

“What are we looking for?” I asked.