Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

“I’ll be back.” He stood and made his way toward the bar.

I let my eyes travel over the wood-paneled pub. Families sat around tables eating food, a group of teenage boys were throwing darts, and the bar was lined with middle-aged men watching rugby on the only television.

Josh made his way to the bar and spoke to the bartender, ordering our drinks. He laughed at something the man said and I smiled. I glanced away, scanning the faces quickly. Would he be recognized here? Would it matter? If he was recognized, he’d be gracious about it. That was the way he was. Giving and kind.

Josh turned and brushed past a man at the bar, bumping his elbow. Josh said something to the man, smiled and moved on to me. The man turned, watching Josh with narrowed eyes. The man’s eyes, pale blue, met mine briefly and he smiled at me.

Oh God. It was Daniel.

I closed my eyes, fought the fear clawing at my chest. I felt sick.

Daniel was here.

Josh stepped around a table, blocking my view of the bar. “Your pint.” Josh sat at the table, smiling.

I stared, my eyes scanning the bar frantically. Daniel wasn’t there. My eyes traveled the room quickly, but I didn’t see him. Was he ever there?

“Claire?”

“Did you see that man?” My voice sounded strange, thin and brittle.

“What man?” Josh took my hands. “Your hands are like ice.”

“The man…the man you bumped.”

“Was he angry? I think I spilled his…” His hands rubbed mine as he mumbled to a stop. His eyes settled on my face, worried.

“He…it was Daniel,” I said quickly.

Josh stared at me, his face stiffening and his hands growing still on mine. He stood up, tugging me against his side. “Where is he?”

My eyes searched the room again, hesitantly. I wasn’t sure which was worse, not finding him or finding him. “I don’t see him now. I don’t know.” I had to keep control. I couldn’t afford to fall apart now.

“He left? He knew you saw him?” His eyes continued to scan the crowd.

“Yes. He smiled at me.”

Josh’s arms wrapped about me and he pulled me against him. “Come on. We’re calling the police.”

“What will you say? He’s done nothing wrong.” As terrifying as his presence was, I knew he’d broken no law.

Josh pulled out his phone and began dialing. I didn’t hear what he said, but I caught, “Yes, at the White Stag. My name is Josh Wiley.”

Chapter Thirteen

In other news, Josh Wiley and his lady love are once again in the news. And this time, law enforcement was involved. According to eyewitness reports, Josh and Miss Collins were disturbed by a patron at Stratford pub the White Stag. While there’s been no statement or explanation issued at this time, there are numerous rumors circulating. Is Miss Collins involved with another man? Could it be that Josh Wiley isn’t enough for her? Or could this mysterious patron be—

Josh turned off the television. “Enough of that.”

I nodded and took a sip of my tea. Tea was growing on me.

The morning sunlight peeked through the intermittent gray clouds. It looked like the rain was going to stay, which was a fitting reflection of my mood.

I peered out the back window, startled by the immense form of one of our new security escorts patrolling the back garden. Two large men, Angus and Jim, had arrived less than two hours after I’d seen Daniel. Meg was quick. While they were solid and quiet and came highly recommended by other celebrities, they made me feel nervous.

“Did you get any sleep?” Josh asked me, sitting in the chair next to me.

I nodded. “A little.”