Deadly Obsession (16 page)

She sobbed once, a truly heartbreaking sound he never wanted to hear again.

He sighed. “I’ll get my things and leave. Tell Jason how much fun I had with him this weekend.” He nearly choked on his next words. “Tell him I had to go on a new mission, but we’ll always be brothers in arms.”

Her smile was bittersweet. “I will.”

He moved her off his lap, grabbed the package, and collected his things in the bedroom. He emerged a few minutes later with his duffle bag thrown over his shoulder, holding up the knit cap and goggles Jason had lent him. “Do you think Jason would mind if I kept these?”

“He’d be pleased.”

Without taking his eyes from hers, he fumbled with the zipper of his bag and stuffed the disguise inside.

She held his gaze, despite the tears making tracks down her cheeks. “I wish things didn’t have to be this way.”

“Meeting you is the best thing to ever happen to me. If things were different…” He shook his head. “But they aren’t.”

Her lips trembled and she hiccupped back a sob. “Maybe someday when this is all over...”

He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. “Maybe someday.”

CHAPTER 8

Nic tried to read the script of
At Last
, but the words kept running together. He’d come outside on the balcony, hoping the change of scenery would inspire him. That it would get his mind off Lauren so he could get some work done. Shooting for the romantic comedy started in two weeks, and Nic The Lover always arrived on set prepared. He rubbed his eyes and tried again. After several more attempts, he set the script aside and walked back inside the loft.

Light from the setting sun poured through the large windows covering the west wall, creating a kaleidoscope of color as it reflected throughout the living room. The beauty of it made him feel worse. Lauren would have loved to see the sunset from this vantage point. He sank onto the couch and threw an arm over his eyes, blocking the view.

The only good news was that there’d been no text messages, no photos, no sightings, no postings, and no strange packages since his return. He’d told Lauren to call if she received anything else from the stalker but so far, no calls. He’d been right; as long as he stayed away from her, the stalker was happy.

Lucky stalker.

The past weekend had been both the best and the worst he’d had in years. His mind kept flashing back to images of Lauren and Jason, images of normalcy. Like an unending reel, the life he could have had—the life he still wanted—replayed in his mind, over and over. But, until and unless he caught the stalker, he would have no happily ever after. He should forget about them.

He launched himself off the couch. What was wrong with him? He was a survivor. Always had been. He needed a plan, and the solution was a phone call away. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Kaden’s number.

“You free tomorrow?” he asked when his bodyguard answered.

“Sure. What’s up?”

“I went to Seattle. To see Lauren.”

“Alone?” Kaden asked, his voice like ice.

Nic blew out a breath. “I know you’re pissed. And you’re right. I should’ve had you come with me.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I wanted to feel normal for once.” He leaned against the window. “What a fucking joke. My life is so far from normal it’s not even funny.”

“What happened?”

“The stalker’s going after Lauren. We need to put an end to this.”

“So it’s not just
business
anymore?”

Nic closed his eyes and sighed. “Life would be so much easier if it was.” He pushed off the window and started pacing. “We can’t let anything happen to her.”

“What about the cops? What are they doing?”

“The investigation’s pretty much stalled.”

Kaden scoffed. “Figures.”

Nic told Kaden about the package and the broken Barbie. “The techs weren’t able to lift any prints. And they couldn’t determine a point of sale. That doll is sold in every Walmart, Target, and Toys“R”Us in the country, not to mention all the online stores.”

“What about the message? Can’t they figure out who sent it?”

“Apparently, with a few mouse clicks, anyone with access to the Internet can send virtually untraceable text messages.”

After a brief pause, Kaden said, “I’ll think about it tonight and we’ll talk tomorrow. Don’t worry.”

Soon after Nic ended the call, his phone started blasting
Maneater
from Hall and Oates, Summer’s ringtone. Listening to the lyrics, he wanted to laugh. Since their last date, he knew exactly how well the song suited her.

“Summer. How are you?” he asked cautiously. She hadn’t been very happy with him when he’d left her place. Of course, he’d practically been running at the time.

“I’m doing good. What about you? I haven’t heard from you since the footprint ceremony.”

He squirmed in his seat and searched for something to say. He couldn’t tell her he’d been in Seattle having the best time of his life. “Been busy with work.”

“Do you have a new movie lined up?”

“You know Vivian. She’s a slave driver.”

“I wish my agent was more like her. But”—her voice brightened—“I’m being considered for a pretty important role. Anyway, are you busy tonight? I was hoping you’d join me at Taylors.”

Nic scratched his jaw. Taylors was a popular club frequented by stars and the paparazzi. Maybe he could use this to deflect the stalker’s attention from Lauren.

Just as he was about to answer, she added, “The callbacks are this week. I was hoping you could give me some pointers.”

Even better. She’d help him and he’d help her. “Sure, what time?”

“Around ten?”

“Pick you up at your place?”

“Let’s meet there.”

Nic hung up the phone. He’d put on a show for the cameras. Nic The Lover would flirt and dance, and maybe there’d be a Paparazzi Kiss or two. So what if Nic the man couldn’t stand the idea of kissing anyone but Lauren right now? Nic The Lover didn’t wallow when things got bad. He did what was necessary to protect those he cared about.

A few minutes before ten, Nic walked into Taylors and slipped into character. As he waited at the entrance for the club patrons to notice his arrival, he scanned the bar, marking a few Paparazzi Kiss candidates. Summer hadn’t arrived yet.

“Ladies, we have a special treat for you tonight. Mr. Lover’s in the house!” Nic grinned when he heard the D.J’s announcement and his unofficial theme song, Shaggy’s
Luv Me, Luv Me
, started playing.

Women always loved his Nic The Lover get-ups, and tonight was no exception. They swarmed around him and dragged him onto the dance floor. Several copped a feel of his leather clad ass as they slithered around him, gyrating to the music’s sexy beat. One wrapped an arm around his neck and tried to unbutton his silk shirt. “I could be your Paparazzi Girl,” she suggested through permanently pouting collagen-filled lips.

He winked and patted her ass. “Maybe later, sweetheart.” When the song finished, he ordered a beer at the bar, then wove his way to an empty table at the back of the room. As he dropped into a chair, hands covered his eyes.

Had NicsBitch come out of the shadows? Adrenaline surged through his body. Hands balled into fists, heart slamming against his ribs, he jerked around, ready to face his stalker.

“Guess who?” Summer asked.

Christ
. Nic slumped back in the chair. He had to get himself under control before he hurt someone. While Summer settled into the chair beside him, Nic took a sip of beer and forced a smile. She leaned over and kissed him on the mouth. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Whatever. This would fit right in with his plan. “Can I get you a drink?”

“A strawberry daiquiri would be good.”

He might have guessed she’d want something fruity and frilly like her orange dress. The color probably had a fancy name like burnished copper or autumnal auburn, but to him it was still orange.

He threaded through the crowd to the bar and caught the attention of the female bartender. She took her time eyeing him up and down before taking his order.

“I can’t imagine this drink is for you,” she said, handing him the daiquiri.

Nic laughed. “Wouldn’t be caught dead drinking that girly stuff.”

“If you need a Paparazzi Girl, you know where to find me.”

He winked. “I’ll keep it in mind.”

“That was quick,” Summer said when he returned to the table. “I bet women never keep you waiting.”

Despite her smile, she had an odd look in her eyes. Was she still upset over what had happened at her apartment? “Listen, Summer. About the other night—”

“No, no.” She pressed a finger to his lips. “I’m the one who should apologize.”

“What for?” She’d been honest enough to let him know she was attracted to him. Nothing wrong with that.

“Maybe I came on a little too strong, too quick. It’s just that I feel like I’ve known you a long time.” He got that a lot. People saw him on the screen and thought they knew him, when all they knew was a character.

Raising his glass, he arched a brow. “To new beginnings?”

She clinked her glass against his bottle, and they drank to the toast. “To new friends,” she said, raising her glass again. After they’d finished their drinks, Nic asked Summer to dance. He led her through the throng to the dance floor. The rock music was fast and the rhythm strong. People flowed around him and more than a few hands brushed his body. When a slow song began to play, he started for their table, but Summer held onto his arm. “One more?”

From the corner of his eye, he saw several members of the paparazzi lift up their cameras. Time to give them what they wanted. He pulled her into the circle of his arms, and together, they swayed to the beat.

Vivian had been right; they did look good together. By tomorrow morning, they’d be number one on the Hottest Hollywood Couples list. What would the entertainment shows call them? Nummer? Sumic? Sic? He buried his face in her hair to hide his snicker. They were definitely not a match made in heaven.

Nauren? Nic The Lauren? Lic? Now
that
had possibilities.

Summer must have thought he was nuzzling her neck because she slapped her hand on his ass and yanked his hips against hers so they were pressed together, from shoulder to thigh. Placing one arm at her waist and a hand behind her neck, he twisted her body, arching her over his arm. Then he swooped in for a camera-perfect Paparazzi Kiss. Right before their lips touched, something gleamed in her eyes. Happiness? Triumph?

The crowd whooped and cheered, and lights flashed from a multitude of cameras. His job here was done. With a flourish, he pulled her up and kissed the knuckles of her hand before leading her back to their table. “I’ll get us some refills,” he said when she sat down.

She nodded and pulled a cell phone out of her purse.

The idiot was supposed to have reported in twenty minutes ago. When the phone on her desk finally rang, she snatched it up. “Where are you? What’s happening?” 

“I did what you asked.”

“Did the paparazzi get photos?”

“Sort of.”

“Remember what I said. Keep it simple, keep it clean. If you play this right, I’ll get you what you want.”

“The female lead in
Alone No More
?”

She fought to keep from laughing. The only starring role a no-talent bitch like her could ever get would be in some porn flick named
Summer of Sixty-Nine
. “Absolutely. You get the job done and it’s yours.”

“Awesome. I’ve got the perfect plan.”

She stiffened. “What are you up to?”

“He’s coming. I’ve got to go.”

“Summer!” The phone clicked in her ear. After slamming the receiver down, she shot out of her seat and began to pace the room. All she’d asked Summer to do was get Nic to go out with her a few times and have the paparazzi take some photos so everyone would forget about the stupid photographer. How hard could it be?

If the crazy bitch fucked this up, she’d die.

When Nic returned, Summer was still on the phone. He set the drinks down and signaled to her that he was going to the restroom. He was hot and sweaty, and the cool air of the back hall was a welcome relief. After using the facilities, he headed back to join Summer and have his second and last beer. Since an embarrassing high school incident when he’d mooned the cute girl from the school paper, he maintained a strict two-drink limit.