So Far Away (California Dreamers #2) (13 page)

“Is it still considered dating if we’re living together?” I wonder aloud.

“Do you have any idea how much I like the sound of that?” He grins.

“Us living together?”

He nods. “There’s only one thing that would sound better.”

“What’s that?”

“You being my wife.”

That stops me dead in my tracks. “It’s way too soon for us to even be living together. I don’t even want to think about the M-word.”

He nods. “I can be very persuasive.”

“I think you’ve already proven that. You got me into your bed and you got me to live with you. But that’s where I draw the line. Marriage is not in my immediate future. Or even distant future.”  

“We’ll see…”

“Does this have anything to do with your ex-girlfriend?” I ask.

He looks away.

“Emerson?”

When he turns back towards me all of the happiness seems to have drained from his face. “I didn’t put a ring on her and I lost her. I’m not going to let that happen again.”

“You were both young. You went away to college. You grew apart. That happens to a lot of people.”

“It’s not going to happen to us.” I can see by the intensity in his eyes that he’s serious.

“I’m going to need time,” I tell him. “Everything is happening very fast. And I think you’re going to need some time too. When the media gets hold of the story about you being Jackson’s secret son all hell is going to break loose. You have no idea what it’s like to be at the center of a media shit storm. It’s extremely stressful.”

“Promise me you’ll give us a chance.”

I frown. “Of course I will. I just want to take things slowly and let the relationship develop as naturally as possible.”

“Okay,” he agrees. “Whatever you want. But if it was totally up to me, we’d be on our way to Vegas to get hitched.”

“And that’s why I’m glad it’s not totally up to you,” I tease.

When I let out an incredibly large yawn Emerson scoops me into his arms and carefully lays me down on the bed. “You need to get some rest.”

After he undresses me he asks me where my pajamas are.

“Do I need them?” I raise an eyebrow.

“You tell me,” he replies.

“Naked in your arms sounds really appealing right now.”

He gets undressed faster than I’ve ever seen another person undress and crawls into bed with me.

“Are you in the mood for hanky-panky?” he asks.

“I’m always in the mood,” I tell him. “But I’m not sure my body would cooperate right now. I’m exhausted.”

“Me too,” he admits.

“Want to just snuggle?” I suggest.

He pulls me close and I nestle into the warmth of his arms.

Seven

I’m awakened by a stream of light peeking in from a partially closed shutter. I can’t remember ever sleeping so soundly or so deeply. It must have been a combination of being extremely overtired and being so comfortable wrapped in Emerson’s arms.

That’s when I realize Emerson isn’t in bed with me. His spot is still warm, so he couldn’t have gotten up too long ago.

I get out of bed then scrounge through some of my stuff until I happen upon a sweatshirt and some yoga pants.

I throw the clothes on then run my fingers through my hair so it’s not a complete disaster.

As I head down the hallway I hear some noises in the kitchen. That’s where I find Emerson typing on his laptop.

“Dissertation?” I ask.

“It’s not going to edit itself.”

“Do you want coffee?” I ask.

“Please. I heard you’re also an expert at making toast.”

I laugh. “It’s my specialty. Does that make me a toast master?”

He rolls his eyes at me. “That’s not really funny.”

“It’s a little funny.”

“Okay, it’s a tiny bit funny.”

“I’d be happy to make you some toast.”

“Come here for a second first.” He points to his laptop.

“Do you need help with editing?” I ask him.

He shakes his head. “I want you to see something.”

When I move behind him he pulls up the
Hollywood Exposed
website on his laptop. “There’s no mention of me or my pop at all.”

“Maybe they’re still doing some fact-checking on the story,” I suggest.

“I can’t believe you just suggested that
Hollywood Exposed
does fact-checking.”

“Maybe Finn hasn’t said anything yet.”

“The way he raced out of here I imagined he’d be on his cellphone spreading the word before he even got back into LA.”

“He may have raced out of here because you scared him.”

He turns to face me. “Did you really think I was scary?”

“A little bit.”

The corners of his mouth upturn slightly. “That’s kind of awesome.”

“Don’t let it go to your head.” I place a kiss on his forehead. “I’m going to call Finn and see what’s going on. Just a friendly call. I’ll even let you listen to the conversation.”

“It’s fine,” he tells me. “I trust you. It was a moment of temporary insanity. Now that the secret is out and the pressure is off, I don’t think it’ll happen again.”

“My phone is in your bedroom…”

“
Our
bedroom,” he corrects.

“I’ll be right back.”

I’m not sure I’ll be able to call it
our bedroom
, but I don’t tell Emerson that. I know he’s all-in and completely invested in our relationship, but I’m not quite there yet.

Not that I don’t want to be, I just need to give myself time.

I grab my phone from the nightstand and dial Finn’s number.

“Please tell me you broke up with Emerson Drake,” Finn says before I have a chance to say anything.

“No, we’re still together.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying. So what’s up?”

“I was expecting to see something on the
Hollywood Exposed
website about Emerson being Jackson’s son.”

“Why?”

“Didn’t you tell anyone?”

“It’s not my story to tell.”

“That’s not what I expected.”

“As self-serving as I may be at times, I’m not a total asshole.”

“Thanks for that.”

“You know some dick is eventually going to find out. It’s better if Jackson tells the press himself than wait for said dick to sell the story.”

“I know.”

“I did ask my dad about your internship,” he says.

“That was quick.”

“I had a feeling you’d be looking for a job.”

“You’re right. I’m presently unemployed.”

“He said to give him a call whenever you want to start.”

“He doesn’t need to interview me?” I ask.

“As much as I’d like to tell you that he’s hiring you on my recommendation it’s not true. My dad is a Yale grad. He’ll hire anyone from Yale on the spot. No questions asked.”

“Wow, my degree has finally come in handy.”

“If you and Emerson ever do call it quits you know where to find me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I tell him.

“I’m not going to hold my breath, but thanks for letting me down easily.”

When I make it back to the kitchen Jackson is seated with Emerson at the table.

I immediately feel awkward. The man fired me, and I’m still in his house. Granted I’m now a guest of his son’s, but it still feels weird and uncomfortable.

I know he’s not thrilled about the idea of me and Emerson being together.

“Do you want some toast?” I ask him. “I’m making some for Emerson.”

He frowns. “You’re not my assistant anymore. You don’t have to make me toast.”

“I didn’t make you toast because I was your assistant,” I tell him. “You just looked hungry.”

“Okay,” he says. “But you’re not getting your job back.”

“I know. I’ve actually got a lead on a position with a producer.”

“I hope it’s not that asshole who made the Blake Knox movies.”

“That’s exactly who the asshole is,” I tell him.

“Speaking of assholes,” Jackson says. “I’ve asked that asshole manager of mine to find me a male assistant this time. Maybe then I won’t have to worry about any hanky-panky.”

“What if he’s gay?” Emerson asks.

Jackson frowns. “I never thought about that.”

“My friend, Finn, said he isn’t going to reveal your secret. He said it’s your story to tell.”

Jackson nods.

“Would you mind if I do some volunteer work for you?” I ask. “Just until you get a new personal assistant? I was right in the middle of a few things that I would like to finish up.”

Jackson seems to consider this for a moment. “Don’t you and Emerson want to do stuff together? Maybe you can finally get him out of the house.”

Emerson takes my hand. “We will, Pop. But I have a few things I need to finish up on my dissertation. It’ll give Maddie something to do while I’m working.”

“Okay,” Jackson says finally. “But it’s strictly voluntary.”

“Of course,” I assure him. Someday he may be my father-in-law and helping him out is the right thing to do.

I can’t believe I just thought that.
Father-in-law?
Seriously?

Deep down I have a feeling it’s going to be a reality sooner than I’m willing to admit.

When Jackson’s stomach growls it sounds like someone captured a Sasquatch. Emerson and I look at each other then we both look at Jackson.

“When’s the last time you ate, Pop?” Emerson asks.

He shrugs. “I can’t remember. I’m running out of food. Do you have any idea when Earl is coming back?”

“Probably not until after Spring break,” Emerson replies.

“Emerson and I can pick up a few things at the store for you,” I tell him. “And I can cook more than just toast. You don’t have to go hungry.”

Jackson nods. “Thanks.”

“Of course,” I tell him. “Now let me get that toast ready.”

Epilogue

Two Months Later

“Hold still,” I tell Emerson as I straighten his tie. “There. Perfect.”

“I can’t believe you did this,” he tells me.

“It wasn’t just me,” I remind him. “Your dad funded the graduation party. I just planned and organized it.”

“You’re sure my mom agreed to attend,” he asks for what seems like the hundredth time.

“She agreed to be here,” I tell him.

“She’s told me more than a few times that she has no interest in ever seeing my pop again. She knows he’s going to be here?”

“Of course she knows. It’s his house. And he’s your father. Stop worrying about it.”

“I don’t like being the center of attention.” He glances at himself in the mirror.

“Get used to it. You’re the reason for the celebration.”

He removes a folded letter from the interior pocket of his suit jacket and hands it to me. “Another reason to celebrate.”

“What is it?”

“Read it.”

I unfold the letter and read it. “You got a faculty appointment at UCLA!”

“I did. Thanks to a last minute retirement and an expedited search. The personal recommendation from my dissertation chair to the chair of the faculty search committee also helped. That old adage it’s all about who you know doesn’t just apply to the movie business.”

“Now we’ll be in LA together,” I squeal like an excited school girl.

“That’s the plan.”

Since Spring break ended I’ve been staying with Nellie and Roscoe on a temporary basis and commuting up to Stanford to visit Emerson when I’m not working at the production company.

“I’ve already been doing some searching online for condos,” he tells me.

“A place right next to Nellie and Roscoe just went on the market,” I offer.

My best friend and her boyfriend have taken to Emerson like ducks to water. Sometimes I think they might even like him a little more than they like me.

Emerson kisses my cheek. “Let’s take a look at it tomorrow.”

“I like that idea. And now we have a party to attend.”

I’ve set up all of the food and drinks around the pool, and put up lots of lights to make the area look like twinkling stars are all around us.

“You missed your calling as a party planner,” Nellie says as she approaches me and Emerson. “Everything looks amazing.”

“Thanks.”

“Where’s Roscoe?” I ask, glancing around the small crowd of people mingling about.

“He’s deep in conversation with Ryland. Did you know he’s a writer? Apparently he and Roscoe are thinking of co-writing a story.”

Ryland is Jackson’s new assistant. He got his wish for a male assistant, and from what I understand he’s not gay, so no fear of any
hanky-panky
.

Apparently he’s very organized and keeps Jackson in line, which is exactly what he needed.

“Who’s that?” Nellie points to a gorgeous black woman in a white silk dress who looks uncomfortable as she searches the crowd.

“That’s my mom,” Emerson says. “If you’ll excuse me.”

I place my hand on Nellie’s arm. “I’d better go too.”

Nellie nods. “Of course. We can talk later.”

I hurry to catch up to Emerson as he marches towards his mother’s side.

“Is everything okay?” he asks.

She embraces him in a big hug. “I guess I wasn’t expecting Jackson’s house to be quite so extravagant.”

Emerson nods. “Marilynn picked it out.”

His mom’s mouth forms an O shape.

“I’m glad you could make it,” he says.

She frowns. “I wouldn’t miss your graduation party.”

Emerson’s mom looks me up and down. “This must be Madeline. I’ve heard so much about you.”

“Call me Maddie,” I tell her.

“And I hope you’ll call me Elsie,” she requests.

Elsie’s stunning hazel eyes go wide when Jackson approaches. I’m a little shocked myself when I see him. His hair is cut short, and nicely styled. He is clean shaven, and dressed to the nines in a formal black suit. He actually looks attractive for an older guy.

“Jackson Drake,” she whispers. She can’t seem to take her eyes off of him.

“You look lovely, Elsie,” he replies. His eyes haven’t left hers either.

I’m surprised we can’t see sparks flying between the two of them. It’s quite obvious they are still very attracted to each other.

“I’d ask you what you’ve been up to lately, but I already know,” Jackson says.

“You do?” Elsie gulps.

He nods. “A fact checker from your publishing house phoned a few days ago. Ryland, my new assistant told me.”

“What did you say?” she asks tentatively.

He shrugs. “I told Ryland to tell them to print whatever you wanted. It’s your book, Elsie.”

She nods.

“I’m confused,” Emerson says.

He seems to be as in the dark as I am.

“Your mother wrote a book about us. She didn’t tell you?”

Emerson shakes his head. “I had no idea.”

Jackson pats his shoulder. “Get used to the idea of being a celebrity.”

Emerson turns his attention to Jackson. “You’re okay with this?”

“I’m so proud of you. You earned a doctorate in Physics. You’re a brilliant scholar. You have a lovely girlfriend. Why wouldn’t I be okay with it?”

“What about all of your fans?” he asks. “I thought you said I wouldn’t
play to your fan base
.”

“They’re just going to have to deal with it, aren’t they?” He winks at Emerson.

I’ve never seen my boyfriend light up brighter than he is at this moment. He gives his dad a big hug.

“Maybe we’d better let your mom and dad catch up with each other,” I suggest to Emerson.

He looks back and forth between his parents who look like they could kiss each other at any moment.

“Okay,” he mutters.

When I take Emerson’s hand in mine I notice that Jackson takes Elsie’s hand in his.

And she lets him.