Three Southern Beaches: A Summer Beach Read Box Set (10 page)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The clock lights glowed blue in the dark bedroom as Trey stared up at the ceiling. When they had gotten home, he’d made love to her over and over again, just thankful to have her in his arms. Her adrenaline had worn off and she was now sound asleep next to him. But his was still pumping through his body.

Turning on his side, he stared at his cell phone sitting next to the bed. It was four o’clock in the morning. He knew what he had to do. Sliding naked from the tangled sheets, he grabbed his phone and slipped on a pair of athletic shorts before sneaking out the front of the house.

He dialed a number he knew by heart and waited for the sleepy voice to answer.

“I need help,” Trey said when the phone was picked up.

*     *     *

The lights blinded her, the camera clicks were deafening, and panic threatened to strangle her throat. Mallory held up one perfectly manicured hand and smiled with such cold precision that Taylor shivered. And so did the media. They took a collective step away from Taylor as Trey placed a protective arm around her and led her into the ballroom where the actors and production crew were gathered.

“It’s strange being back here. It looks so innocent and just last night it was nearly the place of my death,” Taylor whispered to Trey.

He squeezed her shoulder in silent support and Taylor took a deep breath to try to relax. She was safe, she kept repeating over and over again. She didn’t know if she could do this today. Looking around at the dejected faces of the crew, she knew she’d done the right thing.

Jim cleared his throat and stood up. “This was a hard lot to have thrown on you and while we all believe in this project, we understand putting it on indefinite hold.”

The crew nodded, the disappointment clear on their faces. Sure they cared for her, but some of the people she’d hired were veterans on their way out of the industry. Others were newbies just thankful for a chance and Melanie had ruined that for them.

Taylor stepped away from Trey and folded her hands in front of her. “Thank you all for being so supportive and understanding. We’ve lost our lead actress. This shoot has had more incidents than I care to remember. It seems that fate was against us . . .”

The crew nodded and dropped their heads. Some kicked their feet quietly against the carpet as they waited to be laid off.

“Just as it seemed fate was against Darin and Kathy. But he found her against all odds. He didn’t give up and, with an order of roses, started a courtship that lasted their whole lives. And I’m not going to give up, either.”

Heads shot up and feet stopped kicking imaginary stones. Jim shook his head. “You’ve put your best effort into this project, Taylor. We just don’t have the money to keep it going while we open casting back up to find a new actress.”

Taylor pushed her shoulders back and felt a sense of rightness settle over her. “We don’t need to find a new actress. You already have one who knows all the lines and all the marks. Right here.”

She saw Trey and Mallory share a smile out of the corner of her eye and the crew’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Hell yeah!” Grant shouted as he shot her a sly smile that showed he was mostly kidding. Taylor was sure he was envisioning the pictures of them together at all the promotional events, too.

“Well then, don’t just stand there,” Jim bellowed. “We’re starting the reshoot in one hour. Get the cameras ready. Set up the diner. And you,” Jim pointed to a set of orange pigtails hiding behind a rack of clothes. “Find thirty extras and get them to wardrobe. You have twenty minutes.”

Cyndi Lu leaned around the clothes and pointed at herself. “Me?”

“You’ve been hanging around enough, I might as well put you to work.”

“Yes, sir!” Cyndi Lu shot an excited smile to Taylor and ran from the room so quickly that she missed Taylor returning a reassuring smile.

“You ready for this?” Trey asked quietly as the room sprang into action.

“More than anything. I have this feeling in my heart that this is the right thing to do. I almost can’t wait to get started. I kept showing Melanie how I wanted scenes done and the passion flared up. It couldn’t have happened without your support. Thank you for believing in me.” Taylor rose on her toes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

“I love you, Taylor. And I’m so proud of you,” Trey told her as he cupped her face between his hands.

“What the hell are you doing?” Jim yelled. “Get your ass into make-up! Just because you’re the producer and a la-di-da Academy Award-winning actress doesn’t mean you get to goof off. Now move it!”

“Yes, sir!” Taylor said with a smile that lit the whole room. She tossed a wink to Trey before heading to the make-up trailer with more excitement that she ever felt before.

Trey looked to Mallory. She’d already started to follow Taylor when he called out to her. “I know the threat is over, but could you stay the day and help me with something?”

“Sure. I was going to talk to her while she was in make-up about not needing me any longer. I can send one of my other guys for crowd control if you’d like. I was also going to let her know her parents flew back to L.A. last night.”

“That’s a relief. And I would talk to her about bringing on some of your guys. See if Taylor will let the production company hire your company for security. But first, I need to run some errands and I need you to text me when things are wrapping up here.”

“Sure,” Mallory said before sauntering off with Grant trailing behind her. Trey grimaced as Grant gave Mallory a pat on the bottom. Mallory spun so quickly that Trey almost missed the glint of a blade she held pressed against Grant’s privates. She said something so quietly that nobody but Grant could hear. Based on his reaction, it didn't take much imagination to know what was said.

*     *     *

Trey shielded the sun from his eyes with his hand as he watched the plane land on the private airstrip near the Vultures' stadium. The plane rolled to a stop and a few minutes later the door was open and steps rolled down. He kept his eye on the door and smiled when the first orthopedic shoe appeared. His help had arrived.

“Yoo-hoo!” Miss Lily waved as Miss Daisy and Miss Violet peeked around her.

“Get a move on, Lily Rae. I think a mosquito the size of a Buick just landed on me,” Miss Daisy complained as she sprayed some bug spray around her.

“I brought food!” Miss Violet called.

“I brought the town!” Miss Lily shot back.

“I brought the bug spray!” Miss Daisy sprayed again as they headed down the stairs of the plane. Behind them, Reagan and Riley were practically dancing in place waiting to get off the plane.

“Mr. Everett! We have our pretty dresses with us!” they called as they ran down the steps.

“And I have flowers—tons and tons of flowers from my grandma’s garden.” Katelyn called as she, Gemma, Cy, and Marshall came down the stairs slowly carrying boxes filled with flowers.

“And I have my harp,” Ryan Hall said proudly as he followed them down the stairs.

“Ryan?” Trey hurried over to his fellow Keeneston High School football player. “Aren’t you in summer training?” Ryan played for Tennessee in the NFL.

“We picked him up along the way. Miss Lily insisted there be a harp for the proposal,” Mo said smoothly as he and Dani descended.

“Harp? You don’t play the harp,” Trey said slightly confused.

Ryan shrugged. “I picked it up two years ago during off-season. Coach wanted me to find something to help with my catching. Turns out playing the harp for a wide receiver is like taking ballet for running backs and quarterbacks. I got you hooked up. Learned Handel’s
Harp Concerto
.” Ryan and Trey fist-bumped before Ryan moved to help unload his harp.

“And we have everything we need to arrange the perfect ambience,” Kenna said excitedly as she and Will carried a huge box down the steep steps.

“And I have the flower baskets that grandma made,” Sienna called down, showing off three baskets with different-colored ribbons laced in and out of the woven wood.

“Wow.” Trey couldn’t think of anything else to say. He stood staring at the people he’d grown up with, all there to help him. “When I asked for help, I thought you’d just give me some advice.”

“The Rose sisters are more
doers
. Besides, today is their day on the engagement bet.” Ahmed shrugged as he carried a sleepy Abby down the stairs in front of Bridget.

“That’s right. And we brought the zip ties,” Bridget held up bags of ties and grinned. “I guess I’ll be just as good at tying up flowers as bad guys.”

“You’ll do wonderfully, my dear, just like you do on everything,” Ahmed slid his arm around his wife as Abby snuggled against his chest.

“So, Miss Lily said you had a plan,” Will said as they all gathered around.

“Yup.” Trey couldn’t stop grinning. He had the perfect proposal planned. “We’re spending the day at the beach.”

*     *     *

“Cut! That was freaking fantastic!” Jim yelled as the crew applauded and Cyndi Lu bounced excitedly by his side.

Grant picked Taylor up and swung her around. “Damn, I hate what happened. I’m so glad you’re back. Our chemistry is insane. But then again, who could resist me?”

“I know! I just close my eyes and think it’s Trey and I can tolerate working with you,” Taylor teased. They had gotten more shots done that day than they had in the previous week. They were still behind, but a few more days like this and they would be caught up.

“I’m glad I can be of some use to the movie.” Taylor turned and saw Trey leaning against the door with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Oh my gosh, Trey!” Taylor leaped into his arms and hugged him. “I did it. It was so much fun. I can’t believe I waited this long. This story and knowing I have some power over it is perfect,” Taylor gushed.

“I can’t wait to hear about it. Go change and we’ll go for a walk on the beach. You can tell me all about it then.”

“Oh, that sounds fantastic. I’ll be just a minute.” Taylor gave him a quick kiss and then hurried to the make-up trailer to change.

Taylor kicked off her sandals and squished her toes in the sand. The Hung Island treasure hadn’t been found last night and today the beach seemed empty. Which was just perfect for her and Trey as they linked fingers and walked along the beach enjoying the sunset.

“I can hardly contain myself,” Taylor squealed. “It was so awesome. The rush from knowing I did a good job and that the film is going to be a success . . . I’m just so proud of myself. Is that silly?”

“Not at all. Strength comes in many forms, not just physical. You are a strong woman, Taylor. Strong enough to stand by me for all these years when I’ve gotten banged and bruised on the field. Strong enough to stand up to your parents and start living your own life. Strong enough to admit when you needed help from Jim on the directing and producing. Strong enough to start your own business. And strong enough to overcome your fear and step back in front of the camera. You are the strongest woman I know and I’m so proud of you.”

Taylor felt her knees go weak. Trey loved her. He told her that all the time, but he was also a gentleman of few words. He’d never been so passionate before and it sent her heart soaring. They rounded a curve in the beach and Trey pulled her to him. She looked up in his eyes and saw resolve.

“But there is one thing I have not done because I didn’t feel worthy of someone as special as you. I should have learned to trust in myself as you do in yourself. You inspire me every day.”

Taylor felt as if she were living in a dream. The waves washed against the sandy shore as Trey’s lips met hers and music played. Could she be anymore in love? When he pulled away from their kiss, she sighed in disappointment. She wanted so much more than just a kiss.

“Come on. We’re almost home,” Trey whispered against her ear as if he understood what she was thinking.

Taylor opened her eyes and noticed that there actually was music playing. It was soft and lyrical as the notes danced through the air. She was about to ask if Trey heard it when they rounded the corner. Taylor blinked in shock, surprise, and confusion at the scene on the beach. Reagan and Riley Davies, along with their cousin Sydney Davies and Sienna Ashton stood tossing rose petals in the air. An arched trellis filled with flowers framed the brilliant sunset. Taylor darted her eyes around the beach and saw Ryan Hall, Trey’s friend from high school, playing a harp between two sand dunes. And, wait, were those three white heads popping out behind one of the dunes?

“Taylor,” Trey said quietly as he guided her up the rose-petaled aisle the girls had created. She stopped under the trellis in disbelief. The smell of flowers mixed in the air with the soft music, and she felt her heart beat wildly against her chest when Trey went down on one knee.

“You deserve so much more than a country boy like me, but I promise no one will love you as much as I do. I fell in love with you by the pond in Keeneston the night we first met, and I’ve spent these past years falling more and more in love with you. Not only do you make me a better man, we make each other stronger. We’re a team, a family, and I would love nothing more than to be your husband. Taylor Jefferies, will you marry me?”