Page 61 of The Movie Star and the Spy

He didn’t respond to her ultimatum, but it didn’t matter. This time she wouldn’t let him – or her – start something that would complicate their relationship. So she answered his question, and then another and another until they somehow fell into an amicable conversation. They discussed the week, laughing through dozens of stories and shared memories. Later, they traversed into a comfortable silence, as they traveled a winding road flanked by palm trees and colorful art deco buildings. Up above, a cloudless sky extended to endless horizons, darkening as night approached.

They travelled further and further east until they were almost upon the Atlantic, and then they turned south. They passed abevy of expensive, ocean-view restaurants. “Won’t people notice us if we go out to eat?” Unexpected disappointment crashed like the waves of the sea, but she would have to dispel any such idea. A beachside dinner with the captivating movie star posed far too great a risk of exposure.

Yet that wasn’t Julian’s plan. “We’ll be next to the water, but not at a restaurant. Only my employees will see us.”

They turned into a parking lot and stopped at a guarded security gate before threading through rows of gleaming cars at a spacious dock. Sailors and passengers disembarked, garbed in myriad outfits, from sailor uniforms to black tie as they made their way to the water’s edge. A series of expensive yachts bobbed in the water before them. The destination was unexpected – and concerning. “We’re going on a boat?”

“That’s right. You’re not prone to seasickness, are you?” He relaxed at her headshake. “Good, because we’ll be there for a while.”

Uh-oh.“What’s your definition of a while?”

Instead of responding, he gave her a quick kiss. Then he pulled back (too) quick. “Stop being so suspicious. New rule: I’m going to kiss you every time you ask a question.”

She grimaced.

He kissed her again. “And when you grimace.”

She glared.

He kissed her again. “And when you glare.”

She didn’t move, and he edged closer.

“Don’t you dare say when I stay still.”

He didn’t say it… but he still kissed her.

Thankfully, the car stopped then, and she scrambled out before he could kiss her again. She liked them far too much to resist. His smile was entirely knowing and utterly satisfied as he grasped her hand and took the lead. They passed a dozen majestic ships, each one larger than the last, until finally theycame to the final boat. Then Cheyenne uttered the only possible response: “Whoa.”

If the other boats – which probably cost millions – were ordinary fare, this one was a mansion. Pure pristine white, the five-story vessel rose from the water in sleek lines and jaunty angles, with gleaming windows and winding balconies. It was luxury defined, its rich wood furnishings and golden accents perfectly suited to its movie star owner. The nameStarcraftwas emblazoned on its side.

“Like it?” Julian winked as he greeted the captain and a dozen crew members. They walked up the ramp, passing open doors revealing lavish interiors, set around a resort style pool with plush recliners, slides and awaterfall. A table was already set on the deck, and he held out a seat for her.

She sank down on the plush chair, which overlooked the vast ocean. She smoothed sapphire linens, traced China dishes and tapped cut crystal goblets.“You sure know how to impress a lady.”

He poured them each a glass of wine. “You’re admitting you’re impressed. I’m shocked.”

She didn’t want him getting the wrong – or right – idea. “It’s not bad. If you like that sort of thing.” She waved her hand. “You know, living like a king.”

He laughed. “True, but what’s a king without a queen?”

She smiled impishly. “Still a king.”

He laughed again as a waiter brought a tray filled with savory appetizers: crusty bread topped with bruschetta, cheese-filled ravioli and steaming potato wedges covered in melted cheddar cheese, chives and sour cream. Julian served her a sample of each, then took his portion. She bit into the hot bread, and the flavor of fresh herbs and olive oil burst into her mouth. “Mmmm.”

He took his own bite and grinned. “Living like a queen not so bad?”

Not at all, and therein lay the danger. Acting as Julian’s queen, wined and dined in opulent wealth, was as tempting as the forbidden apple. Yet in truth, he represented the true culprit. She didn’t need money to be happy – she wouldn’t have become a cop otherwise – but Julian was entirely too enticing. “It’s nice, but not necessary. You don’t need wealth to stand out.” She inclined her head. “You already do.”

He didn’t quite manage to hide his surprise – or satisfaction. He cleared his throat. “I just want to make this special for you.”

“It is special, and not because we’re on a twenty-million-dollar boat. Or more. Is it more? Wait, don’t tell me. The point is you’re pretty great the way you are, and you don’t need any of this to prove it.” She gripped the wine tightly. She hadn’t planned to share so much, yet she couldn’t regret it, not as his sapphire gaze shimmered, reflecting the twinkling stars.Allof it was true.

“Thank you,” he said softly. “Most people only notice the characters I’ve played or the actor with the fame, luxury and money. They don’t actually see me.”

How could they not see the man with his kindness, goodness and strength? She inhaled the cool evening air, spiced with his scent. “I see you.”

He grasped her hand. “And I see you.”

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