Everett didn’t care any longer what Rebecca’s complaints were. She needed someone in her life, and he was determined to be that someone. But he still needed at least dinner to process he’d almost become a father, and the mother of that child, dealt with the loss of their child alone rather than tell him. She didn’t seem to think he might have wanted to help her mourn by mourning with her. It was worse than that. She believed he’d pulled away from her before that. He needs to consider it further. Everett wasn’t sure he could face his past intentions right now. But he’d felt so insulted about her belief that he’d accuse her of fabricating the loss of their child to lure him back. Or she tried to cling to him in desperation. She’d put a lot of thought into how he might react. He hated how she believed he’d have nothing but hate for her. Then he remembered how he’d felt nothing but dislike and hatred for her. It came from a photo
When they walked into the restaurant, it appeared unremarkable. Everett gave the Dining Room Manager a name. One Rebecca hadn’t heard since they went and got their marriage certificate. “Reservation for Jake Daniels.” Rebecca never changed her name back when they divorced, but Everett didn’t know that. Rebecca was Josalyn Daniels. She’d gone through enough anxiety and fear, changing her name to his name for the first time. Also, with all the time she’d spent recovering, with no one understanding why she was ill. She’d gone past the free legal name change. What if her father had someone watching the official government systems looking for her name? She discovered people one could hire for that task. Watching marriage, birth, and death certificates. It couldn’t be difficult to watch legal name change and divorce certificates, too. Rebecca didn’t want to take that chance of changing her name back. Once they sat at their table, the Manager expl
“Where are we going?” “I told you. I’m taking you home so I can kiss you.” “You’ve kissed me, and this isn’t the way to my house.” “I’m not done kissing you. My place is closer.” “What? I read your fans were always lurking outside your condo’s main entrance. Security often calls the police to clear them.” “We’re using another door. They’ll never see us. We’ll park underground.” They pulled into an underground garage with heavy security. While security staff parked his car. He whisked her up into his lavish condo. She stood inside the entrance as he took her coat. Rebecca saw the city laid out before her through a wall of windows. “The installers claim the windows have a one-way reflective coating that doubles as a UV protectant and for privacy.” “Oh.” Rebecca didn’t know what she expected, but not this. Hardwood floors gleamed around an appoin
Everett was thankful Josalyn passed out. He had to move fast. There was no way he wanted to tell her he’d used an expired condom that broke while he’d been inside her. So, he moved fast to dispose of the evidence. Thankfully, they were getting married once more. The Studio hindered rather than assisted. But they wanted to pay for everything for the wedding and they’d speed up getting the official paperwork done. His only concern was if Josalyn got pregnant again, would it be too soon? His thoughts ran through his head like a runaway bullet train as she slept in his arms. He needed to think of himself as Jake again when they weren’t working. He could see her as Josalyn. God, he loved that name. Damn, she’d kept his last name. Adding her name officially would be easy this time. Her keeping his last name made him feel like he had another point toward finding some kind of redemption. Dang, now he was glad he’d had his housekeeper
Rebecca left Everett’s condo early in the morning when a few people were present. He wouldn’t allow her to take a cab home, but drove her there himself. Everett insisted on calling her Josalyn, and it would take Rebecca time to adjust to that. She’d stopped thinking of herself as Josalyn. Now they were back to the struggle of their private and public identities. Rebecca would struggle not to call him Jake in public, and he’d hate it when she called him Everett in private. The thing about the different names helped them divide their personal lives from their professional lives. Which was true, but it didn’t make it easier to put into practice. But the intimacy of their names between them. It brought all the wonderful memories back, and she could feel herself caving to his wants. Her mind wanting to be happy again and knowing until they’d started acting, they’d found happiness with each other.The studio requested Yuri to escort Rebecca to a trendy restaurant post-work. A re
“Hey, it’s all good. Let’s enter and make it look like we’re having a working dinner. Move some folders and enjoy a meal. We notice them enter and you go subtle caveman on her. Is this authentic or just for employment? Nunzio’s presence led Everett to the restaurant where he found Rebecca with Yuri. Nothing about this boded well. Everett couldn’t see his fans wanting him to marry anyone other than them. The Studio Executives insisted the fans made their opinion known. He was uncertain about his next move in case of failure. Everett still couldn’t get the condom breaking out of his head. It persisted throughout the day. He hadn’t considered the Studio’s reaction. Everett would sue them if they fired Rebecca or tried to pressure her into aborting their child. He screamed inside his head in frustration because his imagination was acting like a runaway bullet train, and it was annoying him. “I’m hoping I stacked the cards right s
Yuri seated Rebecca at their table and excused himself to visit the men’s room. The restaurant’s tables appeared filled with people. He’d expected nothing less. What he hadn’t expected was the appearance of Gena D’Ore. She’d attempted to enter quietly, but her acting skills failed her, and she’d intended to be seen and heard tonight. Yuri saw now if he ever got his hands on her, he’d have to teach her a thing or two. Her beauty was outstanding, but her subtle grace needed a lot of work, as did her subtly. Yuri knew he’d enjoy teaching all about her mistakes. Screw her family connections. They’d thank him later. As he left the men’s room, he found himself accosted by Gena. “So, what’s a girl got to do to get the attention of a man like you?” Yuri studied Gena for a moment. “Start by stop pretending to be someone you are. What is with that straw on your head, woman? You looked better with your hair dark.” Yuri wanted to see how much she wa
Paulo told Gena about how out of luck Everett was because Rebecca had found a new man named Yuri. He’d paid so little attention these days since his wife became pregnant with yet another brat. Paulo couldn’t remember Yuri’s last name. Gena had to look it up. Paulo’s phone rang not long after Gena returned to their table. He’d ordered food for them while she was taking care of business. “I’m sorry, love. But something’s come up at home and I must leave you to deal with it. Will you be okay alone while you eat? I’ll have my driver pick you up when you’re done.” “No need. I can have someone do that. But I hate that you’re abandoning me again.” “Gena, I have responsibilities and you knew that when this all started. Now be a good girl and leave daddy to do the arduous work.” “Fine, this time. But you must bring me something shiny next time.” “Of course, love. Anything you want.” Paulo was so easy to manipul