Sounds of a guitar and male laughter carry to the pool from the open French doors that lead into the house.
Daisy picks up her camera and points it toward me. I hold my hand in front of my face.
She sticks out her tongue. “Spoilsport. Help a girl out, please. I need to update my Instagram.”
“Daisy, we’re here to hide. We can’t post on social media. You’re the one who keeps telling me how obsessed Chase’s fans are. They’d somehow find that photo, recognize the freaking pool tiles or umbrella, and know where we are.”
She sighs, pouting. “I hate it when you’re right. But I want some fun. All the boys are busy working.”
The boys are Ryder and his band, who’ve been working on Ryder’s new album, alternating between the living room, kitchen, and converted studio he has set up in the basement. Sebastian was gone all morning, doing promo for a movie.
Unlike Daisy, I’m not bored. I’ve been writing. The words are suddenly flowing in this new environment, the change of scenery unlocking something in my brain, and plot points that were tripping me up for months have fallen into place, like finding the key piece to a puzzle. It helps that I write mysteries and feel like I’ve fallen into the pages of one myself.
Even with being occupied, though, I can see how this life, while the height of luxury, could feel like a gilded cage. I’m not used to having people always around me. I wonder how Chase handles it, but at least he’s in the cottage next to the main house, so he has more privacy. Since his place is just one bedroom, Daisy and I are staying in the main mansion.
Ryder and Sebastian share the grand home, which was built by Sebastian’s grandmother, who was also a famous film star. It was renovated by his equally famous parents before their acrimonious divorce. Then there’s Marie, the cook and maid, who reminds me of a house mom; and Emma, Sebastian’s personal assistant, who also helps out Ryder and Chase when they need her. The women don’t live on the premises, but they might as well, as they seem to be here around the clock. Finally, there’s the security team who are in and out of the house and grounds all day and night, doing patrols.
The introvert in me hates the entourage, and I understand Chase’s insistence at living in his peaceful white-shingled cottage, which, like the main house and pool, has a spectacular view of the cliffs and ocean below.
“So.” I take another sip of my drink, “have you heard from Chase yet?” I ask, casual-like.
“He called earlier asking for a full update,” Daisy says. “He’s trying everything to get back as quickly as possible. His filming location is super remote, and there was a storm that delayed all flights out.”
She turns to me, her blue eyes worried. “Chase is freaking out, wanting to make sure you’re safe. I know there’s something between you two. I love my brother, but he’s not good with relationships. When he arrives, take it slow. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
I flush. “I know, Daisy. I’m not expecting anything.”
A bronzed body flashes past us and does a cannonball into the water.
A fine spray of water hits me and the edge of my laptop, even though I’m a few feet back from the pool.
“Hey! Watch it!” Daisy cries. “Don’t you dare get my camera wet, or Olivia’s computer.”
“Oh shit!” Sebastian says after his head breaks the surface. “Sorry.”
“I didn’t realize you were back.” It’s hard not to give Sebastian the fangirl stare. His eyes are impossibly blue against his dark features, and his abs are rock-hard. But despite admiring the eye candy that is Sebastian Blake, I have no butterflies or intense chemistry like I feel with Chase.
“The interviews finished early. Thank fuck. Sorry I almost got your precious wet, squirt,” he says to Daisy, referring to her camera. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll make it up to you by letting you shoot nude photos of me.” Sebastian waggles his eyebrows.
She laughs. “Maybe next time, hotshot.”
“If you’re not down for shooting my nude calendar, I’m sure you could ask Ryder to model for you,” he says slyly.
Daisy blushes. Daisy is not the blushing type.
“I knew it!” Sebastian shouts, pointing to her. “You’re into him. Ryder, oh, Ryder,” he croons, making his pecs dance.
“Shut up, Sebastian,” she says, amusement in her eyes, until her smile freezes.
Sebastian tilts his chin up. “Hey, man.”
I look to see Ryder behind me, surveying the scene.