Hollywood Heir (Westerly Billionaire #4)(28)

There was a pause in their conversation—enough time for Eric to remember Rachelle’s question about Delinda. “I’m surprised Delinda is still in London.”

“Make time to see her, Eric. She just needs to know you’re doing okay.”

Eric groaned. “By her definition or mine?”

Rachelle made a sympathetic sound. “I know she’s not an easy person to talk to, but you’re the only reason she’s in London.”

“I’m happier when she’s not part of my life, Rachelle. I know that sounds cold.”

“No, just honest. Do you want me to talk to her? See if I can get her to give you some space?”

Had she been beside Eric and not simply on the phone, he would have hugged his sister—not because he was going to take her up on the offer, but because she had once again proved her loyalty to him. One day he might even deserve it. “I’ll call her, but thanks, Rachelle.” His voice tightened with emotion. “Seriously, thank you for everything.”

“That’s what family is for, Eric. Yes, we make mistakes, drive each other crazy, but when it matters, we’re there for each other. Even Grandmother. She loves you so much.”

“I know,” he said, more for Rachelle’s benefit than because he agreed.

“If you’re serious about a second visit to the children’s hospital, I’ll start making arrangements.”

“Yes, I’m in.”

“Great. I’ll call you tomorrow with information.”

“Talk to you then.”

“I love you, Eric,” Rachelle said.

There was a time when those words would have rung false to him, but he wasn’t that man anymore, and he didn’t want to see the world through those eyes again. “Love you, too. Stay safe.”

Rachelle hung up. Eric shuddered as he remembered how close he’d come to losing her. It would be easy enough to blame her association with Prince Magnus for what had happened, but the truth stared Eric in the mirror each morning. Rachelle had traveled to London out of concern for Eric. He hadn’t pulled his head out of his ass long enough to ensure her safety. There was nothing he could do about what had already happened, but he was determined to be a better brother to her.

He scarfed down his breakfast with enthusiasm. Amazing how much better he felt now that he wasn’t using one pill to sleep and another to get him out of bed the next day. Slowly his life was coming around. He called his publicist and announced that he would be pushing back the production of his next movie. Not forever, just a few months.

On impulse, Eric took out his flip phone and dug Sage’s business card out of his wallet. He punched in the numbers and held his breath. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Wayne?”

“Yes.” It was a little disappointing that she didn’t recognize his voice.

“Why does caller ID say Tim Toadhill?”

Oh, shit. “He must have had the number before me.” The lie rolled off his lips with ease. He didn’t feel guilty this time, though. To be with her, he was willing to give this persona life. If things worked out with her—well, he’d face that hurdle later. He hadn’t wanted to start anything with her when he’d thought he might be pulling out of her world at any time, but now he had a plan that would allow him to stay in both lives. “What are you doing today?”

“You said you didn’t want to see me anymore.”

He smiled. “What I said was that it was impossible to without wanting to sleep with you.”

“Oh yes, because it would be devastating for me when you move on.”

“I said that?”

“You did.”

“I’m an ass sometimes.” When she didn’t jump in to deny his claim, he said, “Come out and play with me today. I’ll make it up to you.”

“Oh, I don’t know—”

“Yes, you do. Listen, I like you. I want to see you today. I’m 95 percent positive I won’t be an asshole today if you agree to give me one more chance.”

She laughed at that. “So there’s a 5 percent chance you might?”

Hooked her with humor. All he had to do was close the deal. “I’m a work in progress.”

“Apparently. Where exactly would we go . . . if I agreed to go anywhere with you?”

He thought about what she’d enjoy and took a shot. “Have you been to Stonehenge? It’s drivable from London.”

“I’ve always wanted to but haven’t made it out there.”

“It’s settled, then. I’ll pick you up. There’s not a lot out there, but we can walk around, check out the visitor center, then drive over to Bath for a late lunch. Have you gone to the Roman baths?” Although he could afford to fill the day with luxurious perks, he decided to keep it simple. Sightseeing had become nearly impossible for him to enjoy once he became famous. Frankly, not much was worth the production involved. As Wayne Easton, though, he could experience both, as anyone else would. “Where do you live?”

His heart beat double time as he waited for her answer.



Sage sat on the arm of her couch and fanned her face nervously. She knew what Bella would say if she asked her opinion. Stonehenge and the Roman baths had been on her bucket list well before she moved to London. Funny how knowing something was close enough that she could go at any time had led to putting both off on so many occasions. Since the man from the park had not yet called her back, there was no reason she couldn’t go with Eric.