Hollywood Heir (Westerly Billionaire #4)(59)

Sage did a double take. Was he serious? He was. “Why would you do that to him?”

Reggie shrugged. “I keep hoping he’ll wake up and tell me to stop. One day he will.”

She nodded as she absorbed that Reggie was worried about Eric. His methods of helping his friend might be unorthodox, but Sage respected that he was there trying. “Why would he live here if he hates it?”

Reggie’s expression turned serious. “It was falling into disrepair, and he said he didn’t want to see it get reclaimed by the wilderness. Eric cares about a lot more than he lets on. He’d sell it, but everyone inside relies on him for their livelihood. He expects people to disappoint him, but he takes his responsibilities seriously when it comes to taking care of others.”

“I’m glad he has you. He speaks highly of you,” Sage said.

“Really?” Reggie perked up. “Was it about me being a knight of Vandorra? Wait, I bet he told you that I saved his sister’s life.”

“No. No, he didn’t mention any of that.”

“Then he probably told you that I’m a mechanical genius.”

“Sorry.” Reggie’s expression fell a little until Sage added, “He said he couldn’t imagine his life without you in it. I was telling him that Bella is my best friend—she accepts me exactly the way I am. He said he has a friend like that—you.”

A huge smile spread across Reggie’s face. “You are officially now my favorite person. Outside of my family. And Eric. And some of the staff, but I’ve known them a long time—”

Sage laughed. “I get the idea.”

“Your friend looks like she’s grilling Eric.”

“She’s a lawyer.”

“I can tell. Eh, he’ll be fine. Come on, I’ll introduce you to my wife and kids.”

Sage hesitated. “I can’t leave Bella like that.”

“Eric will win her over, don’t worry.”

“I don’t know. Bella’s pretty hard to impress.”

Reggie motioned for Sage to follow him. “Bella is important to you, so she’s important to Eric. It might take him a moment or two to convince her, but there’s a reason half the world is in love with him.”

“Bella,” Sage called out, “do you mind if I—”

Bella waved for her to go. Apparently, her interrogation would require more time. Sage walked away with Reggie.



Eric had been chewed up and spit out by directors. He’d been hounded by the press. He’d even survived questioning by an angry prince, but Sage’s friend was a pit bull.

The first part of their conversation was less about what she wanted to know and more of a rant on what she thought of him. That was followed by what she thought of his grandmother and the wrath she would bring down upon Eric as well as his family if any of them hurt Sage.

After she paused for a breath, she rained questions on him—some he answered, and some he told her were none of her business. By the time she began to lose steam, he was smiling. In a way she reminded him of Reggie—an aggressive, polished version, anyway.

“And what the hell was that tunnel you wanted us to go down when we arrived?”

“It’s my secret superhero lair.”

She blinked several times. “You’re serious.”

“I’ll show it to you when I show Sage.”

Bella gave him one more stern look. “Don’t think that her presence here means she has forgiven you. You hurt her.”

His smile faded. “I know I did.”

“Don’t do it again,” Bella said.

“I won’t.” Eric remembered something Reggie had said. “Listen, I’m an odd duck. Sage is an odd duck. I know I could make her happy.”

Bella didn’t look convinced.

They walked up the steps and through the house to the pool area in the back. Sage was sitting on the edge of the pool, shoes off, feet in the water, laughing at the antics of Reggie’s children. Alice was seated beside her, threatening the children that their lives would be shorter if they splashed Sage again.

Bella smiled for the first time since she’d arrived. “I hope you’re not dangerous, because Sage would love a lair.”

“Wait until you see it. Reggie doesn’t do anything halfway.”

Alice and Sage stood as soon as they realized Eric and Bella had joined them. Sage introduced Alice to Bella, then gave her best friend a long, pointed look.

Bella looked from Eric to Sage and shrugged. “He doesn’t seem dangerous.”

Eric caught Reggie’s eye and pointed at his own chest, mouthing, Not dangerous, then wiped a hand across his forehead in mock relief.

Reggie rolled his eyes.

Looking at the relaxed scene at the pool, Eric realized the presence of Reggie’s family hadn’t been an accident. He mouthed, Thank you.

Reggie smiled and motioned toward Sage with a thumbs-up.

Eric reciprocated before turning his attention back to Sage. Yesterday she’d been throwing shoes at his head and swearing. She looked relaxed and happy at the moment, but he didn’t need Bella to tell him that it didn’t mean she would let him off easily.

And that was okay.

He would do whatever it took to win back her trust. As he watched her laugh at something Alice said, doubts rose within him—was he good enough for her? What would she think of him once she knew he’d put himself in rehab?