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.
“I always knew you were hot for me, Blake,” Ryder says.
“My secret’s out,” Sebastian responds dryly.
I notice that Ryder’s eyes avoid Daisy, and now she’s looking down, playing with the straw in her drink, appearing uncharacteristically shy. He slinks into a pool lounger. He’s in his standard uniform of jeans and a black T-shirt, leather and silver bracelets on his wrist, with tats snaking up his lean but muscular forearms. His eyes are weary. He looks beyond exhausted, but there’s something in his smile, in the way he’s drumming his fingers against his well-worn jeans that radiates energy.
“You guys finish your session?” Daisy asks, a little breathless.
“Yeah. It took us the whole night, but we finally laid down a new track.” With his wide smile, he’s less jaded rock star and more excited little kid. I find myself warming to him. The truth is, everyone in this house intimidates the hell out of me, but the more I get to know them, the more I realize that despite their insane jobs and glamorous lives, they’re just normal people, passionate about their careers, having fun with friends.
“That’s dope.” Sebastian jumps out of the water and grabs a towel before plopping down into the pool lounger next to Ryder. “I thought you were in a writing slump.”
Ryder shrugs, his eyes briefly straying to Daisy before quickly looking away when her gaze lifts to his. “It’s been years since the music just flowed.”
“This is major,” Sebastian says. “We need to celebrate.”
“Yes! Can we? Please?” The prospect of a party shakes Daisy from her silence. “It doesn’t have to be a big party.”
“Daisy, last time…” Ryder says with a frown.
“This isn’t last time,” Daisy snaps. “Jesus. Can everyone forget that? I’m not a stupid sixteen-year-old now.”
“Daisy. I found you after you—.” He takes a deep breath. “I’m never going to forget. That was the scariest damn day of my life.” Ryder’s eyes light with intensity.
Daisy plays with the dials of her camera, but she doesn’t answer him.
“Bro, we’re not talking about a rager. We’ll keep it chill,” Sebastian says.
“Chase won’t like it,” Ryder warns darkly.
“Well, it’s a good thing Chase isn’t around, then.” Sebastian grins. “He’s still stuck somewhere. Right, Daisy?”
Daisy nods. “I think.”
“So he won’t be back for another day, at least. This place is like a morgue, and you writing new music deserves a celebration. We won’t call it a party. It’s just a few friends hanging out. It’ll be fine. All in favor of a non-party, say aye,” Sebastian says.
“Aye.” I raise my hand. It’s a risk, so that means it’s something I have to do. Gotta listen to Nanna.
“Aye,” Daisy says, her eyes shining with excitement.
“Fuck yeah,” Sebastian says.
Ryder’s eyes scan our eager faces. He sighs. “I know when I’m outnumbered. But no strangers. I don’t care if they’re supermodels, Sebastian. Only a few close friends hanging out. And I’m sticking to you girls like glue tonight. Call me Velcro. And you, Daisy, no trouble. Got it?”
“Yes, Daddy,” Daisy says with a cheeky grin.
Even with shades, Ryder’s glare is fierce.
“Relax,” Sebastian says. “Uncle Sebastian’s got it all under control.”
CHAPTER 23
Chase
I’ve been in jeeps, boats, planes—big and small, and even a short trip on a bus trying to get home, and I’m bleary-eyed from exhaustion. I spent the car ride from the airport to Malibu on the phone with my security team, trying to figure out who the hell left Olivia that note and doing damage control with my publicist.