The Woman I Love: Book One (The Woman I Love Series 1) Read online

  Cresting the small hill near the top, which gave way to a sharp drop facing the shoreline, Derek’s eagle eyes caught sight of a moving object bouncing along.

  Gage Ballant strolled along the sparsely sandy beach scanning the ground below for rocks while idly thinking about her new screenplay. She became much more discriminate in the rocks she selected for her collection as she became older. The arrival of her fortieth birthday two years ago had sobered her impulsive actions somewhat. If it hadn’t, she would have had to rent a warehouse for all the rocks she would have undoubtedly collected through the years.

  Suddenly, her concentration from the many stones lying on the ground was jerked away by a soft shuffling noise a top the six-foot high embankment.

  Looking up, green eyes locked with gray that sparked a proverbial connection. Rooted in place, Gage pondered the familiar link between them when suddenly a quick movement from the young child spurred Gage into action.

  From a distance, Lacy scanned the area in search of her wayward son. Tracking him as he moved toward the edge of the embankment, she saw him pick up speed. Her heart thundered against her chest sensing the danger that awaited him at the edge of the short knoll. “Derek!” She screamed.

  Lacy bolted toward her son. Terror reigned in every part of her body as she watched him run then jump over the edge. Dani felt the impending danger her brother was embarking upon and immediately dropped all her rocks.

  With arms straight out to his side, Derek leaped into the wind off the small cliff as he yelled. “Fly plane, fly.” The broad smile on his face left no doubt that the woman below would catch him. He sailed directly into her arms, knocking her down.

  Having no idea what awaited her son’s takeoff, Lacy crested the hill winded and readied to jump until her concerned eyes came to rest upon her son tucked safely in the arms of a stranger. Stopping quickly, Dani took a place along side her mother.

  After recognizing that Derek had landed safely, she asked. “Did you see that, mom? He was flying like a plane.” The levity her statement offered helped to alleviate the raging horror that had tornadoed through both of them.

  Lacy scrambled down around the rise to collect her son. Dani contemplated jumping the distance to the shoreline below, but quickly reconsidered. Instead, she followed the same path as her mother.

  Lying on her back, Gage smiled into the laughing face of the undaunted boy sitting on top of her. Noticing the still concerned face of what could only be the boy’s mother rushing forward, Gage pushed up to a sitting position. “I take it this obviously fearless boy belongs to you.”

  Lacy swooped her son into her arms, temporarily ignoring her son’s savior. Hugging him desperately, the mother kissed Derek’s face over and over again. Following her mother’s instincts, her eyes and hands roamed all over his body ensuring that he was unhurt.

  Dani soon arrived, carefully assessing the blonde stranger with a sharp quirk of an eyebrow as Gage brushed herself off then stood erect. The young girl wondered what the stranger had did or said to get her bashful brother to jump off the ledge when she had no luck with him in playing along with her flying game on the airplane. With arms crossed, Dani silently let the scene unfold before her as she put on her invisible detective hat.

  The young girl’s evident attitude directed at Gage did not go unnoticed. But, Gage altered her attention to mother and son. “He’s okay?” As Gage stepped closer, Derek leaned toward her, grabbing at the writer. Lacy, loath to let go, finally did at her son’s insistence. He immediately wrapped his right arm around Gage’s neck then kissed her on the cheek, creating a rare blush that filled the writer’s face. She then shifted her young charge to her side.

  Stunned at Derek’s display of affection for the total stranger, Lacy thanked her son’s savior profusely then introduced herself. “My name’s Lacy Levine and this is my daughter.” Pointing to a still quiet child. “And, well, I guess my son has already uniquely introduced himself to you. His name’s Derek, by the way.”

  Extending her hand, Gage peered into the amazing blue eyes of the boy’s mother. “Gage Ballant.” Quickly taking in the other woman’s physique before nodding over her shoulder, Gage said. “I’m staying at the cabin over there.”

  The warm hand that clasped around Lacy’s hand sent an unexpected shiver through her. She returned the intense gaze of the writer establishing a bond between them that traveled beyond the physical. Surprised, they both felt a yearning calling them home. Undeniably, both knew the familiar link would linger long into the night. While this emotional exchanged confused Lacy, it brought clarity to the writer.

  Retrieving her hand, the writer shifted uncomfortably as Derek played

  with the mariner linked gold necklace around her neck. Gage sensed Lacy’s need to hold her son again. “Here, back to your mom.” With those encouraging words, Derek happily vaulted into his mother’s waiting arms as a quick kiss and a hug awaited him.

  “Thank you again.” Lacy smiled at Gage shyly. “We just arrived and were taking a look around before we unpacked.” Feeling the need to explain why she lost sight of her son, Lacy continued. “Dani was collecting rocks on the shore and reminded me of something funny….big red hair.” Gage’s offered a raised eyebrow in question. “Anyway, that’s no excuse to lose track of my son.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it.” The pain of guilt was evident on the actress’ face. And Gage wanted to see her beautiful smile again. “I totally understand.”

  “You have kids?” Lacy asked.

  “No.”

  “Brothers and sisters?”

  “No.” Hesitant, she continued. “Let me retract my earlier statement. I guess I don’t understand. Never been around young kids much actually…. not really.” Dark thoughts loomed through the writer’s head.

  Feeling she struck a nerve, Lacy changed the subject. “I guess we’re going to be neighbors. Have you been here long?”

  “Bout five weeks.” Gage’s voice stumbled as she offered. “I… I could… ah, show you around once you get settled, I mean.” Looking up slightly at Lacy, Gage recaptured the piercing blue she knew she would never stop wanting to gaze into.

  The bright smile that sprang on her mother’s face was countered by an expression of annoyance dawning upon Dani’s features. “We can explore on our own. Thank you very much.”

  “Dani!” Lacy cast her petulant daughter a dour look. “We would love it, wouldn’t we, Dani?”

  Unenthusiastically, Dani agreed. “Yeah, I guess. Do you have anything interesting around here?” Keeping her tone in check. She didn’t want another stern warning from her mother, but was unwilling to accept this total stranger into the fold so easily as her mother and brother apparently did.

  Gage thought frantically trying to remember what interested her as a child. “I’ve got a boat…. and there’s a cave about a quarter of a mile past my cabin.” The bright smile that popped up on the young girl’s face clued Gage that she was on the right track. “If that interests you at all.”

  Becoming aware of the uninvited spontaneous smile she now displayed in front of this stranger at the mention of the boat and cave, Dani reined in her unchecked emotion. “Could be interesting….” She paused purposely. “If you let me drive the boat.”

  “Dani!” Lacy was shocked at her daughter’s continued attitude.

  “No. That’s okay.” Gage sent an engaging smile to Lacy, then redirected her attention to Dani who took serious note of the silent exchanges between her mother and the stranger. “How ‘bout tomorrow we have a boat ride and check out the cave from the water?”

  With a quick glance to her mother, Dani displayed her best behavior. “Yes, that would be delightful. Thank you.” Dani turned to leave. Except for the boat ride and that cave, tomorrow may just very well be the longest day of my life. What’s up with those looks anyway? Dani didn’t turn back as she continued on her way to their cabin.

  “I don’t know what has gotten in her today. Ever since we’ve arrived,
she’s been…withdrawn. She’s usually outgoing ….” Looking at Derek, she continued. “And he’s the shy one. But you couldn’t tell by the way things have gone today. He never takes to strangers. Never.”

  Gage stroked Derek’s soft cheek causing him to blush shyly with a sweet smile directed at his new best friend. “Tomorrow then?”

  “Absolutely.” Lacy reluctantly turned to leave, but Derek reached for Gage again. Lacy allowed her clearance as Gage stepped closer and Derek planted a wet kiss on her cheek.

  “Goodbye.” Gage watched as Lacy turned away.

  Shaking her head at her son’s uncharacteristic display, Lacy walked quietly back to their cabin, resisting the urge to look back over her shoulder at the enigmatic woman who affected her so.

  Chapter Four

  After an exhausting day, Lacy laid her dozing son on the bed. Leaning down she kissed him goodnight on the cheek. Derek desperately fought the onset of sleep when he again called. “Jage. Want Jage.”

  “Honey, Gage isn’t here. We’ll get to see her tomorrow, okay?” His disappointment carved a frown on his face. Lacy tucked him in securely. Dropping closer, she softly sang to him, lulling him into a deep reluctant slumber.

  Dani watched with dismay. Her brother had been asking for the stranger all night long. I’m going to have to get to the bottom of this. She continued to ponder why Derek was so attracted to the stranger and didn’t notice her mother move up next to her.

  “Dani, come on. It’s your turn.” She nudged her daughter from her musings. “Did you brush your teeth?”

  She decided to address the issue directly. “Mom, why do you think Derek likes that….. stranger?” A menacing tone accompanied the last word spoken.

  Lacy directed Dani to her twin bed as she sat down beside her daughter. “What’s with you today, Dani? Any other time, you’re the one who’s so open to….. strangers.” Mimicking her daughter’s tone.

  The young girl crunched her face at the mother’s true words. “I don’t know.” Dani intended to drop the subject, but the following words spilled out softly before she could stop herself. “Derek used to just like us.”

  Recognizing the source of her daughter’s problem, Lacy stroked Dani’s face lightly. “He still does. And you are the most important person in his life. He adores you, you know.”

  Brightly, Dani agreed. “He does, doesn’t he?” Adding, “You too, mom. He loves you the most.” Then after some thought, she continued. “And dad, right?”

  “Absolutely.” Lacy smiled. “I’m very lucky to have both of you.”

  The astute child noticed her mother did not include her father. “And dad, too?” An insistent tone questioned.

  Lacy briefly allowed a far away thought to capture her attention. The slight nudge of an arm retrieved her thoughts back to the present. “And dad, too.” She assured her daughter. “Now, it’s time for you to get into bed. And, Dani?” Blue eyes piqued at her mother’s question. “Tomorrow, would you please give Gage a chance? She did save your brother from getting hurt. Okay?”

  Dani nodded. But, in her mind, Derek would never have jumped from that hill unless he was sucked into it. I’ll give her a chance. A devious smile crossed her face. A chance to slip up.

  Dani was about to climb under the covers when she heard a knock at the door. “Stay here.” Lacy directed her daughter. Unable to comply simply due to her ever-present curiosity and protective nature toward her mother, Dani covertly followed Lacy out the bedroom door and down the short hall where she took up a concealed position. She watched her mother complete the journey to the front entryway.

  Standing safely behind the locked door, Lacy called out. “Who is it?”

  “Ah, Mrs. Levine? It’s Ned Raye.” A friendly voice wafted through the three paned-glass covered door. “My mom dropped you off earlier. She wanted me to stop by and see if you’re okay.”

  Lacy was hesitant until she heard his polite request. “Can I come in?” Grasping the doorknob, she opened the door. A young good-looking boy around seventeen stood smiling at the prospect of meeting his favorite actress of all time.

  “Hi.” Ned waved, then immediately noticed Lacy’s blue eyes stray past him to the guy behind him. Gesturing quickly to his friend. “Oh, this is Buddy Dunston.”

  Buddy leaned forward, extending his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You, too.” Lacy was impressed with his good manners, letting go of his reluctant hand; she directed her question to Ned. “I thought your mom said you’d stop by in a day or two.”

  “Oh, she did.” Ned grabbed her hand, shaking it. He was already unhappy that Buddy seized the opportunity to touch the famous star first. “But, I’ve…” Buddy bumped him. “We’ve got an errand to run tomorrow out of town so we wouldn’t be able to stop by.” Ned smiled broadly as he offered his explanation.

  “I see.” Lacy suspected that wasn’t the real reason as she noticed the leering looks on their faces. She ascertained it was more likely they couldn’t wait to meet a real live television star. “Well, my husband should be here by the end of the week.” She noticed their crestfallen faces. “I think we have everything we’ll need until he gets here. And, besides, we have a boat trip planned for tomorrow with our neighbor in the next cabin. So, we’ll be fine. Thanks. ” Neither boy budged. “Although, if I do, I’ll be sure to call.”

  Both the young men perked up at that comment. “Cool.” Ned pushed Buddy further from the door toward his mother’s station wagon. “Bye.” He waved, missing the first step off the porch. He caught himself before hitting the ground. Buddy snickered at his friend.

  Closing the door, Lacy twisted around then noticed her oldest child at her stakeout post near the end of the hallway. “Everything okay?”

  “I was just going to ask you that.” Dani countered. “What did they want?”

  She scooted her daughter down the hallway back to bed. “You tell me, I’m sure you heard every word.”

  The quick wink Lacy offered her daughter assured Dani she wasn’t in trouble though she had formulated a different opinion of the two unwelcome late night guests. “I don’t like them.” They’re trouble, she added silently.

  Tucking her daughter in, Lacy sat back on the bed. “Now, why does that not surprise me? You haven’t liked anyone today.”

  “Not true, I liked Grace.” Diverting her mother’s attention. “Do you think she’s seen her new grandbaby yet?”

  “Yes. And don’t think I didn’t notice you change the subject, my little suspicious daughter.”

  Dani decided not to share her reservations about the landlord’s son and his friend. She figured her mother would not be as receptive as she usually was in these types of situations. Must be because she’s on vacation, Dani concluded. Lacy was always concerned about the safety of her children ever since she’d become well-known, realizing the potential danger her children could be in due to her public persona.

  After kissing her daughter goodnight, Lacy flipped the light switch, allowing darkness to fall. As Lacy checked the cabin’s doors, she entertained the concerns her daughter had raised about the people they had met that day. Lacy first realized about a year ago Dani had developed a kind of sixth sense about people and decided not to dismiss her daughter’s qualms. She pondered the day’s events before Lacy allowed her mind to drift to the blonde haired woman in the cabin across the way.

  Lying in bed, Lacy stretched her long frame, burying herself in the covers. The cool night air chilled the cabin. She had forgotten to adjust the thermostat earlier in the evening upon getting lost in the process of settling in for a month’s stay. The last waking thought that ran through her head was of Gage’s lingering green eyes that bled into her dreams.

  ***********************

  Shutting off her laptop computer, Gage completed the final scene of her new screenplay, HERE COMES JORDAN. Five weeks and presto, I’ve churned out another blockbuster. Gage laughed out loud at her egotistical thought. “I’ll be lucky if Ma
rk likes it.”

  Then her thoughts turned to the extraordinarily talented actress she’d met earlier. I wonder if she’d like it. I could let her read it. “Yeah, sure. Tomorrow I’ll just mention it casually and see if she wants to read it.” No! What if she doesn’t like it? And she’d feel obligated to say something nice if I did ask her to read it.

  Gage picked up the draft copy of the screenplay from the printer, clamping it together. Maybe I’ll invite her and her kids back here after the boat ride and leave it out….laying….. Gage searched for the most obvious place available ….right there. Sitting it down then quickly retrieving it, she opened her leather satchel and shoved it in.

  That settled Gage went about getting ready for bed. Burying herself under the covers as she laid in the huge bed, Gage chuckled at the audacity Derek had shown when he leaped off that ledge. Right before he jumped, she recognized something in his eyes that roared loudly the conviction he had in her that she would catch him.

  That kind of blind faith shook Gage to the core. No one ever expressed such belief in her before except, of course, for Mark. And, she felt she didn’t deserve his unwavering devotion.

  A trip down memory lane offered Gage a moment to ponder her relationship with Mark. When Gage opened the letter from the America’s Best Writing competition, the words ‘Thank you for entering our competition, but….’ leaped off the page at her. She tossed it aside to keep company with the numerous other rejection letters making their way quickly to the ceiling. Gage came up with a saying of sorts to help her handle these types of letters. I use rejections as stepping-stones on my way to success.

  So it shocked her when she answered the telephone the next week and someone she had never met was offering to buy her first screenplay, A QUESTION OF MURDER. Within two weeks, Gage and Mark had hammered out a deal to produce her screenplay. To Gage’s delight, Mark revealed his long desire to start his own production company, asking her to join him in his new venture.