Page 7 of Beyond the Spotlight Discreet Version

I freeze in my seat. It can’t be.... My heart drums against my chest at the sound of that familiar Southern twang. Her velvety voice makes my cock twitch as if waking up after keeping it asleep for the past five years.

“Savvy!” Adeline squeals. She jumps out of her seat near the wall and runs around me.

I force my body to move and tear my eyes away from the menu just in time to see Addy crash into Savannah and wrap her arms around her waist. A lump of jealousy lodges in my throat and I push it down. I seriously can’t be jealous of my daughter over a simple hug... even if it’s with the woman who’s been haunting my damn thoughts.

“There’s my brave little seat mate!” Savvy beams, scuffing up Addy’s already messy red curls.

She’s surprised to see Addy and smiles beautifully at her. That bright demeanor falls when she spots me and looks away.

What the hell? What did I do?

Addy steps back and looks up at the woman. She’s taller than average. Addy is tall too, already slightly over four feet. Savannah must be around five-nine. My six-foot frame still towers over her.

She’s wearing black pants and a white t-shirt with the restaurant’s logo on her left breast. Her blonde hair is up in a high ponytail, and I ignore the thought of wrapping the strands around my wrist and tugging.

“Are you here to eat with us?” Addy asks.

Savannah frowns. “Actually, I work here now.”

“But I thought you were going to be my nanny.” Addy pouts. “Dad said you were meeting soon.”

“Oh, did he?” Her head snaps to me and she narrows her piercing green eyes.

“Actually,” I begin, swallowing hard, “what I said was something came up, and we had to reschedule.”

Savannah sighs and puts on a face of regret when she looks back down at Addy. “I’m so sorry, Adeline. I accepted a job here, so I won’t be able to work as your nanny.”

I glance at Eloise and Kelly, and they might as well have popped popcorn to snack on as they hungrily watch the unfolding drama.

“My dad can pay you more,” Addy says with a whine. “He’s got a lot of money.”

“Adeline Lee,” I warn, but Savannah cuts me off before I can discipline my daughter.

“Oh, I’m well aware of how rich your father is.”

She locks eyes with me, and the fire behind them has me squirming in my seat.

“You’re a famous actor, right? Something you failed to mention on the plane.”

“You didn’t ask,” I say even though I’m the one in the wrong here.

It’s just… she didn’t know who I was. She treated me like a normal person.

“Why would I ask if you were famous? You were sitting in coach. Celebrities don’t sit in coach. And what about bodyguards? Wouldn’t you be traveling with an entourage?”

“Actually, I prefer flying coach. A lot of celebrities do because that’s where we’re invisible. People scope out first class to see if they recognize anyone famous. Despite living a public lifestyle, I’m a very private man, Savannah. Especially when it comes to Adeline.”

And I did have a bodyguard. He sat in the row next to us. Savannah just didn’t see him, which is the entire point. My security stays hidden until needed so not to draw attention to me. It’s only when I’m recognized while walking through the airport or attending a crowded event that they stay close.

Instead of responding, Savannah clamps her mouth shut. She turns her head to Eloise and Kelly. “What can I get started for y’all today?”

Shit. She’s pissed. And the anger looks absolutely stunning on her.

“Um, I’ll have Frisée Lardon and a water please,” Eloise says.

“House burger au Poivre and a cider,” Kelly says next.

Savannah turns to me. “And you, sir?”