Page 41 of Stealing the Star Stone

In the shadows, Eli could pretend he was alone with Nova. He pressed his shoulder to hers and brought her fingers to his lips. “Where’s Barry?”

“Cleavage,” she said, then laughed. “Scared the shit out of poor Graham.” She gasped. “But…I think I found what he doesn’t eat.”

“Oh?” He smiled, ignoring the director giving a speech.

“Bright light.” She squeezed and released his forearm. “I’ll show you…later.” Her expression turned serious, but she faced forward.

The movie started. He paid it no attention, not when Nova reacted to scenes with such gusto. Lord, I love her. He watched her more than the screen.

Tonight.

He’d tell her.

No way could he wait a month.

Artivar Station

Eastwood Hall

Looking damn fine, if I don’t say so myself.

Year of 2202, June

So much for stating she was unremarkable.

Graham had remembered Nova and was using her given name from minute six of their ‘acquaintance.’ She’d endured the hairstylist, trying on dress after dress, fighting with the make-up artist who thought she needed war paint, but Graham had soothed her frazzled nerves with the best noodles she’d ever had.

Not to mention pots of tea when she asked.

Eli’s reaction had made it all worth it.

Tingles had swept through her, that he found her mesmerizing. Barry had started to hum from within her cleavage. And to be honest, she did look amazing.

Here she was, pretending to be his friend . She’d gotten to ‘meet’ Cassidy Collins, but that woman had leveled such a nasty glare on Nova, that getting to know the famous actress didn’t appeal anymore.

Thankfully, despite her many attempts to drag Eli away from Nova, he’d resisted.

She wasn’t going to lie. Him choosing her over the Cassidy Collins sent a thrill through her.

The movie started, but he couldn’t care less, more concerned with the tea the server brought.

Once she had a cup, he settled in the seat and said no more.

He played a sweet cowboy sheriff so out of his depth. His quirky comments and often fourth-wall breaking made her laugh. He’d hated this role—she’d gotten that impression when he last mentioned it. Something about being signed for the sequel but the role not worthy of a nomination.

Not everything had to be serious. Laughter still warmed her chest when Cassidy tried to distract him with an anecdote. He was polite, borderline friendly, but didn’t encourage conversation more than necessary.

Midway through the movie, Nova stood. “Gotta pee,” she whispered and waddled off, the mermaid style of the skirt limited a hasty getaway, which was fine when she was squeezing her knees together in an effort to pinch her bladder.

Easier said than done, and the classical music softly playing in the bathroom didn’t calm her panic. The issue was, Graham had all but stitched her into this impossible-albeit-gorgeous creation. If she didn’t find a zipper soon, she’d be wearing a wetsuit.

Too many cups of tea had led to this, of course.

An elderly woman in a crisp uniform stood beside the vanity. “May I offer assistance?”

Nova could’ve kissed her. She was on the verge of begging Eli to follow her into the ladies. Hidden zips from heel to hip helped her peel it up. The fabric was like a second skin.

The relief was instant. After she washed her hands, studying her make-up in the mirror, she fiddled with the zips to seal herself in again.

“Thank you so much,” she said to the woman. “I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

“Oh, it was a pleasure,” the woman said. She gestured to Nova’s cleavage. “Your gem’s showing.”

“That’s Barry,” Nova said, shoving him into place, but he vibrated and tried to climb out. “Quit it,” she hissed at the stone. “It’s there or nowhere, get it?”

He must have because he calmed and stayed put. If this was what having children was like, she wasn’t ready. She hurried along the passage, wincing when her new shoes pinched. Nothing beat worn-in boots. Enshrouded in darkness, a familiar figure stood near the door into the cinema.

She’d spot Eli anywhere. Planning on retelling her ordeal to pee, a smile formed in anticipation of his laughter. But he jerked to the side, his arms going around a woman who’d slipped through the door and thrown herself against him.

Nova’s eyes widened, her steps faltered, but she didn’t stop. She expected him to shove the woman away, maybe call security.

But when the faceless woman kissed him, he just stood there.

Ice slithered down Nova’s spine even as a cold chill swept over her. This… This was what she’d feared. Anger uncoiled, warring with her shock. She marched on, choosing to lean her shoulder against the wall like a ‘casual’ observer.

Fair enough, his eyes held panic. For such a philanderer, it could be because she’d caught him red-handed. Part of her tried to soothe her ruffled feathers with ill-timed facts. They hadn’t discussed where their relationship was going. She had no claim to him until then.

“I’d give her an award,” she said, forcing her tone to be cheerful. “Excellent performance.”

At last, he shoved the woman aside, wiping his mouth with the back of his wrist. That was a nice touch.

“Eli,” Cassidy whined.

Nova’s shoulders dropped with relief. She’d gotten the impression he didn’t care for the woman. “Oh, it’s you.” She looped her arm through Eli’s. “Sorry I took so long, honey pot,” she crooned. “All those cups of tea, y’know.”

He chuckled and drew her closer to him. “I realized that stunning dress might be a little tough to get out of.”

She giggled then almost rolled her eyes at her nonsense. “You can peel it off later.” With one determined glance at a frozen Cassidy, Nova led her man back to their seats. The bitch didn’t know who she was dealing with—a woman who blew up mining scuttles for fun.

“Why did you hesitate?” she hissed, sinking into her chair.

“Her kiss made me realize I only want your lips on mine.”

She gaped. “Just wow.” Her heartbeat fluttered, her breathing ragged. “You’re good.”

“I’m serious.” He looked it. His potent gaze was fixed on her like she was supposed to know what to say to that.

“You’re going to have to deal with her.” She hitched her thumb at the door where they’d left Cassidy.

His chuckle was cold. “I’ve tried.”

A server brought a fresh pot of tea with a plate of sandwiches. As distractions went, it was perfect. She smiled at the young man, who held the tray for her to help herself. A flurry of movement drew her attention for a second, just before boiling tea landed on her lap.

The pain was sharp, a spreading fire that sent her thoughts reeling. She bit her tongue, tasting the metallic tang of blood.

“Cass,” Eli thundered, jumping to his feet and scooping Nova into his arms. “This’s the last straw—”

“What happened?” Graham asked, running up.

Nova was in agony and having a parent-child chat with the instigator was beyond her level of patience. “In pain,” she screamed.

Eli bolted, rushing her through the doors with Graham and a whining Cassidy chasing him. “Let it be known that I will not be acting opposite Cassidy Collins again. I don’t care who it upsets. It’s her or me.”

A gawking Graham stumbled to a stop.

Cassidy collapsed to the floor with a dramatic sob then wailing like someone had stabbed her.

“Can you walk?” Eli glanced at Nova while carrying her through the front doors of Eastwood Hall.

Drones and reporters swarmed them as they made their way along the red carpet.

Security formed a protective circle, preventing fans and paparazzi from crushing them, but it wasn’t enough. They slowed to a walk.

Graham appeared out of nowhere, gesturing to a waiting med-hover, a white cross emblazoned on its red side. “I have emergency services. Come with me, Nova.”

Eli hesitated, grimaced, then lowered her feet to the carpet. “I’m so sorry about this.”

“Not your fault,” she gritted out, letting Graham drape an arm around her. He steered her toward the medic, who held the med-hover door open.

The sadness dulling Eli’s green eyes and pulling his sexy mouth down was the last thing she saw as the med-hover flew off.