An Accidental Love Affair Read online

  Now he laughed. “Not lucrative? Does the name Harry Potter ring a bell? Millions of copies sold worldwide, a movie franchise, a cult following . . . of course it’s lucrative.”

  She tilted her head. “I wouldn’t put my scribbling in the same category as Ms. Rowling’s, but I think so too.”

  “Are you any good at it?”

  She sat up straight, her expression a combination of pride and bewilderment. “Good enough to receive a writing scholarship from Open Heart Publishing.”

  His eyebrows rose. “That’s impressive.”

  Her eyes widened in surprise. “You’ve heard of them?”

  “Of course I have. Any man with a mother, sister, or wife knows who they are. They’re the number one publisher of women’s fiction.”

  She nodded, impressed. “Wow, you do know your stuff.”

  He swung his legs down, leaning across the aisle. “If you promise not to go to the press with it, I’ll let you in on a little secret.”

  Nicole blinked. Was Reece Collins flirting with her? She crossed her heart, playing along. “I promise.”

  “I’m an avid romance reader.”

  She frowned, not expecting that. “You’re not . . .”

  His eyes narrowed. “If you ask me if I’m gay, I will personally escort you back to economy.”

  With a shake of her head she turned back to her computer. “I won’t ask.” She didn’t know if he was joking or not, but she wasn’t taking any chances. The seat was too comfortable to give up.

  “And to answer your unasked question, I’m not gay. I happen to love reading, and my mum always had romance novels lying around the house when I was growing up. They did well when I couldn’t get my hands on anything else of interest. I’ve noticed it also helps to read the book when I’m in a movie it’s based on.”

  “That makes sense.”

  He continued without hearing. “I have a theory that if I read enough romance novels, I’ll finally be able to figure women out.”

  The thought made her smile. “Having any luck with that?” She glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

  “Not as yet, no.”

  Nicole laughed out loud, facing him fully. The grin on his face made his dimples deepen. Her pulse jumped.

  “Would you like something to drink?” the attendant asked, popping up unexpectedly.

  “No thank you,” Nicole replied, still chuckling as she turned back to the computer.

  “And you, Mr. Collins, can I get you anything?”

  “I’m fine at the moment.”

  “Just call me if you need anything. My name is Sara, and I’m your personal attendant for the flight.” She moved up the aisle to serve the other passengers.

  Nicole and Reece sat in silence. The hum of the engines, her fingers tapping on the keyboard, and a light trickle of conversation from the other passengers were the only sounds in the cabin.

  Once in a while, she would glance over at him, just to see what he was doing. He was mostly staring up at the ceiling, but she caught him watching her a few times. She’d quickly avert her eyes on those occasions, blushing and trying to concentrate on the story on the computer.

  She couldn’t believe she was sitting beside Reece Collins, Hollywood It Boy. How in the world had that happened? Had she hit the lottery? Was she dreaming? She pinched her arm hard, wincing. This was not a dream.

  She shook her head. No one was going to believe her when she told them. They’d all say she was making it up.

  She stared at the computer screen, but the words were jumbled and making no sense. She knew the computer was fine. The problem was her. She should’ve acted differently when he introduced himself. She should’ve pretended she didn’t know who he was, that she’d never seen any of his movies, and that she didn’t have folders full of his pictures.

  He was probably dreading his act of kindness now that he knew he was dealing with another obsessed fan.

  Well to be honest, she thought, I did act normal, considering. I didn’t gush or oooh and ahhh. I only made that initial flub, so it wasn’t too terrible.

  “So, tell me, Nicole DeLancey . . .”

  Nicole jumped, and her eyes grew wide when she glanced at him.

  Reece smiled. “Apologies for that. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “No, it’s okay. What am I supposed to tell you?”

  He sat up. “What are you writing about?”

  They’d circled back around to her writing. She rubbed her hand over her forehead. “Why do you want to know?”

  “I’m very interested. Who knows,” he shrugged, “I might one day star in a movie based off your book.”

  She laughed nervously. “I can’t see that happening.”

  He mock scowled at her. “Why not? You don’t think I’m any good?”

  Was he serious? He captured the essence of every character he played. She hadn’t seen his kind of talent in a long time. His portrayals reminded her of the old movies of the thirties and forties when acting meant something and wasn’t just a way to make money. It had been a time when an actor was known for his skill and not just his pretty face. Reece had both of those commodities in abundance. She wondered if he was fishing for a compliment.

  “I’m not saying anything of the sort. I believe you’re good at what you do. Your capabilities are not the problem, mine are.”

  He frowned. “You shouldn’t doubt yourself.” He shook his head. “That’s never a good sign.”

  She shrugged, turning away to gaze out the window. She’d met him less than an hour ago, and he had discovered her biggest insecurity.

  He moved to the seat beside her. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  She chewed on her bottom lip. “You didn’t. I guess my nerves are getting to me. I mean, this is crunch time for me, now or never, that sort of thing. I applied for the writing scholarship on a whim, wanting to get professional feedback. I never expected to win it. I was floored when I received the news.”

  Reece waited for her to continue.

  She took a deep breath, turning on the seat and facing him completely. “I mean, writers always think their stories are good and deserving of publication, but sometimes the story isn’t worth the wasted ink and paper. What I’m afraid of is the finished product isn’t going to be the page turner that I want it to be, and the publishers will feel I’ve wasted their time. I sometimes feel as if I should go back home, don an apron, and work in my dad’s hardware store for the rest of my life.”

  He smiled. “I know we’re barely acquainted, but I can’t picture you selling hammers and power drills.”

  She snickered, rolling her eyes. “Neither can I, but that’s what’s going to happen if I don’t make a success of this. Then my family will be there, shaking their heads and mumbling about how I should’ve pulled my head from the clouds a long time ago and done something constructive and important with my life. ‘Writing is a nice hobby, Nicole, but it won’t pay the bills.’” She was picturing her father as she said it.

  Reece chuckled at her mock voice. “Writing books is important.”

  She shook her head. “Not the kind I write.”

  He snorted. “Who says?”

  “My father believes reading a romance novel will only make a woman discontent with her life. No real man can ever live up to those expectations.”

  “You obviously don’t agree with that assessment.”

  “Of course I don’t. Romance novels are an escape to a fantasy world. The reader knows this. They don’t want the man on the page. They want the momentary escape from reality.”

  “It sounds like your dad is the one with the insecurities.”

  She shrugged. “I think he means well. He just doesn’t want me or my siblings to have to struggle or work as hard a
s he had to.”

  “There’s a ‘but’ coming, isn’t there?”

  “His well-meant advice normally comes across to me as criticism—harsh criticism.”

  “And?”

  She studied the computer screen. “I don’t handle it well. I mean, if my editor rejects my work, it’s coming from a professional in the field, so I take my medicine like a big girl and fix what needs fixing. But when it comes from family, I get angry. An argument will ensue, and I walk away, feeling worthless.”

  He leaned his head against the seat. “That’s too bad, but I know how you feel. When a critic dismisses my performance, I take the opinion with a grain of salt, accepting it as a learning experience. But when a fan does it, it’s annoying. Sometimes, I feel like yelling at them to do it themselves if they think it’s so easy.”

  He really understands. She smiled.

  He noticed it. “What’s put that smile on your face?”

  “I was considering a random thought.” She slid the laptop toward him. “Here, I trust you.”

  His eyes widened. “Are you certain?”

  She smirked. “As long as you sign the standard privacy clause, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

  “And what are you going to do while I’m reading your masterpiece?”

  She raised her arms above her head, stretching her back. “I think I’m going to close my eyes and try to make this headache go away.

  His shoulders slumped. “I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am about that.”

  She laughed. “Stop apologizing; it was an accident.” She hit the button on the edge of the armrest, and the seat reclined.

  “Do you want me to order you a pillow?”

  “No, I’m good.”

  “If you’re certain . . .”

  “I’m sure.” She closed her eyes, listening as he situated himself in the seat beside her.

  ~ ~ ~

  Reece fiddled with the computer, scrolling the pages backward to one. Soon enough, he was caught up in the story. Good God! It was quite good. Not spectacular, but exceptionally good. From the first paragraph, he was hooked. Anyone who told her she couldn’t write was an idiot.

  He glanced over. She was sound asleep; the blanket he had Sara bring her was draped across her shoulders. She hadn’t stirred when he placed it around her. He grimaced. Her face looked awful—the skin around her eye swollen and black. She probably wouldn’t be able to see out of it when she woke.

  It was a shame. She had such a pretty face. And her hair . . . it had to be her natural color. It was like the red of the sun at sunset, blazing in its final flames. And her eyes were the prettiest brown—very light, almost yellow or gold, like wine or fine champagne. What a striking combination.

  “How long have I been out?” Nicole shifted in the seat, moaning, as the blanket fell to her lap.

  He closed out of the program, closing the lid on her computer. He turned to her. “You’ve been asleep for a few hours. How do you feel?”

  “My headache is gone, but my eye is swollen shut.” Her stomach rumbled.

  He grinned. “Hungry, are you?”

  She looked sheepish. “I’m starving.”

  “Let’s see what Sara can do for us.” His gaze slanted over his shoulder, beckoning to the flight attendant.

  Sara came up the aisle. “Is there something I can get for you? You must be hungry.”

  “How did you know?”

  She laughed. “A wild guess,” she replied as she walked away.

  Reece turned back to Nicole. “Sara’s nice, isn’t she?”

  “Yes, she is. I had no idea she brought me a blanket. That was very sweet of her.”

  He traced his finger over the letters on the laptop lid. “It’s her job to be virtually invisible.” He frowned. “I wish I could be.”

  “You want to be invisible?” Why would he want that?

  “Yeah, I’m not looking forward to when we land,” he said, still frowning.

  “I don’t understand.”

  He glanced up. “The reason you’re sporting such a disfiguring blemish is because the paparazzi were waiting for me when I arrived. As much as I tried to avoid them, they followed me through the airport. Luckily, they can’t pass the security checkpoint, but by then, the damage was done. The public picked up where the photographers left off.”

  “Ah, the paparazzi,” she said in realization. “They’re as thick as fleas and just as troublesome.”

  “Exactly. They’re the reason I sometimes wake up and don’t want to be an actor anymore. I know it’s their job, but do they have to steal every private moment I have away from me? The world doesn’t own me, you know?”

  Sara reappeared with their food trays, departing as quickly as she came. “Call me if you need anything at all.”

  Nicole fiddled with her food tray, laying her napkin across her lap. “Yeah, I can understand that. I’ll never be a household face like you, but if my books do become published and I build a fan base, I’ll be recognized as well. I think that’s the part of all this I’m not looking forward to.”

  “Being recognized?”

  “Yeah. Writers tend to be introverts. They feel awkward in public situations, or at least I do.” She took a bite of her ham sandwich. “How did the press know to expect you at the airport?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you said they were waiting for you. How did they know you were catching a flight?”

  Reece grimaced. “I think my brother had something to do with it. He’s my manager and likes to control every aspect of my life. When I don’t conform to his wishes, he gets his revenge one way or another.”

  “Nice guy,” she mumbled under her breath.

  He snorted. “You have no idea.”

  Nicole wiped her hands on her napkin. “So, the press knew you were coming and will probably be at Heathrow when we land, and you want to avoid them.”

  “You’ve caught the gist of it—yes.”

  “Have you ever considered hiding in plain sight?”

  Reece shook his head. “I’ll be recognized.”

  “Not if you’re disguised. I mean, you’re an actor. This should be a piece of cake for you.”

  He leaned back against the seat. “What are you driving at?”

  Her mouth twisted in thought. “Okay, we’re on a plane with ordinary people, right? There are tourists, native Brits, and business people on this flight. You can blend in with them and hide right under the paparazzi’s noses.”

  “I’ll still be recognized.”

  Nicole rolled her eyes. “If you want to be inconspicuous, you’ll listen to what I’m telling you. I’m a writer; I can write my way around a difficult situation.” She called for Sara, and she immediately sprinted up the aisle.

  “Yes, Miss Delancey?”

  Nicole grinned. Sara may have been addressing her, but she couldn’t keep her eyes off Reece. “I was wondering about the captain, Sara. What does he look like?”

  The attendant frowned. “Well, he . . .”

  “Is he tall?”

  “Yes.”

  “How tall is he? Is he as tall as Mr. Collins?”

  “Maybe a little taller,” she admitted reluctantly, shooting Reece a commiserating glance. “Sorry, Mr. Collins.”

  Reece shrugged. “No worries, Sara.” He was watching Nicole and wondering what she was up to.

  Nicole cleared her throat to regain Sara’s attention. “And what of his build? Is he built like Mr. Collins?”

  She shook her head. “No, he’s not as fit as Mr. Collins.” She patted her stomach. “He’s got a bit of a paunch.” Nicole and Reece both laughed at that one.

  “Would you consider asking the captain for a favor?” Nicole asked,
filling in the details for the flight attendant and watching as both Sara’s and Reece’s faces cleared of any confusion.

  Sara hurried away toward the cockpit and returned quickly, flipping them two thumbs up. The captain was willing to help them.

  Nicole thought this was one of her more brilliant plans. It should work flawlessly. If it didn’t, Reece could always claim it was a publicity stunt.

  The pilot’s voice came over the intercom, announcing their descent.

  Reece excused himself to dress his part. When he returned, he sat down beside her, helping her store away her belongings. It was all she could do not to drool. He looked so hot in uniform.

  “By the way,” he said, grabbing her hand to get her attention, “you are a wonderful writer. Don’t let anyone tell you different.”

  Her smile lit up her face. “You liked my story?” Why did it please her to hear that?

  “I loved it.” He pulled her close, kissing her quick and squeezing her fingers before letting go.

  Nicole was stunned, touching her mouth in a daze. “Thank you.” She breathed, catching a whiff of his cologne.

  He grinned. “What are you thanking me for—the compliment or the kiss?”

  “I guess both. I’ve never been kissed by a real movie star before.”

  His grin widened. “You’re welcome.”

  The plane had landed. The other passengers were standing in the aisles, beginning to depart. Nicole picked up her laptop case, hobbling down the aisle toward the exit, while Reece stayed in his seat, watching her.

  “Hey, Nicole,” he called before she disappeared into the next compartment. She spun toward him. “I’m not sorry anymore.”

  She smiled. “I’m not either. Feel free to fall all over me any time you want.” She cringed in embarrassment. “Did I say that out loud?”

  He chuckled. “Yes, you did.”

  She shook her head, waving goodbye. “It was very nice to meet you, Reece Collins.” Then she was gone.