Chapter 4

Claire's heart raced as she led Evelyn to the back of the stables, following the path to the cozy one-bedroom bungalow she'd called home for years now, the stone exterior blending right in with the landscape. She couldn't believe that the woman she'd just collided with was Evelyn Coleman.

In the six days since Trish had told her about the famous American actress who'd booked the house until October, her mind had bounced from one name to another, wondering who it could be. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined that it would be the woman she'd had a crush on for easily the last ten years.

Now, here she was, just inches away. Close enough to touch. Close enough to smell the intoxicating blend of her perfume mixing with the fresh scent of rain that clung to her long damp hair.

"I checked the forecast before I left," Evelyn said, breaking the silence that had fallen over them as they walked. "It said nothing about rain. Just clouds."

Claire smiled. "I wouldn't pay much heed to whatever app told you that. Any day, you could have just about any kind of weather. Seriously," she added, meeting Evelyn's gaze, her eyebrow arched in disbelief. "It changes quickly. So, just be prepared if you're going for another long walk around the estate."

Claire couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this nervous, and as she unlocked her front door and pushed it open, she willed herself to get it together and act like a professional.

She held the door open for Evelyn Coleman. "Give me a second to grab you some clothes," Claire said, leaving the actress standing in the middle of her living area.

Claire took a deep breath as she walked down the short hall to her bedroom, pulling open the wardrobe door and finding something she'd wear on a run, knowing that her jeans or everyday shirts would probably be too small for her. She slid a black Nike tank top off the hanger and found a pair of matching track pants.

Claire found Evelyn standing with her hands on her hips, her eyes surveying the small space. As Claire handed her the fresh clothes, their fingers brushed briefly, and it sent a jolt of heat through Claire, a tingling sensation creeping up her arms as she held her gaze

"Thanks," Evelyn said, her caramel brown eyes flecked with gold.

"The bathroom is just through there," she managed to say.

When Evelyn disappeared behind the door, Claire leaned against the wall, her legs suddenly weak. She closed her eyes, trying to regain her composure, but all she could see was the way Evelyn's wet clothing had clung to her curves, the droplets of water that had glistened on her skin, the intensity of her gaze when their eyes had met.

Claire wiped a hand across her face as she made herself stand up properly, knowing Evelyn would emerge from her bathroom any moment.

When she did, Claire couldn't help but notice that she seemed a bit tense. There was something guarded about her expression, although Claire was having trouble noticing anything other than Evelyn Coleman wearing her clothes.

"Thanks for the clothes," Evelyn said, holding her wet ones in her hand. She looked past Claire. "It's still dry, so I better get back while I can."

"Sure." Claire swallowed hard, still not quite believing that Evelyn Coleman was standing in her living room. She moved to the door and opened it.

As Evelyn stepped closer, she paused in the doorway, turning back to face her. "Listen, I need to know that you're not going to tell anyone that I'm here." She drew in a sharp breath. "I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here, and the main reason I'm here is to escape for a while. All it takes is one word on social media or to a friend, and that's over. I'll have paparazzi at the gate of this estate, clamoring for a glimpse of me."

Claire held back her own opinion, that this wasn't Los Angeles, and instead simply nodded. "You have my word. Other than Trish and myself, no one will know that you're here."

Evelyn searched Claire's eyes for a moment before giving her a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Claire. I appreciate it." And then she was gone.

Claire couldn't stop herself from watching her, her damp hair thrown over one shoulder, her boots crunching along the gravel until she was out of sight.

She took a deep breath before stepping outside and locking the door behind her, knowing that she needed to get back to the stables and that her work would distract her.

All she could think about on the short walk back was that Evelyn Coleman was even more stunning in her person, and that there was something magnetic about her, even when she was on edge.

Claire spent the rest of her day in a daze, already wondering when she'd catch another glimpse of Evelyn Coleman.