And then he did it. With a cocky smirk on his lips, he raised his right hand and rubbed his fingers down his nose. His fingers then completed the

motion by rubbing and scratching his chin.

Just then I broke out into my own private hysterics.

It was still early in the morning when Ryan called. He had just finished the interview and had some spare time before having to head to another

studio to have his picture taken repeatedly.

“What are you doing now?” I asked while lounging in bed.

“Being photographed and filmed while walking down the sidewalk,” he groaned. “It is exciting news, you know, that I can walk in a straight line.

Damn…” he breathed out.

“What?” I froze.

“Ahh, I just dropped the papers I had in my hand. Great, they’re taking pictures of me picking crap up off the sidewalk. Yeah, hi, thanks, just one

day.”

I could hear the crowd around him asking questions and he was giving them quick answers. People were asking for his autograph over and

over again and to take their picture with him.

“You’ve been here since two a.m.? You’re crazy!” I heard him say to a female fan. “Tar – hang on a second.”

“Ryan, Ryan can I get a picture with you too?” “Ryan over here.” It sounded like he was getting mobbed.

I heard what sounded like his security team instructing the crowd to back up and give Mr. Christensen some space. “No, you already got one

from him,” I heard a man’s voice say.

“Why do you want me to sign this? It will ruin it!” Ryan asked some fan. I heard some girl’s voice begging him.

“Okay, you already got two autographs,” the unknown male voice instructed again.

Eventually I heard a car door slam and he breathed out a sigh of relief.

“Marla, would you please hand me that soda. Thanks. All right, now I can talk again. Sorry. This is unbelievable,” he muttered. “Are you still

there?”

“Yeah, I’m still here.”

“I can’t believe that girl wanted me to sign her violin! I should have said no.”

I heard a woman’s voice in the background talking to Ryan.

“Hey, it’s not my problem if that’s not her violin. And if it’s damaged now, that’s not my fault. Can I refuse to sign stuff if it’s not a picture or a

book or something?”

I couldn’t make out what the woman said to Ryan.

“Can you imagine what David would say to me if he got a bill for a violin? Your client ruined my Stradivarius!”

I scrambled for something to say. “Hey, did you ever get a birthday gift for your mom?” I asked, remembering the circumstances that led to the

day we first met.

“No. Shit… thanks for reminding me. I completely forgot.”

“Well while you’re in New York, I’m sure you can find something nice there. Either that or you can find something here.”

“It doesn’t matter. What should I get her?”

“Anything a man would hate to have to pick out on his own?” I joked with him. “I don’t know… jewelry, perfume, a new purse? What do you think

she’d appreciate?”

“Jewelry,” he replied. “I’ve never gotten my mom perfume. I’m allergic to most of them. Let me take care of this now while I’m thinking of it. I have

a dinner meeting at seven. I’ll call you after that.”

“Okay. Have fun.” I was sad to hang up with him.

Later that evening, Marie flipped through the channels on the TV until she found the evening entertainment news. My attention was captured

when, in the first minute of the show, they ran over the highlights of what was to come in tonight’s episode and Ryan’s picture was flashed on the

screen.

I turned up the volume when his story was featured.

“Tonight’s exclusive: Ryan takes on New York. The hot, young star was spotted today as he was leaving the Good Morning New York show

in Manhattan. The busy actor was caught multi-tasking, talking on his cell phone while signing autographs for fans. When asked how long he’d

be in Manhattan, the sexy star replied ‘just one day.’ Ryan is in town to promote his latest film, Reparation, due to be released in April.

“Later today he was spotted entering The Diamond Exchange on trendy Park Avenue where he reportedly purchased several gifts. Look out,

ladies! There’s no denying his on-screen chemistry and reported hook-ups with his leading ladies. Rumors have been circulating that he’s

romantically involved with Suzanne Strass who is starring again with Ryan on the second installment in the Seaside franchise. Insiders have

reported that the two have been quite friendly between takes. Perhaps things are getting steamy between them off-camera? We will keep you

posted as this story develops.”

There he was - captured in moving pictures on my television. I noticed a tall, thin woman with short black hair hovering around Ryan while he

signed autographs and then I saw him sign the violin. I presumed the woman was Marla. She got into the sedan with Ryan.

While the world wanted any tidbit of news on his life, he was recorded while on the phone that very moment talking to me. A big grin flashed

across my lips. Oh how I loved my little secret.

“What are you smiling about?” Marie asked, breaking me from my private reverie.

“He was on the phone with me when that was filmed.” I smiled, nodding to the television.

It was appalling how the gossip and news shows embellished flat-out lies about him and his co-stars. No wonder he had to be so careful. Any

slip was fodder for the media, which was spread like wildfire and believed by millions.

I had my reasons for being hesitant, but now I had another reminder why he had to be hesitant too. He was a constant moving target.

Chapter 14 - Date

“So what are you up to?” Ryan asked when he called me on his lunch break on Friday.

“I’m… shopping.” My tone was definitely mischievous.

He laughed lightly. “You sound like you’re up to no good.”

“Maybe. I’m hoping I have a date this weekend and I wanted to get something nice to wear. Hey, you’re a guy. Let me ask you… do guys like

really short dresses or will a new pair of jeans work?”

“That depends. Where is your date taking you?” he snickered in my ear.

“Nowhere. He’s kind of shy and very private. I’m happy to just stay home and keep him warm and safe. Maybe spoil him a little? I could

probably get away with a little tank top and stilettos but I’d really like to impress him. Do you have any suggestions?” I was thoroughly enjoying

toying with him.

“How about a very small towel? I know most guys like when women wear towels. Something about the convenience of it that’s appealing – you

always have a place to dry your hands.”

“Towels? Hmm.” He definitely caught me off-guard with that one, but I was glad he was playing along.

“Oh look – Victoria’s Secret is having a towel sale today! Imagine that! So in your expert opinion, what color towels do men prefer?”

“Color isn’t important. The less snaps and fasteners the better. Towels should not be complicated,” he said casually.

“You have a good point. This man I’m hoping to see lives a very hectic life. I’d hate to add to his stress level with additional complications.

Maybe I’ll just buy this snap-less black towel here. Top it off with some thigh-high nylons, thong perhaps, although panties are optional… and heels.

How does that sound?”

“So what night is this date? I don’t want to call you at an inconvenient time.” I heard him laugh under his breath.

“I’m not sure,” I replied. “He’s a very busy man. But I’m going to get a variety of towels just in case he’s dirty and needs to be washed. I’m

thinking that might help reduce his stress level.”

“You realize I’m due back on set in like twenty minutes? Do you have any idea of the damage you have caused?” he growled at me. “I have half