Undying Laughter

“You sound like a textbook again,” she observed.

“But he’s right,” Dylan argued. “There’s not much any of us can do for you until this guy shows his hand. Until then, it’s probably a smart move for you to take precautionary measures.”

“Precautionary measures for what?”

The sound of David’s voice in her ear made her jump. So did the fact that she hadn’t even heard him approach.

“And what’s that?” her manager asked, pointing to the partially covered doll.

“A gift,” Destiny informed him as she forced a smile to her lips. “It seems my creepy fan has discovered my hideout.”

“Don’t joke, Destiny,” David warned as he rubbed his hand over the bristling growth of his beard. “How could this have happened?”

“Who knows?” Destiny answered vaguely.

“The villa is rented in the name of Tiffany Glass. How did he find you?”

“Wait a minute.” Wesley jumped in. “If the villa is rented under an alias—”

“Tiffany Glass is the name Gina used when she wanted to hide during her modeling days,” Destiny clarified. “Gina simply suggested we use that name in case the guy tried to send me flowers at home.”

“How long ago did you make the reservations?” Dylan asked.

“Not until the day before we arrived,” Destiny answered. “There was some...discussion about where we’d be staying.”

Dylan and Wesley exchanged confirmatory nods.

“What?” she asked.

“I think we’d better go back inside,” Dylan suggested as he held open the door.

The group flowed into the cool interior. Destiny felt frazzled and out of control. The feelings reminded her of all those years she’d tried to be all things to all people. Dylan made a phone call while she filled the ice bucket and set out a tray of ice tea and glasses.

Destiny took a seat on the sofa. Wesley, who’d been standing over by the patio doors, came over and took the seat next to her. She caught the scent of his cologne and felt the gravitational pull as his large body settled next to hers. The resulting imbalance made her list toward him.

“Where’s Annie Oakley?” Dylan asked.

“She’s taking care of an errand for me,” Destiny answered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.