The House of Love and Dreams (Secrets and Love) by Lauren Westwood

Author:Lauren Westwood [Westwood, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Published: 2025-01-29T00:00:00+00:00

Shit, shit, shit. I grab the black dress and run out of the room. Down the stairs, through the main hall, not caring who sees me or thinks I’ve shagged the leading man, assaulted the director, or just plain looped the loop. I ditch the black dress in the closet by the door and go outside – I’m dying for some fresh air. This is my house, and it was my bed, and…

God, that man. Instead of smacking him, I wish I’d clawed those eyes out of his head. Cool and green, seeing everything, judging everything. Who the hell is he to judge me?

I avoid the gardens where Phillipa and Theo might be lurking and make a beeline for the front gate. I lean against the wall gasping for breath (a bad idea since the toilet block has been parked right outside). Across the drive I see Connie directing Danny the security guard, who’s backing his SUV up to the caravan’s hitch.

Connie frowns as I draw near. ‘Take a breath, Lizzie – whatever it is can’t be that bad.’

I bat my hand in irritation. ‘These film people are getting on my nerves.’

‘I won’t say I told you so.’ She shakes her head. ‘A little to the left, Danny,’ she calls out.

‘What’s going on?’ I ask her.

‘John J says the caravan’s in the way. They need to get a lorry through later on with the cameras and electrics.’

I cross my arms. ‘You’re not to move an inch – do you hear? This is your home for as long as you and Simon want to be here.’

‘Really, Lizzie, I’m not a shrinking violet. If I minded, I would have said.’

‘Well I mind. I’ve bloody well had enough. They have no right to act like they own the place.’

‘You’re the one who signed the contract – I’m sure you know what they can and can’t do. I was trying to be accommodating. But in truth, I’d rather not move. I like to be here where it’s all happening.’

‘Then don’t.’

‘Stand down, Danny,’ she commands.

John J, the short one who’s in charge of logistics, comes round the back of the garage. ‘Everything OK?’ He looks at Connie.

‘She’s not moving.’ I cross my arms stubbornly.

‘But John C said⁠—’

‘Read. My. Lips,’ I say. ‘She’s not going anywhere.’

‘But look⁠—’

‘John, what’s going on? Is there a problem?’

A trickle of sweat beads down my neck at that voice – again! If I wasn’t sure that the ill feelings were mutual, I’d almost say the jerk was following me.

‘No, it’s not OK!’ I say, loud and undignified, turning to face Luke Thornton. ‘Your people want Connie to move her caravan, and she’s not doing it. So tell them to find another way to get your lorry through, or else⁠—’

‘Or else what? Stick it somewhere unpleasant? Along with the film?’ For the first time since I’ve known Luke, he laughs. I stare at him, startled. Connie looks at him, then at me. ‘Of course you don’t have to move your caravan, Connie,’ Luke says to her.

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