Away From the Spotlight Read Online Free Page A

her , were sitting on the couch.  They were engrossed in a movie.  They all waved in greeting as we walked in, without looking at us, keeping their focused attention on the movie.   I’m not sure th ey realized I was even there.
    Will whispered to me, “Since they don’t appear to be in the mood to talk right now, why don’t I give you the tour?”
    He took m y hand and le d m e out to the patio , turning on the lights on the way .  Outside , there w as a beautiful black-bottomed pool and a view of what was probably the ocean in the distance, although it could not be seen at night.   A large table , chairs and patio umbrella sat on a redwood deck to the left above the pool that was just beyond the patio .  There was also a fire pit with outdoor sofas surrounding it on the opposite s ide of the yard from the deck.
    “The backyard is what sold us on the house. ”
    “It’s beautiful.  I imagine it ’ s gorgeous during the day when you can see the ocean.”  I shivered as it was a little foggy and damp out side .  Will rubbed my shoulders and upper arms over my jacket and led me back inside.
    Will continued the tour through the back of the house.  There were four bedrooms, one of which was empty.  Through the crack in the doors, I could see into Colin and Stephen’s rooms on either side of a bathroom, but not really past what appeared to b e clothes strewn on the floor.
    At the end of the hall was Will’s room.  He apparently got the m aster b edroom.  Will had a king-size d bed , covered in navy blue bed linens, against the far wall with no headboard , b ut he did have tables on either side.  There was a c lock and i P hone dock on one table , and a pile of books and papers as well as a closed laptop computer on the other.  Across from the bed was another large TV on the wall over a dresser with a DVR and home theater speakers on it.  Beyond the bed, there were windows along the wall to the right of the bed.  To the left of the door was the bathroom with a stall shower and spa tub as well as a dressing area with a walk-in closet.  It was all surprisingly neat.
    “Do you want anything to eat or drink?” Will asked .
    “No, I’m fine.   Thank you. ”   I was nervous.
    “How about a movie?” he suggested.
    “Sure.  I don’t get to watch much in the way of TV or movies.”
    He smirked and stifled a laugh as he said, “I definitely got that impression.”
    He piled up the pillows on his bed and we l eaned back together on the pillows.  He had his arm around me as we watched an action movie on cable.  As I was sitting on his bed with him, the entire left side of my body that was flush against his was on fire.   I t took all my focus to pay attention to the movie to keep myself from touching him or running my fingers through his voluminous brown hair.
    When the movie was over, we returned to the living room, but Will’s roommates weren’t there anymore.  Will asked me if I would like a glass of wine , a beer, or some cider.  I didn’t want to leave.
    “Whatever is easier,” I replied.
    Will handed me a glass of cider and held a bottle of beer for himself .  We sat on the sofa together, facing each other , but not touching, and talked for a while.   I felt a little more comfortable out in the living room as opposed to Will’s bedroom and was able to relax a little.
    “How do you like it here in L.A.?” I asked, trying to start conversation again.
    “I like it.  It was hard at first, difficult to get used to, but I’ve really grown to like it.  Although I miss my family and my mates back in England sometimes, I have a pretty close group of friends here and we have a good time.  There’s really only one thing missing.”
    “What’s that?” I asked, curious.
    I don’t think he had meant to say what he did and he looked a little embarrassed.
    “I’ m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
    “No, it’s okay.  I’ll make you a deal.  If I can see you again, I’ll tell you