Steve was constantly at the top of the most eligible bachelor list, and he was always seen escorting a beautiful movie star or model to major functions. He owned several houses across the United States, both coasts and Florida, but the old ranch he purchased in West Texas was truly his paradise.

The ranch was huge, with about 300 acres of land that had once been used to farm and raise cattle. There was a large house and barn, and Steve had spent some serious money renovating the inside of the house. The outside remained the rustic, worn old ranch house, whereas the inside was full of every modern convenience known to man.

He had a large satellite dish that was hidden behind the band, and he had his own personal T-1 installed for telephone and Internet access. The rooms inside the house were lavishly decorated as well, with a gigantic entertainment room with a large screen television and complete home theater sound system. There was a bar against the far wall, and it was a perfect retreat.

Nestled in such a remote area afforded him the privacy that lacked from his everyday life. Anytime he needed a break, he would rush off to Texas and bury himself in the seclusion of the ranch. He also used the ranch as his writing headquarters, as the peace and tranquility of the location provided the perfect setting for his work.

Steve had set up a writing room that also served as a library, the walls stuffed with books and his own work. The other side of the room served as his computer area, a ridiculously fast machine with a huge monitor that was connected to a high-speed Internet server. There was also a desk set-up with a scanner, a shelf of CD's, and every other accessory that he could have for a computer.

He had invested heavily in this house, and it was all spent well. The kitchen was actually nicer than some restaurants, and his gigantic bedroom was unparallel. With a large king-sized bed on a raised platform, the room was full with windows and a large skylight. The master bath had a very large walk-in shower, and submerged full-sized bathtub that also served as a whirlpool. The house truly was a king's getaway.

Steve did spend a lot of time at the house as well, utilizing and enjoying all of the amenities that he had added. He did entertain at the house as well, using the large dining room for parties and get together's with close friends and all. It also was a very romantic getaway, and he used the house for many torrid, romantic retreats with various women he had the pleasure of meeting.

Although the ranch was large, he did have some neighboring houses, and he was friendly with his neighbors. Although he was not all that accessible most times, he was friendly with the others around him, and they were thrilled to have a celebrity in their midst. He also let kids play in his large yard, and he would always chuckle at the latest tree fort that was built in one of the many trees on his property.

Every now and again he would see some of the kids racing across his yard, and when he was around he would offer them snacks and refreshments. It was a lifestyle in complete contrast to his busy, hectic life in the real world, and he relished this escape from reality.

The third movie based on his novels hit the theaters in May, just in time for the summer season, and the fanfare and media blitz was overwhelming. It was a highly anticipated movie, with a large budget and big name actors playing the roles in the film. As he went through the motions of all the tings associated with the movie premiere, he found himself thinking of his retreat in Texas, and he really could not wait to get away.

He arrived at the beginning of June, and the warm weather was a like a warm blanket that he wrapped himself with in bed. He stood out on the front porch, breathing in the fresh air when he heard the refreshing sound of kids playing in the woods on his property. He sat back on the porch, rocking himself slightly in a rocking chair as he listened to the sounds of nature, immersing himself in the tranquility of his little piece of heaven.

A small "hello" brought him back to reality, and he looked up to see a young girl standing in front of him.

"You're Mr. Daniels, aren't you?" she asked him shyly, her large blue eyes open and staring at him with complete innocence.....(cont)