Hollywood Ever After (2 page)

Two large hands caught me from behind.

“Thank you.” I blushed as I looked back at my rescuer.

“All right?” my savior asked with a clearly enunciated British accent.

Not now I wasn’t.

I knew without a doubt that I was staring. My heart was already pounding from my almost-accident, yet it picked up considerably. There had been air in my lungs, but it was gone now. The crowds, the photographers faded into the background.

He was tall and broad, but lean versus thickly muscled. His dirty-blond hair was tousled, falling every which way. He had a strong profile, with a square jaw and classic chiseled features. His eyes were hazel, golden and mesmerizing, as he regarded me. He was young and absolutely gorgeous and my heart was pounding like a bass drum.

I was mortified. Where was this reaction coming from? Why was I staring? And blushing? And speechless? He was a movie star, and years younger than me—as if that was relevant, for crying out loud.

“Yes, thanks. Sorry,” I finally spoke, stammering a bit as I stepped out of his hold.

“Josh!” Shannon gave him a one-armed hug.

Amy led me off the main thoroughfare, giving me time to gather my wits about me. The press was snapping furiously at Shannon and Josh. Amy smiled at me, explaining, “This is
his
movie: Josh Wiley. He’s headlining; a break-out role. The studio just loves him!”

I nodded. I could see why. If he was half as talented as he was handsome, the kid would have the world at his feet. My eyes traveled over the crowd. “They’re not alone.” Glossy pictures of him were waved frantically from amongst the crowd. A few held handmade signs praising his acting, his eyes, his voice—and other things that shouldn’t be on public display.

Shannon spoke with Josh quickly, then gave him a peck on the cheek. A tiny twinge of envy shot through me before we headed off again.

I was amazed; the line of reporters seemed endless. Amy led Shannon through them, kept her on time, and moved her along. After the first few interviews the questions lost some originality, and by then Shannon had her answers down pat. I let my eyes wander with a mix of horror and fascination at the clamor for attention taking place on both sides of the barricades. I knew I’d never be comfortable with this kind of attention.

“It’s a bit of a madhouse.” Josh Wiley’s voice startled me. He was leaning forward so I could hear him.

I nodded, determined to keep my eyes off him. “It can’t be good for your hearing.” I winced a bit as a loud chorus of “We love you, Josh!” came from the crowds.

He smiled at me—a really beautiful blinding smile that set the girls off with more gusto. I felt a little weak-kneed myself, so I turned my attention back to Shannon, hoping Amy would be there to lead me away…quickly. Amy was there, but she snagged Shannon and moved on, leaving me stranded without a backward glance.

“Keep me company?” He watched and waited. I was trying desperately not to stare back.

“Um…”
Please don’t look like an idiot.
“Sure.” That was sweet of him, rather gallant, actually.

“First premiere?” He was smiling at the flashing cameras. His eyes flickered over the crowd quickly. He waved slightly, eliciting more shrieks from the fans. His eyes were sparkling when he turned back to me.

“That’s a rhetorical question, right?” I sounded nervous. I wasn’t sure, but my attempt to not stare at him didn’t seem to be working the way I would’ve liked.

He moved closer, taking my arm to help steer me forward. The instant his hand closed on my arm, my skin tingled. I drew in a quick breath, aware my heart was racing. Our eyes met and he smiled another unbelievable smile. He leaned in closer, his mouth by my ear. “Your accent.”

“I have an accent?” I cocked an eyebrow, surprised. “Really?”

He laughed, his eyes crinkling in the most devastating manner. I was distracted by his mouth, which seemed very close. “Somewhere in the South?” He raised an eyebrow expectantly.

“I have a Texas accent?” I knew I sounded mortified. I
was
mortified.

“Not Texas necessarily,” he drawled, his attempt at a Texas twang totally surprising and comically horrid.

I laughed before I could catch myself, covering my mouth.

His smile changed. I don’t know if I’d offended him, but he was staring at me. Not rudely, just intently. It was as if he was really seeing me for the first time, and that maybe he was intrigued by what he saw.

A knot twisted in my stomach; an unsteady hitch echoed in my breath. My hand dropped from my mouth and I smiled apologetically. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” His expression grew thoughtful as his eyes burned into mine expectantly. The knot tightened; warmth spread through my stomach and into my chest. Heat flooded my cheeks. After feeling nothing but apprehension in the presence of men, my reaction to Josh caught me completely off guard. I wasn’t sure what to make of it, but decided not to analyze it. I doubted I’d ever see him again.

“Sorry.” Shannon was at my elbow. “Sorry, sorry. Josh, thank you. Claire, I’m sorry. I’m like a deer in headlights.”

My gaze dropped from his while I tried to breathe normally, though I felt his eyes still on my face. “I just need to keep up.” Did I sound as rattled as I felt? I didn’t look back as we walked away, but it took an effort.

***

The movie was decent, a big-budget piece with lots of CGI, invigorating music, over-the-top action, and a completely predictable plot. By the end of the first fifteen minutes, I was totally smitten with Josh Wiley. Besides a beautiful face, amazing physique, and expressive hazel eyes, he had
talent.

After the movie credits rolled, Shannon and I climbed back into the limo. She sighed and giggled a little, then stared at me with expectant eyes. “Now the real fun begins.” Shannon shook off her shoes and curled up on the seat. “Spill.”

“Spill?”

“Come on. Don’t even try to dodge. Spill. The movie, the script, the cast; I want to hear your thoughts.”

I smiled, but wrinkled my nose. “The movie was okay.” I hesitated until she nodded. “Well, it wasn’t exactly an original script. Decent music and action, though. It would have been pretty bad without Michael Aubrey and—”

“Josh,” she said. “He’ll bring the money in all on his own.” She leaned back into her seat.

I mentally considered the soon-to-be superstar Josh Wiley. “He’s in the next big movie you’re producing?”

“Yes, it’s that sci-fi novel I sent you. He’s Captain Barnaby. It’s been morphed into a very stylized, dark kind of film. No happy ending like the book. But the film will play up the sex and physicality a bit. Okay, a
lot
.” She chuckled. “I’ve fought long and hard to keep a little of the original fundamental human element included. A small victory.”

“That’s very mature of you.”

“Hell yes. Choosing battles is essential in this business.
Nothing
ends up the way it started,” she said. “Small victories aren’t so small, really.”

I started pulling off my sandals. My feet were beginning to protest their designer torture devices. “Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your new life. It’s been an amazing evening.”

“We’re going to the studio party, Claire. You might want to hold on to your shoes.”

I didn’t realize we’d come to a stop until the door opened. When I was helped from the car, we were on the coast. “Wow!” I said, meaning it.

“Yeah, I know.” Shannon shook her head.

The sky was endless. The stars were amazing. The hotel was reminiscent of an Italian villa, two stories of gray and earth-toned stones. Smooth flagstone steps curved around a grand water feature trickling peacefully into a soothing pool. Pink and yellow plumeria blossoms were scattered around the pool, filling the night with their heady sweetness. I walked with her, feeling the pinch of my new shoes a bit as we started up the stone steps into the hotel.

“Let’s party!” The excitement in Shannon’s voice made me smile.

It was already crowded, the overall mood euphoric and somewhat victorious. Shannon was familiar with a handful of people, but she slid into unknown groups and made friends easily. She introduced me frequently, but I stopped trying to remember names after a while. We floated through groups of actors, studio execs, critics, and some very enthusiastic extras vying for a chance to schmooze with the “important people”. We wandered until Shannon found some coworkers, and the conversation turned to work.

“Did we get the green light on our production dates for
End
?” Shannon asked Victor Ennis, the director for her movie.

“Yes, ma’am. We’ll be ready for the December release date.” He rubbed his hands together as he spoke. “I know there’s been some really good buzz already. Hollywood flash plus your insight…”

“Speaking of flash,” Shannon said, looking pointedly at the entrance. “It’s a little early for the young ones to make an appearance.”

I followed her gaze and instantly regretted it. Josh Wiley had arrived with a group of beautiful trendy people. I excused myself to get a martini and carefully avoided staring at his pretty face—the knot in my stomach returning. I couldn’t ignore how attractive he was. There was no denying it, even if I wanted to.

Avoiding Josh might prevent more humiliation for me tonight. After all, a young movie star wasn’t going to give me a second glance. Why should he? Why would I want him to? I didn’t. I didn’t want to be a blip on his radar, I didn’t. I told myself this over and over, making my way to the deck railing.

I sipped my drink and looked out the balcony to the beach below. A quiet walk on the white sand was very tempting.

“Thinking about ditching?” Victor asked, coming to stand beside me.

I shrugged a little guiltily. “I
am
a bit star-struck.”

He smiled. “Take off all the fancy clothes and makeup and it’s just a party.”

I cocked an eyebrow at him and shook my head. “Full of beautiful naked rich people.”

Victor laughed.

“I’ve never been a big party gal. So, yes, I
was
thinking about taking a walk on the beach…without these.” I raised one strappy-heel-encased foot.

“How do you walk in those things?”

“I don’t,” I said. “I teeter.”

“It’s true. I had to catch her once myself.” Josh appeared, smiling his gorgeous smile.

Yep, there go my wobbly knees.
I wrinkled my nose, frustrated. “Sorry, and thank you. I appreciate being saved from public humiliation.” I smiled awkwardly.
Get a grip, Claire.
I tried not to blush.

Josh gave me a slow smile, his eyes steadily watching me as he sipped his drink. He was intense, that was all there was to it. He was one of those very deliberate people, with eyes that seemed to peer into and search the soul. I looked away, disconcerted by the weight of his gaze—of how he made me exquisitely aware that I was a woman. Which was ridiculous…or was it?

I said the first coherent sentence that came to mind. “Shannon is pretty excited about the film you’re about to start work on.” I hoped Victor would run with that. My gaze bounced between the two of them as I attempted not to get lost in Josh’s sparkling hazel eyes.

Victor agreed. “I am too.”

Josh frowned. “Unfortunately, Hollywood rewrote what was once an excellent story.” He paused. “Have you read the book?”

His fervor surprised me. “Yes. You’re playing Barnaby?”

“I am.” He paused, as if considering his next words. “But the movie and the book depict two very different characters.”

“I was surprised it was being made.” I hesitated. “The book was an engrossing read, edgy and thought-provoking, but so bleak. Average people enduring a post-apocalyptic world—it’s hardly the stuff of the typical Hollywood blockbuster. I’m curious to see how it turns out.”

He was staring again. Why was he staring? I thought I heard Victor laugh softly.
Stop looking at him!

“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. Most of the overwhelming emotion—the rage, the sense of raw need, the authenticity, in fact—is gone.”

I couldn’t help watching Josh while he spoke. He had a fascinating face.

Stop.
I needed to put space here. I stared at my painted toes while I spoke. “Unfortunately, there seems to be a negative association with unbalanced or mental heroes.” I smiled slightly, peeking at them both as I added, “I prefer to think of being
mental
as character building.”

They laughed.

“I suppose. Mental
is
more interesting.” I felt the heat of Josh’s gaze on my face. If I let myself, I had no doubt I could stare into his hazel eyes for hours.

Where did that come from?
That was a pointless line of thought. What could he possibly see in me, an older woman who couldn’t walk in high heels or stop blushing… Maybe I needed another drink.

“Come on, Claire,” Shannon called from the next deck up. “I want you to meet someone.”

“Be right there.” Did I sound as disappointed as I felt?

“Looks like you lost your escape,” said Victor.

Josh cocked an adorable questioning eyebrow. “Escape?”

I bit my lip and determinedly focused my eyes on Victor.

“Claire wanted a barefoot walk along the moonlit beach,” Victor said.

Josh turned those hazel eyes on me. “Sounds nice.”

“When you say it like
that
.” I shook my head. “I will take these off, though.” I stooped down to untie the straps of my sandals, wiggling my toes and sighing as I removed them. “Excuse me, please.” I climbed the steps and made my way to Shannon, leaning against the rail of the upper deck.

Shannon smiled. “Claire, this is Michael Aubrey. Mike, this is Claire Collins.”

How many times had I watched Michael Aubrey’s
Undercover Agent
films? And now I was shaking his hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you,” I gushed. “You’re such an amazing actor. I guess that sounds very pat, huh?”

He was the quintessential tall, dark, and handsome. He was older, with thick dark hair, dark brown eyes, and just the right amount of lines on his face to announce his experience without indicating he was in any way, shape, or form out of the prime of his life.