Hollywood Ever After Read online

  “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.

  “It’s still nice to hear,” Michael replied, his tone easygoing. “Shannon says you’re a movie expert and groupie, so I’ll take it as a compliment.”

  Shannon burst out laughing. “I didn’t say groupie!”

  “Whatever word you used, Shannon, I’m sure you meant it in the best possible sense.” He was very smooth.

  “I simply said Claire is a movie-holic.” She was still a little breathless.

  I nodded. “Guilty.”

  “Ever stalked anyone?” He looked serious.

  “Um, no.” I quirked an eyebrow. “Does that lessen my rank as a devotee?”

  “Michael…” Shannon tried to stifle another round of laughter.

  “I just didn’t know if I should be worried.” He smiled broadly at Shannon.

  “I think I terrified him the first time we met,” she explained. “I was a little…”

  “Hyperventilating? Red-faced? Speechless?” He was laughing now. “Once I knew you weren’t going to pass out or abduct me, I found it all very charming, Shannon. You, Claire, seem much less overwhelmed.”

  Shannon shook her head. “She has loads of self-control and she’s very good at hiding her emotions.”

  I doubted Shannon’s assessment. A shock of windblown hair on the deck below caught my attention. Josh was watching me. I hesitated a minute before I let my gaze meet his. I wasn’t sure what I expected to find, but the heat was unmistakable. I felt strangely aware of myself—and a little empowered.

  “There’s nothing wrong with having self-control,” I heard Michael add, teasing Shannon.

  Apparently, I had none this evening. Josh’s gaze upon me was dizzying, almost as if he was touching me. His gaze traveled over my arm, my shoulder, my neck. My breathing accelerated. I looked away, my skin tingling and warm. It had been a long time since real longing had filled me. But I recognized it now.

  My phone vibrated in my clutch, snapping me out of my wayward thoughts. It was Natalie. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”

  I took a steadying breath and walked from the railing. It took a minute to find a small path detouring off the deck. “Hold on, Nat,” I said into the phone as I wandered along and finally settled onto a stone bench at the path’s end, hidden beside a small gazebo wrapped in fragrant honeysuckle vines.

  I smiled. “Hey, baby girl.”

  “Are you at a party, Mom? Wow, it’s loud. Tell me everything.”

  “Yes, I’m at a party.” I looked up, staring out across the wide night sky. “I went to a premiere with Shannon.”

  “See anyone cool?” She sounded excited.

  I thought of hazel-and-gold eyes stirring feelings I was not going to share with my adolescent daughter. Instead, I said, “I did see a few actors. You’ll probably be able to find it online tomorrow. You and Will okay? Not missing me too much?”

  Natalie laughed. “Um, it’s been less than twenty-four hours, Mom. But yes, Will told Grams he missed you. And I do too. But I want to hear about California and Hollywood and everything. What do you see right now?”

  “I’m kind of hiding in the garden while we talk, so just flowers and stuff. Like you said, it’s really loud. We’re at this fancy hotel, a movie premiere after-party thing on the beach.”

  “Is anyone there that I might know? I mean, other than you and Shannon?”

  “There are so many people here, sweetie. I don’t think so.” I looked up. Someone was coming down the path.

  It was Josh, walking toward me with a slight smile on his lips. He had his phone to his ear, listening.

  “What are you wearing?” Natalie asked.

  He stopped, looking down at me, his smile slow and lazy. “Mind if I sit?” he whispered, his hand covering his phone.

  I moved over, instantly aware of his proximity.

  “That’s fine, thanks,” he said into the phone as he sat. “I look forward to it.” He hung up and turned to look at me.

  “Mom?” Natalie tried again. I had no doubt he heard her. He was sitting so close. “What are you wearing, Mom?”

  “What am I wearing?” I asked, flustered. I looked down at my dress and shrugged. “I’m barefoot…”

  He laughed, then instantly snapped his mouth shut to muffle the sound.

  “And?” Nat wasn’t giving up.

  I tore my eyes from him then murmured, “A red dress. I think Shannon sent you a picture…”

  “Hold on.” Her voice increased in volume, making me hold the phone a little away from my ear. “How do you look?”

  “Well…” I swallowed.

  “Lovely,” he said softly.

  I was absolutely frozen. My heart stopped as he gently pushed a strand of hair from my shoulder, his touch a whisper on my skin. His hazel eyes were wide, regarding me intently. I was blushing, I could tell.

  “Hold on.” There was more movement, then a sudden squeal. “Mom, you look gorgeous! I’m sending this picture to, like, everyone. Wow, Mom! Call me tomorrow?”

  “I will. I promise.”

  Her words flew out in a rush. “Can’t wait to hear all the details. Gotta download this one! Love you.”

  “Love you too, sweetie,” I replied. “And kiss Will for me please.”

  “I will, Mom. Night.” The phone went dead.

  His eyes held mine and I let myself look. If I sat like this, would he lean in to kiss me?

  Me? What the hell is going on?

  I snapped my phone shut and turned away from him. My heart slammed against my ribs. I ran a shaky hand over one shoulder and pushed my hair from my face.

  How long had it been since I was alone with a man, without anxiety…without fear? And I wasn’t afraid of him, for some inexplicable reason. Well, I was a little. Not of him, but of the feelings he was stirring. Why? Why did this man, this young man, affect me differently?

  “You do. Look gorgeous, I mean. Don’t you know that?” he asked softly, curiously.

  I stood, breaking the hold he had on me. His presence in this intimate space was making it hard to breathe. This wasn’t making any sense to me. I took a deep breath and glanced at him. “You’re very sweet…and young…and an actor.”

  “Oh?” His smile grew. “Which bothers you more, the acting or the age? I’m assuming sweet isn’t a bad thing.”

  I shrugged, waving my hands awkwardly, totally at a loss. My phone slipped from my hand. He reached for it at the same time I did, catching it before it hit the ground. His hand was warm as it closed over mine. I couldn’t help it; I felt butterflies.

  “Claire?” Shannon called down the path. I looked in the direction of her voice and felt his hand fall from mine. By the time she stood before us seconds later, Josh was leaning against a pillar, completely at ease, studying the phone in his hand.

  My heart was thudding rapidly in my ears. Was I really the only one that could hear it?

  “I’m glad you find my acting sweet.” He spoke to both Shannon and me, ending any speculation about our conversation.

  “Is that what you said? Sweet?” Shannon made a dismissive sound. “Don’t let her fool you. She was just as hot and bothered as every other red-blooded gal in the audience.”

  His eyebrows rose as he regarded me, and I felt my face burn. He smiled.

  “Come on, let’s get some food. You’ve got to be starving. I know I am.” Shannon grabbed my hand and led the way down the path. Josh followed.

  He steadied me as I stepped onto the deck, his hand a light caress on the bare skin of my back. At my shiver, our eyes met and held. His thumb drew a lazy circle on the base of my spine before his hand was gone and we were walking, side by side. I tried to calm the telltale heat prickling my
cheeks.

  “I have another surprise for you, Claire.” Shannon spoke over her shoulder, winking at me. “A room here at the hotel for tonight. You’ll have total peace and quiet and spa treatments tomorrow. I’ll come and get you before dinner. I figured you could use some R and R.” Shannon winked at me. “Happy birthday.”

  Sounds pretty idyllic.

  “When is your birthday?” Josh walked close beside me, his voice so soft that I leaned closer to hear him. His fingers caught mine briefly as our hands brushed, leaving my fingers tingling.

  I missed a step and faltered. He caught my elbow and steadied me. “Tomorrow,” I answered, mortified at the obvious effect he was having on me.

  Someone called to him.

  “You’ll have to excuse me.” But he turned back to me to say, “I’ll find you later—to wish you a proper happy birthday then.” His smile was mischievous. The butterflies went crazy.

  Shannon and I made our way to the tables set on the highest deck. Fire pits were inviting centerpieces amongst groupings of suede-covered settees, huge floor pillows, and large rattan chairs. It was a setting that invited more intimate conversations. Shannon found a partially empty table and chair on the far side of the deck, the view on two sides encompassing the breathtaking beach below.

  The buffet wasn’t ready yet, so we snagged tiny drinks from a circling waitress and sat back in the large chair Shannon had found for us to share.

  “What do you think?” she asked. “Did you ever think you’d be sitting here? Isn’t it the weirdest?”

  I nodded. “Wow. It’s a completely inadequate word, but I just can’t stop saying it.” I looked around at the famous faces I’d read about, watched on the big screen and TV. It was bizarre and totally intimidating. After a few minutes of stargazing, I turned toward Shannon. “Do you have any down time coming up? Or do you have something lined up to follow End?”

  She took more drinks from the server’s tray. “I have a brilliant manuscript for a fantastic character piece.”

  “Oh?” I asked. I loved to listen to her talk about her work. She could get so excited.