Playing For Forever: An Erotic Love Story (Playing For Keeps Book 3) by J.C. Grant (7)

“Yeah,” I assured him, despite the hollow feeling in my chest. It was going to be awhile before I felt okay, but there was no reason to burden him with that. 

His fingers brushed my hair back away from my neck. “Called my guy last night,” he murmured, his breath warming my skin as he pressed his lips to my temple. “After you fell asleep.”

“Your guy?” I asked, snuggling deeper into his side.

“Yeah, my choice—to play me and my solution to your problem. You'll meet him tomorrow at two,” he informed me.

“Okay.” My mind was too clouded and confused to question him further. 

Two hours later, after David had left and just as I was getting dressed for the gym, I received a call from Jeff, informing me, “In light of the events on Monday, we think casting Zach Stone might be the right solution.”

My heart lodged in my throat as I processed his words.

I swallowed thickly. “Ummm... I don't think that will work,” I explained, telling him everything, even the assault at my house. Once he understood the severity of the situation, he agreed Zach was not an option.

"You know the reason I wanted to work with you was because I didn't want any drama on set."

At his words, my chest tightened with panic and I immediately regretted saying anything about the Zach situation.

But he continued on, "On set affairs, dating costars... with the younger cast on TV shows, that's usually a problem—once it ends—one wants the other one off the show, or one threatens to quit if the other one doesn't get kicked off the show. As soon as I saw how possessive David was and how accepting you were of it, I didn’t think you would cause any drama on set—David wouldn't let you. But knowing what Zach did to you, and you didn't go to the press with it, now, I know."

All the tension and anxiety drained away.

“You need to file charges against him,” Jeff added. “Just in case someone at the network wants to push for him... And don't worry, we'll find someone.” 

“Okay, I ummm… I just found out this morning, there’s interest from an A-list actor… he’d be very suitable for the part.”

“Who?” 

“I don't want to jinx it, but I'm meeting him tomorrow, and I'll know for sure by the end of the meeting,” I lied. There was no way for me to know after one meeting, and David hadn’t even told me his name.

“If it doesn't work out and you don't have anyone by Friday, I'll pick someone from our available options.”

“Okay.” Just the thought of the available options made my stomach turn. I really hoped David's guy was going to work out.

As soon as I got off the phone with Jeff, I called the only person I thought could help me—who wasn't David.

"Austin, what can I do for you?" Aaron answered cheerfully.

"Hey, do you know David's lawyer?" I hedged.

"Yeah, of course. What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"I need to file charges against Zach."

"What did he do now?"

"Nothing, the network wants to cast him on the show with me, so Jeff told me to go ahead and file charges for the assault—" I stopped short, not knowing if David had told him.

"Oh, yeah." Aaron sounded relieved. "You definitely want to do that if they're interested in him. Don't worry about it. I'll have his lawyer get that started and let you know what you need to do, if anything."

"That's it?" I asked, dumbfounded that it was that simple.

"Of course. David made it clear, you have access and rights to everything that he has. ‘Treat her the same as me, but better,’” he mimicked David. “It'll be taken care of today, I promise. If you need anything else, call me."

I didn’t know why, but I was a little surprised.

I'm to be treated the same as him, but better?

"Okay, thank you," I said as we ended the call.

Feeling a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, I headed for the gym—with Chance in tow—finally getting my day started.

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWENTY

 

 

My bare feet hung off the arm of the couch as my head rested against Chance, using him like a pillow while I flipped through the channels. I was exhausted. Physically and emotionally. Tracy gave me a brutal workout, and signing the statement to file charges against Zach was surprisingly upsetting. Add that to the fresh reliving of my childhood trauma, I was a mess. My insides were quivering with anxiety while my muscles were too weak to move.

Closing my eyes, I took deep, even breaths and focused on Chance’s calming presence behind me. Before I could make any headway, my phone rang.

“Hey,” David's deep voice rumbled.

“Hey,” I sighed, so relieved to hear his voice tears filled my eyes.

“What's up? What's wrong?”

The way David could read me was unnerving at times, but at that moment it was welcomed. I needed someone to talk to, someone who would understand.

“Jeff called this morning...” I rasped. “They wanted to use Zach. And—”

“What the fuck? No fucking way is Zach working with you!” David all but shouted.

“I know, I know. I told him everything. Zach's not going to be on set with me.”

“Fucking bullshit,” he muttered under his breath.

When David didn't say anything else, I added, “They want a definite decision by Friday, or they're choosing someone else.”

“That's fine. I'm telling you, my guy is perfect for you,” he assured me. “It's gonna be fine.”

“Okay.” I really hoped so.

“Wow, that was the last thing I expected to hear today. Fucking Zach...” His voice trailed off, muttering the last part.

Hesitantly, I added, “I filed charges against him today.”

He was silent for a moment. “How?”

“Your lawyer—through Aaron,” I corrected.

“Good girl.” I could hear the grin in his voice. Something about it put me at ease, instantly erasing my anxiety. “Called to see if you wanted me to grab something for dinner on the way home.”

It amazed me, with everything he had on his plate, that he was still so thoughtful.

“I'll do that, just tell me what you want.”

“No, after the shit you just told me, I want your ass at home, where I know it's safe. Now tell me what you wanna eat. If not, I'll cook.”

Honestly, I wanted him to cook. I loved his cooking, but there was no way I could let him cook after training all day and traveling back and forth.

“Just pick up something good.”

I heard him grumble something before he said, "All right, something good it is. Another dinner and movie night in bed?"

I loved how he easily accepted my news and moved on; understanding but not making a big thing out of it. It made me feel normal, like maybe I wasn’t so broken after all.

“Only if I can get a snugglefuck,” I said through a grin.

He growled. “Yes, ma’am, you most certainly can.”

I bit my lip, grinning like a lunatic.

 

 

 

 

 

David

 

“I'll be gone a little longer today, sweetheart,” I said as I climbed out of bed, heading for the closet.

“Okay. What time does it start again?” she asked, still lounging in bed.

Austin couldn't seem to remember anything related to my games, not that I blamed her. I was fairly certain what happened on Monday was not only a trigger but a flashback. I was impressed she was functioning as well as she was.

Initially, I'd been relieved knowing she wasn't going to be able to go through with the show. But one of us should get to do something we loved, one of us should get our dream job.

“One. I should be home by six, eight if it runs long.”

“I wish I could go with you,” she complained in her sexy little rasp.

Goddamn, that made me feel good.

“Me too, but I want this leading man shit settled. Go hang out with him this afternoon.”

I really did want it settled, especially after she told me about the phone call from Jeff. No fucking way was I letting someone else tell my wife who she was going to make out with. I was making that fucking decision.

Fuck, I chose someone for Austin to make out with.

As I stood in our closet getting dressed, I felt that familiar reluctance to leave creeping in. It was getting harder every day to leave her, especially when it was to go do something I didn't like. I was really starting to regret signing up for three more seasons.

“Babe, what time is your take off?” Austin's voice interrupted my thoughts.

Turning, I found her—in all her bare-assed glory—standing in the closet doorway.

“Ten forty,” I answered, staring at the smooth pussy I'd had my face buried in less than an hour ago.

I could still taste her. 

“Babe, it's nine,” she said sweetly. “You need to leave.”

“I know, but I don't want to,” I admitted, letting my eyes rake over those delicious curves.

“The sooner you leave, the sooner you get back?”  she tried.

Meeting her gaze then, I corrected her, “Doesn't work like that—and you know it.”

“I know, I just don't want to be the reason that you're not playing well.”

Stepping closer, I took her face in my hands. Letting my fingers run along her jaw then into her hair, I leaned in close and whispered against her lips, “I'm playing great, sweetheart. Better than I ever have. I'd just rather be with you.”

“Is this because of my meeting today?”

Truthfully, it wasn't. I felt that way every day.

“No.”

“Babe, you gotta leave. Traffics gonna be bad.”

“I know,” I breathed, pulling her in closer, capturing her lips in mine. I kissed her slow and deep, letting her feel how much I wanted her, needed her, and, most importantly, that I owned her.

 

 

 

Austin

 

 

I was stepping out of the shower when I heard Chance barking at the front door. Knowing it was the clothes from my shopping binge after dinner at Chow’s, I ignored it, drying off and dressing in sweatpants and a tank while I went through my morning routine and blew out my hair.

The clothes could wait until I was ready to make the trek out to the front gate. And there was always the hope Fergus would bring them in if I waited long enough.

After I was well into the long process of getting ready to get ready, as David liked to call it, I headed for the front door. Chance was still sitting there, waiting. 

Opening the front door, intending to make the long walk down to the gate, I stopped short, finding the box on the front porch. 

There were two problems with that. One, how did they get inside to leave it on porch? Two, it looked too clean, as if it hadn’t been through any shipping.

Chance sniffed and bumped into the large box. Then butted it with his head, knocking it over. Before I could stop him, he stepped on it, breaking the box open.

My heart leapt into my throat as I saw a flash of yellow, red, and black slithering inside. My heart stilled, then raced. I couldn’t move fast enough; my body felt weightless and heavy as lead all at once. My hands shook as I grabbed Chance’s collar, yanking him inside, slamming the door shut behind me.

What the holy fuck?

“Fergus!” I yelled, my voice shaky.

 

 

 

 

 

David

 

 

Just as Daniel pulled up to the stadium, my phone rang.

When the call connected, I heard Fergus say, “Sorry to call you.”

Things had been a little tense between us since our little chat about him covering for her with the shrink. It was obvious they’d become friends and that pissed me off. He was taking my spot, and I wanted it to stop.

“What's going on?” I asked, taking in the crowd of fans gathering just outside the team entrance. A tiny part of me hoped Austin would ignore her meeting and show up anyway, I realized as I scanned the crowd in vain.

“I just wanted to make sure that you knew Austin is leaving.”

It took a minute for his words to sink in. 

“What do you mean ‘Austin is leaving’?” I asked staring out the windshield, seeing nothing as my mind searched for explanations.

“She's packing right now. I didn't know if you two had a fight...”

“No, everything was fine when I left,” I responded, confused by his words. We were fine, or so I thought. “Where's she going?”

“She hasn't said. Just saw her go upstairs and come back down with two pieces of luggage. I can hear her going through the closet like a wild animal. She hasn't actually mentioned she's leaving. I just know she's packing.”

“What the fuck?” I muttered, confused and admittedly a little scared. Afraid I left her alone too soon. “Let me call her.”

Ending the call, I immediately dialed my wife. After three rings, her voicemail picked up. I hung up, racking my brain, trying to figure out what could've happened to set her off. I knew my wife was unpredictable. I knew she had a bad temper, but I couldn't think of anything that would've caused her to start packing.

No matter how mad she'd been before, she'd never even threatened to leave. She might've thought about it, but she never vocalized it.

Calling her again, I got the same results.

Voicemail. 

“Fergus called me, said you're packing. Call me and let me know what's going on,” I said calmly, forcing myself not to react, not to give in to the growing panic.

I hit end, and called Fergus back.

“She's not answering,” I said as soon as he picked up.

“I'll try to talk to her, but she hasn't come out of the bedroom yet.”

“Just follow her... wherever she goes.” This was hitting my abandonment issues hard, but I couldn't give in to that crippling fear.

“Of course. I was just letting you know what was going on. And kind of hoping you could tell me why it was going on, but I'll find out for you.” He seemed slightly annoyed.

“Thanks,” I ended the call and climbed out of the truck. 

I didn't want Fergus to find out for me. I didn’t want them having deep and meaningful conversations. What I wanted was Austin to call me and give me a completely rational—fuck that. I'd be fucking thrilled with some batshit, crazy-ass, irrational explanation. Anything that wasn't “I'm leaving you.” 

Staying in the locker room, I waited for a return call from Austin that never came. Finally, taking my phone with me, I forced myself to go out onto the field, forcing myself to function through the growing fear.

 

 

 

 

Austin

 

 

Still shaking, my stomach still in knots, I grabbed my bag and headed for the garage, Chance right behind me. I didn't waste any time climbing in my car and getting out of there. I hadn't seen Fergus all morning, but as I looked in the rearview mirror he was right behind me.

Who the fuck would send me a snake?

The entire drive back to my house, back to Silver Lake, Fergus never called, neither did David. I knew David had called while I was packing, but I didn't want to waste time talking on the phone, and I didn’t want to worry him—distract him from what he needed to do.

I’d done enough of that for one week.

Seconds after, I pulled into my driveway and stepped out of my car. Fergus was pulling in behind me.

As I opened the back door to let Chance out, Fergus exited his car, wearing his signature black suit and crisp white shirt, and calmly stated, “You have to stop doing this.”

“What?” I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about.

“Running away from him whenever he tries to help you.”

“What the fuck? You didn't hear me scream?” I asked in disbelief. “There's a giant fucking snake on the porch.” My fear renewed as I spoke. “It'd be different if David was here, I'd feel a little bit better, but I'm not staying in that house.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “I'll call David in a minute. I just want to get my stuff in the house and get settled and know that I am in a snake-free zone.”

“Yes, he told me about your snake phobia.” .

“Snake phobia?” I repeated in disbelief, offended that David thought of it like that. “Fucking stupid men,” I stumbled out, unable to come up with a better comeback. At that moment, I was more than happy to let him think that was all it was, let him think it was some silly girl thing.

I needed to time it right, to make sure Fergus wouldn’t go blabbing to David as soon as I told him what actually happened.

Fergus grabbed my bag out of my trunk before I could. “I got this. Go ahead and go inside,” he said, like you would talk to a small child, as if my fear was absurd, as if this whole thing was ridiculous, almost like he was mocking me.

I bet his attitude changes when he finds out it was delivered—to the door.

Giving him a “fuck you” look, I turned, taking Chance into the house.

The house felt stale, having no one in it for the past four months. I turned on the air conditioner, then headed for the kitchen, grabbing cleaner and a roll of paper towels. After giving the kitchen a light cleaning, and gathering my thoughts, I started some coffee. Once I was settled in the living room with my coffee and feeling a little calmer, I called David back. He picked up on the first ring.

“Austin, what's going on,” he demanded, his tone was a combination of angry, pleading, and a tiny bit scared.

“There's a giant snake on the porch.” 

There was a brief moment of silence. “Oh fuck, I'm sorry.” He sounded like he’d done something wrong, like he was asking forgiveness. “I'll have someone out there today to check the property.”

“David, I'm fine. I can handle this on my own. Just tell me who to call,” I tried to ease his concern. 

“You can't handle the snake thing on your own. No offense, but your history regarding snakes on the property would say otherwise.”

“Oh yeah, my snake phobia?” I asked sarcastically.

“Yeah.” His tone was matter-of-fact. 

“Fine, whatever,” I mumbled.

“Big fight you put up there.” The grin in his voice was obvious.  

I tried not to laugh, but I couldn't stop the growing smile on my face.

After a moment, he sighed heavily.

“Okay.” He sounded more relaxed, as if whatever had been bothering him was suddenly resolved. “So we're fine? You'll probably be pissed at me about the snake thing, but that's the only reason you got up and left?”

“Yes, I'm not living in a snake baby house or... any kind of a snake house.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, I got that. You know, all you had to do was let Chance go out there and take care of it for ya. He handled the last one just fine.”

“Not funny, David. That's disgusting.”

“All right, fair enough, that was a bad joke. I'll figure out something about getting out of tomorrow’s game—”

“Babe, no. You don't have to.”  

“Shut up. I'm going to take care of you. Don't get too comfortable there. We're not staying there for more than two days.”

“David—”

“Serious, Austin. I'll make sure there's no snakes on the property, but you are not moving back to your house.”

“I just packed a few bags—”

“Austin, this is not up for discussion,” he cut me off, his tone demanding and hard, making my core pulse.

“Fine,” I relented not wanting to argue with him. Mostly because my body had shifted gears into arousal. But also because I understood where he was coming from. He didn’t want us taking any steps backward, creating more distance, separation. It was sexy how much he wanted me, us.

“I love you, sweetheart.” The sincerity in his voice made my eyes sting.

It hit me then. Fergus called him before I did. And probably made David more worried, wondering what had happened, what caused me to leave. Immediately, I felt horrible for waiting to call him back. He must've been drowning in those abandonment issues of his.

“I love you. So much. I didn't mean to worry you.”

“As long as we're okay, it doesn't matter.”

“See you soon.” Ending the call, I looked at Fergus accusingly. “You just had to call him before I did, didn't you?”

“It's my job. You know that.” His tone was matter-of-fact. 

That got my back up. I knew it was his job, but for some reason, I thought we had some level of friendship. Trust. 

“Why didn't you just ask me? Or call me on the way over here, instead of letting him worry for no reason?”

“I called him when I saw you packing.”

“Are you kidding?” I breathed, stunned that he wouldn’t talk to me first. “You let him worry that whole time?”

“It was something he'd want to know.” Fergus’ tone was distant, unconcerned.

“Is there going to be some point in time when you stop telling on me?” I asked sarcastically.

I felt humiliated.

I’d thought we’d grown closer.

Clearly, I was delusional. 

Fergus was emotionless as ever. “That's up to David, not me.”

“Serious bullshit,” I muttered under my breath.

Opening the patio doors, I pulled over one of my oversized dining room chairs and finished my coffee in silence while Chance ran around my backyard.

Despite my disappointment with Fergus, I needed to tell him what had actually happened. It was his job, after all. Fergus' voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Yes, I'll meet them there. Do you want me to leave Austin here alone?”

If he was talking to anyone but David, I would be seriously pissed. It still annoyed me how he talked about me as if I wasn't sitting right there in the room with him.

Pretty sure I'm capable of staying in my house by myself for a few hours without starting an apocalypse.

“It's not an apocalypse were worried about,” Fergus said suddenly.

Apparently, I said that out loud. I hated that I did that; it was annoying and embarrassing.

Looking over my shoulder at him I sassed, “Tell David to go work... or play his game, and leave me alone.”

“David's making sure you're taken care of so you can stay in your home without being terrified.”

Shocked by Fergus' rebuff, even more shocked that he did it with David on the phone, I turned around facing the patio doors, unwilling to let him see how much it bothered me.

I could feel my anger growing as I watched Chance sniffing around the yard. But instead of lashing out, I wanted to cry. I’d been joking. It was something I said to David on several occasions. David knew I was joking, and Fergus didn’t have any business telling me how to talk to David.

Getting upset over such a small thing was proof I wasn’t okay, I was still raw and open from the screen tests.

Moments later, Fergus stood next to me.

“I'm heading back over to your house in a couple hours to make sure the property is clear of snakes.” I didn't look at him. I just nodded. He continued, “And if it makes you feel any better... he's angry that I spoke to you like that.”

It did make me feel better, but I wasn't about to let him know that. 

“He says you were joking.”

It sounded like a question, but I didn’t respond.

“Is there anything that you need to do today, errands you need to run, places you need to go?” he inquired softly.

“I have a lunch meeting today that David set up. We're going to meet at the Polo Lounge.” Then I remembered. “Oh. Well, I have an appointment with the therapist. It—I think I'm going to cancel it.”

“You might want to double check. I think David already canceled it. Check your voicemails,” he added as he stood, going to the kitchen to get coffee.

Reluctantly, I checked my voicemail and found that David had canceled my therapist appointment.

Without looking at him, I called out, “Hey, Fergus. That snake was delivered.”

Suddenly, I had his full attention.

“What?” He approached me.

“I thought it was some clothes I ordered. It wasn't. Please, don't tell David. I don't want him stressed.” I looked up at him, standing above me.

“I’m going to have to tell him.”

“I know, just later, after he’s finished,” I implored.

He held my gaze for a long moment. He seemed to soften fractionally and nodded.

“Text me when you’re done with your lunch?”

When I gave him a slight nod, he left, locking the door behind him.

I couldn’t imagine who the snake was from.

Was it just some weird mix-up?

I didn’t think so, but I didn’t have time for the extra stress. I needed to focus on my lunch meeting.

While finishing my coffee, I forced myself to shake off the events of the morning, convincing myself it was a mistake, a freak accident.

Then I started getting ready.

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

 

 

Two hours later, after I’d made sure Chance had everything he needed, I grabbed my purse and checked myself over again in the mirror by the front door. I’d chosen my favorite ripped boyfriend jeans, a gray deep V-neck tee, and my nude Valentino Rockstud sandals. Once I was sure I was ready for public consumption, I headed out to meet David’s choice.

David had finally told me who it was. I was still a little in disbelief that he was interested in doing my show.

When I pulled up to the valet and stepped out of the car, I realized I was nervous. I couldn't put my finger on why. Sure, he was the biggest action star at the moment and the hottest guy in Hollywood—not counting David. But I still couldn't figure out why David was so open to this. It felt like a trick.

Making my way through the lobby back to the restaurant, I couldn't help but wonder, Why is David okay with this guy?

I mean, sure, he looked a little like David, but...

“Hi, can I help you?” the hostess greeted me.

“Yes, I'm here to meet Alec James.”

“Oh, yes. He called. He's running a little late. I'll go ahead and seat you.”

Following her back to the table, I began to feel uncomfortable.

Maybe he's planning on canceling.

That possibility should’ve been a relief.

It was anything but.

Once seated at the oversized curved booth, I ordered an espresso and waited, feeling stupid all the while. I'd never had to wait on anyone before. I briefly wondered if this was anything like what women felt when they were stood up or had blind dates—which this kinda was. 

Bored and not knowing what else to do with myself, I fished my phone out of my purse. I found a miss text from him.

 

Alec: I'm so sorry. I'm running 10 minutes late.

Please sit down, order something to drink.

Don't worry. I'll be there soon.

2:10 PM

 

That made me feel a little bit better. Only a little.

Needing to busy myself, I texted David.

 

Austin: I'm here waiting on your guy. He's

running late. At the risk of not sounding like

an independent woman, I miss you and wish

you were here.

2:12 PM

 

David: You're always an independent woman.

But you're still my woman. And I bet you don't

miss me half as much as I miss you. Let me

know how the meeting goes. I love your

fucking ass.

2:14 PM

 

His words sent a burst of warmth and confidence through me. David always knew exactly what to say.

I love your fucking ass.

For me, that was more romantic than any Prince Charming crap could ever be. Real. Honest. Sexy.

“Hey, sorry I'm late,” a deep, rich voice interrupted my swoon.

Looking up, I took in the man before me.

He was even more gorgeous—more rugged—than he appeared on screen. He was built like David, but a bit leaner, dark brown hair almost black, the deepest brown eyes I'd ever seen. Olive skin and full lips.

“Yeah, sure no problem,” I muttered as he sat down.

I couldn't stop watching him, his jaw, his lips, his eyes. Alec could pass for David’s brother, if not his twin. It was freaky. And I realized in that moment how much David loved me, because watching me have sex scenes with this man was going to rip him in two.

It would've gutted me if the roles were reversed.

“I'm so glad David called me. I've been wanting to do TV for a while.”  

“Really?” I asked, genuinely curious if he was just doing David a favor.

“I’ve been wanting to try something different. David said this was kind of a rotating role, ten shows one season, six another.”

“Yeah.” I paused, not sure how to ask, but I decided to handle him the same way I did David, honest and blunt. “So, I don't really know what we're supposed to be doing here. Are we like interviewing each other or…?”

He laughed, a deep, husky sound. “Well, we're trying to get to know each other, make sure that you can work with me, and find out if you have any... problems with me.” He delicately tiptoed around the issue, letting me know that David told him about my issues, which made me feel exposed. Vulnerable.

Keeping my head high, my shoulders square, I stilled myself, forcing myself to push past it, ignore it and addressed the topic head-on.

“So... Obviously, David told you about my little...  freak out.”

“He did. He wanted me to fully understand the situation. And he let me know that the only reason he was offering me this is because I'm the closest in Hollywood to his build.” Alec leaned in across the table toward me. His next words were barely above a whisper. “And because he knows I'm gay.”

And just like that, all the tension left my body. Everything that David had done made absolutely perfect sense.

Alec was gay.

“And... I mentioned this to David—actually this was more kind of David's idea, but it actually works out perfectly for me.”

I felt like he was dragging it out, trying to soften the blow, or butter me up for something I was going to absolutely hate. I watched him apprehensively as he continued.

“We were thinking about trying to control the media gossip... by kind of, making it seem like, maybe... you and I are having an affair,” he added tentatively. “In like, a few months down the road. It would keep the gossip about you in check and focused on one thing—us—hopefully.”

Alec needed to keep up appearances, either he wasn’t quite ready to come out, or the image his team had created made it nearly impossible. Either way, after how Zach and Dawn had controlled the media...

“Actually, I love that idea—controlling the gossip and cheating rumors.”

“With the rate David's going again, and with the show, there's going to be a lot of digging and speculating and bullshit. Figured it's better if we serve it to them, rather than let them dig.”

I nodded. “I think it's perfect.”

“Good.” His tone was soft, relieved. “I was worried I was going to offend you.” Then he added with a conspiratorial smirk, “Basically, it would be like you're my beard.”

I couldn't stop the smile that broke out on my face. “Do people still use that term?”

“Some people,” he responded with mock offense.

I instantly felt at ease with him. There was something about him I really liked, and I couldn't help but wonder…

“I have a question.” I smirked, part mischievous, part embarrassed, because I should’ve asked David.

“Shoot.” He was completely unfazed by my cryptic request. 

“How do you know David?”

“That's a long story.” He blew out a breath as scooted around the booth, sitting next to me. “Well.” He spoke softly, so no one else could hear. “Eight years ago, I think, we were at a party at a producers house in Hollywood, and David had just kind of become the new hot thing in town. And there was a woman at the party really aggressively hitting on me, groping me, trying to get me to go upstairs with her.”    

The more he talked, the more animated he became. I wasn't sure what it was about him, but I knew I wouldn't feel any panic with him touching me, kissing me. I couldn't explain it, but I knew two things: one, it wouldn't feel like I was cheating on David, and two, it would be as benign as kissing a girlfriend.  

“I kept trying to politely decline,” he continued, “but she was drunk. She just started in on a tangent, how she'd heard I was gay and how I needed to fuck her to prove that wasn’t true.”

The way he talked reminded me of Tara. And I realized then, that’s why I liked him. He was a little bit David and a little bit Tara in one person.

“Anyway, long story short, David cut in and told her off. After that, I got him alone and thanked him. He said it was obvious I was gay—to him—but if I wanted to try to hide it, that was my business. Then he told me, If you really wanna keep it a secret, get your shit together, have an arrangement or something. I was kind of shocked by his bluntness, but it was so refreshing.”  

That was totally David's style, straight to the point.

“David rarely wastes words.” Me either, for that matter.   

“And that's got to be what I love about him most—no bullshit.”

“Me too.” Well, it was one of the things anyway. But I didn’t think mentioning David’s cock was appropriate.   

We had a long lunch, getting to know each other. I even knew his favorite brand of jeans by the time we left.

David knew exactly what he was doing. Alec was awesome. He was going to be perfect, not to mention his fan base was huge and women loved him. With him on board, the show would definitely going to be a success.

It was surreal. I didn't even know how to wrap my head around it. I wrote a show. And it was going to be a success.

Holy fucking shit.  

As soon as I was in my car on the way back to Silver Lake, I called David, intending to leave a voicemail.

“Sweet girl,” he growled.

Dear God, that voice, my insides warmed and my pussy pulsed its response, as if he was talking directly to it.

Fuck, maybe he was.

“You have your phone? I thought you had a game?” I asked breathlessly.  

He laughed smugly, obviously aware of his effect on me. “I do. I brought it to the dugout. How was lunch?”

“Alec is perfect, babe, thank you,” I gushed.

“Told you,” he murmured in a singsong voice. Then added soberly, “Make sure you call Jeff today, okay?”

“I will. How long will you be?”

“Couple hours... I gotta go. See you soon.”

“Bye, babe.”

“Love your ass,” he growled, before the call disconnected.

Obviously, from David’s good mood, Fergus hadn’t told him about the snake being delivered.

Maybe it was a mistake?

I dialed Jeff.

“Hello, Austin.” Jeff’s always upbeat voice filled the car.

“I have news… Alec James is on board for the show.”

“Are you serious?” he asked, doubtfully.

“Hundred percent. Just finished having a four-hour lunch with him.”

“That’s amazing. We might have a tight squeeze meeting his pay, but it will be worth it.”

“I think so. Just wanted to let you know it worked out. You can stop the search,” I teased. But not really. I wanted the search to be over. I wanted the threat of having to touch someone else gone.

His jubilant laugh filled my car. “Well, this is much better than I’d ever hoped for. Let me make some calls. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Okay, bye.”

When the call disconnected, I felt lighter than I had in weeks. 

Moments later, Fergus called, offering to pick up dinner, which I readily accepted, especially since there wasn't anything edible at my house, aside from some canned items, old coffee and water.

As soon as I arrived home, I fed Chance, then let him outside while I quickly showered and dressed in oversized sweatpants and a zip-up hoodie.

Since talking to David, I couldn’t help but naïvely hope Fergus had decided not to tell him what had really happened this morning.  

Just as I was heading for the kitchen, the doorbell rang. Without a second thought, I unlocked the door, swinging it open. 

Zach stood there before me, face pink with anger, blue eyes glassy and wide. He was furious. He didn't wait for an invitation as he forced his way inside, pushing me out of the way.

“Hey, wait!” I stumbled into the wall.

“How could you do this? Was this your plan all along? You made sure I didn't get that job, and now you're cheating on David with that fucking guy?” he yelled.

Chance started barking outside, jumping on the glass back door, ratcheting up my panic.

Remembering what happened last time I was alone with Zach, I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm.

Fergus will be here any minute.

Fergus was nowhere near as big as David, but I figured being ex-MI6 gave him a significant advantage.

“What was I?” Zach stepped toward me, trying to pin me in. “A fucking steppingstone to your success?” He moved closer, nearly looming over me. I could smell the peppermint on his breath. “You just used me to get ahead? I'm just a rung on the ladder for you?”

Casually, I sidestepped him as I calmly tried to reason. “What are you talking about?”

“You got what you wanted, and now you're going to make sure I don't get anything!” he screamed, then started pacing, running his fingers through his hair.

Chance’s barks were getting more aggressive, louder, his big paws hitting the glass harder.

Part of me hoped my nosy-ass neighbor would call the police, but the rational part of me knew she was too enamored with Zach Stone to do any such thing.

“You need to leave.” My tone was firm, but gentle as I slowly moved, repositioning until he was between me and the open doorway.

“You need to fucking talk to me!” He continued pacing back and forth, arms swinging animatedly, alternating between talking to me and talking to himself. “Why would you do this? I know you did this. You stopped them from giving me the job on your show. You vindictive bitch! I gave up my security for you and this is how you repay me?”

He was out of control and ramping himself up, getting angrier by the minute. I couldn’t help but wonder if he knew about the charges filed against him yet.

“Zach,” I started softly, talking to him like I would a scared child. “You can't be here. If David finds out you're here... what he did last time will look like a joke.”

He stopped, staring at me in disbelief.

“I don't give a shit about David, and neither do you. I saw you today. I saw you at the Polo Lounge with him, cuddled up, talking, telling secrets, giggling. He's the one you want on the show. He’s your next step on the ladder!” he yelled at me. “How could you stab me in the back like this, Austin?”

Zach was stalking me.

That knowledge sent a chill up my spine.

With my building panic, I didn’t know how much longer I could keep this from turning physical. And I was terrified Chance was going to smash through the glass and hurt himself trying to save me.

How do you reason with an insane person?

A person I was pretty sure was coked out of his head.

“I'm not doing anything to you, Zach. It's my show—” I thought better of my approach and redirected. “And I don’t want to work with an ex. Especially not you. It would hurt too much.”

Then it occurred to me…

“Zach,” I asked cautiously, “how did you know I was here?”

“Terrified of snakes.” His voice was far too calm and his eyes were disturbingly cold.

I swallowed thickly before I asked, “You left that snake?” 

“Yeah. I know you. I knew it would get you out of that house, over here, where I can actually get to you. Can't get anywhere near you when you're at his fucking house.”

“How did you—”

“The gate. Locks can be picked.”

“Why would you do that to me?” I asked stupidly; he’d made it clear why.

“I knew he wasn't there, and I know you'd never stay in the house if you found a snake there. And if you got bit...”

“You're so much fucking sicker than I thought,” I muttered.

“I'm sick? I'm sick?” he yelled, his voice getting louder. “You fucked me over, you bitch! You know how fucking perfect this all would've been! We would both get what we wanted. And we would be together!”

“I don't want to be with you!” I screamed, unable to hold my tongue anymore. “I never did!”  

“Mr. Stone.” Fergus’ voice was calm but clear as he stepped up onto the porch. “I didn't think you were stupid enough to try this, even with David out of town.”

Zach started to turn, but Fergus was on him, twisting his arm up behind his back, forcing Zach out the front door, Zach screaming at me the entire time.

I let out a heavy breath as I watched Fergus shove Zach to the ground, planting a knee in the middle of his back, twisting his arm up higher. To my surprise, the police showed up minutes later, no flashing lights, no sirens. I let out a harsh breath, both from relief and the new weight added. Because while the police were not causing a scene, there was no way around filing more charges, and with David’s encounter with Dawn… We’d look like trouble. To the network, Jeff, everyone.

Once the police left, Fergus let Chance in and slipped into sweatpants and a tee, while I heated up our dinner. The microwave wasn't nearly as good as David's warming drawer, but neither of us said anything.

We sat in the living room, eating out of the containers, watching TV. Fergus sat on one end of the sofa, socked feet propped up on my coffee table, while I sat crossed legged on the other end, Chance curled up between us. 

When a commercial came on, I asked, “Does David know what happened?”

“Of course. I called him while you were making the report. He'll be here soon.” He paused. “The snake Zach dropped off was extremely poisonous, and he broke the lock on the gate to get in.”

And if you got bit…

I swallowed thickly. “I just don't want this to reflect badly on David.”

“David's fine. He's not even here. This is bad for Zach. This shows what he really is, which is out of his fucking mind. This one really crossed the line from publicity into stalker/attempted murder territory.”

Attempted murder seemed like a big leap to me. When I didn't respond, he continued.

“I know what David does is technically stalking, but he would never try to scare you or hurt you.”

He didn't have to tell me that; it never even crossed my mind, not even in the beginning.

“He does it because he loves you and he doesn't want any of these rich Hollywood guys getting in your ear, twisting your head up, playing on your insecurities, and convincing you to do what they want.”

“I know that. He has nothing to worry about.”

I had already seen that side of Hollywood—shortly after I arrived. Men promising me fame, lead roles, setting me up for life, you name it, I'd been offered it or promised it by someone who wanted something from me. My body.

“David still worries.”

“I know.”

I did. That was why David’s behavior had never bothered me, I knew it wasn’t unfounded.

We finished eating in silence; well, Fergus did. I picked at my food. The growing knot in my stomach protested every time I took a bite. Eventually, I gave up and curled up behind Chance. He was as stressed out as I was.

I must've fallen asleep, because the next thing I remembered was the front door slamming shut.

“Austin, get in the fucking bedroom,” David barked.

Stunned by the anger in his voice, I slowly got to my feet, obeying.

Once in my room, I stripped down and crawled into bed, unsure what was about to happen, but knowing naked was my best defense.

David entered without a word, shutting the door behind him. “You made your fucking point.” His voice was low and dangerous. “Shit like this happens again, you tell me. Don’t go to Fergus and ask him not to tell me.”

“David, I just didn’t want—” I tried.

“You know the rule about deliveries at the house. No. Fucking. Deliveries!”

“David—”

“Austin, I know I’ve fucked up by trying to protect you from shit, but no more. Do you know how many of my fans have threatened you? Psychos who think you are the only thing standing between me being with them? That could have been a fucking bomb! And yeah, he picked the lock, but you were expecting something. He could have left it outside the gate, and you would have brought it in!”

Fuck, I’d never considered all that. And I knew his fans didn’t like me... A bomb? Really?

“David—” I tried again.

“Don’t tell me you’re fucking sorry—don’t do it again. You wanna have some online shopping binge, fine. Have it sent to Aaron’s house. He’ll be more than happy to bring it over. It’s what I fucking pay him for!”

“I’m—” His scathing look cut me off.

“You did exactly what he wanted. He wanted to get to you, and he did. Did you even look before you opened the door?”  

My eyes closed in shame. I hadn’t. And I of all people knew better. And I understood where all his anger was coming from. He was scared, scared of losing me. 

“What if he had a knife, Austin? What if he had a gun? What if he raped you this time? What if it was worse?” His voice cracked, and he sat heavily on the bed. “I’m so fucking mad at you right now.”

My eyes and nose stung. “I was stupid. I wasn’t even thinking about him.”

“He’s not the only person who might want to hurt you,” he muttered, all his anger gone.

I scooted behind him, hooking my arms around his shoulders. Pressing my lips to his neck, I whispered, “I’ll be more careful, I promise.”

His breaths were deep, even, measured, as if he was trying to get his emotions under control. “I fucking pay people to take care of you, let them. Let me.”

“I will. I’ll be more careful.”

“If I lost you—” He paused. “You’re all I have. You’re the reason I breathe.”

“I love you,” I murmured between placing kisses along his neck. Then I gripped his waist, tugging him back. “Come ‘ere.”

David stood, pulling his shirt over his head, kicking his boots off. Then his jeans hit the floor.

He was crawling over me, pressing heated kisses to my temple and up my hairline murmuring, “I fucking love you so much. It's fucking killing me not to be with you all the time.”

His weight settle on top of me, my thighs hugging his waist. With a subtle shift of his hips, he was pushing inside my unprepared walls, forcing me to accept him. Something about it reminded me of the last time Zach had been here, when David needed reassurance, needed to know I accepted him and his darker side.

He worked his way deeper; the sharp pain felt deserved for my thoughtlessness. I welcomed it.

“Harder.”

“Yeah?” His gaze held mine.

I nodded.

He thrust deep, forcing a cry from me.

“Don’t stop.”

“Oh, fuck, sweet girl,” he groaned.

A few rough thrusts and my body responded, flooding, making his cock slick with each stroke. Our bodies melted together. Him pushing into me slowly, sweetly, until things turned rough. 

 

*****

 

I woke up in bed alone. It seemed, even at my house, David wanted to keep our schedule. I dug through my bags and found a baggy T-shirt, bra, and a pair of lounge pants and quickly dressed, putting my hair into a topknot before making my way into the kitchen.

David had already made coffee and someone had gone for takeout, there were several containers covering the counters.

“Hey, babe.” I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his bare back. His hand smoothed over my forearms.

“Morning, sweetheart.” His deep voice rattled through his chest, vibrating against mine.

The way he filled my kitchen... His broad, bare back, muscles shifting, his low-hanging shorts... 

“When did you get up?” I asked, pulling away and sitting at the breakfast bar.

“Couple hours ago. Had to make arrangements for someone to come out to the house. We're getting cameras and a new gate and alarm. And I need to leave soon. What do you have today?” David asked as transferred the takeout to plates, setting mine in front of me. 

“I have a session with Tracy and lunch with Alec.”

“I gave Aaron and Fergus explicit instructions. The property is going to get done today, okay? And I should be back before seven.”

“Okay.”

He blew out a heavy breath and sat down, staring at his plate for a long moment before he finally turned to look at me.

“This is the second time that fucker has gotten to you.” He paused, considering his next words. “If I’d done my job in protecting you, it would never happened.”

“You take amazing care of me.” I cut him off.  “Zach could've approached me at the Polo Lounge. I mean, there's nothing you could've done. You do everything you can. I don't feel like you failed me. At all.”

“Yeah, well... that fucker wouldn't even be bugging you if it weren't for me,” he muttered.

I didn't respond, because it was true. David's media push on our wedding was what had drawn Zach's attention back to me. 

We ate in silence, but the constant physical contact—his hand running along my thigh, my back, my neck—eased any discomfort.

Fergus emerged from my guestroom just as we finished.  

“Sent Aaron to the store, coffee's ready.” David nodded toward the counter as he gripped my shoulders, steering me toward my room.

I had the distinct feeling he didn't want me around Fergus, but why, I didn't know.

“Wear sweats,” David directed as he let me go.

“Baby, she needs to see my form, make sure I'm doing everything right,” I reminded him sweetly.

He grumbled, “You get skinny, I'm gonna be pissed.”

“What?” I turned, looking at him, horrified.

He gave me a sexy smirk. Sauntering over, his hands slipped inside my pants, pushing them down a little, gripping my bare hips.

“This sexy little indent.” His voice was that soft growl my body always responded to. My breath caught as his thumbs swept along the sensitive flesh just inside my hip bones. Then those hands slid around, gripping my butt. “This ass.” He made a deep, hungry sound. “I want you to stay feminine and curvy.”

“So, I guess my curves are to you,” I drew the words out, seductively, running my hands down his chest, “what your muscles are to me.”

Leaning down, I ran my tongue along the deep groove of his sexy V of muscle. I was rewarded with a long, low groan that vibrated through his large body, going straight to my sex.

“Sweetheart, we don't have time.” His gruff voice was part warning, part regret. 

He jerked me up, claiming my mouth in a rough, possessive kiss, making my pussy clench.

When he pulled away, I was lust-drunk and determined to get at least one orgasm before he left. We stared at each other, our gazes locked. Suddenly, his broad palm landed on my ass, hard, making me yelp and pull back.

“Behave and get dressed,” he warned gruffly.   

Reluctantly, I obeyed, grabbing my workout clothes, trying to ignore the demanding ache between my legs. 

As I pulled on my yoga pants, my gaze caught on David’s taut oblique, bunching and flexing as he dug through a bag.

Bet I could rub my clit on them, hump his side until I came…

Fuck, get a grip!

Eventually, I noticed it was a bag of fresh clothes he was looking through.

“You had time to go home?” I asked, fastening my sports bra. 

“No, sent Aaron by the store and the house. If you need anything, text him. Also had him take some clothes out to the gym for you, and take the dirty clothes home. Helena will wash them.”

Helena. I still hadn't met her. She came by last Friday while I'd been with David, and this week would be the same. 

Grabbing my socks and shoes, I sat on the bed, pulling them on. I watched as David covered his thick thighs with worn jeans, and his sculpted eight pack with a thin navy blue, V-neck tee. Then he slipped into his flip-flops.

I let out a heavy sigh, disappointed that we couldn't just get lost in each other, escape from the rest of the world, having orgasms all day.

“What's wrong?” There was a hint of amusement in his rough voice. He'd obviously caught my eye-fuck.

Without an ounce of embarrassment, I answered, “I'm sad because I'm horny... and I wanna hump your side.”

“What?” he asked, trying not to laugh.

“Those muscles on your side, the way they're tight and ridged, I think they'd feel good on my clit.”

His expression shifted, all amusement gone.

“Fuck, that's hot... Sweetheart, you can use any part of me you want,” he promised. “Tonight, we'll do exactly that.”

He grabbed his phone, wallet, and keys while I grabbed my purse. Then we headed out, leaving Chance at home.

As I unlocked my car, David's hand wrapped around my upper arm, turning me to face him.

“Fergus will meet you at the gym, okay?” His voice was low and intimate, as if he were telling me a secret. “And you're wearing this.” He handed his hoodie to me, pointedly looking at my bare stomach.

David had completely distracted me. I hadn't intended to leave the house in only my sports bra and yoga pants. 

“It's your fault, you and all your hotness,” I grumbled.

He made a happy noise, pressing a kiss to my forehead, lingering there a moment.

“See you soon,” he breathed, before pulling away and climbing into Aaron's waiting car. 

My drive to the gym was uneventful, but it gave me time to recover from the hormonal chaos David's mere presence caused.

When I walked into the gym, both Tracy and Fergus were already waiting on me. Tracy put me through a brutal workout while Fergus kept a much closer eye on me, closer than he ever had before.

Once the torture was over, I quickly showered and dressed in a pair of skinny jeans, a white oversized tee, and flip-flops. Wanting to keep it casual, I skipped the makeup and donned oversized sunglasses before heading out to meet Alec.

 

 

 

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

 

 

“So, does this mean I'm in?” Alec teased.

I had filled Alec in on everything that had happened with Zach, past and present. He'd seemed surprised but took it in stride, seeming more pleased to be included in the drama.

“I would say yes.” I couldn't stop staring at his square aviator sunglasses and messy hair, reminding me too much of David, making me miss him and the cock I didn’t get earlier.

“I'm excited. This is going to be good.” He rubbed his hands together like a child.

In that moment, I could see another distinct similarity between David and him; they both still had that childlike awe.

“I think so.” It was going to be a huge relief not having to worry about having a panic attack every time my leading man touched me.

Although technically we hadn't test driven that theory yet, and I wasn't sure how David was going to react. Knowing Alec wasn’t interested in women made it easier, but still...

“So let's have lunch tomorrow. My place. Need to test out those sex scenes,” he said as if he could read my mind. “We have to know before we tell the network, and I want you to be comfortable—David too—because he's the only motherfucker I know who could beat my ass, and I really don't want to experience it.” He smirked.

A grin curved my lips as a small laugh huffed out of me. “He wouldn't beat your ass,” I said, still smiling.

His eyebrow drew up, and he muttered, “I have a feeling if anyone upset you, he'd be ready to throw down.”

I didn't comment, mostly because I didn't know if that was true or not. I knew David was fiercely protective of me. And after I saw what David did to Zach... I couldn't say for sure.

My phone rang, interrupting us.

“David?” Alec checked.

Digging out my phone, I looked at the screen. It was a number I didn't recognize, but it was going to David's phone.

“It's for David, we kinda share a phone,” I tried to explain.

“Something Fergus hooked you guys up with?”

Apparently, Fergus did know everyone.

“Um… yeah.” 

“David won't let you answer it?” he teased.

“Yeah, he will.” Wanting to prove that was true to myself and Alec, I answered.  

“Hello.”

“Yes, I'm looking for Mr. Taylor.”

I had a moment of panic, feeling like I'd made a mistake answering.

“I'm his wife.” My voice was confident, masking how I felt.

“Oh, yes, hi, I'm calling about an offer he received this morning on the Sierra Towers property. I'm Meredith Danes, his real estate agent.”

The condo had completely slipped my mind.

“Oh, great.” I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't know what the condo was worth, and it wasn't my place to accept or decline any offers.

“The buyer wants to know if everything in the condo is included. There are a few items in the closet I thought Mr. Taylor might want to keep. If he could get back to me today, that would be great.”

Oh...

Feeling brazen, I asked, “How much is the offer?”

“Four point five.”

Four and a half million...

“I'll go by today, and get back to you.” I knew that had to be a good offer.

“Perfect, thank you.”

Ending the call, I looked at Alec.

“Ever been to his condo?”

He chuckled. “It’s been a while... let's go.” He motioned our waitress over, asking for the check.

Within minutes, I was in my car on my way over to see the dreaded condo, the one David had kept to fuck Dawn. Despite that fact, or maybe because of it, for the first time, I felt like I was actually contributing to our relationship, like I was actually a wife.

It was a short drive, only a few blocks down Sunset Blvd from where we were lunching.

Alec pulled up behind me under the portico just as I was exiting my car.

“Who are you here to see?” the valet asked.

At least I thought he was the valet. He was more aggressive than any valet I'd ever encountered.

“David Taylor's condo...” I trailed off, realizing that wasn't the correct response.

“Mr. Taylor's not here.” He started to turn me away, indicating I needed to get back in my car.

“Yeah, we need to check it,” Alec chimed in, suddenly behind me. “This is his wife.”

“Hello, Mr. James.” Then the man turned to me. “I'm so sorry, please.” He led us over, opening the heavy glass door.

Finally, after another chat at the front desk and Alec using his fame to get us past security, we were in the elevator heading up to the penthouse.

“You hang out here a lot?” I asked.

“David doesn't really hang out, but I used to have a key, so they know me very well.”

Ahhh…

There were so many questions I wanted to ask, but I managed to control myself.

Moments later, we were standing at the door as I entered the key with baited breath.

Upon entering the open, light-filled, modern masterpiece, I paused.

It was nothing like I'd expected.

It was nothing like David.

I couldn't see a shred of David anywhere.

It was like walking into a bright white box filled with black accessories; I felt like I'd walked into a music video. Everything was modern and chic.

There was a thick, black slate frame around an oversized fireplace, a black, oversized, contemporary, leather S-shaped couch, and a huge black and white photo of the LA skyline hung on the wall above a lone black console. As I scanned the barren room, my eyes were drawn to the open kitchen, containing black cabinets with a bright white counter and backsplash.

There was no color anywhere.

Even the dining room table was a black lacquer with tall white leather chairs.

It was gorgeous and elegant, but it wasn't livable.

“It's exactly the same. He hasn't changed a thing,” Alec interrupted my thoughts. “Hasn't even touched my room.”

That brought me up short.

“You have a room here?”

“David didn't tell you?” he asked, seeming genuinely surprised.

“No.”

“Yeah, can't really take guys home when I have paps staking out my house. Whenever David was out of town, he let me use the place.”

For some reason, that completely changed my view of the condo. Suddenly, it seemed more like a hotel than a home.

In an instant, I realized that condo embodied both of our lives before we met. Cold and desolate, wrapped in a pretty package.

We were more alike than I'd realized.

Heading down the hall, I found his bedroom. It was the same as the rest of the house, black and white, nothing personal anywhere. Opening the closet door, I found what the real estate agent had been talking about. One of David's jerseys and a handful of cleats remained. I was positive David had left them intentionally, but I was still going to check with him later.

“Okay,” I sighed.

Alec leaned in behind me. “Oh, is that what the call was about, his jersey?”

“Yeah.”

“Seriously doubt he wants that. I've never met anyone who resented their career as much as him,” Alec muttered, before leaving the room.

He was right; I knew he was right.

Being nosy, we went through the rest of the condo. Everything was new to me, but nothing was new to Alec, as he gave me a tour, giving me details that David never had and never would.

Once we reached a long hall on the far side of the condo, Alec opened a door. “This was my room.”

My gaze was immediately drawn to the black wall where a king-sized bed sat, then the wall of glass with views of Griffith Observatory. It had a sophisticated simplicity about it.

“You don't want to go in there,” Alec warned as I headed for the next door. “That's where he took his arrangements.”

That hit me like a punch in the gut. I hadn't actually allowed myself to go there since walking in—David fucking Dawn and all the other women he'd been linked to over the years.

Then the full meaning finally settled in. 

“He didn't take them to his room?”

“No, he didn't want them in his space, his bed.”

Then a sick feeling crawled through me.

Why doesn't he think I should see the room?

Without a second thought, I opened the door.

My breath left me in a rush, stark relief washing over me. I wasn't sure what I'd expected to find, maybe sex toys or a swing, but there was nothing; it was an exact copy of Alec's room.

As we went through the space, I found myself looking at it differently, looking at it through David's fantasy.

This would've been the first place we lived in LA. The truth was, the place was gorgeous and huge and had killer views. If I'd been with him, it would've been a home; it would've been us. And just like that, the condo no longer represented David's past with women, it represented a sad and lonely past without me.

“Sorry about the Dawn thing,” Alec broke through my train of thought. “I told him he was paying her too much.”

My insides twisted and my eyes closed, schooling my expression into a neutral mask.

Stupid ass, of course she was a paid arrangement, that's what arrangements are!

I'd never let myself really think about it before, not where David was concerned at least. I knew two girls who lived off arrangements, and they lived very well. They also never got emotionally attached.

Swallowing thickly, I opened my eyes and asked, “Paid her too much?”

“I think so. She'd only had one arrangement before David, and it was a director, he was only paying her 4K a month, but fucking her at least five days a week.”

Oh God...

I understood why she was a drug addict; I would be if someone treated me like that.

“I know, right?” he said at my disgusted expression. “Prostitutes get paid better. But David had been paying his previous arrangement twenty a month, so that's what he paid Dawn.”

Twenty thousand a month...

No wonder she didn’t want to lose David.

He shook his head. “It was a huge mistake. I know he pays them well to assure his privacy, make sure they keep their mouth shut, and abide by the NDA agreement, but with her...” He trailed off as he walked over to the patio doors, looking out over the city.

I followed him, going over to the glass wall, despite the sinking feeling in my stomach as I looked down. All the exterior walls were glass; three sixty views.

“David only saw his arrangements a couple of times a month,” Alec went on, “sometimes less. So for her, it was like... she went from being a cum bucket to thinking she was in love.”

I completely understood that too. Compared to her previous treatment, David treated her like a queen. It would be easy to confuse that for love, most women would. The financial security alone would be enough to make a woman stay with him forever. And the fact that he was gorgeous...

I couldn't believe it, but I actually found myself feeling bad for Dawn. She probably thought he was her Prince Charming, come to sweep her off her feet, save her from the life she'd known. 

Instantly, I felt as if a huge shroud had been lifted off our relationship, off my shoulders.

Spending time with Alec had allowed me to see the full picture with David, allowed me to believe the things David had told me and shed light on things David would never be willing to discuss.

Looking at Alec, I felt a dozen emotions bouncing around inside me, the strongest being gratefulness. Grateful to Alec for giving me this gift, lifting the burden off us, a burden I hadn’t even known was still there.  

“Come here.” I grabbed Alec's hand, dragging him over to the couch. “Let's do this now.”

“Okay,” he agreed without missing a beat. “Sure you're ready?”

Suddenly, I was nervous, mostly because I wasn't nervous. I should've been worried about kissing him. I should've felt wrong about kissing him. I shouldn't have wanted to kiss him.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded.

His large hands moved to my neck, gently pulling me closer as he leaned in until her mouths met in a soft brushing of lips.

I waited for something to happen. Panic. Attraction. Something. Then his warm, wet tongue slid over my lips, and I realized I felt nothing. It was like kissing my hand. No attraction, no panic... Nothing.

When he finally pulled back, he asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I answered through a huge grin. “I'm great.”

“So we can skip lunch tomorrow?” he asked with a lifted brow.

“Absolutely.” I couldn't have stopped smiling if I tried.

I didn't know how David was going to feel about what I'd done, but I knew I had to tell him the truth.

I just hoped it didn't blow up in my face.

 

 

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

 

 

I was halfway home when ringing filled the car.

“Hey, babe, you done already?” I asked, knowing there was no way he was.

“Yep.” His rich voice filled my car. “Pick me up at five in Burbank.” It wasn’t a request.

“Really?”

“Yes, ma'am.” His tone shifted, almost accusing. “How’s it goin’ with Alec?”

“Really good.” Despite my calm tone, I found myself gripping the steering wheel nervously. “I'm really comfortable with him.”

“Why’d you go to Sierra Towers today?”

At his hard tone, fear trickled through me, afraid he already knew. Pushing it down, forcing myself to act casual, I answered, “Meredith called. You got an offer. She wanted to know about the clothes you left behind, the jersey.”

“Fuck, Austin.” He sounded part exhausted, part frustrated. When he spoke again, he sounded concerned. “Are you okay?”

The tension immediately drained from my body.  “Yeah, babe, I'm fine. I'm good. What's the verdict on the jersey?”

“I don't want it,” he answered dismissively. “So, why are you so good?”

And just like that, the tension was building again with fear of hurting him.   

“Well... Alec and I talked a lot. He told me stuff you won't ever talk about, about your arrangements—”

“Austin—” He tried to interrupt.

“And I feel better, and I couldn't help thinking about your little fantasy, about that being the first place we lived...” I trailed off.

“That would've been fucking awesome.” The smile in his voice couldn't be missed.

I hesitated, debating whether to tell him about Alec right then or later.

What if he finds out from Alec? Or Fergus?

“And... I kind of... kissed Alec.”

There was an eerie silence on his end.

As the silence drew out, I had a sinking feeling in my chest, and I realized how hard this was going to be for him. 

“Like—” He stopped short, seeming to struggle for words, and my heart broke.

“Just kissing,” I reassured him softly. “And touching my face and neck, I think.” I couldn't remember the details of what we'd actually done.

After another silent moment, he muttered, “Goddamn... I didn't realize how fucking bad that was gonna hurt.”

“He's gay, and your friend,” I reminded him uselessly as I pulled up to a stop light.

“I know several gay guys who fuck girls to keep up appearances,” he grumbled.

“Well...” I did too, so I had no come back. “He doesn't have that vibe.”

“What is the vibe between you two?” His voice was gruff with just a hint of insecurity.

“Flirty, like a girlfriend?” I struggled to find the right words.

“Explain,” he demanded. 

“Like no blurry lines, nothing even edging on questionable? No sexual tension or energy involved. Like being with a girl. If that makes sense.”

He made a noise, part frustrated, part resigned, before finally saying, “Okay.” He paused. “How much do you love me?”

“More than I can even deal with.”

“Good.” His tone was a rasped threat when he added, “Coming home in a couple hours. Get ready. I'm gonna wear you out.”

“I'm so ready.”

When the call ended, I changed direction, heading to the house to pick up the Range Rover. When I pulled up to the gate, it wouldn't open. That's when I noticed the camera's. They were well hidden, but new and out of place to me. 

There was a knock on my window, and I jumped, my hand flying to my chest. I turned, finding Fergus.

Fucking ninja.

Rolling down my window, I said, “I forgot you were following me.”

“That was kind of the point,” he said simply. “Let me program the gate to your car.”

After he was done, I pulled into the garage, climbing out.

“The truck is already done, but I need your phone, to program it. You’ll need it from now on when you're here to let anyone in or out.” He held out his hand. “And to get in, in case the car system resets.”

Damn, David wasn't messing around about the security.   

“Okay.” I handed over my phone, my voice was small, feeling like I'd caused this mess.

“The house will be ready for you two by tomorrow night,” he informed me as he worked on my phone. “You're picking up David now?”

“Yeah.” I felt like I was on lockdown.

He nodded, handing my phone back, as if giving me permission to leave. Then added, “Straight there. We're both tracking you.”

Apparently, I was on lockdown.

Soon as I pulled up to the arrivals terminal, David was climbing in, forcing me to climb over into the passenger seat.

“Get that sweet ass over there.” He gave me a hard smack, which turned into a squeeze as I crawled over the wide console.

His mood was not what I'd expected. I'd been afraid he would be brooding or hurt, maybe a little pissed, but he was in a great mood, playful and sweet.

He drove us straight over to Bristol Farms.

“Remember the first time we came here together?” he asked as he parked the truck.

A slow smile formed on my face, and I whispered, "Yes."

“Everything's so different now.” His voice was soft, thoughtful.

“How so?”

He looked at me then, studying me.

“We're married, and I'm more obsessed with you than I thought possible. I can barely fucking function without you. You're all I think about. It's all you, 24/7.”

There was a deeper meaning to his words,  something he was holding back. Deep down, I knew what it was, but I didn’t dare ask. Instead, wanting to keep things sweet and flirty, I admitted, “I know it's wrong, but I love that.”

A slow, sexy smirk formed on his face.

“Good. Now, let's get something for dinner,” he said, climbing out.

I followed suit, but before I even shut the door, he was there, shutting it for me.

“Come on, sweetheart.” He seamlessly wrapped his heavy arm around me, tucking me into his side. “Go ahead, I know you want to stick your face in my pit.”

Hitting his ribs playfully, I argued, “I do not stick my face in your pit.”

“Yeah, you do. It's okay if you have some kinda armpit fetish, you can tell me," he goaded.

“David,” I complained, unable to keep a straight face.

His laugh was deep and husky, vibrating through me. I wound my arms around his waist, tucking my head against his firm, warm pec.

“So what do you want for dinner?” he rasped softly, his hand gliding down from my shoulder to my hip. 

“Something good.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Does something good include ice cream?” he checked, his tone playful.

I loved him like this, especially knowing I was the only one who got to see it. Knowing it was only for me.

“Always.” 

It was five o'clock and there were still plenty of paparazzi around the front of the store taking pictures as we walked in.

“David, is your wife cheating with Zach Stone?” one asked.

I felt David's muscles tense as he pulled me closer.

“David, do you think she had him arrested just to cover up her affair?” another added.

“What do you think is really going on?”

“Is it true that they're going to do a TV show together?” they continued to bombard us with questions.

“Who was that woman you were with the other night in Arizona? You've been seen with a lot of different women.”

“I know what my wife does, guys. Trust me. I got that shit locked down tight,” David responded confidently and calmly, but there was something dark underlying that.

I was taken aback with his sudden change in demeanor, but it was sexy as fuck.

Quickly, I recovered and chimed in, “Just look at him, do you actually think anyone would cheat on him?”

“Really?” one spoke up excitedly. “He's the best sex you ever had?”

“No contest,” I said loudly as David maneuvered me into the store. 

His hand moved, palming my ass possessively, fingers digging into sensitive spots as a soft growl of approval rumbled through him. Pulling back, I looked up. He wore a smug look of triumph. He was pleased, proud.

“Good girl,” he growled.

My clit throbbed, as much from his words as the fingers applying pressure in the cleft of my ass.

He gave my cheek one last squeeze before he grabbed a shopping cart then gripped my hand, entwining our fingers, pulling me behind him as he easily maneuvered the cart through the aisles, getting what we needed for dinner.

This time was so different than the first time. He had an air about him. Women didn't attempt to approach him. They stared but no one even tried to say hi, no numbers were slip to him, nothing. Everyone kept a polite distance. I didn't think it had anything to do with the public knowledge of our marriage. It was David; he carried himself differently now. Protective. Defensive. Which I guess after what happened yesterday, made sense.

 

 

****

 

“I’m gonna change and start dinner. You shower. I can smell Alec on you,” David directed as we entered my house. 

My back stiffened and my stomach sank. I realized then, David hadn't kissed me since I picked him up, not once since he arrived.

“I’m sorry—” I started. 

He waved me off. “Just shower, sweetheart.”

David started stripping as I headed for my bathroom.

I quickly showered, then pulled on a pair of sweat shorts, a bra, and an off-the-shoulder tee.

As I headed down the hall, I could hear the soft chords of Bruno Mars’s “Gorilla” playing; the song from our wedding night.

When I entered the living area, I took my time appreciating my gorgeous husband, who had expertly taken over my kitchen.

I sat at the breakfast bar watching his sculpted body moving around. He was wearing nothing but the loose, low-hanging gray sweat shorts I'd given him for Christmas. They were so low I could clearly see the top swells of his ass flexing and moving.

“You've never used these burners, have you?” he muttered with his back still to me.

I couldn't tell if it was a question or a statement, either way I was offended.

“Yes, I have.”

A low chuckle was his only response.

He turned then, facing me, wiping his hand on a rag. "Thirsty?"

Something about his tone had my heart fluttering like a hummingbird, anxious.

“Yeah,” I answered through my growing dread.

Grabbing a water out of the fridge, he placed it in front of me, then braced his hands on the counter, watching me.

I held onto the water with both hands, steeling myself for whatever was next.

“You're not doing sex scenes with Alec.” His voice was rough, but the statement was simple. Casual.

It took a moment to fully comprehend.

“What?” I breathed, feeling like I had the wind knocked out of me. “David, I already signed the contract.”  

“I know. And I thought I could deal with it, if it was him. But after today...” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I can't. I just can't.”

I sat there stunned, not knowing what to say. I didn't want to hurt him, but I also didn't want to back out of the show.

“I called Alec after we talked. He gets it. So I'm gonna be his stand-in for your sex scenes—and don't worry, I already called Jeff. He's fine with it.”

Slowly, the tension drained for my body as everything sank in.

“Those are the only wide-shot sex scenes you have. All the others can be done with the body double.”

That was true. I'd done that on purpose, to convey the difference between him and the other men.

Intense and emotional versus a purely physical indulgence.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Yeah,” I breathed. “It'll be a lot easier with it being you. We can make it a lot sexier—more real.”

His mouth lifted on one side, his disarming almost smile, and he muttered, “Damn, I thought you'd put up a fight.”

He seemed impressed, or maybe just surprised.

“Why? It's more time with you. Correction, more time naked with you. Nothing to complain about.”

“Austin—” He paused, looking down at the counter, blowing out a harsh breath.

When his eyes met mine, I understood how much this meant to him.

“Seriously fucking love you,” he swore, his voice thick with emotion. “You could've told me no, could've told me how fucked up this is—how unprofessional it is, because believe me, I know this shit is seriously unprofessional.”

My eyes stung and I swallowed thickly, deeply moved by his declaration. “David, I understand.”

“I could have destroyed your career with that phone call—and you understand. You're not even mad.” He shook his head, seeming in awe.

“David—”

“This, this is how I know you love me.”

I'd never seen him like this, so uncomfortable and insecure about what he had done, so grateful for my acceptance.

Maybe I should've been more upset, maybe I would've been before the earlier revelations, but for whatever reason, I wasn't.

He was right; his call to Jeff could have lasting negative effects for me, but I had a feeling Jeff wasn’t too surprised by the request, seeing as he was not only aware of David’s irrational possessiveness, he was depending on it.

“You're going with me to Arizona in the morning.” David’s soft demand brought me back to the present as he placed a plate of glazed salmon and zucchini tots in front on me. “Jeff's going to have them bump up the body double casting call for tomorrow. They'll e-mail you the pictures, and we'll sit down and choose together.”

Still staring at the masterpiece David created, I let out a heavy breath and nodded.

Sounded easy enough.

Suddenly, I felt relieved.

Guess I was more concerned about being naked with Alec than I thought.

“You all right?”

My gaze met his then. His expression was stoic, but his eyes... The vulnerability there broke my heart.

I really hurt him by kissing Alec.

When I gave a jerky nod, he came around, sitting next to me, pulling his chair close until he thick thighs framed mine, caging me in.

As his large hand smoothed over my bare thigh, I asked, “Can I get a massage this weekend?”

His expression softened.

“Sweet girl, you can have any fucking thing you want.”

 

 

 

David

 

 

 

As soon as she stepped out of the truck, I grabbed her hand, entwining our fingers, giving her reassurance, comfort. She’d had an anxious energy since we woke up. Hell, so had I.

That was one of the reasons why I’d asked Harold to put me out for injury today. Friday night, I’d decided I needed to be here, for her anxiety and my sanity. I needed to insert myself into her on set life as much as possible, make sure she felt my presence, even when I wasn’t around.

The other was, I wasn’t ready to let her be on set with Alec without me yet. I was pretty sure I was more uneasy than she was, not that I’d ever let her know.

The weekend had helped to soothe my discomfort over their kiss. Somewhat.

God, that fucking kiss.

In my head, I knew that kiss meant nothing to either one of them, but that's not how it felt.

It was ridiculous. I knew it was ridiculous. I trusted Alec. Alec, Aaron, and Fergus were the only men I would ever trust around Austin, but it didn't seem to matter to my heart, or whatever the fuck that crippling pain in my chest was. It had felt like I was being gutted with a butter knife. 

I didn't know what I'd been thinking.

How did I ever believe I was going to be cool with her making out with anyone? Even Alec?

It was a moment of temporary insanity—delusional from my need to give her everything she wanted.

“I can't believe this is really happening,” she whispered excitedly. “I'm so nervous.” She gripped my bicep with her other hand, hugging herself to my arm as we crossed the parking lot.

I loved her like this, innocent and childlike. Her ready for work look just magnified it; bare faced, hair piled on top of her head in a sloppy bun, wearing those gray UGG boots, black leggings, and a pink oversized sweatshirt.

And fuck, I loved the way she clung to me, like she knew I would protect her. Like she was counting on it.

My sweet girl.

“I love you like this. You look so sexy,” she whispered, eyeing my ripped jeans, old white V-neck T-shirt and beat-up boots.

That made me stand up a little straighter.

She was the only person I knew who preferred me so casual. But it worked out well, since that was my go-to look.

When we arrived outside the sound stage, a girl carrying a clipboard and wearing an earpiece approached.   

“Good morning, Miss James. Sorry to do this first thing, but can you come back to wardrobe real quick?”

Austin turned to me, but before she could say anything, I told her, “Go on, I'll find your trailer.”

“Oh, here.” The girl grabbed a guy walking by. “He can show you where Miss James’ trailer is.”

It was more than a little annoying that the girl kept calling her Miss James. But when the guy led me to Austin's trailer, I was pissed. I turned to the guy.

“What the fuck is this?”

“Miss James’ trailer? It was delivered early this morning.”

“Yeah, I know. I bought the fucking thing. I'm talking about the name on the door.”

“That's her name, Austin James.”

The way he said it... I felt like I was in the fucking twilight zone. This guy didn't seem to have a clue who I was or seem to know Austin was married.

This was exactly what I was afraid of.

Not wanting to yell at him, I turned away and dug my phone out of my pocket and called Elaine.

“David. How is—”

“Why is everyone calling her Miss James?”

Elaine hesitated before she answered slowly, “David, she never legally changed her name. Not her stage name, not her legal name, nothing... Did you get the paperwork to change her name?”

“Fuck,” I sighed. With everything going on, I had completely forgotten. I groaned, “No”

“Well, I don't know what to tell you. Unless she wants try to get some paperwork rushed through...”

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I just wanted her to be known as Mrs. Taylor not Miss James.

I blew out a harsh breath. “I'll talk to her about it. Thanks.”

Ending the call, I shoved my phone back in my pocket and went looking for some masking tape. By the time Austin came back from wardrobe, I had fixed our little dilemma.

She stopped short when she saw it. Then I watched as a smile broke out across her face.

“Oh my God. That's too funny, David,” she said through suppressed laughter as she looked at the masking tape with Mrs. Taylor crudely written across it.

“This is perfect, babe.” She leaned into me, hooking a small hand around my neck, pulling me down to her. She pressed a sweet kiss to my lips before muttering, “I love that it's in your handwriting.”

“Seems we forgot to do the paperwork,” I muttered wryly.

I wasn't mad at her. I forgot, and if I forgot, I was sure she did too.

“I wasn’t aware we had to fill out paperwork. I thought I had to do paperwork to keep my name.”

Well, that answered that question.

“That's what I initially thought too.”

“Well, give me the paperwork, babe, and I'll fill it out,” she said as if it was the simplest thing ever.

“I don't even know where to get the paperwork. We don't have time to worry about it right this minute. And it looks like you signed on to the show under Austin James.”

“I'm sure all that can be changed. It's not a big deal.”

I was surprised that there was no resistance to changing her name anymore. And that was enough to placate my need for it.

 

 

 

Austin

 

 

“What do you need to do now?” he asked.

I loved that he was spending the day on set with me—my first day. As embarrassing as it was, I needed him there. My safety net.

“Just wait until hair and makeup's ready.” I gestured toward the trailer.

It was the basic Star Waggon, though it looked much bigger than I had expected. But I knew production wouldn’t spring for a new trailer before knowing if we would get picked up for more than one season.

I really hope they cleaned the hell out of it.

I couldn't deal with any kind of mildew, vomit, or... anything smells.

Instinctively, I held my breath as I opened the trailer door. But when I stepped inside and my eyes fully adjusted, my breath left me in a rush.

“Holy shit,” I muttered, taking in the luxury, contemporary, custom trailer.

There was a galley kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Built-in, state-of-the-art entertainment center was across from a built-out couch nook. The floors were gray, the cabinets and built-ins were dark walnut, and everything else was white except one single black leather chair.

“You did this?” I asked, glancing over at him as I moved toward the back, past the fifteen-foot, white leather sofa and into the expansive makeup area, complete with a shampoo bowl.

Oh. My. God.

Turning, I faced David. Then my eyes caught on a door at the opposite end of the trailer.

Holy crap, there's more.

Once on the other side of the kitchen and up a small staircase, I was standing in a full bath and bedroom, complete with a built-in entertainment center.

It was fucking nice by apartment standards, by trailer standards...

When I turned to exit the bedroom area, David was leaning in the doorway. Without warning or thought, I launch myself at him. Effortlessly, his large hands caught me under my thighs as I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist.

He laughed softly, a happy, pleased sound as I planted smacking kisses up his neck and along his stubble-rough jaw, until my lips met his.

When I pulled back, his broad smile matched mine.

“Babe, this is amazing!” I nearly squealed before admitting, “But it's too much.”

Smirking, he said, “It's my understanding you'll be here a lot, which means I most likely will too—and Chance. So we need something that will feel homey—our home away from home.”

It was super modern and sleek with a slight hint of mid-century style—I loved it.

“Why did you do this?” I asked, staring into those piercing dark eyes—eyes drunk with victory.

“Trying to impress you,” he admitted readily.

“What? Why?” I asked, genuinely confused by his response.

“You're never impressed by anything.” He was so open and vulnerable, it caught me off guard.

Afraid of what seriousness might be causing it, afraid that kiss was still bothering him, I didn't ask.

I had never regretted anything so much in my life. I felt like I should've waited until David was present, as crazy as that was. Waited to give him a chance to change his mind. 

Something.

I hated how much it hurt him.

I’d been so caught up in dealing with my own issues, getting past them, I had completely forgotten about David’s.

“That's not true,” I whispered sincerely, holding his gaze, silently begging him to hear me, believe me.  “You impress me every fucking day.” When he didn't respond, I added, “My car and my diamond impressed the hell out of me.” I held my left hand up between us. “Your dick impresses me.”  

That finally got a sexy little smirk from him.

“Well, I got that going for me at least.” He hitched me up, then turned, going to the sofa. He sat on the edge, giving me time to adjust my legs, straddling his lap, before he settled back against the cushions.

“And your body. The way you treat me... Or is that to impress me too?” I asked, folding my arms across his pecs, leaning into him.

“No,” he rumbled, his hands smoothing up and down my sides. “Taking care of you makes me feel like you’re mine.”

Holding his gaze, I whispered sincerely, “I am.”

Seconds later, one of the PA's popped in, interrupting our moment.

“Miss James, hair and makeup is ready for you,” she announced from the open doorway.

“Come with?” I asked David, squeezing his hand.

“Anything you want,” he rasped.

As we followed the PA to the hair and makeup trailer, she looked over her shoulder at me and asked, “Have you chosen a PA yet?”

“No, I thought one would be assigned to me.” I glanced over at David, instinctively looking to him for answers, but he had none.

“Ah, we were told you would be choosing.”

I'm not sure why I was expected to choose; they were all strangers to me.

“What's your name?” I asked as I grabbed David’s hand. It was an instinctive move, as if I needed him to defend me from this petite little redhead.

“Jessica.”

“Jessica, do you want to be my PA?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Okay,” I hesitated, surprised by her enthusiasm.

“Great,”she chirped. “I'll get your schedule for the week and give me your dietary list, and I'll make sure your trailer is stocked daily.”

“All right,” I agreed.

Though, I noticed David didn't seem too pleased. I guess he really did like doing everything for me.

He sat with me through hair and makeup, chatting with the men and women, quickly drawing a crowd, making the space cramped.

“I'll do your lipstick when you're on set. I don't want it to bleed onto your face in the meantime,” Kathleen, the makeup artist, explained as she looked over her handiwork.

“Helloooo,” I heard a familiar voice croon behind me. “Well, look at this motherfucker, already trying to steal the spotlight,” Alec teased, making his way through the bodies to David.

There were so many people between us, I could only see David in the mirror.

Alec leaned over David, doing their shoulder slapping, aggressive bro handshake.

“She's too pretty for you, you know that right?” Alec deadpanned, gesturing toward me.

“Then she’s definitely too hot for your ugly ass,” David shot back smoothly.

The energy between the two of them was a brotherly, competitive ribbing.

“And your trailer.” Alec caught my gaze in the mirror. “Where's mine?” His eyes narrowed and he tease, “You know I'm more famous than you, right?”

“Write your own show then, you little bitch, and stop whining.” David’s rich, deep voice filled the trailer and everyone fell silent, not understanding his banter.

“Production did not give me that,” I added. “David bought it.”

Alec looked at David, eyebrows drawn together. “Hook me up.”

David scowled. “Hook yourself up.”

“Did you go in?” I asked, getting to my feet.

“Yeah, was looking for you,” Alec answered, opening the trailer door for me.

“Thank you, Kathleen,” I called over my shoulder before we descended the stairs, exiting, David right behind us.

“When you knock on the door and she doesn't answer, that does not mean come in,” David grumbled as we headed back toward my trailer.

Once in my trailer, Alec and I quickly settled in on the couch, while David found us coffee and called in Jessica to give her my food list, then texted Aaron to get us lunch and the essentials for the day. He had completely taken over, I was starting to wonder if he wanted to be my PA.

“We’ve gotta get some real food up here,” David complained as he sat next to me, creating a physical barrier in addition to the vast space between Alec and me.

Clearly, he was still bothered by that kiss. And he using the food—and anything else he could find—as an excuse to vent instead of going directly after Alec. That was proof to me how close they really were.

Pulling my legs up, I curled into his side, trying to reassure him while selfishly enjoying the feel of his body against mine. 

“Need to get a personal chef to come out every day,” Alec added thoughtfully.

“Let me handle that.” David leaned back against me, his arm wrapping around my legs, tucking them tighter into his side.

I sighed, relaxing, comforted by the weight and heat of his arm and body on mine. 

Cuddled up on the sofa, I played with the TV system while David and Alec talked. We stayed like that, throughout all the PA’s interruptions, until Aaron arrived, bringing all of David’s requests.

“Nice trailer, Austin.” Aaron nodded. “Alec, good to see you.”

Before I could respond, there was another knock on the trailer door. 

“Come in,” I called out, earning me a disapproving glare from David, obviously displeased with my repeated casualness.

“Miss James, they need you in wardrobe again,” Jessica called from the now open door.  

Getting to my feet, I looked at David. “Be back.”

Following Jessica out, I took one more backward glance, finding David watching me, while Alec and Aaron were in a deep provision discussion.

I couldn’t help but feel like a was just starting to get the full picture of who and what David’s life consisted of before me. Alec and Aaron were so comfortable with each other, as comfortable as David and Aaron were. The thought that I might have damaged his relationship with Alec made me sick. I was going to have to find a way to make David see it for what it was, nothing.

Entering the wardrobe department, I was met by a platinum blonde woman dressed in a bright orange, patterned shirt and green camo fitted pants.

It was lively and eccentric.

I loved it.

“Austin, I'm Delia. I'll be dressing you this season.”

“Hi,” I greeted, shaking her hand.

“Ohhh, this is going to be so much fun,” she said, eyeing my body. “Strip down, you can leave on your panties,” she directed before disappearing into a back room.

That was fine, except I forgot to wear panties...

 

 

****

 

 

Thirty minutes later, I was sewn into a red, backless, strapless, barely there dress. It made Jessica Rabbit's signature dress look demure.

The side slit ended three inches above the crease of my thigh, exposing the edge of the black lace panties wardrobe had on hand. The sweetheart neckline plunged dangerously low, taking away any bra option. Fortunately, the bone corset was more than capable of handling it's job—holding my boobs up. And while I'd never been a fan of red, it was striking and perfect for the scene.

It really set in then. It was really happening; I was about to film the first scene for the pilot.

Fuck…

I stared at my reflection. My hair was perfect as was my makeup, and the dress... But that didn't make a performance; that didn't make a show successful.

What if I seriously fuck this up? What if they realize I'm a shit writer and actor? What if— 

“Dear, you seem nervous? Let me get you a Xanax,” Delia whispered.

My gaze darted to her, surprised by the offer. “No, I'm good.”