Chapter 10
Ashleigh's feet hurt. She was walking around the hotel's veranda smiling and mingling with investors and the press, trying not to let on that she didn't want to be there and would rather spend time at her father's bedside. It didn't help that Bella kept giving her the evil eye whenever she thought nobody was looking. But could Ashleigh really blame her? After all, Santiago kept looking at Ashleigh like she was a rich dessert after an unsatisfying dinner. Had he still not gotten the message that she wasn't interested in him, despite the on-screen chemistry that had sizzled between them? The one thing that made the whole night bearable was Hunter. He held his own among the ritzy crowd, and, in fact, seemed to be a hit with everyone.
Especially Violet.
Violet was a man-eater, plain and simple. Once she had a target on her radar, he was doomed, though Ashleigh was surprised that she was interested in Hunter. Sure, he was handsome, had a great body, and oozed charm. But so did plenty of other men at the premiere party. And they had money and connections to boot, connections that could help Violet's career. The fact that Violet had shown up at Todd Laws' side confirmed that she knew how to play the game. So why was she suddenly switching horses?
Ashleigh was aware that Violet was auditioning for the same sexy lead in a romantic comedy set in Paris that Ashleigh had set her sights on, a comedy Todd was producing. But unlike Violet, Ashleigh wasn't going to rub herself all over Todd and appeal to his libido to influence him. Did Todd even notice that Violet was eying another man while she pretended to be interested in him?
"There you are."
The familiar voice jolted her from her thoughts. Ashleigh whirled around and found herself face to face with the co-producer, Vince Collins. He'd shown up halfway through the screening, his pale face sweating, an expensive tuxedo hanging on his gangly frame. No matter how much money he spent to dress himself, somehow he always managed to look like he didn't belong. When she met him for the first time just before shooting commenced, she'd pitied him. Unfortunately, her friendly behavior toward him had been taken the wrong way. And now Vince Collins had turned into a persistent stain: no matter how often she washed it, it always came back.
"Vince," she said with a forced smile.
He beamed and leaned in, kissing her on both cheeks, his hands lingering on her shoulders as if he wanted to draw her into a hug, but she stepped back. "So you made it after all," she said quickly, hoping to distract him from the fact that she'd sidestepped his embrace and only allowed the briefest physical interaction. "Todd mentioned you might have been stuck in traffic. I think he was looking for you." She glanced past him and pretended to see the other producer. "I think he just went to the bar."
Vince shrugged, his smile not faltering. "Todd can wait." He ran his eyes over her. "You look stunning, Leigh, absolutely stunning."
"Oh, thank you." She glanced around, hoping to spot Hunter, who'd volunteered to call his sister to see if there was any news about her dad. She didn't see him anywhere. He'd probably found a quiet place where he could actually hear himself talk.
"Did Frank mention that I offered to be your date for tonight? I mean, it's absolutely disgraceful that Santiago ditched you last minute."
"No worries. I didn't mind. And I certainly didn't want a fight with Bella."
"Of course, of course. I understand. Well, at least, now that I'm here, you won't be dateless anymore. I'm sorry I was late, but my driver got lost and then we got stuck in traffic, and—"
"Uh, Vince, sorry. Frank told me, and it's really nice of you. But didn't he tell you—"
Vince took her arm and leaned in. "I know you don't want to be seen favoring one producer over another. I get that about you, Leigh. You're not like Violet. It's so obvious what she's trying to do. You, on the other hand, you've got class. I respect that in a woman."
Damn, he was totally misunderstanding her. "Vince, I'm sorry, but I told Frank that I—"
An arm suddenly slid around her waist from behind. "Hey, Ashleigh, I'm back." Relief flooded her. The cavalry had arrived.
Hunter stepped next to her and pulled her to his side, then stretched his hand out to Vince. "I don't think we've met. I'm Hunter, Ashleigh's friend."
Vince's face fell. "Oh. Yeah. I'm Vince Collins, the producer. Of the film." Vince almost stuttered, as if the presence of the much taller man robbed him of the rest of his confidence.
Poor Vince. When Ashleigh saw the two men each sizing up the other, she knew there was no contest. Vince might be a film producer, whose daddy's money had catapulted him into the business, but Hunter exuded confidence, as if he were the more powerful of the two men, even though Hunter was a simple man, a construction guy. A nobody. But he didn't look like a nobody. In his Armani tux, he looked like he was born into this life. He looked like he belonged.
And one other thing was suddenly so obvious: he oozed the kind of sex appeal few women could resist. His hand on her hip felt as if it belonged there, his fingers branding her with their heat, her skin tingling pleasantly beneath the thin fabric. Irresistible. Even to her.
She shook off the thought, even as she leaned in closer to him.
"Nice to meet you, Vince," Hunter said pleasantly, then bent his head slightly, and rather intimately, to address her. "I think they're ready to serve dinner. Are you ready, babe?
"I'm famished," she said, her heart beating rapidly at the unexpected endearment.
As they turned to head for the dining area, she saw Hunter winking at her. It caught her traitorous heart and squeezed.
"Hope I didn't come too late," he whispered.
"Just in time," she admitted. "Thanks for rescuing me."
He grinned. "What are dates for?"
Moments later, they sat down at a round table with their name cards. Also assigned to their table were Todd and Violet, who slid onto her seat next to Hunter, and Santiago and Bella, with Santiago to Ashleigh's right. Ashleigh raised an eyebrow when she saw the name cards looked a tad crooked—as if somebody had hastily rearranged them. Just peachy.
"So what did you think of the movie, Hunter?" Todd asked as the waiters poured the wine and served the salads.
He slid a glance at Ashleigh, his eyes sparkling. "Definitely memorable."
Everyone laughed.
"Tell us about your next project," Violet said to Todd. He began talking about the movie, set in Paris, that would make this one seem tame.
"Our scouts are on location now, finding romantic spots for all the best scenes."
"I bet that isn't too hard to do," Violet said with a bright smile as she leaned in closer to him and rubbed her shoulder against his, bending low to give him, and everyone else, a fine view of her abundant assets.
Ashleigh refrained from growling and took a long drink from her glass. As always, Violet was laying it on pretty thick, and was clearly prepared to do anything to get the role. Welcome to the casting couch. At least Ashleigh could say that she had never stooped so low as to use her female wiles on a producer or director to land a role. She'd never had to sleep with anybody to get to where she was now. Whereas Violet… Well, she wouldn't bitch about another actress. Not even in her mind. The business was hard enough. Everybody had to do what they thought was best.
Hunter lifted his glass. "To the success of this movie, and to all of you."
The words were met with cheers by the assembled. Ashleigh cast a grateful look at Hunter. He smiled back and touched her forearm, squeezing it for a brief moment.
It felt good to have somebody by her side who was actually on her side, and not stabbing her in the back. At many such events, she'd been accompanied by men who were there to pursue their own goals, but Hunter was here solely for her. And she appreciated that. Knowing he had her back was comforting.
Ashleigh felt the stress of the day drain away.
"I understand you both have appointments to read for my director next week," Todd said, nodding first to Ashleigh and then to Violet. "I wish you the best."
"Thank you, sweetie," Violet said.
Ashleigh tried not to roll her eyes. Did Todd not see what she was doing? "Thanks, Todd. I appreciate it." Then she raised her glass and toasted to Violet. "Good luck, dear."
She could tell that it irked Violet to have to reciprocate the wishes, but she did it nevertheless. "And you too, darling. I'm sure you'll do great."
For a moment, there was an uncomfortable pause in the conversation, one everybody seemed to notice.
Santiago ended the silence. "Tell us about you, Hunter. How did you meet our Leigh?"
"We met at the beach," Hunter said. "Had a summer romance that ended too soon, in my book." He turned his head to look at Ashleigh. "But who knows? Some people get second chances, right?"
Ashleigh felt her cheeks flush. A second chance? She doubted that was possible. Too much baggage, too many lies, too many unsaid things lay between them.
"Why warm up something old when you can start new with a clean slate?" Violet said casually, and laughed, taking a drink from her glass.
Santiago grinned. "Hey, why not pick up where you left off, eh? How do they say? When the shoe fits…" Santiago raised his glass.
"One can only dream," Hunter said.
Did he really mean that? Or was he just playing for the crowd, making it look like he was still interested in Ashleigh to underscore that she was tonight's star? Or were his sparkling eyes a sign that what they'd had fourteen years ago hadn't really died?
"Well, I for one would have never have let you get away in the first place," Violet proclaimed, her perfectly painted lips pouting.
"Well, thank you, ma'am." Hunter nodded and smiled at her.
Could he possibly be interested in Violet? Before her mind would get tangled up in all her doubts, Ashleigh felt Hunter's hand slide onto her lower back, stroking her there as if in reassurance. She turned her head to him and he met her gaze.
Without looking back at Violet, he added, "But I'm not a risk taker. I'll go with what I know fits."
Ashleigh's heart somersaulted. Violet had practically been undressing Hunter with her eyes, yet he'd made it clear that he wasn't interested in her.
As the conversation turned to other topics, Ashleigh leaned into Hunter. "Thank you," she murmured.
"I'm your date," he whispered. "I have to flirt with you. It's my job."
She looked at him and found him smiling at her, a warm, affectionate smile, and her heart melted.
"You're very good at it."
His eyes seemed to turn darker, his expression more intense now. "Because I like doing it."
Her cheeks flamed at his words. "Do you?"
Oh, God, what was she doing? Was she responding to him? Falling for his charms once more? She was doomed.
The music from the band that played in the corner of the room became louder. Dinner was over.
"Time to dance," Violet announced, and reached for Hunter's arm. "Ladies' choice."
A regretful smile flashed over Hunter's face, before he turned to Violet and stood. "Well, in that case, I guess I can't say no."
A triumphant smile split Violet's lips and exposed her flawless teeth as she dragged Hunter to the dance floor.
"Well, there go our dates," Todd said, and reached for his wine glass. "I'd ask you to dance, Leigh, but I'm really not much of a dancer. Your toes will thank me if we sit this one out."
"No problem," she said, trying not to feel like a wallflower at the prom.
"I heard about your dad. How is he?"
She forced a smile. "He's doing all right."
Todd raised an eyebrow, a sign that she couldn't fool him. "I would have understood if you had wanted to cancel this evening. But I do appreciate you being here."
She shrugged. "The show must go on."
"That's my girl!" he said. "You'll go far with this attitude."
Was he trying to tell her that he favored her for the role in his next movie? "Thank you, Todd. I really appreciate you saying that." Her gaze strayed to the dance floor, where Hunter and Violet swayed to the rhythm of the music—the way-too-slow rhythm.
"Hunter looks familiar," Todd said. "I'm sure I've met him somewhere. Have you been dating him long?"
"No. We're not dating. Just old friends."
"Uh-huh."
"But I think I'll go claim him now so you can have Violet back," she said.
Todd chuckled. "Of course. It's as good a reason as any." He winked at her.
Realizing that Todd was way more perceptive than he let on, she walked straight onto the dance floor and tapped Violet on the shoulder. "Mind if I cut in? I believe your date is looking for you."
Violet hid her disappointment well. "Of course. Thank you for lending Hunter to me. He's a fabulous dancer."
"I can imagine," Ashleigh murmured, and stepped into Hunter's arms. She watched the viper walk away then looked up at him. "Everybody is unusually interested in you tonight, even the press," she said, noticing another reporter who seemed to be laser-focused on their every move.
"Are you sure it's not you they're staring at? You look exceptionally good in that dress."
She smiled. "Thank you." For a moment, they danced in silence, and she let herself enjoy the feeling of floating in his arms. Like floating on air. "You know, Violet was right. You are a good dancer."
He tightened his arms around her, and she felt his strength. She could get used to this.
"You know, we should really give the press a show," she said, though it wasn't the press she wanted to know that—at least for tonight—Hunter was hers. It was Violet.
"Is that what they're waiting for?" he asked, leaning in closer.
Her heart skipped a beat. She twined her fingers in his hair, trailing them down his neck. His arms.
He did the same, only his hands slipped lower on her hips, dangerously close to actually holding her ass. There was a challenging sparkle in his gaze she found intoxicating.
"Mmm, you're good at this," she whispered.
"Correction—we're good at this." He came close to nuzzling her neck, and damn it if she didn't want him to. The feel of his hot breath, the tickle of his five o'clock shadow.
She drew in a deep breath.
He moved against her, his strong thighs brushing her legs, and every now and then she could swear she felt something else…
"Is this enough of a show?" he asked.
"Yes, I think they saw what they needed to see."
"Good, then I suggest we get the hell out of here," Hunter said, his voice sounding more gravelly.
"And do what?" She lifted her eyes and met his hot gaze.
He didn't answer her questions. Instead, his arms tightened around her waist, and he pulled her closer. She remembered how much she loved being held in his arms, being so close she could feel his warmth enveloping her, his spicy scent filling her senses and making her feel excited… wanted.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" he said low against her ear. Shivers cascaded down her neck. His fingertips caressed the exposed skin on her back as he continued gliding across the dance floor.
"Yes, once." Was she tempting fate by responding to his flirtations? Maybe she'd simply had too much to drink, because why else would she be playing this game?
The people around them were suddenly gone, melting into the background. The sounds of the party were drowned out by the drumming of her heartbeat. Hunter's hips were hovering over hers, intoxicating and close. His breath ghosted over her face.
"We should go, before this show turns X-rated," he said.
She swallowed hard, barely hearing the words.
"Damn it," he murmured, and then his mouth was on hers and he was kissing her. Kissing her in front of the entire world.
A myriad of emotions swept over her. She'd once loved this man more than anything, had missed him so much. And here he was, kissing her, making her heart race and her veins tingle as excitement coursed through her. She should stop this. Now. Before it went any further. Before she got hurt. Again.
But she didn't. She clung to him and kissed him back. His hand cupped her neck, his thumb stroking the sensitive skin, sending electrifying tingles through her, as warmth seeped through her body, weakening her knees and her resolve.
After an eternity, he broke the kiss and she took a deep, steadying breath, her hands resting for support against his chest.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time," he said, his voice raw, his eyes blazing with passion, with unbridled lust.
She knew the way he felt, because she felt it too—that burning, clawing need. For once she would throw caution to the wind and do what she wanted without thinking of the consequences.
She wanted Hunter, and tonight she'd take him. And tomorrow? Tomorrow she would close that chapter in her life once and for all.
"Come. I booked us a room," he whispered.
She pulled her head back a little. "Been planning this, have you?"
He grinned. "More like hoping against all odds."