Secret Mistress

by Victoria Arabpour Pinder

  Jennifer crossed her hands before her in judgment. “But he knows your cooking, because he’s eaten it at his sister’s house?”

  Yes, she’d been a maid who’d often moonlighted as the chef for breakfasts. Then she’d been the accidental surrogate. And now she should be Morgan-free for life, except for Matt.

  This was her chance. She nodded at Jennifer. “He ate there three times a week last summer.”

  Jennifer picked up her script. “Good. When we get him to go out with you-”

  “He asked me to move in and be his pretend girlfriend,” Ashley blurted, overriding whatever Jennifer intended to say next.

  Jennifer stopped and her mouth parted. For a second she didn’t move until she asked, “What?”

  Ashley’s heart pounded. She needed someone to talk sense into her. Perhaps Jennifer wasn’t the best choice but she was all Ashley had here. So she explained, “He wants some role and needs to look like he’s into plain girls for his agent who thinks the studio is hedging because he isn’t connecting to normal every-day people.”

  Jennifer’s lips closed and her eyes softened., “But you want to be his for-real girlfriend. This might be a place to start.”

  Really? This could be the start of something special? For years she’d dreamt about untying her maid’s apron and telling him how she felt. But that was the stuff of movies.

  Then her life had become a soap opera when she gave birth as a surrogate last year. She couldn’t exactly tell Matt or anyone so she’d just hidden her face, hoping her life returned to… well, boring.

  But the day she was presented with mortgage papers for a house she shouldn’t be able to afford her own mansion, but as her pen was over the deeed, it was like a trap… she’d decided instead to chase her own dreams.

  If she had a chance at finding out if they could really fall in love, flying out here was worth it.

  “I spoke to him today—I thought that was good.”

  Jennifer finished her cafesita like it was water and placed the empty cup to the side. “This will be better. At least you don’t need me coaching you via Bluetooth to say hello.”

  The image of Jennifer whispering in her ear as Ashley ate spaghetti with Matthew was like a bad nightmare in the middle of her day. “No…”

  Jennifer crossed her arms and pouted. “So are you taking his job and leaving me without an assistant?”

  Her skin jumped like she was still cleaning floors and being thought of as less important. She raised her eyebrow. “I don’t know.”

  Jennifer’s lips quivered as if she was fighting a smile. “You are a horrible assistant. You didn’t get hair or makeup.”

  Oh. This shouldn’t matter but her face felt like she’d been slapped. “So I’m fired.”

  Jennifer dropped her hands to her sides as she shook her head. “No. You’re the closest thing I have to real family. I need you.”

  Ashley’s head spun. When Jennifer had been queen of the Morgan manor she’d never noticed Ashley’s need for cash and hadn’t cared that Ashley had accumulated numerous student loans in interior design, like there were jobs to be had, when the truth was the opposite. Her years of being on her own screamed in her memory as she raised her voice. “Need? Family is something that you have no problem using to get what you want.”

  Jennifer reached out and hugged her, like that fixed anything, and said, “I promised to make it up to you. That means helping you win Matt’s heart. I already booked us spa appointments. Tell Matt I agreed to part-time help but that includes tomorrow morning at 8 AM. We’ll use our time to strategize.”

  And get Jennifer’s coffee and whatever else she needed. Ashley let go fast but at the same time prayed that Jennifer told the truth. “He doesn’t want a blonde.”

  Jennifer picked up her script and checked her hair in her mirror. “I’ve never seen him without one.” She then headed to the door. “I have to go to the green room. Go tell your Romeo you’ll take his job.”

  She flung it open and Ashley followed her. “Jennifer…”

  Her cousin stopped in her tracks and turned on her blue heels. “Yeah?”

  Her cousin wasn’t the problem in her life. Jennifer had let her on set, and while Ashley had been ignored growing up, she wouldn’t have wanted the pressure their mothers had heaped on Jennifer. She took her cousin’s hand. “Thanks for helping. I half expected you to be like our mothers.”

  Her brown eyes were expressive and the storm inside was clear before she turned away. “Oh goodness. Never bring her up to me again.”

  Right. Neither one of them wanted one more minute of the past. “Fair enough.”

  They walked to the door and Ashley said, “Jennifer?”

  “Yeah,” Jennifer replied in a low voice.

  Ashley hoped no one heard her but she said fast, “You’re not a bad cousin. You don’t have to make up anything to me.”

  Jennifer turned on her heels. “I want to help you—it’s like helping myself. My son, Cosimo, is pretty special. Once you meet him you’ll understand why I named you his guardian if something happened to me.”

  She hadn’t met Cosimo yet because Ashley hadn’t wanted to see another baby after giving birth to one that wasn’t hers. And nothing was going to happen to Jennifer. Her cousin was always over-dramatic.

  Avoidance of children meant Ashley didn’t think or feel anything about her time as a surrogate; Jennifer’s pregnancy had made everything stranger.

  Ashley couldn’t avoid the lightning strikes in her mind like she’d given away her own child which wasn’t logical as she hadn’t, but she smiled like she was happy as she asked, “When do I get to meet him?”

  Jennifer held her script and headed into the set area. “Tomorrow. He makes me want to be a better person all around.”

  Her cousin motioned for Ashley to stay in the hall. No problem. With a bit of a lie on her tongue she said, “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Her heart screamed that no, she didn’t want to see any child. Especially Jennifer’s. But she lifted her hand and waved.

  She had to get over this phobia. One day maybe she’d be ready to have kids of her own but she wasn’t in a hurry.

  Her entire body was fired up and she turned to go, crashing into a wall of muscles. She glanced up—today was too amazing, she thought, as she brushed against the man of her dreams. She stepped back and massaged her nape. “Matt.”

  He stared down his nose, holding his script in his hand. “Ashley, I thought you were running away from me.”

  The opposite. She’d flown three thousand miles to see him. “Why?”

  “I‘m spoiled, I guess. Women usually line up to talk to me.”

  “I said an hour.”

  “You did.”

  She went up on her tiptoes in her tennis shoes and asked, “Do you have a minute?”

  He motioned with his head toward a room with a star on the door and his name. “For you, yes. Come into my dressing room.”

  Right. Last year she’d been in the same room with him, at his sister’s house, and he’d never seen her there. She hugged her waist as she crossed the threshold and immediately noticed the blonde comic book style character on the white walls. Jennifer’s room had makeup and props, but Matthew’s room was empty minus a couch and some books. She pointed toward the huge picture. “That’s an interesting piece.”

  He closed the door behind her. “I like pop art. It makes me stop and think, plus I love bold colors and characters.”

  In high school she’d seen the boxy colors in magazines. “It’s like a comic book.”

  Matt was known for romantic comedies and drama pieces in his movies. Did he want to be an action hero too? He’d be amazing in anything. She met his blue eyes while he said, “That too. So, what are we talking about now that we’re alone?”

  Now she needed to voice her dreams. She ignored the tingles in her face and body as she took a step toward him. “Did you mean that the job starts tonight, and I can crash at your place?”
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br />   A huge grin that radiated a thousand watts of brightness greeted her as he said, “So you’re taking the job?”

  Her heart lifted as she glanced away, melting inside from desires she’d told herself were silly dreams. “Yes.”

  He nodded. “How much?”

  And there it was. The bubble inside her soul burst and the white walls were a stark reminder of who she was, boring and plain. She waved her hand. “We’ll hammer that out, after work, over dinner?”

  He patted her shoulder, like they were friends, but her body pulsated as he said, “Sounds great. I know an Italian spot near here. You eat pasta?”

  The image of Jennifer whispering what to say hit her but she shook it off and offered to shake his hand. “I love it.”

  His scruff was longer than it used to be since last summer, but those blue eyes of his shimmered in the light. “Then we can make the deal over a bowl of spaghetti.”

  By themselves. Alone. Good. She held up two fingers. “Two bowls. I get my own.”

  He opened the door behind her, a signal that he had to go. “You’re nothing like Hollywood.”

  No. She wouldn’t pretend not to eat. She refused to go through Jennifer’s stringent eating requirements so she looked her peak but starved her soul. “Is that bad?”

  He pointed to the end of the hall. “It’s pretty great. Look, I have to run my lines with Eva and Jennifer before we shoot. Stick around.”

  Jennifer and Eva had their heads together and Jennifer didn’t even glance her way. Ashley shook off her fears. Her cousin wouldn’t interfere with her dreams. Not this time. She squeezed Matt’s arm, like she’d wanted to all along and said, “I’m all yours.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Now that’s good to hear. We’ll work out the contracts over dinner and settle up before the night is over.”

  Or never sign. One day she wanted to be his real girlfriend. Ashley didn’t argue. “Sounds like a plan.”

  This was a way to start following her dreams and not be so anxious that she let other people ignore her anymore. She’d already talked to him. Next step was to wow him so he knew that she was absolutely the girl for him. Then maybe he’d finally see her, the real her.

  Chapter 4

  Matthew checked his damp hair in the mirror—he was growing it out to play Axel in the movie they were filming. No more makeup for the lights or camera. It was warm outside so his hair would dry on the way to the restaurant.

  He would spend the rest of the evening getting to know Ashley and the thought left him feeling lighter than air.

  She reminded him of the hot days and nights of Miami.

  As he headed out, he even had a whistle on his lips, but then as he neared his co-star’s open door, he heard Ashley as she said, “Jennifer, I’ll see you tomorrow at 8 AM.”

  Jennifer replied, “I’m so happy you came to me today. Good luck with everything and I’ll see you soon.”

  Came?

  As in the job? Or was there something else?

  His mind raced.

  In a small way Ashley and Jennifer had similar features though Ashley’s face was prettier and fleshed out. Jennifer was all angles and hard edges. Was that why she seemed familiar?

  Before he could knock, Ashley walked out and almost rammed into him. She stopped and he felt the loss of her even though they hadn’t touched. She motioned with her head and they went outside.

  The studio lot was brightened by the California sun. People who worked on set rushed around, but it was nice to be out of the green room today. He took a deep breath to clear his mind. “Ashley, are you keeping your job with Jennifer?”

  Ashley nodded. “She wanted me to stay on, but I told her only part-time.”

  Jennifer was a complication to his plan. A big one. His family all wanted to know her every move and his lawyers had worked hard on the deal for him even being on set near her.

  He bumped into Ashley’s shoulder as they strode past security. “I’ll pay you enough so you don’t have to.”

  She looked up at him like she was asking permission but then sucked in her lip. “I… I want to do both if that’s okay.”

  And that made the fake girlfriend idea a questionable plan rather than a perfect one. He put his hands in his pockets. “Why?”

  “I like to stay busy.”

  The small hand gesture she’d done just now. He swore he’d seen it before. Maybe it was coincidence…he liked to follow first impressions, and he’d liked her. Matt ignored the doubt and waved for her to walk with him into the parking lot. “Let’s get going.”

  As they passed the first row of cars, she bounced beside him. “What’s the address so I can meet you there?”

  They made it to his spot near the front as he motioned for her to stay with him. “Parking is a nightmare. Come with me.”

  Her gaze narrowed and she stopped. “I have a rental.”

  Rental? Came to Jennifer. Maybe his observations were more on point, so he asked, “When did you get to LA?”

  She smiled up at him. “This morning.”

  His stomach knotted. There was more to the questions in his mind. He knew it. “Where are you from…in Miami?”

  “Originally South Miami.” Her brown hair flew in the light breeze and she pushed it out of her face as she said, “I flew out to be Jennifer’s assistant.” His heart stopped but then she continued unfazed and said, “I don’t even have a place to live. I was going to find a hotel when you offered…” And he calmed down as the warmth she caused in his body overtook him. “So I figured we could talk, eat and then I’ll figure out what happens next.”

  He studied her as he studied most people and she seemed genuine. She was telling the truth. He reached for her hand, taking it with a jolt. “Come with me.”

  He led her to his Harley. She tugged on his arm to stop in front of it. “You’re on a motorcycle?”

  He winked at her. The wind against his body made him feel alive which was why he rode it but he put his hands in his pockets and said, “My agent and the studio hate it, but it’s easier in LA traffic.”

  She crossed her arms and stared at his bike like she’d never touched one before. “Ummm…”

  Ashley and he needed to talk about their possible arrangement. Everything else could be worked out later, so he massaged her shoulders till she put her arms down and said, “I’ll have your car moved for you. Don’t worry about anything. Just come with me.”

  The air between them smelled like her citrus shampoo. “Okay.”

  Most of the women he knew smelled like flowers. He handed her a blue helmet. “Put this on.” He fastened his black helmet and then helped her with the chin adjustment. Once he finished, he met her gaze and desire him hit fast. “You look adorable.”

  “I try.” She laughed and hopped on the motorcycle behind him.

  She held onto his muscular body a little too tight. She’d clearly never ridden as she was tense. But her nearness made him… hard.

  Normally a woman’s touch in a non-sexual way didn’t stir him, or hadn’t since he’d been twenty-one. Ashley’s proximity made him come alive.

  His own body was tense and hard with desire as he drove them toward the restaurant, but the wind kept him focused.

  If he hadn’t made this plan to date a normal woman and raise his approval rate, he’d be tempted to seduce Ashley.

  And maybe he still could. Maybe he would. Everything depended on this dinner.

  The setting sun turned the sky orange. He pulled into the parking lot of the Italian restaurant and parked in one of the reserved spaces. Once he turned off the engine, Ashley stayed on the back, not getting off as she unbuckled her chin strap. “This is the restaurant? It’s way too pretty. I’m not dressed-”

  “You’re with me.” He took her helmet, placing it back in his seat.

  He secured his bike and turned toward her as she hugged her waist like she was nervous and said, “Okay…”

  Good.

  Together they’d talk about Miami, Je
nnifer, and the girlfriend plan.

  Then he’d see if he could have what he wanted with her as well.

  They made their way into the restaurant where the maitre’d grabbed two menus and directed them inside. Matt made a beeline toward the round table, ignoring the other patrons of the restaurant. As they sat down, Ashley’s face was red and she sank into her chair, covering her cheek from view. “Everyone is staring at you.”

  He glanced around the restaurant. A few people gave him curious gazes, but this wasn’t as bad as being unabashedly noticed. He shrugged. “I’m used to it. They’re probably wondering about you.”

  She made a pfft sound with her lips and rolled her eyes. “Oh please. They probably think I’m the help, not a girlfriend.”

  Help? She didn’t have the aura of an agent at all. He reached across the table and offered his palm. “Take my hand and gaze directly in my eyes.”

  She accepted his challenge and held his hand. “That’s it?”

  Once again his body was alive and aware, wanting to know everything about this woman.

  It was like he’d been asleep for the past decade and her proximity woke him from slumber. He leaned close. “Yes, exactly. You are a hidden beauty. I see that.”

  She pouted her lips a little. “Well, we’re here to discuss this fake girlfriend you need.”

  Nothing fake about Ashley.

  He didn’t release her hand as he didn’t want to lose whatever gas she was pumping into his engine right now—he’d never felt like this before. “One question?”

  She shrugged like she was totally fine. “Okay. What?”

  Time to push away his doubt. He rubbed his thumb against her fingers and met her brown-eyed gaze. “The situation with Jennifer and my family is extremely complicated. You can’t share with her intimate details about me or any of my siblings.”

  Her gaze didn’t waver. “Not a problem.”

  His heart beat faster. If this was an issue, he needed to know. “You’re not loyal to her, because you just met?”