by Alexa Aston
“Dinner would be nice. Something casual. How about seven?”
“I’ll come over at seven then.”
◆◆◆
Cassie almost wished she hadn’t promised Breck they’d see Jolene tonight. She was bone tired. After lunch, the movers buzzed at the gate. Jolene directed them in with everything but now a mountain of boxes surrounded Cassie. She needed to sort through and hang all her clothes and find her toiletries. The kitchen also needed to be organized the way she liked it so she could find things.
At least she’d have a bathroom all to herself. The gatehouse was triple the size of their former shoebox and each bedroom had its own bath, with an additional powder room for guests. Jolene’s idea of sharing meant she borrowed anything of Cassie’s that was out—toothpaste, makeup, tampons—and left the bathroom a total mess. Having her own space would be a luxury.
Jolene had whirled like a dervish upon seeing the place, busted open every box the movers had marked with a “J”, and then left. She was meeting a friend to tighten up tonight’s routine.
Cassie opened a couple of boxes before she found her favorite pair of jeans and a casual top in mint green that she thought worked well with her hair. She was glad Breck wanted to go out for a bite. She knew only a few boxes contained food, mostly cereal and peanut butter. She would need to do some shopping tomorrow.
At least she’d hired a cleaning service this afternoon. They would come four days a week. Cassie had prepared a schedule for what she wanted done on what days. They also promised to be available if she needed them more, especially if Rhett were having guests or a party and set-up was required. It didn’t hurt that she’d checked with Ken Cameron, one of the references the service gave her. The TV star told Cassie the group was efficient and thorough
She hadn’t liked the cook she met with. Or chef, as he’d demanded to be called. He was French with a great resume but he didn’t have knowledge of the regular, healthy fare that Cassie knew Rhett wanted. A guy could only eat so many heavy cream sauces and flamboyant desserts.
Two more cooks would be coming tomorrow morning. She was grateful they would meet with her on a Saturday. Cassie would interview them and then do a little grocery shopping for her and Jolene. She also had an appointment with the head of PR from the local Susan G. Komen Foundation on Monday morning to run by the idea of Rhett hosting a charity event for them. She wanted to spend tomorrow afternoon going over her notes and preparing the questions she needed to ask.
After that, she would start feeling the waters on where to hold the event. She also wanted to get Rhett’s list and start taking it apart to see whom he wanted at the big happening, as well as scouting the Internet for news stories about previous fundraisers in Hollywood.
A knock sounded at the door and Cassie grabbed her purse. She opened the door to a smiling Breck. He held a six-pack of Dr. Pepper.
He thrust it at her. “Housewarming gift. I thought you might need it.”
Cassie laughed. “You’ve just provided breakfast for tomorrow. I always need a caffeine jolt in the morning.”
TJ wandered in and stopped at Breck’s feet. He sniffed them and then loved against Breck’s leg.
“I guess I pass muster?”
She laughed. “TJ likes everyone. He’s not a Garfield kind of standoffish cat. He’s very laid back and friendly.”
Breck leaned down and scratched TJ’s head. The cat began purring loudly.
“You have made a friend for life, Breck.”
“I do have a way with animals. And women. Especially the women that are animals.” He gave her a wolfish grin.
They took Breck’s Corvette to a diner around the corner from Bonkers. Cassie met Jolene there often before she went on. She liked the juicy, fat burgers and was addicted to crunching the crushed ice.
Breck drained the last of his chocolate shake loudly. “That was a great shake,” he declared, “and the double cheeseburger wasn’t half-bad, Cassie Carroll. So far, I like hanging with you. I didn’t even know this dive existed.”
“Glad I could introduce you to a new place.” She nibbled on her last fry. “You should try the onion rings sometime. They also make a really messy chili cheese dog that hits the spot. Tons of onions and cheese that’ll give you heartburn for a week.” She dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Have you ever been to Bonkers?”
“No. I’ve hit a few of the comedy spots with Rhett, mostly to go catch Zak’s act.”
“Zak has played Bonkers before but after his TV spot last week, he’ll probably stick with bigger places like Hollywood Improv or the Laugh Factory.”
“Who is this friend we’re here to support and how do you know her?”
“Jolene Farrell. I met her when she signed with the agent that is now my former boss. We just clicked. Started having lunch. Eventually, we moved in together when my roommate went back to Kansas to marry her high school sweetheart and Jolene’s roommate ran off with some junkie.”
“Is she any good?”
“I think so. My mom’s generation wouldn’t get her at all. She’s as foul-mouthed as they come and lots of her humor is biting and topical, a la Tina Fey. She tosses out one-liners really fast. Sometimes, you don’t start laughing until ten seconds after the joke’s over and by then, she’s thrown out two more zingers.”
Cassie finished off her vanilla Dr. Pepper. “Let’s head over. I want to grab a good table.”
They sat close to the stage. Jolene liked Cassie within sight, probably because of the thumbs up Cassie flashed her during the act when things went well. The server left them with the usual watered-down drinks and they sat through two painfully unfunny comedians before Jolene came onstage.
Cassie gave her a slight wave and Jolene started into her monologue, firing off jokes left and right. Breck’s laugh was loud and he really seemed into Jolene’s act. Cassie beamed as Jolene wrapped up and exited the stage.
She joined them moments later as the lights came up for a brief intermission. “I don’t know who you are,” she told Breck, “but your laugh really got the crowd going tonight. I think I should hire you to sit ringside every time I perform.”
Cassie introduced them. “Breck O’Dell is Rhett’s friend that I told you about. This is Jolene Farrell.”
Breck shook Jolene’s hand. “Perfect comic timing, Jolene.” He looked her up and down. “Everything else seems perfect, too.”
Jolene flashed him a smile. “And that’s with my clothes on. You should see me with them off.”
“I’d like that. I guess you heard we’re living together?”
“Oh, really? Then you must be the stuntman who hangs around Corrigan’s place as his entourage of one. That could come in handy.”
Breck grinned. “Handy is my middle name. I can give you a demonstration anytime you like.”
Cassie watched their flirtation go back and forth like a ping pong match on speed. Jolene was attractive but she wasn’t the usual Hollywood twig. She carried a few extra pounds, which she willingly made fun of during her act. Cassie wondered if Breck simply humored her or if his interest was genuine.
The lights dimmed and Jolene excused herself. “Got another bit to do. You going to stay around for it?” She looked to Cassie and then over at Breck.
“We’ll be here,” Breck assured her. “You need a ride after?”
“Only if the Green Monster won’t start.” Jolene smiled encouragingly. “What about a nightcap at home? Since we are practically living together.”
Breck nodded and Jolene left. Cassie cocked her head at Breck. “What was that all about?”
He grinned sheepishly. “Now, General, I like you. You still remind me of what the real world is all about, and I already love you like a sister. I hope that’s okay.”
Cassie wondered where this was going. “I’m good with that. I’m merely wondering what’s up with you and Jo. The sparks were flying so high, I thought they’d incinerate the room.”
“Is she seeing anyone?”
“Not really.” Cassie kept it vague. Jolene rarely had a second date. She was into one-night stands and no commitments. Jo said that if she didn’t see a guy a second time, he couldn’t be disappointed.
A new comedian came out. Cassie excused herself and headed to the restroom. She ran into Jolene there.
“Breck is amazing,” Jolene proclaimed. “Fast and funny as hell and absolutely the best-looking fucker I’ve seen in person. Except your dream guy, AKA our landlord. What’s his story? I tell you, Cass, I’m already wild about him. I’d run away with Breck tomorrow. Or the next day. His choice, of course.”
“He’s a decent guy, Jo. He did ask me if you were seeing anyone.”
Jolene’s eyes widened. “He really asked? Of course, I’m not seeing anyone. I’m crazy for Breck O’Dell. I’m now wearing blinders where all other men are concerned.”
Cassie advised, “Then get to know him, Jo. He’s got a lot to offer. Don’t sleep with him the first time you’re alone.”
“Good advice, Cass. I’ll play a little hard to get.” She blew out a long breath. “We have the coolest place to live and fucking beautiful neighbors. If any money floated down like manna from heaven, I’d say we’d won the lottery.”
She hugged her friend. “Take things slowly. For now, go out and kill them with the second set.”
Jolene left and Cassie returned to the main room. She wound her way through the packed tables, glad that the crowd had grown. As she reached their table, she saw her seat was occupied.
By Rhett Corrigan.
CHAPTER 11
Rhett sipped the lukewarm beer as Breck went on and on about Cassie’s roommate.
“You’re gonna love her act, Rhett. She’s hilarious. I laughed my balls off and you know how hard I am to entertain.”
He set his beer down. “I don’t know, Breck. Seems to me that Missy Levell—”
“Don’t bring that girl up again, Rhett. I was fourteen at the time. I haven’t—”
“Hi. I guess I lost my seat.”
Rhett glanced up to find Cassie standing behind him. He stood and indicated for her to sit as he pulled up another chair.
“Who’s Missy Levell?” she asked, trying to hide a smile.
Breck groaned. “Don’t go there, Cassie. It’s ancient history. A lifetime ago.”
Rhett leaned over to her. “Maybe if you get him really drunk sometime, he’ll spill the beans on Missy.”
“I don’t plan on ever getting that drunk, Corrigan.”
“Why are you slumming?” Cassie asked Rhett. “Somehow, you don’t look like the comedy club type to me.”
He shrugged. “More like hiding out. Randi wanted me to go to this modeling thing. She keeps pushing for us to go public. I told her I’d meet her there. When I did, the whole place was crawling with drugged-out toothpicks fawning over each other and cameras flashing left and right. I don’t think she even realized I left.”
“Rhett, do you even like this woman?” Cassie asked.
He frowned at her question. “You sound like sixth grade. Pass me the note and I’ll check the yes or no box and then you’ll know if I like her or not.”
Cassie stared him down. “Seriously. If you care for Randi, you need to show her. That means giving up a little bit of that privacy you crave and showing your face in public with her every now and then if you really want to make a go of the relationship.” She stopped. “I can’t believe I just said that.”
Breck laughed. “I can’t believe you said it. Randi’s a twenty-two on the ten-point bitch-o-meter and you’re actually taking up for her. You’re slipping, General. The Ya-Ya Sisterhood would be disappointed in you.”
Cassie looked back at Rhett. “So answer the question, Corrigan. Do you like Randal James or not? Because believe me, with a woman like Randi, you’re going to need to take a stand pretty soon.”
How could Rhett tell Cassie that Randi simply had been hot, convenient sex whenever he was bored? That he had already dumped her in his mind because he wanted to woo his newly-hired assistant. How shallow was that?
“Randi’s okay. Though as I’ve gotten to know her better, I’ve figured out in the long run that she’s not for me.”
“Then be a better man than most and level with her. If you don’t want to see her anymore, get your key back, change your gate code, and be done with it. Don’t string her along. Hollywood’s a fickle enough place as it is. She deserves your honesty.”
The lights dimmed and Cassie turned her attention to the stage. Rhett listened to the comic as if he were white noise in the background. He sneaked a glance at Cassie’s profile.
Damn, she was honest. She wasn’t a Hollywood knockout but her natural beauty overwhelmed him as if she were the most gorgeous female on the planet. Her personality was the fresh breath of air he’d been waiting for.
He just hadn’t realized it until now.
Cassie Carroll had roared into his life and made a total impact. She’d crashed into Rhett harder than she had his car and the damage might be permanent.
What the hell was he supposed to do about it?
People started clapping so he joined in. The act left the stage and a woman followed. Breck punched him in the arm.
“This is Jolene. She’ll knock your socks off.”
Not like Cassie does.
Rhett enjoyed Jolene’s act, though. She was witty and outrageous. She jumped from political humor to her never-ending diet cycle without missing a beat. The comedian had a nice face. Big boobs. A little heavy in the hips and thighs for him, but Rhett saw that Breck was a goner.
Jolene joined them at the table after her set and Rhett almost went for the fire extinguisher after two minutes. Jolene’s bantering with Breck resembled public foreplay, with all the double entendres zinging back and forth. He leaned over to Cassie.
“I know you came with Breck but I get the feeling we’re crowding these two. Would you like to leave before they start having sex on the table?”
She nodded. They made their excuses and Rhett led her out of the club to his car.
“I don’t even think they know we’re gone,” he said.
Cassie laughed. “I have never seen two people attracted to each other so fast and furiously. It was almost embarrassing listening to them go on and on.”
He opened her door and then walked around to the driver’s side and got in. “It was worse than embarrassing. I doubled with Breck once before way back in high school when the same thing happened. My date and I sat in the front seat staring ahead like tin soldiers while Breck and his date steamed up the back. I think we were both afraid to look at each other because we might catch sex in our peripheral vision.”
Rhett shook his head. “That’s the only time I saw Breck like that. Ever. The girl’s father got transferred the very next day and they were gone in less than a week. Usually, Breck is so calm and laid back. He doesn’t get serious about anyone.”
“Jo’s the same way.” Cassie leaned back against the headrest. “Thank you for wanting to get out of there. I felt like a fifth wheel.”
“No problem. I knew we wouldn’t be missed.”
They drove in silence for a few minutes before Rhett’s stomach growled.
“Did you forget to eat?”
He glanced at his watch. “No. It was just a long time ago. It’s closing in on eleven. Almost past my bedtime. I guess if my stomach growls, I never hear it through the snoring.”
“You snore?”
“No. I’m teasing.” He pointed to a shop on the right. “Would you like to stop for some gelato?”
She gave him a beautiful smile. “Sweets are the way to win my heart, Corrigan.”
Rhett pulled in and saw they were about to close in five minutes. He didn’t have the heart to go in. If he did, they would make a big deal since he was Mr. Hollywood and stay open. He had worked enough jobs in his time when he lived for the last customer to leave so he could close and head home. He wouldn’t do that to the two teenagers he could see thro
ugh the window.
“How about finding something at home instead?”
“Okay, as long as you provide the food. I haven’t unboxed my few groceries yet, much less gone shopping.”
“Since you stocked my pantry already, I’m sure we’ll find something.”
He drove them home and offered to microwave some popcorn. “I don’t like anything heavy this late.”
“That’s fine. I probably don’t need to eat anything anyway. I should go check on TJ and see how he’s doing in a new place.”
Rhett hesitated as they started to part ways. “It’s a nice night. Would you like to sit by the pool for a while?”
“It’s a little cool. Let me go pull on a sweater. I’ll meet you there.”
He went inside, giddy as a schoolboy whose crush smiled at him as she passed by his locker. This was insane. He was Rhett Corrigan, Famous Action Star.
But it felt good all the same.
He tossed a popcorn bag in the microwave and thought since it was a little cool, he could make them some hot chocolate. He placed two mugs of water in the other microwave and dug in a drawer for some Swiss Miss packets. Leo would be pleased he was using the fat free calcium kind. As long as he didn’t find the Movie Theater Butter Popcorn bag, Rhett felt safe indulging a little bit. To be sure, Rhett opened the bag as the microwave dinged and dumped it into a large bowl before taking the popcorn bag and burying it far down the wastebasket.
Shep wandered in and Rhett made sure to keep the popcorn on the counter out of the dog’s reach. Shep would eat anything not nailed down if it were people food. Rhett knew the kernels would spell bad news if the dog ingested any. He could imagine having to run Shep to an emergency clinic at three in the morning.
He poured the mix into the hot water and stirred, avoiding the temptation to squeeze a little Reddi Wip on top of his. He did give Cassie’s a swirl, though. He grabbed both mugs in one hand and the bowl of popcorn in the other and headed out to the pool. Shep followed behind him but detoured to chase a squirrel, his favorite pastime next to munching Nilla wafers.
