Hollywood Heartbreaker: Hollywood Name Game Book 1

by Alexa Aston

  Cassie wished she and Breck could be the two who provided that for him but she pushed the thought aside as impossible.

  Melanie reached over and unzipped the bag. She lifted out the black dress Cassie had tried on for Ken’s premiere.

  “What’s this?”

  “The hot little number you’re wearing to Ken’s movie debut tonight. Getting out will lift your spirits, Cassie.”

  “I can’t go, Melanie. Why should I?”

  “Why not? You’ve been holed up with TJ for a couple of days now. Don’t let Randi make you hide from the world.”

  Cassie managed a weak laugh. “I think a movie premiere is a little too high profile. I should probably go for something more low-key to start. Maybe driving through Starbucks? If I really feel confident, I can always try to walk into Target.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You’ve got to leap back into the thick of things. We’ll get your hair and makeup done. No one will even connect you with Ponytail Girl.”

  Cassie shook her head. “Here I was liking my new nickname. The press can be so original.”

  Melanie took her hand. “Come on, Cassie. Go as my friend. Our friend. Besides, you owe it to me. I have given you a place to stay.”

  “You’re trying to guilt me into going?”

  Melanie grinned. “I’m not above it. Please? Let’s go have fun. We’ll look sexy. You’ll love Ken’s movie. It’s really fast-paced and has some fun little twists near the end. I’ve even booked a private room at Pomodoro after for a few friends to eat and talk.”

  Cassie hesitated. She looked longingly at the dress.

  Melanie smiled widely as she returned the dress inside the bag. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist.” She linked her arm through Cassie’s and grabbed the outfit. “My hairdresser and makeup artist are waiting. This is going to be a perfect night, Cassie Carroll. You wait and see.”

  CHAPTER 19

  Cassie stared into the mirror. “I hardly recognize myself.”

  Melanie laughed. “I guarantee it’s you. Funny what a little makeup can do when it’s applied by a professional.”

  She reluctantly dragged her eyes from her image. “It’s only a little more than I normally wear.”

  Melanie nodded her approval. “I love the smoky eyes on you, Cassie. And that dress. I knew from the moment you put it on at the boutique that it was the one for you. You look amazing.”

  She flushed. “Thank you for doing this. I will pay you for it, Melanie.”

  Her friend waved a hand. “No, don’t bother. It was gratis.” She grinned. “It does pay to be married to a guy with a strong Q rating. Plus, he’s handy around the house.”

  “You look terrific yourself. Ken will be lucky to have you on his arm.”

  “His arm will be on the red carpet but I’ll be all over him when it’s done later tonight. There’s just something about a guy in a tux and when that guy is my man, watch out!”

  Cassie saw something interesting flash in Melanie’s face. They had spent hours together the past two days and she noticed the subtle change in her. “There’s more to the story, isn’t there?”

  Melanie beamed. “We’ve decided it’s time to have a baby. Tonight’s when we start trying.”

  Cassie hugged her new friend. “That’s wonderful. You’ll be an outstanding mom. Hey, you’ve already adopted a waif like me.” Cassie twirled in a circle. “Look at the miracle you’ve worked.”

  Ken entered the room. “Wow! You’ll be the loveliest ladies there tonight.” He kissed Melanie’s cheek. “Limo’s here if you two are ready.”

  Although she had booked them for clients in the past, Cassie had never ridden in a limousine before. She couldn’t believe how huge the plush interior was as she slid inside.

  As the Camerons climbed in after her, Cassie quipped, “I’m surprised there’s no hot tub in here. It seems to have everything else.”

  Ken flashed a devilish smile. “Some models do have one.”

  Cassie couldn’t tell if he was teasing her or not as they pulled out.

  “How about a toast?” Ken cradled a bottle of Dom Perignon and popped its cork, pouring the champagne into glasses Melanie retrieved from a shelf.

  Cassie couldn’t believe a girl from Waco, Texas was drinking something that cost hundreds of dollars a glass. Even though her life seemed in ruins, tonight she would be Cinderella—minus her Prince Charming, though. She didn’t admit to herself who she wished that prince could be.

  She finished the champagne and handed the glass back to Ken, who had The Rolling Stones blaring through the speakers, the beat cranked so loudly that her insides shook. Cassie thought Ken looked every inch a star tonight and believed it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Despite the press reports of most actors’ egos running wild, she was pleasantly surprised how down to earth both Rhett and Ken were. She hoped this movie would push Ken’s career in high gear. Not that Crime Time wasn’t already a top five show in the ratings each week but Cassie suspected Ken had a good range, based on his antics at the poker table. He was a terrific storyteller and had a great sense of timing. She guessed he would make the jump from small to silver screen with ease.

  They pulled up to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Suddenly, the door swung open and Cassie heard the squeal of fans that lined the runway. Ken got out and waved and the roar quadrupled.

  He lifted Melanie out with ease and held a hand for Cassie to take. Her heart thumping wildly, she grasped it and instantly found herself transported into a world of bright lights and sound. Photographers shouted from every direction as cameras flashed constantly.

  Two bodyguards lurked in the background as Cassie trailed the golden couple down the red carpet. She hovered discreetly as she enjoyed watching Ken and Melanie bask in the glow of screaming fans and flashing cameras.

  E! News pulled them aside for a quick interview, as did Access Hollywood. Finally, they made their way down the long stretch of carpet. Though it shocked her how worn the carpet was, it didn’t dim her pleasure in the slightest.

  Ken timed it so everyone was already seated inside the theater as they entered. The movie was about to begin. He motioned for Melanie to enter the last row first, and he followed her.

  He grinned at Cassie. “Gotta separate you two women or else you’ll gab through the entire film.”

  Cassie seated herself on Ken’s left as his agent turned around from the row in front of them and wished Ken good luck. With an empty seat next to her, Cassie put her purse in it. The borrowed clutch was too small and wouldn’t stay, so she cradled it in her lap instead.

  The house lights dimmed as the movie began. She settled back in her seat, glancing over to see Ken take Melanie’s hand as the opening credits rolled. A door opened behind them, the sliver of light slightly distracting her. No one came down the aisle, so Cassie assumed it was the theater’s manager surveying the audience.

  Ten minutes into the film, someone slipped into the open seat next to her. Cassie was so into the scene it barely registered with her. She was already blown away by Ken’s performance and knew she was witnessing a true star in the making. His charisma lit up the big screen. She knew Crime Time’s days were numbered.

  Suddenly, the scent hit her. Rhett’s cologne. Cassie glanced to her left and saw him entranced, watching the screen with a half-smile of satisfaction. Rhett was so caught up that he hadn’t noticed she sat next to him.

  Her eyes focused back to the front. Her body stiffened. Of course, Ken wanted Rhett at his premiere. They were close friends who would support each other in their professional endeavors.

  What would he do when he realized who sat beside him? Cassie’s heart went into overdrive, as if she were pounding the track in a hundred-meter Olympic dash. She’d been so afraid to face Rhett that she’d packed up and gotten out of Dodge like a true coward, not bothering to apologize. Much less say goodbye.

  Her mind flew with so many thoughts. It took everything she had to remain in her seat and not bolt fro
m the theater in a panic. She did owe Rhett an explanation and an apology, at the very least. This opportunity had occurred for a reason. She needed to face the music when the lights came up.

  Cassie tried to ignore Rhett’s presence and concentrate on the film but she found it impossible. She was aware of Rhett’s long legs stretched out. The strong hands resting on his thighs. The rich laugh when Ken’s character did something completely unexpected.

  She finally relaxed. She accepted she couldn’t do anything now. Obviously, Rhett hadn’t recognized her from the back with her upswept hair and had no idea she sat only inches from him. She might as well try to enjoy the next ninety minutes.

  Because the shit would hit the fan all too soon.

  ◆◆◆

  Pride filled Rhett as he watched Ken’s performance. He’d gone over a couple of times to watch the dailies with his friend during filming, but seeing the completed picture told him Ken’s star would shine brightly in many more movies. Rhett wanted to work with Ken and wondered if Irv could find something for them together. He remembered the old buddy movies fondly and wondered if the two of them could give Newman and Redford a run for the money as the twenty-first century’s version of the dynamic duo.

  Rhett caught a whiff of perfume as the scene changed and felt something stir. He hadn’t known who sat next to Ken and figured it was one of Melanie’s friends from her book club or yoga class. He glanced down at the woman’s crossed legs next to him, and his heart almost stopped.

  Those were Cassie’s legs. He would know them anywhere. He’d stared at them enough when he’d let her jog a little in front of him. Her calves were the shapeliest he’d ever seen. Rhett had fantasized about sliding a hand along their curves.

  And more.

  He didn’t dare look at her. If she knew he’d slipped in next to her, she’d run like a spooked colt. He couldn’t take that chance. Rhett lifted his eyes back to the screen, a thousand thoughts racing through his mind.

  It made sense she had turned to Melanie. They’d been together that morning. Melanie would’ve witnessed what happened. How Melanie convinced Cassie to hide out at the Camerons’ was a missing puzzle piece. Rhett felt sure Ken would’ve told him, especially since Rhett had been trying to track her down.

  Or had he even told Ken? He remembered Ken reminding him about coming to the premiere but Rhett didn’t think he’d mentioned Cassie in the conversation. Knowing Melanie, she’d squirreled Cassie away and Ken hadn’t even known she was on the premises. Typical woman thing to do. He remembered Scarlett bringing home a stray puppy and hiding it in her closet for almost a week before Nadine caught on.

  Rhett sneaked a casual peek at Cassie. She was frowning, her brow creased. He looked back and saw Ken’s character was in a boatload of trouble. Rhett knew instinctively that Cassie would take a movie personally, putting herself into the shoes of whoever inhabited the screen. She had a big heart underneath her fiery, off-the-wall personality.

  God, he wanted her.

  Somehow, he had to get her alone. He couldn’t wait for the lights to come up and see her reaction to him sitting there. Especially with a packed theater. No, what needed to be said between them didn’t need an audience.

  Moving on instinct, Rhett got ready to snatch Cassie’s hand. He would yank her out of the chair and have her in the lobby before she’d know what was happening. What he’d do after that, he didn’t have a clue.

  His hand started in her direction and hesitated. If anyone—critics, fans—spotted him grabbing a woman who didn’t seem willing to come along with him, the press would have a field day. Randi had already painted him to be a manipulative and jealous. He couldn’t do anything to jeopardize Ken’s premiere. His friend had worked so hard for this moment. Rhett wouldn’t blow it for him.

  Suddenly, Cassie stood and slipped by him. If he’d been watching the film, all he would’ve seen was a brief glimpse of a nice ass and not her face because she was already out the door.

  He wondered if she was headed to the restroom. Surely, she hadn’t known he was sitting next to her for the last hour or else she would’ve fled immediately.

  Rhett glanced over at Ken, whose level gaze met his.

  “Go for it, buddy,” he whispered.

  Melanie leaned around and gave him a thumbs up.

  That’s all it took. Rhett flew out of his seat and hit the door running.

  CHAPTER 20

  Cassie hurried out to an empty lobby. Ken had mentioned that the studio booked the entire theater for the premiere. She assumed everyone attending sat on the edge of his chair, waiting to see how Ken would get out of his last, spectacular predicament before leaving for the after parties to gossip about his potential on the big screen.

  Cassie knew she couldn’t be a part of that.

  Ken would’ve invited Rhett to Pomodoro and she couldn’t stand to face his accusatory glances. With her recent behavior, she couldn’t blame him if he chewed her up and spit her out—after stomping on her for good measure.

  She’d finally decided tonight wasn’t the right time for that kind of confrontation. Cassie wouldn’t do anything to detract from Ken’s night. If she and Rhett were spotted together, it would be impossible to have a private conversation while she apologized in a meaningful way. She must protect him—and Ken—from any bad publicity. Rhett had already been skewered as it was by every talk show host and tabloid on the planet.

  Cassie headed toward the restrooms, hoping the old-time theater might have a pay phone in that area. She doubted it with the way even four-year-olds had a cell phone in this town. Phone booths had become a thing of the past. Poor Superman would be hard pressed to find a place to change in order to save the world. Unfortunately, she was stuck without a cell since she’d left the one Rhett gave her when she’d fled.

  As she suspected, she didn’t find a phone in the lounge area. Cassie pushed open the door to the ladies’ room, glad to find it empty. She needed a quiet place to think. Maybe she could hide out here while the audience vacated the premises. Then she could Uber back to the Camerons. It was time to retrieve TJ and her things and leave for good.

  Out of habit, she went into a stall and locked the door before pulling out her small wallet, having once been a victim of a robbery inside a small restaurant shortly after her arrival in Hollywood. She counted twelve dollars and some change. Thank goodness Uber had her credit card on file. She tried to think about the surroundings as she’d gotten out of the limo and thought she’d seen a coffee shop across the street. Maybe they’d have a phone she could use, especially if she ordered something to go.

  She heard the door open as she placed her wallet back inside the small, black clutch Melanie had loaned her for the evening. Melanie had been a lifesaver these past couple of days but Cassie couldn’t allow her problems to spill into the Camerons’ lives any longer. Their first allegiance was to Rhett and Cassie’s heart told her she’d outstayed her welcome. She had to move on before her heart got trampled even more.

  The film would probably end in the next couple of minutes. She could easily slip from the theater just as the crowd poured out and become lost in it. The paparazzi would be waiting for the big names in attendance. That would keep Rhett busy, fending off questions about his very public breakup with Randi as the cameras flashed.

  Cassie unlocked the stall door and stepped out.

  Right into Rhett.

  Rhett clamped strong hands down on Cassie’s shoulders and backed her up a few feet, returning her to the stall she’d just vacated and turning her sideways so he could close the door. He spun her quickly so her back was to the door. It was a tight fit, but he didn’t want her going anywhere.

  Her blue eyes widened. “Rhett, I’m—”

  “—Sorry? Is that what you were going to say, Cassie? That you’re sorry you left me without saying goodbye? That you’re sorry you left me in the lurch without an assistant? That I have no one to work on the charity event? That you’re sorry about all the bad publicity and
how Randi’s trashed me on TV?”

  She winced but looked him directly in the eyes. “I deserve all that. And more.”

  He stared at her a long moment. “What you really deserve is this.”

  His mouth came down on hers, hard and possessive. She tasted better than he could have imagined. Rhett found himself drowning in the scent of her perfume, the silky feel of her bare skin, the soft curls of her hair as his fingers spilled the pins holding it up.

  His hand moved to her breast and he heard a soft moan as he stroked the nipple through the black lace of the dress. Cassie’s arms entwined around his neck, her clutch falling to the floor. Rhett deepened the kiss, unable to get enough of her taste. He finally slid his lips down the long column of her throat, nipping lightly. She pushed her fingers into his hair, murmuring something that set his pulse racing.

  Rhett forced his lips from her and stared into her deep, blue eyes.

  “I want you, Cassie Carroll,” he whispered, seeing her shiver. “I have missed you every second of every minute since we’ve been apart.” His voice was thick with emotion as he added, “I never knew I could fall in love with my best friend.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “I’ve been miserable without you. I thought you hated me.” She swallowed. “I ran before you could kick me out.”

  He tightened his grip on her. “Do you still want to run?”

  A mischievous smile lit her face, melting his heart.

  “Only if you want to chase me.”

  He pushed her against the door. “Let’s see if you can get away.” Rhett slid his hands down her arms and grabbed her wrists, raising them above her head. He caught them both in his left hand, leaving his right free.

  He held it up to Cassie. “This is the hand that will now drive you insane.”

  Rhett lived up to his promise.