Hollywood Heartbreaker: Hollywood Name Game Book 1

by Alexa Aston

  Cassie enjoyed the sweet caresses of the back of his hand to her cheek as he nuzzled her throat. But, oh, the rest of the things that hand could do.

  Her pulse sang as he skimmed it across her breasts and teased her nipples until she throbbed unmercifully.

  “Rhett—”

  “Shut up, sweetheart, and let me work here.” He silenced her with a bone-dissolving kiss, and the hand’s trek continued down her body.

  Rhett stroked her stomach and Cassie sensed it clenching and rippling in response. He slipped it along the curve of her hip and onto her thigh as he continued his drugging kisses. She tried to pull her arms down but Rhett tightened his hold on her wrists.

  His eyes had a dangerous gleam to them as he told her, “Be still, sweetheart.”

  Suddenly his hand slipped beneath her skirt and under the lace of her thong. A finger pushed into her and Cassie almost exploded at the intimate touch.

  He grinned. “Nice and wet.” He traced the outline of her lips with his tongue as his finger continued to excite her. The pulsating was a deep ache now, causing her to whimper.

  “Are you feeling miserable?” Rhett asked softly.

  “Yes. No. Oh, Rhett,” Cassie sighed.

  With a quick jerk, he ripped away her black thong, the dangerous look back in his eyes. He pocketed the panties.

  “I’ve been miserable two whole days, Cassie,” he said softly. “You haven’t even made it ten minutes.”

  “Oh, Rhett. Stop. I can’t take anymore,” she moaned. His hand now cupped her, his finger stroking her sensuously. “I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry for what?” he teased, his fingers entering her and speeding up, driving her into a frenzy.

  “Sorry I . . . I . . . dammit, Corrigan, I can’t think with you doing that!”

  “Then don’t. Just go with the flow, babe.”

  Rhett’s fingers continued working their magic. Everything fled from Cassie’s mind, how horrible things had been, how she had blown the ideal job, how she’d screwed up Rhett’s image with the public. He blurred before her as her breathing came in rapid spurts.

  And then she became unhinged. Cassie pushed against him as her control broke and wave after wave of pleasure swept through her. His mouth eagerly sought hers and she poured herself into the kiss. He released her wrists and they fell limply beside her.

  She shook her head. “You better hold me up, Corrigan, because I’ve got nothing left.”

  Rhett smiled. “That’s what you think. We’re just getting started.”

  “Turn around,” he ordered quietly as he sat back on the commode and pulled her into his lap. His arms wrapped protectively around her, drawing her near, nibbling on her ear.

  He continued whispering into her ear what he was going to do to her when they got home. His words made her blush.

  “You are coming home with me, Cassie. I won’t take no for an answer.”

  She had no intentions of contradicting him.

  He gave her one last kiss. “First we honor our obligation to Ken and attend his party. No protests.” Rhett smoothed her hair, which had come undone and cascaded around her shoulders. “We won’t stay long. I promise. We’ve got a busy night ahead of us.”

  Cassie nodded, having no willpower at the moment. He could have said they were headed for Timbuktu and she would have followed him without question. Rhett pushed her up and let them out of the stall. Ever the gentleman, he reached down to hand her the clutch before he took her hand and pulled her toward the door.

  “Wait.” Cassie tried to clear her head. “The press doesn’t need to see me with you, Rhett. That would be the kiss of death.”

  He clutched her hand. “The press needs to get used to seeing you with me, babe. You aren’t going anywhere. Neither am I.”

  “No.” She pulled her hand away. “They already think I came between you and Randi. I don’t want to give them a thing.”

  “The Randi thing’ll blow over. She’ll latch on to someone else even richer and more famous than I am. That’s how women like her operate. I’m simply a stepping stone to her final destiny.”

  “The media has said such awful things about you,” she protested.

  “They’ll say a few more. About you, too. But our friends and family know us. Their feelings toward us won’t change.”

  Rhett took her hands in his. He lifted them to his lips and kissed the knuckles of each gently. “My feelings won’t change either, Cassie. I had no idea how crazy I was about you until I couldn’t find you.”

  He pulled her to him. “I’m not going to let that happen again. Ever.” Rhett kissed her, sealing his promise.

  Cassie kissed him back, wondering how things had gotten so tangled and how Rhett effortlessly loosened all the knots separating them. She knew they were in for some stormy times in the near future but, right now, he’d placed her on top of the world.

  Rhett broke the kiss. “Come on. We don’t want to miss out on Ken’s celebration.”

  “I’d hate to disappoint him or Melanie.”

  He smiled. “The sooner we make an appearance at Pomodoro, the sooner we can get home to that chocolate syrup and whipped cream I was talking about.”

  Cassie fired right back. “I’ll bet you say that to all the girls.”

  “Nah. Just the ones whose panties I tear off.” Rhett slipped a hand into his pocket and triumphantly waved around the night’s prize before he returned them to their hiding place.

  His hand reached around and squeezed her ass. “I’ll be thinking about you being naked under this spectacular dress.”

  Cassie pushed his hand aside and glanced worriedly in the mirror.

  “You look amazing.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Easy for you to say.” She whipped out a brush and ran it through her hair a few times. If any paparazzi still waited, she would not be photographed with bedhead hair.

  Rhett took her hand as she finished and hustled her from the ladies’ room. Cassie was relieved they didn’t run into anyone coming in as they left. She didn’t quite know how she would explain the hottest man on the planet’s presence in the ladies’ room.

  As they cut through the lobby, she heard the doors open and voices chattering. The movie must have ended. A crowd engulfed her and Rhett. He waved at a few people and sauntered out the doors.

  As Cassie expected, a smattering of fans had remained outside, while photographers were ready to ambush again. She tried to pull her hand from his but he only tightened his grip.

  “Showtime,” he grinned. “Put a sexy smile on that’ll make people wonder what we’ve been up to and let’s go kick some ass.”

  She followed Rhett’s lead. A reporter from a local station thrust a microphone in their pathway.

  “Rhett Corrigan. Good to see you out and not at home crying over Randal James. Who’s the lucky lady tonight?”

  “This is Cassie Carroll. She’s a good friend of the Camerons and we’re headed to their party. Excuse us.”

  He hustled them down the red carpet, only getting stopped once more.

  A flirtatious reporter with a mane of blonde hair tossed it around as she asked, “Who’s your flavor of the month, Rhett? Is she better than Randi?”

  “I’m not one to kiss and tell, Monica, but Cassie Carroll and I are on our first date—and there’ll be many more to come. It didn’t take me long to figure out that Cassie has more integrity in her pinkie than most women in Hollywood possess in a lifetime.”

  Rhett turned and gave her an adoring look. “And she’s got sensational legs,” he quipped, leaving the reporter speechless as he whisked her off to a waiting limo parked two blocks away.

  “You like my legs?” Cassie asked.

  “Yup. The best I’ve seen.” He gave her a wolfish smile. “And the best I’ll taste.”

  She felt the blush tinge her cheeks.

  “Evening, Mr. Corrigan.”

  “Hey, Johnny. This is Cassie Carroll.”

  Johnny tipped his cap as he swept the door
open. “Evening to you, too, Miss Carroll. You still headed to Mr. Cameron’s party, sir?”

  “You bet. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

  Rhett climbed in after her and the driver closed the door. He sat across from her. “I don’t trust myself sitting next to you,” he admitted. “Pomodoro is only three minutes from here. Having three sisters, I know you’ll want to primp a little before going in.”

  She nodded and took out her compact. “At least my lipstick held up. Melanie gave me something that must be industrial strength. With all that kissing, it still stayed on. All I need is a little gloss.”

  Cassie smoothed the gloss from the tube across her lips. “My hair is another matter. There’s no way I can get it back into that up-do. Especially since all the pins are still on the floor of the restroom stall.”

  “I’m glad.” Rhett leaned over and played with a curl. “I like it down better. Your hair is a real turn-on for me.”

  Cassie eyed Rhett. “Did you know it was me when you sat down in the dark?”

  Rhett smiled like the Cheshire Cat. “I’ll never tell.”

  CHAPTER 21

  Cassie floated into Pomodoro. The maître d' swept them into a back room with high ceilings and French doors that opened onto a large private patio area lit with torches and dotted with small heaters. When they stepped out, Cassie saw Breck and Jolene sitting at a table with Darin, who waved them over.

  “Would you like a drink?” Rhett asked.

  She nodded.

  He went back inside and Cassie made her way to the table.

  Jolene practically threw herself into Cassie’s arms, hanging on to her like a lost child reunited with her mother.

  “I am so, so sorry, Cass,” Jo said, her voice cracking. “I am officially the World’s Biggest Idiot.”

  Bits of anger still lingered within Cassie, knowing what Jolene had almost cost her. “You are,” she said flatly, not quite ready to forgive and forget.

  Jo took her by the shoulders. “I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you. I was a terrible friend. I ruined your life. At least for a little while.”

  She felt her anger dissolving and hugged Jo hard.

  “It’s very difficult staying mad at you,” she admitted and pulled away. Looking Jo in the eyes, she said, “I love you—but I don’t trust you right now. I hope you can understand that.”

  “I wouldn’t trust me either,” Jolene readily agreed. “But I will work hard and do whatever it takes to make it up to you. I promise. I will think before I speak.” She thought a moment. “In fact, I may never speak at all, just to be safe.”

  Cassie couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s a start.”

  “Could we still be roomies?” Jo asked, trepidation in her eyes.

  Cassie nodded, knowing Jolene needed her, despite having Breck. “But we’re going to talk about boundaries. At length. Not here. In fact, I may have to draw up a roommate agreement.”

  “Like Sheldon did for Leonard on The Big Bang Theory?” Jolene shuddered. “Oh, go ahead. Make it as simple or complicated as you’d like. I’ll sign anything. Do anything to get back in your good graces.” She hugged Cassie. “I’ve missed you, honey.”

  Then it was Jo’s turn to be angry. “You scared the bejesus out me, Cass,” she scolded. “Rhett was freakin’ uncontrollable. I thought he’d throttle me within an inch of my life.”

  She eyed her friend suspiciously.

  “Okay, I’m exaggerating,” she amended. “He was going insane wanting to find you. Where were you? And you look fab, by the way.” Jolene grinned. “In more ways than one.”

  “Quit monopolizing my girl,” Breck said, nosing in to wrap Cassie in a bear hug.

  Jolene pinched his butt hard.

  “Okay, my number two girl.” Breck looked Cassie up and down. “I see you and Rhett have patched things up. I won’t ask about what, when, where, or why. I’ll merely say welcome back, General.”

  Darin kissed her cheek. “I’ve been gone on a shoot in Milan and landed an hour ago. Seems like I missed not only our last poker game but Ken’s opening and whatever these two are talking about.”

  He flashed the million-dollar smile that had sold everything from cologne to boxer-briefs. “You do really look good in that dress, Cassie. Very sexy.” Darin growled low.

  Rhett’s arm snaked possessively around her waist. He handed Cassie a glass of champagne. “She does look sexy.” He gave her a lingering kiss. “Tastes sexy, too.”

  Darin laughed. “I’ll take your word, Rhett.” He looked toward the doorway. “If it isn’t the man of the hour.”

  Cassie turned and saw Ken and Melanie walk in, followed by a group of people. She recognized a few famous faces in the crowd but she didn’t know everyone present.

  Melanie made a beeline to her, beaming all the way. “I see you found another ride.”

  “I guess you knew Rhett would be there tonight. That he’d sit with us.”

  Her friend shrugged. “I knew Ken invited him. I wasn’t sure where Rhett was sitting but I’m glad you’ve worked out your little problem.” She turned to Rhett. “At least you seemed to have worked things out, based upon the wicked grin you’re wearing.”

  Rhett pulled her a little closer. “Let’s just say that Cassie’ll need to pick up her things in the morning.”

  “I’ll have them packed and sent over,” Melanie promised. “I’ll also be sure TJ gets fed beforehand.”

  Cassie looked up at Rhett. “I suppose Jo is still out in the guesthouse.”

  “I wouldn’t let her leave. She kept saying you’d scalp her alive if she didn’t but I persuaded her to stay.”

  She shuddered. “Jo? With no supervision in a place by herself? It could be scary. She’s probably taken over every spare inch with junk—empty pizza boxes, half-filled water bottles, dirty clothes scattered on the floor—you name it.”

  His eyebrow shot up. “Then maybe you’d be more comfortable in the main house.”

  Melanie piped up, “I think that’s my exit line.” She left, tossing Cassie a knowing grin over her shoulder.

  “Rhett—”

  “Come home with me tonight, Cassie. Let tomorrow take care of itself.”

  A spoon tinkled against glass and the patio quieted. Cassie saw Ken’s agent raise his champagne flute.

  “To Ken Cameron, Hollywood’s next big star.”

  The guests toasted Ken, who managed to look sheepish and sexy at the same time.

  “Thanks to everyone for coming. I didn’t know if we’d be celebrating tonight or not but I felt pretty good about what I saw during the screening.”

  “We felt even better seeing you shirtless up on the big screen,” a female voice chimed in.

  A blush rose on Ken’s cheeks. “I think dinner is ready.” He indicated for everyone to return inside.

  Cassie whispered to Rhett, “I think it’s terrific he’s so humble.”

  “Ken’s from similar roots to mine. He’s not the kind to forget where he came from. I think that’s why we both have kept our egos in check.”

  Cassie smiled at Rhett. “I’m sure that’s one of the reasons Melanie loves him.”

  Rhett pressed his mouth to hers in a lingering kiss. She could feel the smile on his lips.

  “You score points, too, Corrigan.”

  “For remembering where I came from?”

  “For that. And for kissing so damned well.”

  He laughed and kissed her again. “Come on, Cassie Carroll. Let’s eat. I haven’t had more than a couple of bites the past few days. I just realized I’m starving.”

  “You, too?”

  His eyes misted over. “With you gone, I felt like I’d been shredded into little pieces. Nothing appealed to me. Food. Sleep. Nothing.” He reached up and caressed her cheek. “Now, my world is right again—and I’m on top of it.”

  He laced his fingers through hers. “We’ll stay for the entrée but dessert’s waiting at home.”

  ◆◆◆

>   Cassie washed her hands and watched in the mirror as Jolene fiddled with her hair.

  “I’m so glad you and Rhett worked everything out. Now, you can come back to the gatehouse and start work again. Everything will be normal, all in time for Christmas.”

  Jolene tucked a stray lock behind her ear and faced Cassie. “Who knew Mr. Superstar wanted to jump your bones so badly? The looks he gave you during dinner? I’m surprised the tablecloth didn’t catch on fire. I think everybody here knows what you two will be doing tonight.” Jo grinned. “Or in the limo on the way home.”

  Cassie blushed as she touched up her lipstick. “I will be back as your roomie, Jo, and I’m sure I’ll be working as Rhett’s assistant. The rest we’ll have to see how it goes.”

  Jolene shook her head. “Oh, baby, it’ll go. Fast and furious the first time. Maybe slow and sensual the next. If you go round three, then—”

  “Enough!” Cassie glanced into the mirror and saw her beet red reflection staring back. "Go find Breck. I’ve got to take a few deep breaths and pull myself together. In fact, tell Rhett I’ll meet him at the car.”

  “No dessert? I heard it’s tiramisu, your favorite.” Jolene gave Cassie a knowing glance. “On second thought, I’m sure dessert is already planned. See you tomorrow, Cass.” Jolene hugged her. “Have fun.”

  Cassie dampened a paper towel and held it to her face, trying not to smudge her makeup.

  She was going home with Rhett tonight. Rhett Corrigan. Mr. Action Star, Mr. Bankable, Mr. Hollywood Heartbreaker. She, Cassie Carroll, would be in his bed within half an hour. The thought thrilled her and scared her at the same time. What if she wasn’t sexy enough? Experienced enough? What if he took one look at her naked and said, “Pass”, scarring her for life?

  No, Rhett was attracted to who she was on the inside. She wasn’t some Hollywood fake. It was also a two-way street. Rhett wasn’t merely perfect to look at. His inner qualities are what attracted her to him. His kindness. His sense of humor. The way he placed such importance on family. He was much more than his looks alone. He must feel the same about her or else his kisses wouldn’t have packed such a wallop.

  She picked up her clutch and left the restroom, feeling more confident than before. She would meet Rhett and begin what might be the best night of her life.