by Stacy-Deanne
Gabrielle yanked on her dress. “Oh, I bet it will be.”
“Cat fight?” Warner nudged Hugh, grinning. “Somebody get the mud.”
Hugh laughed under his hand.
“Let’s get a move on, shall we?” Warner went to help Gabrielle inside but Huge interjected.
“Allow me.” He took Gabrielle’s hand and helped her into the seat across from Sierra.
Sierra dug in her purse, mumbling.
Warner climbed in next to Gabrielle while Hugh got comfortable beside Sierra.
Peter greeted Gabrielle and Warner then pulled off.
“Very glad you joined us tonight, Gabrielle.” Hugh stroked his warm hands, wishing they were caressing her breasts. “I hope I can finally know the woman behind the persona. I’d like you to get to know me as well.”
Sierra scoffed. “Seriously?”
Warner glanced at Gabrielle from the corner of his eye.
She crossed her gorgeous legs, forcing Hugh’s attention to the glittery strap of her silver, stiletto sandal. “I know all I need to when it comes to you, Hugh.”
“I doubt that, sweetheart.” He checked out her cute, chubby toes, his head vibrating with the motion of the car. “What you think you know, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”
CHAPTER FIVE
After giving half-ass statements to the relentless paparazzi, Gabrielle scurried to the upstairs lounge of The Bridge like a frightened lab rat. She cursed herself for the thousandth time for not wearing track shoes because she’d been running from Hugh, the press, and nosey-ass celebrities ever since she got there.
Patrons looked up from their tables and then continued with their conversations when she entered. Gabrielle didn’t care what they said behind her back as long as they left her the hell alone.
“Jesus.” She relaxed at the booth in the far corner, feet throbbing.
Alan, one of the club’s longtime servers, scampered toward Gabrielle’s table with an infectious smile. “Good evening, Miss Montane. Can I get you something?”
“Some new feet would be nice.” She took off her right sandal and rubbed her foot. “Feet feel like I’ve walked a hundred miles.”
“In those shoes I can imagine.”
“Wouldn’t be so bad if I hadn’t been running in them.”
“People been bothering you, huh?” He tapped his little pad. “For what it’s worth, it’s terrible how Futero treated you. You’re a class act compared to a lot of the celebrity douche bags in this town.” His bowtie wiggled as he spoke, “I donated to the Gabrielle Montane Foundation last month.”
“You did?” She flattened her hands on the table. “I appreciate that and am grateful for your gratitude.”
“How could I not give to a charity that helps children fight cancer?” He touched his chest, sighing. “See what I mean? You care about things other than money and fame. That’s why everyone loves you.” He touched her shoulder. “Futero will regret letting you go.”
A tear tickled her eye. “I needed to hear that.” She hugged him. “Thanks so much.”
He giggled. “I love working here. Where else would I get a kiss from Scarlett Johansson and a hug from Gabrielle Montane in the same week? I can go die now.”
She laughed, sitting.
Hugh wandered in with his hands in his pockets.
“Oh, jeez.” Gabrielle ducked, attempting to hide.
“There you are.” Hugh walked up to the table. “My ears are burning.” He sat beside her, but he must’ve sensed the annoyance behind her glare because he moved across from her instead.
“Alan,” Hugh said. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Always a pleasure, Mr. Macintosh. How’s your new movie going?”
“Fatal Honor?” Hugh tapped the table. “Still in the beginning stages. Not even close to filming yet.”
“I know it’ll be a hit.” Alan gushed. “How can it not being produced by Ian Delfino, directed by you, and starring Dash Phillips?” He whistled. “This thing’s gonna be bigger than Avatar.”
“We intend on it to be.” Hugh took off his sports coat and laid it beside him. “You see this lovely woman in front of me? Why does she not have a drink?”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d stop talking about me in the third person,” Gabrielle said. “You’ve been doing it all night.”
“Sorry.” He clasped his hands, winking. “I can’t believe this magical moment of us being together has arrived. “
“What would you like?” Alan asked.
“Scotch for me.” Hugh grabbed a toothpick from the dispenser and shoved it into his mouth. “Would you like sex on the beach, Gabrielle? I’m not just talking about the drink.”
She groaned. “I’m fine, Alan.”
“Make that scotch on the rocks,” Hugh said.
“Right away, sir.” Alan chuckled as he left the table.
“Where’s Sierra?” Gabrielle asked.
Hugh rolled the toothpick around in his mouth. “I don’t care at the moment.”
“I see.” Gabrielle rubbed her other foot.
“I don’t wanna talk about anyone but us.” He stabbed his finger into the table. “We can’t keep denying this attraction.”
Her shoulders dropped. “Hugh, this is the first time I’ve ever spoken to you.”
“I know you want me.” He tilted his head. “Women love me. They worship me. Am I supposed to believe you’re different?”
She wiggled her aching toes. “Yep.”
“I don’t buy it.” He sat back.
“I don’t give a damn. I know you’ve been between more women’s legs than a gynecologist and if you think that impresses me you’re wrong.”
He licked the corner of his mouth, his straggly bangs covering his hooded eyes which were the color of pine. “You’re not attracted to me? I have no effect on you?”
Hell, Hugh repulsed her, but she wasn’t blind. There weren’t many women who could resist that bad boy charm and those rugged, Irish-American good looks.
He stroked the faint, five-o’clock shadow that graced his round chin and robust jawline. “Earth to Gabrielle?”
And, that earring.
“Whether I find you attractive or not has nothing to do with anything.”
“Sure it does.”
“Go wash your face, Hugh.” She faked a smile. “Seems you need to cool down.”
“Nothing cools me down, Gabrielle.” The toothpick bobbed in his mouth. “Let’s get out of here.”
“I’m serious, Hugh. Back off. I want you to leave me alone. That’s why I came here tonight. To put an end to your foolishness.”
Alan returned. “Here you go, Mr. Macintosh.” He set the drink in front of Hugh then left.
“Leave with me.” Hugh’s eyes darkened. “I get you alone for five minutes, and I bet you’ll be singing a different tune.” He yanked the toothpick from his lips and sipped the drink.
“What do I have to do to get you to leave me alone?”
He gaped at her.
She exhaled. “Besides that.”
“There’s nothing you can do. Gabrielle, this is fate. You’ve tried to avoid me but look at us tonight. Sure, it took a long time for me to get close to you but I have. If something’s meant to be it’s gonna happen.”
She puckered her lips. “I have no say in the matter?”
“Nope.” He slurped scotch. “It’s destiny. The first moment I saw you, I knew you were supposed to be mine.”
“You need help, Hugh.”
“No. What I need are those long, chocolate legs wrapped around my neck while my tongue reminds you why you’re so thankful to be a woman. That’s what I need.”
Gabrielle shook her head, batting her eyes. “I’m gone.” She got her shoes and slid to the edge of the booth. “I’ll call my own ride.”
“Uh-uh.” He jumped up, blocking her. “You’re not going anywhere, sweet thing.”
She looked him up and down. “You and what army’s gonna stop me?”
“Hugh—”
“Sh.” He pressed his middle against her. “You feel that? I’m big, Gabrielle. You have no idea.”
“Hugh, if you don’t let go of me—”
“I know you’re curious.” He swayed her. “All we have to do is leave and then tomorrow you’ll wake up in my arms and everything will become clear.” He gripped her buttocks.
“It’s clear.” She kneed his crotch.
“Ah.” Hugh stooped over, holding himself.
People took out their cellphones, recording and taking photos in sync.
“What the...” He huffed and puffed, face red. “That hurt!”
“Good.” Gabrielle got her purse out the booth. “Remember that sensation the next time you put your hands on me. Oh, wait. There won’t be a next time because you’re gonna stay the hell away from me. You got that?”
Alan rushed to them. “Is everything all right?”
Hugh frowned, flinching. “Just peachy.”
“Hugh?” Gabrielle grabbed him by the hair.
“You like it rough, huh?” He beamed. “My kind of woman.”
“Listen for the last time,” she ordered. “I’m dead serious. There will never, ever, ever be anything between us but my knee if you come near me again.”
She stomped out the lounge, barefoot.
CHAPTER SIX
“I mean it, Hugh.” Warner passed Hugh a glass of scotch in his hotel suite that night. “Gabrielle was pissed. She was madder than I’ve ever seen her.”
“So?” Hugh sipped from the small, square glass. “How she feels is irrelevant.” He laid on the leather couch. “This isn’t about her, it’s about me.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because it’s the truth. She might not like what’s gonna happen, but it’s happening.”
“So because you want her, that’s all that matters?” Warner walked across the Persian rug and stopped at the terrace doors. “You haven’t changed one bit, Hugh.”
“Gabrielle isn’t in a position to be say no.” Hugh sat up and lit a cigarette. “I’m sick of her shit. You know how long I’ve been waiting for that pussy? Look at how nice I’ve been to her all these years and she couldn’t even acknowledge me?”
“That should tell you to leave her alone.” Warner sat on the loveseat with his legs wide open. “She doesn’t want you. Why embarrass yourself over a woman who doesn’t want you?”
“Let’s be real here.” Hugh snatched the cigarette out his mouth. “Her career is down the toilet, and I’m one of few people who cares about that.”
“You care?” Warner sipped from his bourbon.
“If it gets me in her bed...” Hugh’s brows furrowed. “You damn right I care.”
Warner lowered his glass. “It’s times like these that makes it hard to be your friend.”
“Don’t play innocent with me. You’ve seduced every model you’ve worked with. But, it’s wrong when I want Gabrielle because she’s your friend?”
“Yes.” He clamped his teeth together. “She’s special and the last thing I want is her getting hurt.”
“Last time I checked Gabrielle was a grown woman.”
“What am I worried about, anyway?” Warner sat back, propping his right leg on his left thigh. “There’s no way in hell you’d have a shot with her. She hates you.”
He gulped scotch. “I won’t stop until she’s mine.”
“You’re obsessed with her.”
“Not obsessed with her but with the mission.”
Warner raised his eyebrow. “If Gabrielle wanted you, you might not even be interested. Am I right?”
“Sure I would.” Hugh cackled from deep in his throat. “It just wouldn’t be as exciting as it is now.”
“You only want her because she’s beautiful.”
Hugh blew smoke out the corner of his mouth. “That’s not true.”
“Name one reason you like her other than her looks.”
“Uh...” Hugh glanced around, waving his glass. “I like her personality. She has fire.”
“So does Sierra and a lot of other women you’ve been with. Anything else about Gabrielle you can name?”
“I like how she got to where she is today. I know about her struggle being a poor kid from Brooklyn with a single mother.” He stood erect, beaming with pride for Gabrielle’s accomplishments. “She dropped out of school and came to L.A. when she was only sixteen. All by herself. At sixteen, I’d never have the courage to do something like that, but she did.” He tipped his cigarette toward Warner. “And she became Futero’s first black spokesmodel. She’s amazing. Why do you think Loya and I didn’t make it? Because I wanted Gabrielle.”
“Damn, man.” Warner touched his mouth. “You are in love with her, aren’t you?”
“You gotta help me get her, man.”
“There’s nothing I can do.”
“You mean you won’t do it.”
“Bingo. Gabrielle means a lot and I can’t condone you hurting her.”
“Why are you so sure I’ll hurt her?”
“Because you’ve hurt every woman you’ve been with, Hugh.”
“If you were my friend you’d help me with her.”
“Don’t you have enough to worry about with Fatal Honor? You don’t even have a lead actress anymore since Olympia Wood pulled out. That’s where your mind should be instead of chasing pussy.”
“Warner!” Hugh slammed the glass on the coffee table and leapt on him. “I could kiss you.”
Warner lifted his fist. “You do and I’ll be the last person you kiss.”
Hugh got off him, howling. “You’re a fucking genius, man.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You gave me a great idea.” Hugh jumped on the table.
“Get off, man.” Warner stood, waving. “If you break it, I’ll have to pay for it. That table costs more than my car.”
“Why the hell didn’t I think of this before?” Hugh jumped off the table. “Gabrielle’s career needs rescuing and what better way to rescue a career than getting a starring role in a hit movie?”
Warner batted his eyes.
“Fatal Honor will help me get Gabrielle.” Hugh grabbed Warner’s face as if he’d kiss him. “I’ll offer her the lead actress role.” He guffawed. “No way she’ll pass this up.”
“Hugh—”
“It’s perfect.” Hugh squeezed Warner’s face. “I’ll give her the role, she becomes hotter than she ever has, and she’ll be mine.” He danced in a circle. “It’s fool proof, Warner.”
He massaged his jaws. “No way in hell Gabrielle would be in your movie.”
“She doesn’t have a choice. Her ass needs to find a way to stay relevant and without Futero she’s as much as forgotten.”
“It’s not gonna happen.” Warner plopped on the loveseat. “I’d eat my toes if Gabrielle stars in your movie.”
Hugh leaned over him. “You want ketchup with them toes?”
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Ah!” Gabrielle slammed the door behind the seventieth delivery person that visited her apartment the next morning. “Hugh’s done it this time.” She threw yet another assorted flower bouquet on top of the millions littering her floor. “He’s done it!”
“You still wanna act like nothing happened last night?” Ashleigh got a paper towel from the wall dispenser in Gabrielle’s kitchen.
“It’s the truth.” Gabrielle kicked bouquets from her path.
Ashleigh got a stirring spoon and dipped it into her coffee mug. “A man doesn’t send a woman a million flowers after a date for no reason.”
“It wasn’t a date.” Gabrielle stuck her index finger in the air. “Nothing happened except I told him to leave me the hell alone. The next thing I know, I wake up to an endless brigade of flowers.” She kicked a bouquet across
the room. “I can’t take this and I hate flowers.”
Ashleigh crossed over to the living room with her Toffee Nut cappuccino. “Maybe you gave off mixed signals.”
“I kicked him in the balls, Ashleigh. No mixed signals here, honey.”
The door intercom buzzed.
Ashleigh headed to it.
“Ignore it.” Gabrielle pulled her hair. “It’s just more flowers, and I can’t take more flowers.”
“You?” Ashleigh stepped over bouquets, tripping. “I’m suffocating in here.” She stretched out on the couch with her computer in her lap. “This keeps up I’ll expect a raise.” She typed on the computer with one hand, the other still occupied by her mug. “I can’t work under these conditions.”
“Miss Montane?” Mateo yelled through the intercom. “You have about five more delivery guys out here with flowers.”
She pressed the button to speak. “What the hell do you expect me to do about them?”
“I could ask the same of you!”
“Ooh.” Ashleigh grinned. “Can’t remember the last time Mateo was so irritated.”
“Please turn the men away.”
“I’ve tried that with the last batch of delivery people.” Mateo huffed. “They’re saying the same thing. They’ve been paid so they have to deliver the flowers. I have to let them up.”
“No!” Gabrielle jumped. “There’s no room for anymore fuckin’ flowers in here. They’re covering the floors and stuffed against the walls—”
“We can’t leave them out here. They’re your responsibility.”
“Throw them out, Mateo.”
“The flowers are the delivery men?”
“Both.” She released the button and screamed, “Ooh!”
“Bad move, Gabby.” Ashleigh typed. “Shouldn’t have gone out with them last night.”
Gabrielle glared at her, mouth open. “You’re the one who told me to go.”
“If I told you to jump off a bridge...” Ashleigh chuckled, sipping. “Would you?”
Gabrielle tossed bouquets off the two seater and sat. “If this is anyone’s fault, it’s yours.”
“Something came through the grapevine today.” Ashleigh stretched. “Heard from an assistant friend of mine who knows the assistant to Hugh’s assistant—”
