Typecast

by Kim Carmichael

  “I was such an asshole.” He hooked his fingers under her chin and raised her face to his.

  “You’re not Steven. You’re Logan.”

  “Steven follows me everywhere.” Though he played the role twenty years ago, the hype and the scandal never let the movie die. Every woman wanted Steven, not him.

  “Then maybe rather than trying to outrun him, or forget him, you need to embrace him.” She pressed her palm to the side of his face.

  He moved his face down close enough to feel her breath puff against his lips. In every movie ever written, now would be the time to kiss her, but he resisted. “I don’t know if I can.”

  “I know you can. You watched it tonight, and you’re fine.” Her fingers danced along his stubble, giving him the shivers.

  “Only because you were here.” He stared at her. With her looks, she should have been an actress or a model, or maybe she was destined to be the smart girl who wanted to believe a villain could be redeemed. She believed in him, and he had to have her, be with her. “I don’t want to be the guy who drives away.”

  At Logan’s words, Ivy held her breath, and as if on cue, the small bit of illumination from the projector turned off, leaving them in utter darkness, yet neither of them moved.

  She forced herself to inhale, exhale, and inhale again. Everything about him pointed to him using her and having his fun while giving her the ultimate fantasy. In the end, he would do exactly what he said he wouldn’t and drive away.

  “Logan.” She wanted to push him away, but with the way he held her, dried her tears, and whispered those incredible words, she didn’t have the strength. No, in truth, she didn’t want to. She wanted to stay right here in the little screening room with Logan, and not because he once played a role in a movie she loved, but because he was amazing all on his own. Strong enough to admit he was nervous watching his own image on the screen and man enough to tell her he didn’t want to drive away.

  Without answering, he reached down and took her hand.

  Her stomach bottomed out at the simple act. No, she didn’t push him away, but instead, she gave into her need to touch him and traced her fingers over his jawline. Sharp, Hollywood perfect.

  In turn, he raised his knees and cradled her to him, encompassing her.

  She caressed him down to the slight divot in his chin. He gently took her wrist and moved her hand up to his mouth, kissing her fingertip, but doing nothing more.

  Her heart swelled, while her skin heated. “Logan?”

  “Kiss me.” The words as simple and as deep as telling her he didn’t want to be the guy who drove away. “Now.”

  Unsure what took over her, she obeyed and, even in the pitch black, found his mouth with her own.

  Rather than a soft kiss, one that would grow slow and steady, the second their lips touched it unleashed a pent-up urgency within her, and she opened her mouth, giving him a deep kiss, taking in his taste, his tongue, anything he offered.

  He held her tight, putting one hand on the back of her head to keep her in place, and matched her actions, with a long, drawn-out kiss that only served to inflame her skin.

  She gasped, but without losing any momentum, wrapped her arms around his neck and guided his tongue into her mouth, sucking along its length, taking in his taste, a sweet yet savory combination belonging only to Logan.

  “Um.” He moaned. Somehow without interrupting them, he managed to lower her to the floor with him on top. Only then did he break the kiss. “Ivy,” he panted, but before she answered, he kissed her again.

  She gave in to one of her fantasies by reaching back and freeing his hair of the rubber band holding his signature ponytail in place. His locks fell down around him, tickling her face.

  She never remembered anyone taking the time out to simply kiss her without rushing to whatever came next, but Logan seemed to relish in the act.

  The man may not have been a classically trained actor, but he could give lessons in the fine art of arousing a woman. He nibbled and sucked his way down her neck and to her ear, while his hand roamed, traveling first to the side of her breast, then down to her knee. His every touch created a need within her she didn’t think possible.

  She took her turn to study him, the way the muscles in his back flexed as he tended to her, how his arms seemed to tremble with restraint, and yes, she copped a quick feel of his backside.

  With no light to face reality, they laid together on the floor exploring one another, again finding their way to one another’s mouths. The kisses increased in intensity. The light fondles that toyed with their nerves turned into grinding their bodies together to rouse every one of their senses.

  She worked the buttons on his shirt, snaking her fingers inside to finally touch his skin. He slid his hand up the hem of her dress, cupping her bottom.

  “God,” he growled.

  “Logan.” She twisted his hair in her fist.

  “I need you.”

  His voice came out strained as he reached behind him to get what she assumed was his wallet for a condom, and she wasn’t going to stop him.

  A jangle of the doorknob rattled through the room right as he pulled off his shirt.

  She grabbed his shoulder, and they both froze.

  With shallow breaths, they waited.

  A slice of light cut through the space, but vanished as fast with the click of the door closing once more.

  Even shrouded in darkness again, she hid her face in his chest, breathing in the delicious aroma of his soap, his skin, and his cologne.

  In an unexpected move, he tucked his shirt under her head and laid down next to her, taking her into his arms. “I need a second.”

  “Okay.” She raked her nails down the inside of his arm.

  “That’s not helping.” Nuzzling her neck, he let out a groan. “Don’t stop.”

  “What’s wrong?” His feather-light kisses created a cascade of shivers throughout her.

  He rolled to his back, taking her with him. “Maybe we should have gone to a drive-in.”

  At his joke, she let out a giggle.

  “Don’t laugh. They still have them.” After a quick peck, he got them both standing.

  Her legs wobbly, she held on to him for any sort of stability. “Logan?”

  “Let me turn the lights on.” Though he kept hold of her, he rustled around. “I need to find the stupid button.”

  In a flash, the lights blared down on them, and she winced at the sudden brightness.

  “Lord.” He shielded his eyes, but found his shirt in a crumpled heap and put it on.

  While he undid all her hard work and buttoned his shirt up, she peeked at his chest. What she saw was as magnificent as what she touched.

  “While I think the last part of our work needs a definite repeat performance, I don’t think it needs to go in our broadcast tomorrow.” He pulled back his hair and took her hand.

  “Darn, you just took my whole story.” They weren’t going to even go back to one of their places and finish? Unsure if she was relieved at their coitus interruptus or not, she shook her head and gathered her purse and their candy. “So, what now?” Maybe she needed to give him a hint without asking your place or mine?

  “Now, I will bring the princess back to her castle and return her carriage to its garage.” He gave her a wink. “Do you have everything?”

  Really? They were done? What the hell happened? With a quick scan, she took an inventory of the room. “Do you have your wallet?”

  “Yes?” He put his hand on his back pocket. “I never took it out.”

  “Oh.” If he never took it out, he was never getting a condom, which meant he wasn’t planning on having sex with her. She wrinkled her nose. Did he simply want to find out if he could make her crazy? With a sigh, she shrugged. Not having sex with him had to be better than doing the walk of shame over hot coals coated with shards of glass after sleeping with him. What did she expect to happen?

  “May I interrupt the conversation you’re having with
yourself?”

  “It wasn’t that great anyway.” She smoothed her hair down. Even in a wrinkled shirt, he looked amazing, but she couldn’t say the same for her.

  “First, you look gorgeous. The way your lips are all swollen from kissing me only makes me want to kiss you some more.” He pulled her closer and bent down to her ear. “I am so damn turned on from you that I’m never going to be able to sleep. Tomorrow, when you see me, remember the pain you are going to put me through tonight.”

  Wishing for fantasy in the darkness again, she shut her eyes and willed away the flutters. Logan would make her forget her name if she allowed it. What she wanted to happen and what would probably happen were two different things entirely. Maybe the man wasn’t the villain everyone made him out to be. Or maybe he was screwing with her. No matter what, she had to find out.

  HOLLYWOOD STARDUST

  DISSOLVE TO:

  EXT. SMALL TOWN — KANSAS – DAY

  The four teens walk through the small town looking for a restaurant.

  WILLIAM points across the street to a pizzeria.

  WILLIAM

  Here we go.

  CHARLES

  That’s good, nice and fast. We can get back on schedule.

  STEVEN

  We can’t take Roxy there, not looking as gorgeous as she does.

  ROXY turns away but still smiles to herself.

  WILLIAM leans over to STEVEN and talks low.

  WILLIAM

  If you would’ve gone and found a hotel with Charles, I could have taken her out on a date.

  STEVEN

  If the two of you would take a hint, I would be on a date.

  STEVEN and WILLIAM face each other, inching closer as if goading the other.

  CHARLES

  Guys.

  ROXY turns back.

  ROXY

  What’s wrong?

  WILLIAM stares at her with his mouth open.

  STEVEN

  My best friend and I were just discussing why you torment us with your beauty.

  WILLIAM shakes his head.

  ROXY

  I like torturing you.

  ROXY points to the pizzeria and walks across the street.

  Chapter Eight

  “Okay.” Logan paced the length of the kitchen, stopped in front of the stove, lifted up the lid on his pot, put it back down, and spun on his heel. He retraced the same steps he’d made for the last sixty-seven minutes, ending up back in front of the refrigerator. Though not a walk-in, the appliance reminded him of Ivy. He pressed his forehead to the cool stainless steel of the appliance and stared down at his phone. “Okay.”

  Again, he read the texts from his woman. The morning after their make out presented him with a girl who decided to go all business on him. While she suggested doing their shoot from the bar, she also prodded him on making good on his promise to get Erin and Ryder. Well, he didn’t need anyone else in their twosome. In fact, he and Ivy did quite nicely all on their own. Something he wanted to continue, like right this moment.

  Once more, he paced back to his simmering pot, lifting the lid. The escaping steam brought with it the aroma of wine, spice, fresh vegetables, and chicken. Something cooked with emotion, yet not too heavy. He didn’t want Ivy too full to participate in any physical activities or to know the identity of the chef yet. “Okay.”

  “Okay what?!” Wilson came barreling into the kitchen.

  “Don’t lift the lid off this pot.” Logan slammed the top back on.

  “What is your deal?” Wilson came over and hovered his hand over the lid of the pot before he flicked him on the forehead.

  He shoved his brother away.

  “You may as well tell me.” Wilson went to the refrigerator and opened it.

  “Don’t look in there.” Logan rushed over and slammed the door shut. All refrigeration units seemed sacred. At his own thought, he rolled his eyes. When did he turn into a lovesick teenage girl?

  Wilson put his back to the appliance. “Speak.”

  He pressed his lips together.

  “Now.” Wilson grabbed him by the sleeve. “You may have gotten the looks of the two of us, but I got the strength and I’ll use it.”

  “I think Ivy is angry with me.” He brushed his brother’s hand off him and returned to the stove.

  “Gee, I don’t know why she would be. You only left her basically panting for you and then dropped her off at her doorstep.”

  “You know, that is absolutely untrue. I walked her to the door, I kissed her good night, and then I did the total guy-loser move and texted her three times afterward.” He also did something else three times, but in the privacy of his bedroom and shower. At least he didn’t lie when he told Ivy he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about her.

  “You could have gone inside and done the deed, and she would be all happy now.” Wilson gave him a wide, toothy grin. “Instead, she thinks you’re a jerk.”

  Logan crossed his arms.

  “Actually, she probably thought you were a jerk before, so you really lost nothing.” Wilson opened the refrigerator and got a bottle of water.

  At his brother’s words, he ground his teeth together. “I was trying not to be a jerk.”

  Wilson shrugged.

  “I was showing restraint and consideration.”

  His brother took a sip of his drink and looked up at the ceiling.

  “I’m not like you. I can’t just go making love to Ivy hither and yon like you and Ivy’s friend. Then she’ll think I’m that guy.” He pointed to himself.

  “You can’t go making love to Ivy?” His brother’s tone taunted him.

  “Whatever.” He lifted his phone. What he wanted to say was he couldn’t mess up with Ivy. Wilson didn’t understand. He didn’t have the reputation. Girls didn’t run after being with him. Wilson had to work to get a woman, while he had to work for a woman to stay. Ivy needed to stay. “I need to make a call. Go away.”

  “Aw, did I hurt my baby brother’s feelings?” His brother used a mock baby tone and went to his side.

  “I need to get some work done before she gets here to do some work.” He scrolled through the contacts on his phone. “I am in charge, and I have to deliver.”

  “What does that mean?” Wilson leaned over his shoulder.

  “I can’t just have Ivy interview me, and I can’t just recreate scenes. I have to make good on my promise.” His chest constricted. “I have to give her someone else. Her job is on the line.”

  “Seems like you like to do things to save other people’s jobs.” Wilson grunted.

  “Been nipping into the bitters you use to make that specialty drink of yours?” He glanced at Wilson out of the corner of his eye.

  “Well, at least Ivy cares enough to try to promote the bar. Do whatever you need to keep her happy.”

  “I need to pick between Erin and Ryder.” He spat out the sentence.

  “Oh man, you must have it bad if you’re going to break the seal.” Wilson chuckled. “Who gets the gig?”

  He considered his options. Ryder, the personification of the teen heartthrob especially to a woman who studied the movie, or Erin, the . . . well, the female. Too bad he couldn’t pick Drew. “Who would you choose?”

  “They both sort of suck ass.”

  “I’m just going to pick the lesser of two nightmares.” He resumed his pacing and dialed. The phone rang once, twice, and a third time, and he squeezed the device. No matter what, he had to have something for Ivy when she arrived, and he didn’t want to leave a message.

  “No one ever calls anymore, everyone texts, so either I’m special or you want no proof you talk to me.” Erin used her actress voice, the smooth tone trying to tell him she didn’t care an ounce if he called or not when he knew the truth.

  “Maybe because I don’t need you having a record of anything I say to you.” He squeezed his eyes shut.

  “If you want to do things off the record, I say we both put our phones aside and focus on something much more
interesting and fulfilling.” She let out a low laugh.

  “Not tonight.” He opened his eyes and stared at nothing.

  “By not tonight you mean not ever, right?”

  “Something like that.” He turned to his brother.

  With narrowed eyes and his arms crossed, Wilson stared at him.

  “That’s not what you used to say.” She gave him an over exaggerated sigh.

  “Well, in the spirit of rehashing the past, I need to set up a time for an interview with Chargge.com.” He grabbed the edge of the counter.

  “Logan.” At last her tone changed. She turned into Erin the girl, the one who always hated her hair, who wanted to hide behind him or Ryder when faced with fans, who couldn’t make a decision or stand up for herself.

  “You’ll be fine. I’m sure Brian explained the project.” He would give her only enough nurturing to appease her. In a snap, she could turn on him, as he had found out too many times. “The woman in charge of putting the piece together is really smart, brilliant actually. She has a degree in cinematic arts, and not any old degree, but a master’s degree, and she is a huge fan.”

  “Are you sleeping with her?” Erin whispered.

  For a moment, he lowered the phone. How did they have the same conversation for over two decades? They were stuck in a time warp. He lifted the phone again. “That’s none of your business.”

  “You don’t usually recite someone’s resume. You barely remember their name,” she countered. “I thought with our arrangement I wouldn’t need to do this. Isn’t that what I pay for?”

  “More than that.” He smiled at her comeback. “You haven’t spoken about Hollywood Stardust in twenty years, so everyone will be hanging on your every word. You were the one every girl wanted to be.”

  “That is true.”

  Erin’s vanity always worked to his favor. “Fine, so it’s settled. I’ll text you a time so you do have a record.”

  “At least I get to see you.” She paused. “Logan.”

  “Don’t.” Now she would ask about Drew.

  “Have you seen him?”

  If he didn’t know she had the ability to cry on a director’s cue, he would have sworn her voice cracked. Erin only wanted what she couldn’t have, and she wanted to see Drew and hurt him again.