“Do you have a step stool?”
“No, but I have a chair. I’ll grab it.”
Levi started pulling out the containers and searching behind them. A large leather bag would be difficult to miss, but it could have fallen behind something.
“Here.”
“Thanks.” Levi plopped the chair in front of the cabinet and stood up on it to see the highest shelf. The bag wasn’t there either.
“I don’t know what to do. That bag is worth thousands of dollars.”
“Don’t worry. It has to be here, right?”
“Yeah. There aren’t a lot of keys to this room, and no one who has one would come in and take something without clearing it with me first.”
“Okay, so let’s keep looking, and if we can’t find it, we’ll ask around and see if maybe one of them did move it and forgot to tell you.”
“Why would they do that? The rules are so strict on this kind of thing. I mean, even you wearing wardrobe back to the hotel the other night could have been bad. Everything is cataloged and checked in and out.”
“Whit, breathe. We’ll find it.”
Levi went over to the racks of clothes, gave a quick glance beneath them to make sure nothing was there, and then flipped through all the hangers. Next he went behind the screens, but the bag was nowhere to be found.
Whitney paced back and forth in the room, chewing his nails and cursing under his breath. The room wasn’t that big. It was the former dining room of the mansion, so there weren’t closets. Levi went over to Whitney’s sewing table and opened the set of drawers to the side where he kept his sewing supplies. And there was the bag.
“Whit, I found it.”
Whitney gasped and ran over to the table. “I didn’t even use this table yesterday.”
He scooped up the bag and pulled the cover off to make sure everything was okay. He let out a sigh of relief just as his phone rang. “Hey, Ame.”
Levi could hear her asking about the bag on the other end of the line and let out a sigh of relief.
“I’ll bring it right over,” Whitney said as he ended the call.
“I brought one of the mopeds. I’ll drive you to set.”
“God, that was close. I didn’t even think to look over there. I haven’t needed to alter anything in a while, so I wouldn’t have put it in that drawer, Levi.”
Levi didn’t want to say that someone had been trying to mess with Whit, but that’s where his thoughts went. Whoever it was had better hope Levi didn’t find out, or they were in for an ass-kicking.
“Come on. Let’s deliver this thing.”
Whitney locked up the wardrobe room, and they quickly drove over to the set. Blair was pacing outside the set and looked up when Whitney appeared.
“Oh, thank God.”
Whitney handed it over, and Blair started to hurry off.
“Blair, wait. Do you know something?”
Blair fidgeted and looked nervous. “Howie teased me a while back about losing it. But I’m sure he didn’t take it. I’m just glad you found it.”
Levi fumed as Blair hurried back to the set.
“Was Howie around yesterday?”
“Well, yeah. Why would he do that, though? There’s a big difference between teasing and actually doing.”
“I don’t know, but he’d better hope I never find out he tried to fuck with you like that.”
“Awww,” Whitney crooned. “My hero.”
“Someone needs to take him down a peg or two. Might as well be me.”
“No, it might as well not. Remember, LC told you to keep your head down. Fighting with Howie doesn’t help that.”
Levi growled but wrapped his arm around Whitney’s waist and led him back to the moped.
“So what are you doing the rest of the day?”
Levi shrugged. “Nothing. I was bored to tears when you called.”
“Good. Wanna come help me box stuff up to ship back to the studio?”
“Depends. You gonna make it worth my while?” He waggled his eyebrows, and Whitney grinned.
“I might.”
They spent the majority of the morning loading up boxes. Some they were shipping back to the studio, others they were returning to stores and designers. Whitney loaded the boxes while Levi taped them up and put the shipping labels on.
“Can’t believe we’re at the end of the season already,” Levi said as he took a break and grabbed a bottle of water.
“It’s flown by.” Whitney grinned over at him. “But it’s been really, really good.”
“It has,” Levi agreed.
“Well, you get back over to the hotel, and I’ll finish up here. Enjoy at least a little of your day off.”
“I like spending time with you.”
“I know. Just go already. I can’t concentrate with you here anymore. I just want to jump you.”
Levi laughed and gave him a quick kiss. “See you later.”
He drove the moped back to the hotel and decided to hit the beach for a while. After quickly changing into his swimsuit, he grabbed a towel and went to find a nice quiet spot. He didn’t expect to see Howie sitting on the beach by himself, but the opportunity to grill Howie about the misplaced bag was too good to pass up.
Ready to rip Howie a new one, Levi stomped over but stopped when he saw the expression on Howie’s face. Normally Howie seemed so aloof and untouchable, his attitude always in place and ready to strike. Without the coldness, he looked younger, more approachable. Levi dropped onto the sand next to him and watched the mask start to go back into place.
“Don’t,” Levi demanded.
“Don’t what?”
“Just stop it, Howie. I don’t know what bug crawled up your ass, but your attitude is pissing off everyone.”
The mask cracked a little.
“Look, I don’t like you all that much. Not going to lie and pretend like we’re friends, but you know what, I’m willing to put the past behind us if you are. Start over.”
“Why?”
“Because you look like you could use a friend. You’ve got to answer me one question first, though. Did you hide Blair’s bag?”
Howie flinched and looked down. “Yeah.”
“Why would you mess with Whitney like that? He’s never done anything to you. Hell, none of us have, but you seem hell-bent on making as many enemies on this set as humanly possible. And damn, if that’s your mission, I can tell you that you’ve succeeded.”
Howie didn’t respond, but Levi could tell he’d at least got him thinking.
“You know, we’re heading for our break in a few days, and maybe it would be a good idea for you to figure some things out while we’re away.”
Howie nodded. “I’ll apologize to Whitney when I see him.”
“Oh hell no. If he knew I’d said something to you, he’d kick my ass. Just figure out what’s going on in your head, and we’ll call it even.”
With a smirk, Howie nudged Levi with his shoulder. “Scared of him, are you?”
“You better believe it.”
They stared out at the water for a long moment before Howie spoke again. “I didn’t want this job. I’m tired of playing teenagers. And hell, I don’t even look like a teenager anymore.”
“Well, you took it, so now you’ve got to make the best of it.”
“Maybe they’ll kill me off. Hell, the gossip sites are all saying one of us is going to bite the dust.”
Levi scoffed. “Well, it won’t be heartthrob Kelly, that’s for sure. So just chill out, okay?”
“I will.”
Howie seemed to need some time to himself, so Levi walked back to the hotel. He lay around until it was time to go to the set to film his scene for the day. He hadn’t even been distracted by Whitney when he changed, which was a miracle in and of itself.
Cutter was waiting for him and didn’t seem very happy.
“You okay?” Levi asked as he popped in the ice packs Whitney had given him for the jacket. The trick to keep him cool
had worked wonders.
“Yeah.” Cutter rubbed his head and sighed. “Have you read the script for the finale yet?”
“No. Just got it a little while ago, but I concentrated on our scene for today. Why?”
“You need to read it.” Cutter looked worried and wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“Am I going to like this?”
“At least they aren’t killing me off.”
Levi blinked. “Why would they kill you off?”
“I’m the expendable one. Writing’s on the wall.”
Unsure how to respond, Levi stayed quiet, but his mind began to whirl. What if Cutter wasn’t the expendable one, but Levi was? Coconut Cove’s resident bad boy could be the first to go, and then where would that leave Levi and Whitney? Nowhere. After Whitney’s success on the show, there was no way he’d head back to LA if Levi had to go to find another job.
While he waited on the crew to set up for the take, he pulled up the file for the script on his phone and read through his scenes quickly.
Shit.
Chapter Eight
WHEN ROBBIE arrived at school, he wasn’t expecting anything less than a typical day of boredom. He knew he wouldn’t get that when he saw the squad cars parked in front of the school. A shame-faced Hudson stood with the coach and the sheriff, who appeared to be chewing Hudson out. Hudson caught sight of Robbie and blanched.
The sheriff turned and saw Robbie. He marched toward him, and Robbie had to fight the urge to run. “Robbie Kaine, you’re under arrest….”
LEVI HAD heard that they’d been renewed for a second season, but hadn’t heard anything from his agent on his continued role. He’d not even thought about it. He gave in to his anxiety as they filmed the scene, and Xara complimented him on a job well done. Yeah, Robbie was a mess just like Levi was. He didn’t have to act to get into character at the moment.
He took off for the wardrobe room the moment they’d finished filming, only to find it locked. Whitney had gone to ship the boxes. He’d told Levi that earlier. Fortunately, Amy wandered by, and she was one of the few with the coveted keys. After exacting a promise from him not to take anything from the room—as if he’d face Whitney’s wrath again—she opened the door for him.
He changed clothes before he settled down in one of the armchairs in his room to read the final script more carefully.
The news wasn’t good. They’d ended on a cliffhanger, with Robbie being arrested. And Levi had no idea whether he’d be coming back.
By the time Whitney returned, Levi was pacing the room restlessly.
“What’s wrong?” Whitney asked as he hurried in.
“Got the script for the season finale today.”
Whitney’s breath caught in his chest. “And?”
“Not sure I’m going to be back next season.”
“No.” Whitney walked into his arms and wrapped him up in a hug.
Levi pulled Whitney closer, and they clung together for a long moment.
“Okay, we’re being ridiculous. Come on.” Whitney pulled away and grabbed Levi’s hand. He jerked his arm until Levi began to follow him.
Whitney was a man with a mission. He dragged Levi to the opposite end of the building before stopping in front of the head writer’s door. He banged his fist against it until he heard Dakota’s voice on the other side.
“I’m coming. Hold on.”
Whitney threaded their fingers together and tapped his foot impatiently.
Dakota opened the door and blinked at them for a moment. “Uh, Whit? Something I can do for you?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. You can tell me if you’re planning on writing my boyfriend off the show so I will know if I have to start looking for another job as well.”
“Your boyfriend?” Dakota asked.
“Your boyfriend.” Levi grinned. Then the rest of Whitney’s words caught up with him. “Whit, no.”
“Don’t start with me.” He glared at Levi before turning his attention back to the writer. “Well? I’m waiting.”
“Uh, well, no. That’s not the plan.”
“Good. Thank you. Now go write something really great for Robbie.”
“Well, actually—”
“Bye.” Whitney pulled Levi back down the hall with a quick wave at Dakota. “Now we have two reasons to celebrate.”
“Two?”
“Yes, we both have a job next season, and it’s our anniversary.”
“It is?”
“Okay, I made that up, but it sounded good.”
Levi laughed and pulled Whitney into his arms. “What did I do without you?”
“Well, you didn’t dress very well, that’s one thing.”
“Hey, I dressed fine.”
Whitney smirked. “If you say so.”
“So we haven’t really talked about it, but what are you going to do on hiatus?”
“Well, I was hoping to spend it with my boyfriend.”
Levi grinned. “I was hoping that too. I was thinking, if you wanted, you could come home with me. Meet my family.”
“We’re already at the meet-the-family stage, huh?”
“Hell, Whit. They know all about you. My mom and Gran want to meet you so bad.”
“I want to meet them too. I’d love to go home with you. But you have to do something for me.”
“What’s that?”
“We have to do some shopping.”
“Uh, wait. I think I just remembered I have something—”
Whitney slapped his hand over Levi’s mouth. “Don’t even.”
Levi licked his palm, causing Whitney to grimace and jerk his hand away. “That’s disgusting. You have no idea where my hand has been.”
“Well, I have a pretty good idea.”
“Ugh. I have to go sanitize my hands now. And don’t even think of kissing me with cootie mouth.”
“Aww, come on, Whit.”
“Nope. Do you even want to know how many germs could be on the counter of the post office? Gross.”
“I didn’t know you were such a germophobe.”
“I’m not a germophobe, asshole. But there are lines even I will not cross. Now, go use mouthwash or something.”
Levi cracked up. “Yessir.”
“I’ll be back in time for the party.”
“Oh right. That’s tonight.”
“How could you forget the season’s wrap party?”
Levi shrugged. “’Cause I’m thinking about other things.”
Exclusive Excerpt
The 17-Year-Old Itch
Coconut Cove: Book Four
By M.J. O’Shea
An old conflict boils up behind the scenes of Coconut Cove.
The popular show is about to start filming its second season, and Tony Adams is happy to return to sunny Key West and his role as innocent Joey… mostly. Being back on set also means facing Casey. They had indulged in a scorching behind-the-scenes tryst during season one, but it ended in heartache for Tony. It still hurts.
When they return to Key West, nothing has changed. Casey takes his role as hot dad a little too far and can’t seem to remember that Tony isn’t the teenager he plays on TV. Tony’s tired of being Casey’s dirty little secret—he’s more than man enough for a real adult romance—and draws a line in the sand. Either Casey acknowledges him and their relationship publicly, or he’s calling it off between them.
Coming Soon to
www.dreamspinnerpress.com
Universal Studios, Los Angeles
HE’D BEEN there all summer, and Tony Adams, brand-new star just off his first season of Coconut Cove, still hadn’t gotten used to LA. The days were dry and bright, with none of the pregnant, tropical humidity of Key West. Instead he could nearly see the waves of oven-hot afternoon sun rise from the pavement. The Hollywood Hills soared in the distance, and Tony thought if he sniffed hard enough he could possibly smell the Pacific, but somehow he was still sitting right in the middle of Greenwich Village. Sort of. It wasn’t quite right, o
bviously. There was something a little too perfect in the artful weathering of the fake stones, the trees were missing, everything was awfully… square. There wasn’t that feeling of life seeping out of the streets after generations of love and family and hate. It didn’t feel real. It wasn’t real. Nothing in LA was.
Tony had never felt comfortable in Hollywood, but it was okay, because he didn’t really expect to. There was something about it that hadn’t ever rubbed him the right way. Maybe the baseline norm to be hot and ripped-out and, well, hot, didn’t quite match with his… his anything. He’d never look like Christian Bale or Hugh Jackman. Hell, he’d never look like most of his costars either. Cutter had the ripped-out hot thing going on; Blair might as well be on a runway. Tony was just cute.
Cute.
Fuck cute.
Tony sighed and sipped his sugar-free vanilla latte, a little weird in the middle of his surroundings. He was on a fake New York City stoop on the Universal Studios lot, dressed in fake turn-of-the-century gear—uncomfortable itchy wool pants, button-up, vest, and leather shoes. Give him a hat and he might as well be in Newsies. He thought it was probably the same buildings that movie was shot in, anyway. Maybe thinking Christian Bale was a given. He’d always had a thing for older guys, hadn’t he? He definitely had a thing for older guys.
No. No, older guys. Stop.
Tony winced and pushed the thought away. Along with it, he tried to get rid of flashes of warm skin, the smell of sunscreen and cologne, and kisses that lit his blood on fire. He wasn’t successful. He hadn’t been all summer.
One of his costars walked by in a corset and a long dress. He realized he probably shouldn’t feel too sorry for himself with his uncomfortable, hot costume. The women had it far worse. It was over eighty on the lot, and there were barely any shaded spots to escape from the sun beating down on them in their heavy dresses and layers of whatever the hell they had underneath them. He should be grateful he wasn’t one of them.
When He Was Bad Page 6
