“You look absolutely beautiful,” Calvin, the make-up artist, said.
“Thanks, Calvin. You don’t think this is too low-cut, do you?” she asked.
She turned and looked at herself in the mirror.
“If you got it, flaunt it. People pay money to get boobs like that.”
“All of this is natural. No enhancements needed.”
“I know that’s right, girl,” Calvin said. “We’re out of here. Good luck tonight at the Emmys.”
“Thanks.” They air-kissed.
A few minutes later, the limousine driver called Kem, alerting her he was outside.
Kem grabbed her small clutch purse with just key essentials like her lipstick, cell phone and keys.
Kem tried not to be nervous about tonight’s event. Last year, her show, Secrets, was nominated for several awards, but was shut out of the winner’s circle. Disappointed that she didn’t win, it only made Kem and her team work harder and this past season’s shows were even better than the year before. Her team worked hard, so she hoped tonight’s outcome wouldn’t be a repeat of last year. Contrary to what people said, when nominated for an award, it was disappointing if you didn’t walk away the winner. Tonight, she wanted to be a winner.
“Aunt Edna, I sure wish you would change your mind about going,” Brent said as she helped him with the bow tie on his tuxedo.
“I will go to the next one. I’ll be tuned in. I want you to concentrate on Kem. Me being there will be a distraction.”
“Kem’s not feeling me like that,” Brent acknowledged.
“Yes, she is. I see how she looks at you when she’s near you. Trust me. I’m a woman. I know these things.”
“Her work is her lover—at least that’s what she tells me,” Brent responded.
“Work is what she can depend on. Make her be able to depend on you.”
Brent thought about what his aunt said as he rode in the back of the limousine to the Nokia Theater.
Flashing lights greeted him the moment he stepped out of the limousine. Reporters from all over the world wanted to talk to Brent, one of the stars of the hit show Secrets.
Brent smiled at the appropriate moments. His schoolboy charms worked with the interviewers. He got a chance to show off his humorous side.
He caught a glimpse of Kem from the other side of the red carpet. The dress she wore fit her perfectly. He tried to catch up with her but got cornered by more reporters. An overzealous reporter got in his personal space and in his face.
The brunette woman wearing a short red dress with her press credentials around her neck said, “Brent, this is off the record. Why didn’t you bring a date?”
“Right now I’m not seeing anyone special so decided to come to the event solo. Is that a crime?” Brent jokingly added.
“No, of course not. I’m also single and I know I may not get another opportunity to ask, but I would love to go out sometime.”
Brent looked at her name badge. “Sandy, I’m flattered.”
Sandy handed Brent a card. “So, will you be calling me?”
Brent, not wanting to be disrespectful, placed the card in his pocket. “You didn’t let me finish. You’re a beautiful woman, but I’m not sure if going out with you is a good idea.”
“You have my card. If you change your mind, call me. Day or night. I’ll be available.” Sandy winked.
“Sandy, it’s almost time for the show to start. I need to get to my seat.”
Brent had no intentions of calling her. Women approached him all of the time but he preferred to be the pursuer. But it wasn’t just that; there was something about Sandy that rubbed him the wrong way. Besides, he only had his eye on one woman and that was Kem. Kem was more than a handful so he didn’t have time to pursue something with another woman.
His eyes landed on the object of his affection. She waved. She’d saved a seat next to her as she promised. Brent’s night had just gotten better.
Chapter Ten
Kem noticed Brent on the red carpet but kept her distance. She’d taken the time to talk with her peers and located the section reserved for the show’s staff and actors. She’d saved a seat next to her for Brent as she promised.
Brent sat next to Kem and kissed her softly on the cheek. Her heart fluttered. She hoped no one read more into the kiss. His hand lingered on her cheek longer than it should have.
“I would have been here sooner but couldn’t get past the reporters on the red carpet.”
“I had a few moments, but the stars of the show are who they really wanted to see,” Kem acknowledged. “You are Max. You’re the man everyone wants to know about.”
Brent leaned closer to Kem. He whispered, “Can I be your Max?”
Kem blushed. “I think of you every time I write a scene for that character.”
“I’m flattered.” Brent smiled.
“You shouldn’t be. I think of all the actors when I’m writing their characters.”
Brent pretended to be heartbroken by placing his hand over his heart. “You really know how to flatten a man’s ego.”
“With all your fans, you’ll be all right.”
“You’re the only one I want to impress.”
Before Kem could respond, the announcer’s voice blasted in the room. “We’ll be filming in less than twenty minutes. Can everyone please take their seats? We’re shooting live.”
Kem and Brent took selfies with some of the crew and cast members before the filming started.
The music cued up and the host for the Emmy Awards walked out on stage doing a skit, along with a few other actors.
Kem’s cell phone vibrated. She retrieved it. She saw Mona’s name on display. She read the text message and did as instructed. She turned around and saw Mona and Terrance sitting a few rows behind her. They waved at each other.
She sent Mona a quick text response. “Let’s meet up later.”
Kem was glad Mona was there. If she walked away without winning anything tonight, she would need one of her best friend’s shoulders to cry on.
Kem clapped when it seemed appropriate but she was only interested in the categories her casts and crew members were nominated in.
Brent said, “A penny for your thoughts.”
“It’ll cost you more than a penny. Haven’t you heard of inflation?”
They both laughed. The person in front of them turned around.
Brent and Kem looked at each other and then laughed again.
“Sorry to disturb you,” Brent whispered.
Kem and Brent had fun talking through the ceremony.
“The camera’s watching you so when they call your name, smile,” Kem teased.
A petite actress and her costar walked to the podium. She read from the teleprompter. “This category was a hard one. For supporting actor in a primetime series, the nominees are…”
The camera zoomed in on all the nominees. Brent’s name was called. Kem squeezed his hand.
“The winner of this year’s Emmy goes to…Brent McKenzie for his role as Max in the drama series Secrets,” the actress said.
“You won!” Kem shouted.
Brent stood and gave Kem a tight hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” Kem said as he walked away and accepted congratulatory handshakes and hugs from those around him.
His kilowatt smile brightened the theater as he walked up to the podium to accept his award. “I want to thank God for opening doors that people said would never open for me. I want to thank my mom, may she rest in peace, for always believing in me. I want to thank my Aunt Edna for encouraging me to pursue acting. I owe my acting career to her. I want to thank Kem Phillips for allowing me to be Max. I love bringing him to your screen every week. And to the fans. This one’s for the Max Squad!” Brent kissed the statue right before walking off the stage.
&nb
sp; The next category was for outstanding writer in a drama series. Kem bit her bottom lip as she listened to the names being read. She perked up when she heard her name. She held her breath as the winner was announced.
She could hear Mona scream from behind her. When those around her congratulated her, Kem realized she’d heard the presenter correctly. She’d won. She smiled as she walked down the aisle and made her way up the stairs. She kept repeating to herself in her head, Please don’t let me trip and fall.
She greeted the presenters with a hug and took the statue and made her acceptance speech at the podium.
“First, I want to thank God, and my mother back at home in Shreveport, Louisiana. I want to thank each and every one of the viewers for tuning in each week. I want to thank the network for believing in my vision. No one gets here by themselves, so I want to thank the entire Secrets team. To my cast and crew for their dedication. Thank you Academy for this award. God bless.”
Kem followed the model off the stage. She was led to an area where she posed for photographs. Brent stood nearby watching her. She smiled. She motioned for him to come get in on some of the photos.
“Congrats,” he said as they posed for pictures.
“The show isn’t over, so I guess we better get back in there,” Kem said.
Kem and Brent went back inside the theater and took their seats next to their production team and the other actors on Secrets.
Unlike the previous year, the cast and crew were dominating almost every category with wins. The last award of the night was for the best dramatic series. Silence filled the room as everyone waited on the presenter to announce the winner.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the winner for Outstanding Drama series goes to Secrets.”
Kem, Brent, and all the cast and crew jumped out of their seats with joy. It took a few minutes for all of them to make it to the stage. The team pushed Kem forward toward the podium.
Elated, Kem could barely speak. “For the first time, I’m speechless. The other shows in the category were just as good, so to win tonight means a lot. Here’s to scripted TV. Let’s keep making the shows people want to watch.”
Kem moved out of the way as the director and one of the vice presidents of the network spoke.
Kem followed everyone backstage to take pictures. Brent eased beside her. “So what party are you going to?”
“I haven’t decided. Let me call my driver to let him know I’ll be ready to leave shortly.”
Kem removed her cell phone from her purse. She’d gotten several congratulatory text messages. She skipped past those to read later. She dialed the limousine driver’s number and told him to meet her.
Brent walked her to the curbside. While waiting on the driver, Kem noticed Nikki Thomas, a reporter from of the local Los Angeles television stations, slightly bent over and holding her stomach. “I’ll be right back,” she told Brent.
“Nikki, are you all right?” Kem asked.
“Not really. My stomach is killing me. I called a cab but it’s taking forever to get here.”
Kem’s limousine driver pulled near the curb. “Follow me. I’ll have my driver take you home.”
Kem put her arm around Nikki’s shoulder as Nikki wrapped her arms around her stomach and walked at a slow pace beside Kem.
The limousine driver held the back door open.
Kem said, “Please make sure she gets home safely.”
“Do you need me to come back to pick you up?” the driver asked.
“No, I’ll find another way home.”
Kem reached inside her purse and gave the driver a hundred-dollar tip.
“Thanks, Kem. I appreciate it,” Nikki said, with clenched teeth.
“Text me later to let me know how you’re doing,” Kem responded, right before closing the back door of the limousine.
“That was sweet of you,” Brent noted.
“Yes, but now I need to find a way home.”
“Never fear. Mr. Rescue is here.” Brent held out his arm.
“You’re so silly.” Kem laughed. “I could always call a cab or hitch a ride with someone else.”
“I am someone. What’s wrong with me? You don’t want to get seen? You don’t want anyone thinking you’re part of Max’s squad?”
“Come on.” Kem looped her arm through Brent’s. “I want to go to the network’s party for sure and then after that we can play it by ear.”
Once their plans were set, they stopped, chatted with others and posed for pictures as they made their way to where the limousines were parked.
Chapter Eleven
Kem stumbled inside her house holding her winning statues. Brent assisted her. Kem slurred as she talked. “I didn’t mean to drink so much but I’m glad you were with me to make sure I made it home safely. You can go now.”
“No. I’m going to make sure you get in bed. I would be slacking in my duties if I didn’t.”
“Fine. Make yourself useful. Lock up.”
Kem went straight to the master bathroom and began taking off her clothes. She hadn’t planned on drinking as much as she did but everyone wanted to congratulate her and wanted to toast to her win. Before she realized it, she’d gotten a little tipsy.
She wasn’t so drunk that she didn’t know what she was doing. She got a little touchy-feely with Brent but he didn’t seem to mind.
Kem removed her bra and panties and got into the shower. She sighed out loud as the hot water streamed down her body. She closed her eyes and was in her own little world until she heard the shower curtain move.
“What in the world?” she shouted.
Brent, in nothing but his birthday suit, got into the shower behind her. His erection caught Kem’s attention. No words needed to be said. Kem could blame it on the alcohol later, but for now, she wanted Brent. She wanted to feel every inch of him inside her.
Brent covered her lips with his. He eased his tongue inside her mouth and they ravished each other.
Kem couldn’t get enough. The moisture between her legs wasn’t from the water but the desire of wanting Brent.
Brent cupped one of her breasts and suckled the nipple, causing Kem to moan out in pleasure. She leaned her head back and enjoyed the flicker of his tongue over each one of the sensitive buds.
His kisses trailed down her body. He got down on his knees and parted her legs with one hand. He positioned her over his mouth and began kissing her center as if he was making love to her with his tongue.
Kem could barely hold herself up as her body trembled in delight.
Brent stood and ravished her lips again. Kem couldn’t wait any longer. She needed Brent like she needed water. By now Brent’s back was against the wall. Brent didn’t wait for instructions. He held her legs around his waist and they made love to each other in the shower, both moaning and groaning in pleasure.
Kem closed her eyes as she enjoyed the feel of Brent inside her. She thought of nothing else as he made love to her over and over again.
They dried off then took their lovemaking session to her bed.
Brent began losing control as he thrust in and out of Kem. He tried to prolong his need to climax but Kem wrapped her legs around his waist, her walls tightening around his manhood, and he could no longer resist.
He screamed out in pleasure. It sounded like a lion’s roar as he poured himself inside her.
Afterwards, Kem lay in Brent’s arms. “I could get used to this,” Kem said.
“I could too,” Brent whispered.
“Don’t wake me if I’m dreaming.”
“Kem, look at me.” Brent wiped the hair out of her eyes.
Kem’s big doe eyes stared at Brent. Brent said, “I like you. I like you a lot. I want to pursue this.”
Kem blinked her eyes. “I’ll admit, we have chemistry. But it takes more than chemistry to have a relation
ship.”
“It’s a start. And you and I both know there’s more going on here than chemistry.”
Kem placed her finger on his lips. “Shh. For now, I want to enjoy the physical side of you. Let’s not talk about anything else.”
“Kem, we need to confront this thing going on between us.”
“Sex is what’s going on. The only sounds I want to hear coming out of your mouth are moans.” Kem gently pushed Brent back on the bed and straddled him.
Brent didn’t protest. She sat up and rode him like a thoroughbred. “Kemmm,” Brent screamed out in pleasure. She kissed him as she ground her hips. Moans seeped out of his mouth and into hers.
Brent closed his eyes and got lost in the world of Kem. There was no way Kem could make love to him the way she had and not have some feelings for him. He held on to her hips and climaxed inside her.
She fell down on his chest and he gently eased her over to his side.
They spooned and Brent closed his eyes and thought about how Kem was different than other women he’d dated. She didn’t seem self-absorbed. She could care less that he was the “Brent McKenzie.” She took the time to get to know him on a personal level. He was at ease sharing his innermost thoughts with her. He could be himself around her without fear of being judged, or worse, having everything he said show up on a gossip website.
If things kept going the way they were, he could see himself falling for Kem.
Chapter Twelve
Kem woke up with a pounding headache. “Awe,” she said as she opened her eyes and heard a phone ringing in the background. She glanced at the clock and it was only five in the morning.
She gently nudged Brent. “Somebody’s been trying to reach you. Your phone keeps ringing.”
Brent threw his arm around her waist and held her tight. “Okay,” he sleepily said.
Brent’s phone rang again. “Brent, your phone. Answer it. It might be an emergency.”
Brent, with squinted eyes, got out of the bed and retrieved his phone from his jacket pocket. He looked down at it. “It’s Charlotte. I thought she was on her honeymoon.”
Secrets Uncovered Page 4
