Love in the Afternoon

by Alison Packard

  “Nice touch with the hair,” he said after they were done conferring. “And the dress.”

  She lifted her hand to her hair. Lance had set it in a popular style from the late ‘30s. She’d found the dress at a vintage store and thought it looked like something an Army nurse would wear when she was off duty in Honolulu.

  “You gave an excellent reading,” he continued. “We’re very impressed.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled at them. “And thank you for the opportunity.”

  The woman shifted in her chair and then said, “If we were to cast you would there be a conflict with A New Dawn?”

  “I spoke to the executive producer and she said if I got the part they would work around your shooting schedule.”

  The woman smiled. “Good to know.”

  “We’ll be calling your agent with our decision.” The casting director got up from his chair and moved toward her. “And we really appreciate you coming in on such short notice.” He escorted her to the door. He put his hand on her arm. “I meant what I said. We were impressed.” He opened the door and winked. “See you soon.”

  When the door closed behind her, Kayla gave a farewell wave to the receptionist—who was on the phone again—and then rushed out of the office, her heart pounding with excitement. Once outside, she pulled her phone out of her purse and scrolled through her contact list until she got to Sean’s name. She was about to press the call button when moisture welled in her eyes. She couldn’t call him. He didn’t want to talk to her. He thought she was using him to get to his father. Shoving her phone back into her purse, she walked to her car, not bothering to wipe the tears from her cheeks.

  * * *

  The night before she was leaving for Savannah, Kayla was packing her suitcase when her cell phone rang. The melodious sounds indicated it was a member of her family. She hoped it wasn’t her mom.

  Picking the phone up off of the nightstand she breathed a little easier when she saw it was her sister. “Hi, Kel,” she said, sinking to the bed and leaning back against the soft pillows piled against the headboard.

  “I just wanted to call before you left for Savannah. How are you?”

  “Hanging in there.”

  “Did you tell Mom about you and Sean?”

  “Nope. I can’t go there yet. I’ll tell her when I get back.” She paused. “I was just starting to pack. How’s everything with you?”

  “Just peachy.” Kelly’s tone indicated anything but.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Well, as you can imagine, the media is going crazy over the fact that the Blaze have acquired Matt Scanlon.” Kelly sighed. “I was assigned the task of scheduling interviews for him but he’s being difficult. He told me point blank he’s not doing any interviews. His exact words were ‘I’m here to play ball, not spill my guts to a bunch of reporters.’”

  “Did he say anything about what happened at the restaurant?”

  “No, and I doubt he will. The guy’s a first class jerk.” Kelly paused. “Let’s not talk about him. It just makes me angry. Have you talked to Sean?”

  “We had a few scenes this week, but we haven’t talked other than that.” Kayla stared up at the ceiling.

  “He hasn’t apologized for what he said to you?”

  “No. Obviously he feels he has nothing to apologize for.” Remembering his hurtful words, Kayla’s heart clenched with pain. “I can’t believe he thinks I would fake having a stalker. Or that I would sleep with him to get to his father.”

  “I don’t think he really believes that. He has to make you the bad guy because he can’t deal with whatever his issues are with his dad.”

  “You sound like a shrink,” Kayla said with a smile.

  Kelly chuckled. “You think?” She paused. “Is it really over between you two?”

  “It appears to be. Other than rehearsal and taping he’s avoiding me.”

  “Men are such babies.”

  “To be honest, I’ve been avoiding him too. When we have scenes I can barely look at him.”

  “Because it hurts too much?”

  “No. Because when I look at him all I can think about are new and creative ways to kill him.”

  Kelly let out a bark of laughter. “Join the club. That’s how I feel when I look at Matt Scanlon.”

  “At least Matt didn’t call you a whore.” After a long silence, Kayla said, “Kel?”

  “Sorry. I took a sip of water,” Kelly said, clearing her throat. “Maybe you two can talk while you’re in Savannah. I don’t like what Sean said either, but it was in the heat of the moment. Things between you may be salvageable.”

  “I doubt it,” Kayla said glumly. “I don’t think there’s any way to come back from being called a whore.”

  * * *

  Much too early the next morning, Kayla followed the driver of the black Town Car to the curb stifling a yawn and clutching a cup of desperately needed coffee.

  There would be no thinking about Sean today. In fact, it was going to be Sean free day starting the second she got in the car. She smiled at the driver as he opened the door.

  “Surprise!”

  Kayla almost dropped her coffee. There was Lisa tucked into the back seat, grinning at her.

  “Oh, my God.” She cocked her head and blinked. “Lisa?”

  “Guess who’s going to Savannah with you?”

  Stunned, but in a good way, Kayla slid into the back seat next to Lisa and put her coffee in the cup holder. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, buckling her seat belt. The driver closed the door and then moved to the back of the car to stow her suitcase in the trunk.

  “Because I wasn’t sure until the last minute that I could get away.” As usual, Lisa looked very chic. Her blond hair was pulled back in sleek chignon, and although dressed comfortably for travel, she still looked like a supermodel. “But I rearranged a few commitments and here I am.”

  “Does Sean know you’re coming?”

  “No, I didn’t tell him,” Lisa said. “I’m going to Savannah as your friend, not as a publicist.”

  Kayla leaned back against the sleek leather seat, feeling a lot better than she did five minutes ago. With Lisa in Savannah with her, the trip just might be bearable. Plus, she would be almost three thousand miles away from her stalker. For the first time in weeks she could breathe easy.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Jared: Where are you going?

  Shay: I’m leaving. I can’t stay here anymore.

  Jared: Why?

  Shay: Because I’m in love with you, and we both know that your heart will always belong to Rebecca.

  Sean was crossing the atrium lobby of the Riverfront Marriott after taking an early morning run along the Riverwalk when he saw Kayla and Lisa emerge from one of the elevators. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Kayla. Even dressed in shorts and a tank top she looked breathtaking. Her hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail and a pair of sunglasses were perched on the top of her head. She looked relaxed. Much more so than he was.

  The minute Kayla saw him her smile faded and her expressive face changed, becoming taut and strained. Beside her, Lisa fixed him with her steely blue eyes. He’d talked with her two days ago about a charity event. She’d been professional but on the chilly side. It was clear she hadn’t thawed.

  “Hello, Sean,” Lisa said as she and Kayla halted in front of him.

  “Good morning,” he said, meeting her gaze and then glancing at Kayla. “Where are you two off to?”

  “Tybee Island Lighthouse,” Lisa said while Kayla remained silent. “We’re getting an early start so we can be back in time for the luncheon.”

  “You’ll be at the lunch? I thought it was just for the actors and the contest winners,” he said as Kayla’s cell phone rang. She pulled it out of her purse and looked at it.

  “It’s Donald,” she said to Lisa. “Excuse me.” She gave him a stony look and then stepped away to take the call.

  “I’m attending the luncheon, but not
in my capacity as publicist,” Lisa answered his question. “I thought Kayla could use a friend right now.” She looked at him pointedly. “Since you’re being such a jerk.”

  “I knew you’d take her side.”

  Lisa’s eyes narrowed. “She’s also still in danger from that lunatic who’s stalking her. I’m here to protect her.”

  “We’re three thousand miles from danger,” he shot back. Lisa frowned but before she could say anything Kayla rejoined them.

  “Donald got a call from the casting director at Amblin,” she said to Lisa, ignoring him. “I got the part.”

  “I’m sure my father saw to that,” Sean said, unable to stop himself.

  Kayla turned to him. Anger flashed in her dark eyes. “I guess it’s easier for you to believe that than to admit I got the part because of my talent.”

  “I never said that.”

  “No. You just called me a whore.”

  “Now wait a damn minute, I—”

  “No, you wait,” Kayla interrupted and poked a finger into his chest. “I’ve never slept with anyone to get a part. Ever. And I sure as hell didn’t sleep with you to get to your father.” She paused. “I cared about you. You…you ass.”

  Cared. She’d used the past tense. His stomach churned sickeningly.

  Lisa put her hand on Kayla’s shoulder. “We should go. The lobby is not the place for a scene.”

  Kayla expelled a long breath. “Lisa’s right,” she said, pinning him with a dark glare. “We’re done anyway,” she said and turned and stalked toward the lobby doors.

  After she disappeared from sight, Sean turned to find Lisa looking at him. “You’re an idiot,” she said, and with a sad shake of her head left him standing in the lobby feeling like a first class jerk, and in addition to that, more alone than he’d ever felt in his entire life.

  * * *

  An hour later, Sean sat at an outside table at a small cafe along the river trying to enjoy his breakfast. The restaurant had been highly recommended by the hotel concierge but just like everything he’d eaten for the past week, it tasted like cardboard.

  “Excuse me.” He looked up from his plate to see a woman—probably in her late fifties—smiling down at him. “You’re Sean Barrett, aren’t you?”

  “Guilty as charged.” He put his fork down and returned her smile. She was the friendliest face he seen all morning.

  “I hope you don’t think I’m rude, but I was wondering if I could get your autograph.”

  “Of course.” He leaned back in his chair as she rummaged through her purse and then pulled out an autograph book. “What’s your name?” he asked after he took the book and a pen from her.

  “Rita. Are you enjoying Savannah?” she asked as he opened the book and started to write.

  “So far.” It was a lie, but it wasn’t like he could tell her the truth.

  “It’s a charming city,” Rita went on. “Very romantic.”

  “I’ve always heard that.” He signed his name underneath the short inscription he’d written and handed her back the book and the pen.

  “I read that you and Kayla Maxwell are dating.” She paused and, to his surprise, winked. “This is the perfect place for two people in love. I hope you’ll both enjoy your stay here.” Returning the book and pen to her purse, she gave him a wide smile. “Thanks for the autograph,” she said before walking into the café.

  Yes. Savannah was charming and romantic. Kayla had been so excited about the trip and they’d made plans to explore it together. And now here he was…alone.

  Wasn’t that just fucking perfect?

  The ringing of his cell phone interrupted his thoughts. He picked it up and frowned. As always, his father’s timing was impeccable. The man always seemed to call just when Sean least wanted to hear from him. James had called three times since the day he’d returned from New York, and each time Sean let the call go to voice mail. His father’s messages had been the same each time. He wanted to talk.

  “Go to hell,” Sean muttered and stared at the phone until it went silent. There would be no talking. As far as he was concerned there was nothing more to talk about.

  He put the phone down and picked up his coffee. After taking a sip, he was surprised to see Rachel walk out of the restaurant with a man who looked vaguely familiar. They stood near the entrance talking intently. The man lifted his hand and caressed Rachel’s cheek. Rachel didn’t look Sean’s way and he was fine with that. He had no desire to make small talk with her.

  Studying the man’s profile, Sean tried like hell to remember where he’d seen the guy before. He was average height with dark hair and eyes. There were several actors from the network’s other two soaps attending the event; he could very well be from another show.

  After Rachel and her companion left, Sean managed to choke down his breakfast but it still bothered him that he’d seen the man with Rachel before and couldn’t place him. He knew it would come to him eventually if he would just stop trying to figure it out. And it wasn’t like the guy was anyone of consequence anyway. Probably just another in Rachel’s long line of conquests.

  * * *

  Kayla settled into the cozy chair with the latest issue of her favorite fashion magazine for some downtime before the banquet. When a knock sounded at the door, she glanced at the clock on the dresser, tossed the magazine aside, then crossed the spacious room and pulled open the door. “Okay, Lisa. You said to be ready early but this is…”

  It wasn’t Lisa.

  Sean stood in the hallway, his tailored jacket unbuttoned and his hands tucked into the pockets of his pants. “Hi.”

  “H-hi.”

  “May I come in?”

  Slam it. Slam the door in his face. He deserves it. Do it!

  She stepped back so he could come in without touching her. She caught a whiff of his woodsy cologne and fought the memories it evoked. She closed the door and turned to face him.

  He searched her face and for a fleeting moment she saw something that looked like hurt underneath his polished veneer.

  Good.

  “You…you look…absolutely stunning.”

  “Thank you.” She clasped her hands in front of her to keep them from trembling. They hadn’t been alone together for the past week. It was hard to be this close to him and not remember the way he’d made love to her, the way her body responded to his touch. “Why are you here?”

  “I’ve been thinking about what you said yesterday morning in the lobby. And I want to apologize for insinuating that you would use sex to get a part.” He ran a hand through his sun streaked hair. “I know you wouldn’t do that.”

  “Then why’d you say it?”

  “Because I was angry. I honestly believe my father is behind your audition and probably strongly suggested that you be cast.”

  “So you still don’t believe I got the part on my own merit?”

  “You’re extremely talented, Kayla. I’ve always thought so.”

  “But not talented enough to land a role in a Steven Spielberg production?”

  “It’s not about your talent. It’s about my father manipulating the situation. Why can’t you see that?”

  “Because I don’t think the worst of people, Sean.” Kayla sighed. “I wasn’t brought up that way. You see some sort of nefarious plot and I see that because of the hard work I’ve done on the show, I’m finally getting recognized as a serious actress. Not just some slasher flick bimbo.” She paused. “I want more for myself. As much as I love A New Dawn, I don’t want it to be my career. And I find it hard to believe that you’d find it challenging to work on a soap for the rest of your life. It’s like you’re determined not to give your father the satisfaction of being right.”

  “Right about what?” Sean asked, his green eyes narrowing.

  “That you’re too talented to play the same character for the rest of your life.”

  “I’m happy on the show.” His response was automatic and his eyes bleak. It saddened her. He had so much potential bu
t was so stuck in the past he couldn’t see that he was holding himself back. “And I refuse to trade on my father’s name,” he added harshly.

  “Your father’s name might get you in the door. But after that it’s up to you. Your father has influential friends, but you know as well as I do that in Hollywood it’s all about box office receipts. Not one of his friends would cast you if you couldn’t act. They wouldn’t take the chance their movie would tank.”

  Sean stared at her for several tense seconds. “Did you accept the role?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I guess there’s nothing more to say.” His expression became shuttered. He would settle for nothing less than her turning down the part in the mini-series. Something she wasn’t willing to do. “I hope it works out for you,” he said in a voice devoid of emotion.

  “Thank you.” Moisture gathered in her eyes. Blinking, she followed him to the door.

  “Goodbye, Kayla.” He opened the door. “Enjoy the evening,” he said and then left the room without a backward glance.

  * * *

  Striding down the carpeted hallway toward the elevator, Sean almost wished he hadn’t gone to Kayla’s room. When she’d opened the door, he could barely speak. She’d looked so damn beautiful it was all he could do not to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless.

  He’d thought maybe he could salvage things between them. But the moment she started playing shrink—analyzing him and his relationship with his father—he knew she would never understand what it meant to be James Barrett’s son. Nor did she understand the kind of power his father wielded in Hollywood.

  Somehow in the brief exchange she’d had with his father, Kayla had sympathized with him. The old man had probably played the poor misunderstood father card and then turned on the Barrett charm. And Kayla had bought it. Now he was the bad guy who had turned his back on the father who had always loved him.

  What a crock of shit.

  Reaching the elevator, he pressed the call button. When the elevator arrived and the doors slid open, he moved to step into it and almost collided with the man exiting. “Excuse me,” he said and immediately recognized him. It was the same dark-haired man he’d seen with Rachel outside the restaurant. Again, he felt that he’d either met the guy, or seen him somewhere before. As he stepped aside, the man gave him a nod but didn’t speak. He quickly brushed past him and into the hallway.