“Nope. Are you going to tell me anything about this script?”
Charlie laughs mischievously and I’m a little worried. What am I getting myself into?
“Nope, but I think Eddie is ready for you if you want to go find out for yourself.”
“Bitch,” I call her affectionately, as I turn toward the door.
“Pain in my ass…and I have three!” she hollers at my back, and I leave her office.
I round the corner to Eddie’s office and stick my head in to find him on the phone, as usual. He looks up and waves me in, shoving the phone between his face and shoulder, while he types on his computer. I go in and shut the door behind me, dropping down onto one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Eddie hangs up the phone a minute later and smiles across the desk, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening. "Hamilton, my favorite client. How’s it hangin’?" he asks.
I narrow my eyes across the desk at the older man. For being sixty-five, he looks great. His hair is all white, but he has a full head of it, which he parts on the side and brushes over. He has a few wrinkles, mostly around his eyes and mouth, and wears squared tortoise shell glasses that make him look suave. He’s wearing his usual polo shirt and khakis.
"Whatcha got for me, Eddie?" I ask, eyebrow raised.
"Straight to business as usual, huh?" he murmurs with a soft smile before tossing a script on the desk in front of me.
I just smirk, reach for the script, and read the first few pages, glancing up at Eddie, unimpressed. I really don’t know what all of the hub-bub has been about. "Okay, so it's a couple of FBI agents going after a serial arsonist, what's the catch?"
"Take the script home, read it, and let me know what you think when you're finished," he tells me.
"Who am I supposed to be cast as?" I ask, looking back down at the script for the two names of the lead characters.
"If you take the role, you will be playing Jackson Hart," Eddie replies, his face impassive.
I eye him warily. Something is up and I want to know right now. "Just tell me." I sigh in irritation.
"Read it and get back to me," he reiterates with a mischievous smirk.
I grind my teeth in frustration. "Fine, was anyone cast as Wade Burns?"
Eddie's grin got wider. "Chance Steele has taken the part."
I lean back in the seat and groan. I don't exactly get along with Chance. We've done a few movies together, and the movies were major hits, but behind the scenes we were anything but the best of friends that we played on screen. Chance just gets on my nerves; he is so arrogant, kind of a douche, really.
"Why do we keep getting cast together?" I mumble, rubbing my forehead.
"You two are great together; you have fantastic chemistry even though you don't actually get along." Eddie shrugs.
I sigh in resignation as I shove to my feet. "I'll call you later," I mutter, heading for the door with the script in hand.
Eddie chuckles as I walk to the door. I then glare at him over my shoulder, causing him to laugh even harder. Something is up with the script that Eddie thinks is hilarious. Maybe it’s just a funny movie. I kind of doubt that since it’s supposed to be about FBI agents going after a serial arsonist. I look at the title printed on the first page of the script. Burning Hearts.
Still Parker…
I was able to get home without any incidents from fans or paparazzi. I kick off my shoes at the door then walk into the kitchen of my penthouse suite. In the kitchen, my housekeeper, Maribel, is doing a thorough cleaning of the counters. I give her a smile and a nod then grab a bottle of water out of the fridge. I walk over to the table and sit down, cracking open the bottle and taking a sip. I flip open the script to where I left off and continue reading.
About fifty pages in, and I am getting even more suspicious. As I take another sip of water and turn the page, my eyes skim the first line of the page. Immediately, I spew the water that is still in my mouth across the table and start choking. What the fuck? My character, Jackson, just kissed Chance’s character, Wade!
"You alright, Señor?" Maribel asks, as she rushes over with a towel to clean the water off the table.
"Fine." I wheeze, as I continue to cough.
Once I get myself under control, I grab the script and flip through it a little faster. This has to be a mistake. Eddie would never give me a gay role...would he? Not that I am homophobic or anything, but I’ve never even thought about taking on a role like that. The more I continue to read, the more kissing and sex occurs. I cringe as I read one of the sex scenes and swallow hard. I don't think that I can do it. Can I?
I’m not sure why everybody was telling me that I am perfect for this role. But they were right about one thing. This would be a game changer. Either it’s a genius move or career suicide.
More importantly, I don't think that I can get that close to Chance Steele. It is one thing to play friends on screen with someone you don’t like, but to play lovers? That is much more difficult. I have a hard enough time dealing with some of the actresses that I’ve had to pretend to be intimate with, especially if there was no attraction. Now, to act like that with another man? Impossible. I know it is just acting, but still. I don't think that I can do what the script is calling for. I have to kiss and touch Chance. I shiver at the thought.
I pull out my phone and call Eddie, who picks up on the third ring. "Are you fucking crazy?" I ask without even a hello.
Eddie laughs. "I’m guessing that you read the script," he responds, no need to ask.
"How the hell did you figure that I am perfect for this role?" I snap.
"Well first off, you fit the description of the character; second, your love/hate relationship with Chance is almost exactly like the two characters in the script. I thought that this would be an easy role for you."
"Did you forget that I'd be playing a gay man?" I grind out, slamming my fist on the table.
Eddie chuckles. "No, I didn't forget. What's the matter? You're not a homophobe, are you?"
"No, I just...I don't give a shit who people fuck, but that doesn't mean that I want to get that close to another man," I say, squeezing the bridge of my nose against the oncoming headache.
"This movie is going to be huge. It's based off a book series that is extremely popular amongst the ladies," Eddie states. "If you don't take the role, someone else is going to swoop in and snatch it up and make shitloads of money. This is it - the once in a lifetime role, kid. The one you’ve been waiting for. After this, you will be able to name your price. Scripts will be written for you. You will be the golden boy of Hollywood. Fuck that, you will be the king."
I snort. "Yeah, right...so Chance already accepted the role?" I ask.
"Yup. In all seriousness, Parker, it’s only acting; just pretend that Chance is a chick,” Eddie chirps.
I chew my bottom lip as I mull it over. "Let me think about it. I'll give you my answer tomorrow morning."
"Okay, but I'm telling you, this will be fantastic for your career," Eddie says matter-of-factly before he hangs up.
I sag into my chair and rub my face roughly before looking back down at the script. I decide to finish reading it and then make my final decision. I grab the script and head into my office. I drop down into the chair behind the desk and place the script in front of me. As I settle back into my chair, I start reading again.
I just finished reading the script and am now pacing in front of my desk. I have to admit, it is going to be a great movie. There is a shitload of action and suspense. But there are also a couple of sex scenes and some other more tender moments as both men struggle with their emotions for each other. I shove my hands into my hair and lace them on top of my head. This is insane. I can do this. I am a freakin' Oscar winner for Christ's sake! I can play a gay man. It is just something else to add to my resume. I’ve always wanted to be versatile, to be known as an actor who can play any role. And so far, I’ve done just that. I’ve done drama and action and comedy. You name it and I’ve
done it, and I can do this, too.
I glance at the clock. 11:00 pm. I rub my tired eyes and head out of my office to go down the hall to my bedroom, turning off the lights as I go. My penthouse has six bedrooms and three and a half baths, in a high-rise in the heart of New York City. I love the city and as soon as I got my first real break in the movie industry, I purchased it. I would have never been able to afford it as a public defender, or even a first year associate at a law firm.
I walk into the sitting room that leads into my bedroom. It’s a little cozy sitting area with a couple of big plush armchairs, a floor lamp, and an ottoman, which has my two favorite magazines sitting on it - Maxim and Men's Health. I pass through and go into the main bedroom, where my giant California king is the focus of the room. It is decked out in navy blue satin sheets and has a ton of throw pillows placed artfully at the head of the bed, all Maribel’s doing, of course. I don’t have the time or patience to make my bed every day. The mattress is surrounded by a modern black leather head and foot board that looks great with the sheets.
I strip down because I sleep nude, hating anything on my skin except for the satin of my sheets. I walk into my bathroom first to do my thing, and then go over to the floor to ceiling tinted windows. I pull the curtain back to look out for a moment. The city is gorgeous at night all lit up. I let the curtain drop back down before moving back toward the bed and climb in, tossing the throw pillows on the floor, and plopping down on my stomach in the middle of it. I pull the sheet up over my bare ass then grab my pillow and hug it to my chest. After a deep relaxing breath, I start to drift off.
Chapter Two
Chance
I yawn as I get out of the limo that drove me to the studio. It is the first day on set after months of waiting. I’ve been getting ready, doing my research, going through an FBI training course and shit like that. I was assured that my "Partner" had been doing the same thing, just at different times. I am actually surprised that Parker Hamilton hasn’t sought me out. On past movies, we always went over the script before the first day on set.
I’m excited to play this character, Wade Burns. I made sure to read the books the screenplay was based on, and actually really liked them. Yeah, there is a ton of gay sex in them, but so what? It was actually kind of hot, in my opinion. I’m not gay, but I have been with a man before. It may not be my preference, but I have an open mind. I can’t say that I haven’t thought about being with a man again - it has been years - and I am willing to go there now that the opportunity has presented itself. I’m also going to take pleasure in seeing Parker squirm.
Now that I think about it, I’m not all that surprised that Parker hasn’t sought me out. He’s probably backing out at this very moment. Pussy. He’s probably freaking the fuck out about having to kiss another man. I know Parker pretty well. We’ve done a lot of movies together. We aren’t exactly the best of friends, but we are civil to each other...for the most part. Parker riles easily and it’s fun to get him going. There has been a time or two when Parker has pushed me away because I’d gotten into his personal space. It was never sexual in nature, but I think a lot of guys are like that. He never came off as a homophobe, though.
I head right to my trailer where my hair and makeup chick is waiting for me. As I get all prettied up, I go over the script for the scenes that we are shooting today. No kissing just yet, which I guess is good. I want to get Parker alone so that we can get over the awkwardness before doing it on film.
After my hair and makeup are done, I get dressed then head out to meet up with the rest of the cast and crew. I walk on set and find the director and producers. I chat with them for a few minutes while waiting for Parker to arrive. He shows up about twenty minutes later looking sharp in a tailored dark gray suit. His role in the beginning of the story is a straight-laced FBI agent who has a stick up his ass. Well, he definitely looks the part.
"Hey, Steele," Parker mutters, barely able to meet my eyes.
"What up, Hamlet?" I say in greeting and clap him on the shoulder.
"Dude, you know that’s a play about revenge, right?” Parker says, his tone bored.
I shrug. “Meh, I was just thinking of it as a play off your name. Hamilton. You’re an actor, Shakespeare wrote a play, which actors acted in. Hamlet, get it?”
Parker sighs in irritation and shakes his head. I look him over and damn, he looks tense. Not that I expected him to laugh, but maybe a little snicker or something. He is really wound up. Why did he even take this role if he doesn't want to do this? I don't have time to comment because the director wants to get started. We are actually starting with the opening scene where the two agents are paired together for the first time. I mentally shake myself and take on the role of being Wade Burns.
Later that night, when they call cut for the final time of the evening, I sigh wearily and head back to my trailer. Damn, I’m beat. We shot a lot of film today with minimal breaks. I take a quick shower in the tiny bathroom, get dressed in my own clothes, and then head out to go back to the studio apartment I’m renting nearby. I have a beautiful home on the West Coast, but because we are shooting the movie in New York City, I decided to rent a studio instead of staying at the hotel with the rest of the cast and crew that don’t live locally. Studios are roomier and more private. As I walk out to the waiting limo, Parker is walking to his BMW.
"Hey, Hamilton. Can we talk?" I call to him.
I watch as Parker freezes with his hand on the door handle. He then drops his head and sags his shoulders. He turns to give me a wary look. "Sure, what's up?" he asks tightly.
I walk over and stop in front of him. "Only the fact that we're gonna have to kiss and get into each other's personal space in the very near future," I say, feigning nonchalance as I shrug.
I look into the man's bright blue eyes. There are many emotions swirling around in those eyes. We are just about the same height and build, only Parker has blonde hair and mine is brown, as are my eyes.
Parker’s jaw bulges slightly as he clenches his teeth. He nods jerkily, his eyes swinging away.
"Man, why did you take this role if you're so uncomfortable with what needs to be done?" I frown.
He sighs heavily and rakes a hand through his blonde hair. "I'm just...damn it...I'm just nervous. I'm afraid that I'm not going to be able to go through with it when it comes down to it," he struggles.
I give him a sympathetic look, debating if I should just jump him right now to get it over with or wait until we are somewhere private. Oh, fuck it. I quickly grasp the back of Parker’s neck and yank him forward until our lips meet in a hard crush. Parker’s arms flail for a moment before finding purchase on my chest. He pushes...hard, making me stumble back and land on my ass.
"What the FUCK?" Parker bellows, fists clenched at his sides, chest heaving, blue eyes flashing angrily.
I sit there on the ground, leaning back on my hands, my head cocked to the side as I watch Parker seethe. "Dude, if you can't kiss me, then this isn't going to work," I say calmly, my eyes scanning over his whole body.
"You could have warned me," Parker says, his words clipped.
I have to admit, the man is attractive. He is the blonde haired, blue eyed, pretty boy type. He has broad shoulders that taper down into a trim waist and long legs. His face is clean-shaven at the moment, but that will change later on as his character changes. He has a dimple on each cheek, even when he isn’t smiling. His light eyes are framed with long lashes. His nose is straight and fits his face perfectly. And his lips are full and firm looking. He is definitely a man's man, though.
Parker doesn't utter another word, but just stares at me. Stewing. His arms crossed, a scowl on his face. I stare back and can actually see his jaw tick. In all of my years working with him, I’ve never seen him this livid… and I’ve seen him pissed. He stalks toward me, and I'm at a disadvantage still being on my ass. He squats down in front of me and leans inches from my face. I don't know if he is going to kiss me or kill me.
With a
stern face and deadly serious tone, I find out. "I'm going to tell you this one time and I’m not going to repeat myself, Steele. The next time you fucking touch me while the cameras aren't rolling, I’m going to shove my foot so far up your ass you’re going to choke on my Pradas!”
With that last parting gem, he stands, gets into his car and peels out of the parking lot, leaving me on my ass in a cloud of burning rubber.
Parker
What the hell was he thinking? I hop into my BMW strung so tightly that I feel like my shoulders are going to snap. There is only one way to solve this problem. Who can I get to take the edge off? I have a couple of women that I call every now and then for a booty call. Maybe Olivia? Yeah, I’ll call Olivia and see if she is free tonight. Olivia is an old friend, with benefits. We have never been in a relationship, never wanted anything more from each other. We just use each other for sex every now and again. Really good sex. Plus, she completely respects my privacy. I never worry about her running to the press with my business. That’s probably because I have just as much shit on her.
"Hey Parker," Olivia answers fondly.
"Hey baby, you free tonight?" I ask, a smile curling my lips.
"Hmmm, maybe, what's in it for me?" Olivia asks, her voice lowering seductively.
"A whole lot of me." I chuckle.
Olivia laughs. "Sounds good, come pick me up?"
"Be there in twenty," I say then hang up.
I start my car and pull out of the lot. I pull up to Olivia's house twenty-five minutes later and honk the horn. She knows the drill. She’s out the door and in my car in five minutes. I lean over and kiss the gorgeous blonde on her lips then head towards our usual place. Neither of us wants to do it in our homes – it’s too personal - so we get a room at an upscale hotel. In fact, I’ve never had sex in my own bed. We chat in the car as I drive, catching up some. We haven’t seen each other in about a month.
I made sure to call ahead and set things up with the concierge. I pull into the underground parking garage about thirty minutes later and he is waiting for us with our room key in hand. I slip him a Benjamin, and he makes sure that we get in and out inconspicuously.
Crossing The Line (A Taboo Love series Book 3) Page 2
