The Callback

by Brandy L Rivers

  “You? There is no way you’ll do right by her. You’ll ditch her as soon as someone better comes along.”

  Luke shook his head. “There is no one better.”

  “What do you even see in her?” Russell sneered. “You could have anyone you want. Why my wife?”

  “Ex-wife,” Luke hissed. “She’s beautiful, has an amazing mind, an incredible imagination, and I love her books.”

  “You’re a fan-boy? That’s funny. It’s mostly women who love her shit.”

  Luke backed up, clenching his fists. “Leave her alone. You already wrecked what you had with her. Don’t make it worse.”

  “Why the fuck do you care?” the asshole demanded.

  “Because, I want her for as long as I can have her.”

  Russell snarled, “She’ll remember why we belong together, she always does.”

  “You can’t give her what she needs. I think she knows that now.”

  Russell stepped back into the elevator. “She’s not going to be happy when there are a thousand paparazzi taking your picture, and she lands in the tabloids.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Luke walked back to her room and knocked.

  She threw it open after a moment, then went back to her bedroom.

  “Leona, talk to me.”

  She spun, fury on her face. “He’s such an asshole. I can’t stand him. So many damned years wasted for him to throw it away. And now he thinks I might take him back after he dragged the divorce proceedings out as long as humanly possible? No, fuck that.”

  Luke closed the distance and captured her face. “Yeah, he’s an asshole. Forget about him.”

  “I was doing a good damned job until he showed up.” There was so much vulnerability in her voice.

  He pulled her into his arms. “What can I do to help?”

  Her eyes closed.

  “Tell me what you want, what you need,” he pleaded.

  “I don’t know anymore.” She let out a breath and dropped her head to his shoulder. “This is why I didn’t want to start anything, and then you come along. Sweet, charming, so damned sexy I can’t even think around you half the time.”

  “Come home with me, Leona. And to hell with what anyone says or thinks. Just be with me. I’ll take it away.”

  Leaning back, she nodded. “Okay.”

  He wiped away a tear. “Bring your laptop and anything else you need.”

  “I’m not checking out,” she quickly added.

  “Not asking you to.” He wanted to. But he was starting to understand why she was so hesitant.

  She pulled away to gather a bag of clothes and her laptop.

  “If you’re up for it, I want to take you out tomorrow night. Somewhere nice.”

  She froze, her eyes wide as she stared at the wall.

  He almost took it back.

  Then she shook her head and went to the closet to grab a garment bag.

  “That a yes?” he asked.

  “We’ll see, but I’ll be prepared.”

  Her phone rang, startling her. Leona turned to grab it, glancing at the screen. She let out a defeated sigh. “Hey, Mona.”

  He couldn’t hear the other line, but he could guess Mona was there with Roach, maybe picking up her things.

  “I’m going to let Luke take my mind off everything. That’s all I’ll say.”

  Leona sighed and held her phone out to Luke.

  Luke watched Leona shut herself in the bathroom and sat down on her bed. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “You should have hit Russell,” she huffed. “No, you shouldn’t have, but I wish you could have.” There was a chuckle. “Whatever you do, be careful. She’s scared you two are moving too fast, but I saw you with her. This doesn’t seem like a fling. You’re too invested for that.”

  “I want to see where we can go.”

  “And she’s terrified you’ll get bored, or busy, or whatever and leave her behind. She doesn’t want you to mean too much to her because she doesn’t believe she has a future with you.”

  “I’m trying to find a way to show her without scaring her off.”

  “You realize she’s been legally single all of a week, right? Sure, she says she was over him the moment she found out about Mindy, and trust me, she won’t go back to him, but the betrayal cut deep. She won’t trust as easy.”

  “Yeah, and time is working against me. So, I’m going to convince her to give me the next two weeks, and then I’ll come for her after filming is done.”

  “And what if you change your mind?”

  “I suppose it’s possible, but I really doubt it. I’ve never dated a costar, don’t plan to. And I’m usually focused while I’m on the job. If anything, I’m going to be desperate for her by the end.”

  “I hope so. When she isn’t thinking, she’s happy with you. Happier than I’ve seen her in years.”

  His eyes narrowed on the bathroom door. “You mean that asshole made her happy once?”

  “Yeah, but not like you. And if it doesn’t work out, don’t string her along.”

  “You have my word. And, it’s crazy, but right now, I have no intention of letting her walk away.”

  “You better mean that. I should go. Roach is getting impatient.”

  He laughed. “Tell me Roach didn’t hit Russell.”

  “Oh, he was tempted. I really didn’t think the bastard would have the balls to come out here. I just hope he goes home now that he realizes it won’t happen.”

  “Me too, but I have a feeling that’s not the last we’ll see of him. He mentioned the paparazzi.”

  “Slimy fucker would go there.”

  “Think she can forgive me for that?”

  Mona laughed. “Won’t be your fault. Just take care of her. I’m going back home tomorrow evening. Roach is taking me to the airport. That way, after lunch, I won’t interfere in whatever you do.”

  “What about Roach?”

  She smiled. “I’ll come back to visit, see where things are, but neither of us is looking for something permanent right now.”

  “And Leona’s not.”

  “Are you?” Mona asked.

  He let out a sigh. “I shouldn’t be, but I am definitely considering it. The more I’m around Leona, the more I want with her.”

  “You have a real chance. But you might have to fight to keep her. I guarantee she’s worth it.”

  “Thanks, now I got to go, see if I can help her forget about Russell.”

  “Eventually, she’s going to have to go back home. You know that, right?”

  “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I can’t come to her.”

  “If you need help getting through to her, you got it.” She hung up.

  Luke crossed the room to the bathroom and knocked on the door.

  She opened it with a smile, though she seemed more closed off than that first night.

  “Can I ask you something?” he asked.

  She closed her eyes and let out a breath. Her shoulders deflated. “Sure.”

  “What about seeing Russel hurts so bad?”

  Her eyes opened wide, then she huffed. “That I was so fucking stupid for so damned long.” She walked away, into the bathroom, and he followed until she had nowhere to go.

  He turned her toward him. “How do I help?”

  She put her hands up with a heavy sigh. “Drop him. Seriously. I don’t want to talk about him, much less think about him.”

  That was easy. “Dropped. Come home with me.”

  A laugh bubbled out of her. “Already told you I’m coming.”

  He grabbed her laptop bag and small suitcase and went to the door.

  Shaking her head, she followed. “Thank you.”

  “You can thank me once I find a way to cheer you up.”

  “I can think of a few ways.” She winked.

  “I better get you home then,” he murmured.

  Chapter 17

  They bypassed the lobby to go to the garage. Luckily, they didn’t run into anyone on the way.
>
  Leona paused. “Wait, why don’t I follow you? That way, when it’s time to get lunch, I can go and come back.”

  “Better not ditch me,” he teased.

  “You have my laptop. No way I’m leaving you alone with that for too long.”

  He laughed. “Afraid I’ll read something too early?”

  She lifted a shoulder. “Maybe, but I’m more worried about having access to my computer when I’m ready to write.”

  “Am I hogging too much of your time?”

  Grinning, she shook her head. “No, not yet. I needed a break after the negotiations.”

  “Go. I’ll see you at home.” He backed toward his car, and she climbed into the Jeep.

  If anyone could take her mind off Russell, he could. Thinking about the mess back at home was exhausting. She needed to put the house on the market, pack, and find another home. Nothing she wanted to deal with.

  She followed Luke back and didn’t miss the paparazzi on the street, snapping pictures as he passed. Her stomach bottomed out.

  Could she handle the rumors? She wasn’t sure.

  Shaking her head, she thought about calling Mona, but she’d tell her to live a little. And she was holding onto that motto with both hands.

  The drive seemed to pass in no time. He opened both garage doors, and she took the hint, parking beside him. She climbed out as he pulled her stuff out of his car.

  Their eyes locked as the garage doors went down. Relief flowed through her. They were there, alone, no one else.

  Finally.

  They had those few hours, but this was different somehow.

  “You’re going to sleep in my bed tonight, right?” he asked, teasing.

  One corner of her mouth tipped up. “I think I proved how much I want you when I’m sober. You were the one who didn’t want to stay in my room last night.”

  “Oh, I wanted to, but I don’t want to give you any reason to doubt me or my motives.”

  “What are your motives, Luke?” She barely held back the wince.

  “To show you how good it can be.”

  “You already are,” she admitted.

  “Come in, Leona. Please.”

  She went to the door and he reached past her to unlock it.

  She turned, her head cocked. “You lock the garage door?”

  He nodded. “Can’t ever be too careful.”

  “Anyone ever try to let themselves in?”

  “A couple times.” He lifted a shoulder. “A good alarm helps with that.” As soon as they were inside, he shut off the alarm. “Don’t worry, no one has gotten inside, unless invited.”

  “So, do I get a tour now?” she asked.

  He dipped his head. “First stop, my bedroom.”

  “Going to keep me there all night?”

  “A tour first. Then maybe. Unless you find something you want to do before we get back there.”

  “Tell me you don’t have any secret rooms I should worry about.”

  He laughed. “No. Not my style.”

  “That’s a relief.”

  He took her hand and pulled her toward the living room. The kitchen was fully stocked and had appliances she could only guess at. The living room was neat, with an impressive entertainment system.

  “You can pick a movie later, if you’re interested.” He nodded to the rack full of DVDs.

  “Anything I want to watch?”

  “Anything.”

  Grinning, she nudged him. “Come on, I’m sure you don’t want to carry my stuff all night.”

  “No, getting you naked sounds like a better plan.” He took her up the stairs and she paused to look at all the books in the alcove. Large alcove. It was a library, complete with two chairs and a fireplace.

  “So, you really do read a lot?”

  “Not as much as I used to, but yes.”

  “I love this.”

  “I hoped you would. Come on.” Down the hall were three doors to the right, and one to the left. He took her to the one on the left first.

  And his bedroom was simple and elegant. Not a bachelor pad, more like a grown man’s house. And then the age thing hit her again, but it wasn’t so weird.

  He dropped her bags on a chair as she went to the window where he had a nice view of the valley.

  His arms came around her and she leaned into his embrace.

  “It’s a beautiful house.”

  “My dad designed the house. My mother decorated.”

  “Your parents sound amazing.”

  “What about yours?”

  “They own a bar and restaurant. It keeps them busy, but they like it.”

  “Oh, what kind of restaurant?”

  “Shay’s Pizza Pub. Nothing fancy. Local, hometown, ma and pop place.”

  “The best kind. That’s what I took you to tonight.”

  “True. But you’re also talking about taking me somewhere nice tomorrow, which I don’t need.”

  “No, but you deserve it, and I like the idea of pampering you.”

  She turned toward him and fell into his gaze. It would be so easy to fall for Luke.

  Shaking his head, he stepped back. “Let me show you the rest.”

  Nodding, she let him take her hand and lead her to another bedroom. “The guestroom.”

  And again, it was a nice room.

  He opened the door to a bathroom. Then took her to another room that had display cases full of various comics. And that made her smile. “Comic fan?”

  He nodded, light dancing through his eyes. “Think I’m a geek?”

  “Oh no, I love comic books. I thought about attempting one, but I’d have to find an artist. I can’t draw.”

  He pulled her closer. “You’re full of surprises.”

  “Really? Why?”

  He shook his head. “I knew I’d like you, but the more I learn, the better I do.”

  “Yeah, well, I can say the same about you.”

  “Because I’m normal?”

  “That’s part of it. But you take my breath away. And not just because you’re gorgeous. And you are. You’re a genuine person, and you make me feel things I didn’t think I could.”

  “Like what?”

  Things she didn’t want to admit. Instead she wrapped her hand around his neck and leaned closer. “Like I’m the only woman who exists with you around.”

  “You are. You take all my attention.” He kissed below her ear and took her hand, placing it over his hard length. “I’ve wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you, and after having you, I want more.”

  “I need more,” she answered.

  He pulled her toward the bedroom. “Me too.”

  She pushed him through the door and opened his pants while he pulled her shirt. She let him take that, before dropping to her knees, bringing his pants and briefs down and taking him into her mouth.

  Even his cock was gorgeous, and that wasn’t ever something she loved the look of. Not until Luke. She pushed that thought aside and flicked her tongue over the ridge.

  He made a sound full of need, followed by a hoarse protest. “Leona, shit, you don’t need to do that.”

  She pulled back, making a popping sound, and looked up at him. “Want to,” she answered.

  He slipped his fingers into her hair and she sucked as she took more in, swirling her tongue. He made the sexiest sound and she took his cues, what he liked.

  Watching his muscles jump in response to her touch was empowering. Seeing his eyes hooded, his bottom lip caught in his teeth was sexy. She did this to him.

  His hand tangled in her hair, gripping tight. “Oh fuck, gonna cum.”

  That didn’t stop her. No, she kept right on, going until his taste filled her mouth and she swallowed him down.

  He backed up to the bed and fell back with a satisfied sigh.

  She got rid of her clothes and climbed up beside him. With one arm, he pulled her against his body.

  He groaned. “Too many clothes.”

  Smiling, she sat up and str
ipped him down, taking her time tracing muscles as she went. He must have just finished another movie because he was cut.

  She got the shirt off and climbed off the bed to remove his shoes, then his pants and briefs. The man was hard again. Luke might just be able to keep up with her sex drive.

  Her ex couldn’t, which meant she had plenty of toys he despised. She kept them hidden because sometimes, she needed another orgasm or two to be sated.

  Luke watched her with a deep, dark, sexy stare. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Do toys intimidate you?”

  He sat up and pulled her into his lap.

  “Toys for who?”

  She bit her lip, realizing where she just took their conversation. Fuck it, she may as well throw it out there. “Either, but I have a stash of things to help me when I’m not satisfied.”

  His brow arched. “Would you let me use them on you?”

  She nearly came at the thought alone. “Yes,” she whispered.

  “I don’t see a problem, unless you turn me down in favor of these toys.”

  A nervous laugh escaped. “No, you’d be my first choice. But you wouldn’t always be an option.”

  He caught her face and smiled. “What if I were?”

  She froze, her breath caught. “Don’t do that, Luke. We’ve known each other a few days. I like this, but it’s too early to expect a future.”

  “And it’s too late to lie about hoping for one.”

  She started to climb out of his lap.

  He held on tighter, pulling her back down against his hard length. “Fine, I won’t bring it up again, until our last day before my shoot. Promise me you’ll stay until I have to leave.”

  “Fine. Until you leave.”

  “I promise not to bring it up until then. But we will discuss it before we leave.”

  Closing her eyes, she nodded. Only to shut him up. This seemed like a bad idea all the way around, but he wouldn’t listen to reason. And she didn’t have the energy to argue when she could have something far better.

  Choosing to focus on the present and not the future, she ground over him until he flipped her over and kissed his way down her body.

  “Luke, what are you doing?”

  He looked up her body with that delicious smile. “About to feast on you. And I’m not stopping until you can’t move.”

  “You won’t have any argument from me.”