by Alexa Aston
“You could use both,” Scarlett suggested. “As a first and middle name.”
“Ooh, I like that idea,” Keely said. “Compromise works for me.” She squeezed Mac’s hand. “Knight Randall. Ben Randall. I’m good with either.” She placed her head on Mac’s shoulder.
Scarlett was glad to see Keely so happy. She’d miscarried during her second pregnancy. Thankfully, this one had gone smoothly and she’d deliver her son in a little under two months. Keely had given up acting after Darcy’s birth. She didn’t want to come home to her daughter exhausted after long days on the set and decided to find a way to work from home. Thus, her career as a writer had begun. Keely had become a successful YA author and juggled two different series, one about a teenage female detective and another that revolved around a futuristic fantasy world she’d created. It gave her plenty of time with Darcy and still fulfilled Keely creatively.
Mac had recently wrapped a film and wouldn’t work again until next year, when he and Dash had a psychological thriller lined up. Dash would play the protagonist hunting Mac’s serial killer, only to find himself and his family being stalked by a network of killers. Rhett had decided to move into directing and would helm the picture. Scarlett did the math in her head and figured that about the time they started filming, she would give birth.
They arrived and entered the hotel, with Keely begging Scarlett to stop at the restroom.
“I can’t go twelve minutes without needing to pee. I know you remember those days,” her friend said.
As they entered, they saw London combing her hair. It amazed Scarlett how the strawberry blond had regained her figure so quickly after delivering twins last year. With three young children, London had decided to quit touring. She would still put out CDs and commit to the occasional HBO concert special but she now enjoyed working from her home recording studio and expanding the Monroe Design Line. It included not only children’s furnishings and playwear but also a home furniture line. She and Knox were very hands-on with every aspect of their company.
London and Scarlett hugged while Keely waddled into a stall. They exchanged small talk about their children. Keely rejoined them and they went to the ballroom. Their table was next to the stage. Knox rose and pulled out London’s chair and then greeted Scarlett and Keely, while Mac made sure Keely got comfortable.
Scarlett thought Knox grew more handsome as he aged. He and Wynn had grown close and when Wynn decided to open his own production company last year, Knox came on board as a co-founder. The two men had partnered with USC and UCLA’s film schools to groom young talent in the industry. Rhett’s directorial debut, starring Dash and Mac, would be under the new company’s banner.
Rhett and Cassie arrived with Dash and Sydney in tow. As like Knox, Dash only grew more handsome, though his dark hair now showed gray at the temples. Sydney’s auburn hair fell about her shoulders. She looked sensational in a hunter green dress and was as poised as ever. She limited herself to directing one film a year, preferring to spend the rest of her time as a producer on various RCDS projects so she could have more time with her family. Dash did the same, choosing one film a year that spoke to his heart and then handling RCDS business the rest of the time.
She greeted the two couples and Cassie said, “I had an incredible dream last night. It’s going to make a smashing movie and I want Wynn for the lead. He’ll be perfect. Where is he? I need to talk to him about it. He always has great insight, especially when I’m starting a new script.”
Scarlett looked around. “Probably with Sarah Hartnett. He wanted to check with her on a few final details when we arrived.”
“I’ve already run it by Breck. He was intrigued and said he can work on it with me in about two more weeks.”
Scarlett admired her sister-in-law’s work ethic. Cassie wrote everywhere from the bathtub to dictating while in school carpool lines. She’d won two Oscars for Best Screenplay, sharing one of them with Breck. They still remained the most in-demand writing team in Hollywood.
Rhett kissed her cheek. “Good to see you, little sister. How’s work going?”
Scarlett had kept her law office small and kept flexible hours. She had brought Del on as a partner and he handled nothing but pro bono cases, while she focused on representing clients solely in the entertainment industry. She’d deliberately kept the roster small but did hire one green but enthusiastic associate last year to help out.
“RCDS keeps me pretty busy,” she teased. “Other than that, it’s been smooth sailing.”
He laughed. “Wait until kindergarten starts next year. You won’t believe the change from pre-school to fulltime kindergarten. If you think you and Wynn are busy now, think again.”
Breck arrived and pounded Rhett on the back and then swept Scarlett up and twirled her around.
“How’re things going?” he asked.
“Where’s Jo?” Scarlett countered. “I’d much rather see her than you.”
“You know Jo. She’s a bundle of nerves. Once she comes out to warm up this crowd, she’ll be fine. But every time before a performance, she goes a little nuts. I’ve learned to give my lady space.”
Wynn slid an arm around her waist. “Have I missed anything?” He said hello to everyone and seated Scarlett, taking the chair next to her.
“Cassie’s going to corner you about a new idea she wants to write. She thinks you’ll be the perfect lead.”
“It’s hard to say no to The General. I’ve found it’s easier to say yes than have her wear me down.”
“I agree.”
“I need to get this show on the road,” he said. “Be back in a few.”
Wynn mounted the stairs and asked for everyone to find their tables. As he began to speak about the purpose of his foundation and the opportunities it afforded students, Scarlett thought how different this Wynn was from the one she’d met at a similar event five years ago. The diffident loner now addressed a packed house with ease and humor. He’d brought joy and love into her life as both husband and father and treated her as an equal.
Scarlett knew how lucky she was to have him. Wynn might have been killed in that horrible accident. The driver who’d struck his car hadn’t worn his seatbelt and died instantly from the tremendous impact. Thank God, Wynn had lived and they’d forgiven each other. Their love grew stronger every day.
Wynn finished his remarks and rejoined the table. Everyone complimented him on hitting the right note and praised him for the work his charity did. As they ate, Jo came on and did a set that was so funny, Scarlett thought she might be sore for a week from laughing so hard.
After dinner, they adjourned to the next ballroom. While the silent auction went on, a country band featuring Trae Lymon as its lead singer kicked things off. The rock band that followed only heated the room up more. Finally, London came out, slowing the tempo as the hour grew late with a sultry ballad.
“Let’s dance,” Wynn whispered in her ear, taking her hand and leading her out to where other couples danced.
Scarlett wrapped her arms around his neck and they began to sway to the music.
“You look happy,” he said. “I hope you’ve had fun tonight.”
“I always have fun when I’m with you.” She toyed with the hair along his neck.
“You keep doing that and I’m going to have to take you home and do something about it.”
Scarlett kissed him softly. “I need to tell you something.”
Wynn kissed her back. “That you love me?”
“Yeah. That. And something else. Something unexpected came up. I know you tease me about planning things out. That’s the lawyer in me. This is a nice surprise, though.”
He nibbled on her earlobe, sending a shock of pleasure along her spine.
“We’re going to have a baby.”
His vivid green eyes lit up. “We are?”
“We are,” she confirmed. “This one should probably be the last. I’m thirty-nine, you know.”
Wynn’s smile warmed her. “I know.
Have I told you how much I love you, Scarlett Gallagher? That you are the best lawyer. The best mom. And the best wife. Ever.”
He stopped dancing and kissed her, a magical kiss that let her know he meant every word.
About The Author
Alexa Aston
Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She’s a binge fiend (The Crown and Ozark are favorites) who enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.
Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.
She appreciates when a reader enjoys one of her books and takes the time to leave a short review on Amazon.
Hollywood Name Game
Meet the men of Hollywood and the women they fall for in Alexa Aston’s new contemporary romance series, Hollywood Name Game—five romances sprinkled with humor and a few laced with a bit of suspense—but all guarantee a satisfactory, happily ever after for these couples.
Anything can happen in Hollywood . . .
*Each book in the series is a standalone romance that can be read out of order.
Hollywood Heartbreaker
Being late to an interview lands her the biggest job opportunity of her life.
He may be rich and successful—but he’s just this side of miserable.
Can a wannabe be The One for the biggest star in Hollywood?
Cassie Carroll came to Hollywood with big dreams that never materialized. Acting isn’t even on the back burner anymore—it’s completely off the stove. Working for a third-rate agent, Cassie hopes to land a new job that will give her credibility, as well as help pay the rent. Late to her interview, she swerves to avoid hitting a dog—and totals the car of Hollywood’s leading action superstar. Surprisingly, she walks away from their encounter with a job—as the sexiest man alive’s personal assistant.
Rhett Corrigan is bored with the movies he makes and the drop-dead gorgeous model he’s dating. He’s afraid that Hollywood has typecast him—and that he’ll never be able to break out of his action mold and try new acting challenges. When Cassie Carroll literally slams into his life, she brings a breath of fresh air and common sense to his world. She pushes him to be a better actor and a better man.
Can these friends become lovers—and can their love survive—in a tabloid-happy town that thrives on rumors and backstabbing?
Hollywood Flirt
She’s Hollywood royalty whose trail vanished a dozen years ago.
He doesn’t do relationships and thinks commitment is a four-letter word.
They Google each other . . . and sparks fly . . .
Sydney Revere, the daughter of a famous movie couple, left Hollywood behind over a decade ago. Christened The Wild Child by the media, she reinvents herself as a serious student who becomes an attorney and marries a safe, predictable man. When her husband cheats on her and the law loses its glitter, Sydney returns to Hollywood. Her father hires her to storyboard his upcoming movie, No Regrets—and then stuns Sydney when he offers her the job as his assistant director.
Dash DeLauria is a rising actor who hasn’t trusted a woman since his mother left. He’s now the guardian of his mentally-challenged brother. Dash is looking to grow professionally and after he wins the lead in No Regrets, he finds he’s lost his heart and soul to Sydney. With both their careers on the upswing, life is sweet.
But Sydney’s ex-husband isn’t finished with her yet. Discovering who she really is—and that she’s wealthy—he tracks her to California, ready to start over with her again.
No matter what it takes . . .
Hollywood Player
She has zero friends . . . and is wary of men, living life as a recluse.
His only friend is 90 and when she dies, he’s adrift.
Can a dyslexic actor and a shy singer-songwriter find happiness together?
Famous from the time she was fourteen, London Russell lands the cover of Sports Illustrated to cap off her modeling career. Leaving the fashion world behind, she follows her dream of becoming a singer-songwriter. Thanks to an ex-boyfriend’s vicious attack on her, London becomes a recluse who turns out hits but never tours—and can’t trust a man. Her life changes course when she encounters a Hollywood screenwriter and director and agrees to write the theme song for their next movie.
Knox Monroe grew up as America’s darling, a child actor featured on several popular television series. After his mother’s betrayal, Knox drops out of sight, returning years later to make the successful transition to adult roles. A known womanizer and loner, Knox meets London by chance. Through her connections, he winds up with the lead role in a new movie.
Will London be able to open her heart and move past Knox’s player reputation? And will Knox knock down the emotional fortress that he’s built around his heart?
In Hollywood, anything’s possible. . .
Hollywood Double
She’s a Hollywood leading lady who’s never found love – except with Jax, her Basenji.
He’s divorced from a cheating wife and refuses to ever give his heart away again.
Together, their smoking-hot chemistry leads to movie magic—and murder . . .
Mac Randall’s life turns upside down when he walks in on his wife and her lover. He finishes his tour of duty overseas and leaves the army, becoming a popular stuntman in Hollywood. When the actor Mac doubles for is murdered, Mac is surprised to find himself cast as the film’s leading man—at the suggestion of the actress who will play opposite him.
Keely Kennedy has built a solid career in Hollywood, rising from supporting roles to leading lady, but she’s been unlucky in love. She becomes close friends with Mac Randall, her new co-star, while she helps him prepare for his first on-screen role. Friendship blossoms into love during their shoot and despite several mishaps on the set, she knows not only has she done the best work in her career on this film, but she believes Mac will become an instant star.
Before production is complete, though, the murderer surfaces—ready to kill the film—and its two stars.
Hollywood Enigma
She’s a legal shark—sleek and deadly—but doesn’t trust anyone beyond her small circle of family and friends.
He’s internationally famous—and yet a mystery to the world as he cloaks himself in privacy.
Can they shed their fears and open their hearts to one another?
Actor Wynn Gallagher is at the peak of his fame, playing superhero Carbon Man in the Alpha Tharra Universe film franchise. While the role has made him wealthy, he’s ready to move on to newer challenges—but his ironclad contract will keep him tied to the role for years to come. Seeking legal advice, he approaches Scarlett Corrigan, one of the top entertainment attorneys in Los Angeles.
Scarlett is the younger sister of Hollywood’s highest paid actor, Rhett Corrigan, but she’s made a name for herself in entertainment law. She thrives on challenges and readily accepts Wynn as a client, but she puts the brakes on the strong attraction between them, not wanting to mix business with pleasure.
Eventually, Wynn and Scarlett become involved but tragedy strikes not once, but twice, threatening to end their relationship before it has a chance to grow and flourish.
Can Wynn and Scarlett overcome overwhelming odds and find lasting love?
Books By This Author
To Heal an Earl (Soldiers & Soulmates Book 1)
Both wronged by their families . . . two souls alone in the world . . .
Instead of making her come-out during the upcoming London Season, Lady Charlotte Nott finds herself tossed from her home after her father’s untimely death by a vengeful half-brother. Penniless, she makes her way in a world new to her, first serving as a companion and then governess to the three children of Lord Crampton. When the earl dies moments after hiring her, Charlotte takes
on the running of Gray Manor’s household and estate until the children’s new guardian arrives.
Guilt weighs heavily on Major Danforth Grayson, having lost too many men under his command over the years. When he receives word of the death of the brother who wronged him, Gray returns home, bitter with the hand life has dealt him. He intends to hire competent people to manage the estate and care for his nephew and nieces and retreat to a solitary life in London—until he meets the inimitable Miss Nott.
Charlotte is drawn to Gray but knows she is no longer of his world. When he suddenly becomes the new Lord Crampton, she knows it’s time to leave her charges behind—for what woman would care to watch the man she loves wed another and start a family as she suffers in silence? Yet Charlotte knows Gray is a broken man and her leaving might shatter him forever.
Can Charlotte walk away from a flawed man who desperately needs her, or will she leave before she loses her own soul?
To Tame a Rogue (Soldiers & Soulmates Book 2)
