by Jillian Dodd
“Exactly! And I want to.”
“Awesome. I’ll have Dallas go over the contract with you. I know you are excited and so are we, but I want you to have your people read over the contract. Make sure they’re good with it.”
“I already told you I’m good with it and I trust you. Don’t make me regret it,” she says boldly.
“I don’t think you will.”
“Good!” She gets more comfortable on the couch, pulling her legs up and crossing them like a pretzel. “Now, we can gossip.”
“What do you want to gossip about?”
“Who do you picture playing Nathan, the guy my dad sets me up with? And what about the town bad boy, Jackson?”
“We have someone who’s really interested in the project.” I glance toward Knox sitting across the hall in Riley’s office. They’re having an animated discussion. More than likely it’s about sex, not work.
Jennifer follows my eyes and turns around. Then she starts bouncing on the couch. “Holy fucking shit, dude! Knox Daniels? Are you fucking kidding me? Please, please, let him play Nathan. Wait, which one do I sleep with?”
“You sleep with pretty much everyone.”
“Shit, that’s right. I’ll be emailing you my fantasy cast later today. I’m gonna have to sit on the deck, have a few beers, and dream a little. This is like the best role ever. I mean, I know sex scenes are awkward and shit, but still.”
I can’t help but laugh at her. She’s hilarious. “Knox is very interested in playing Nathan.”
“No shit?! That’s fucking nuts!” She uses her hands to muss up her hair. “Riley and I literally rolled off the couch, I brushed my teeth, and came here. So unprofessional of me. I shoulda got all done up. Am I going to meet him? Now? Today? Is that why he’s here?”
“When he heard you were interested, he told me he wanted in. He hasn’t even read the script yet. My first thought was that he’s too old, but then I realized it would be easy to change the script to accommodate his age. And he can play younger.”
Jennifer sits up straight, crosses her legs, and puts her hands in her lap, getting into the Angel character. “I think my daddy would be impressed by an older man that could provide for me, as long as he’s a churchgoing man.”
I laugh. “That’s exactly my thought. And I think people are going to love the bad boy, Jackson. It will make for an interesting love triangle.”
“Because I fall for the guy my daddy chose even though I think I want to marry the bad boy?”
“Exactly, and when the audience finds out that Nathan isn’t all that good—”
“Why isn’t he good?”
“He was in a juvenile detention facility during his teens. He was from the wrong side of the tracks. Got into trouble. Found religion in jail, mostly because he thought he would get out faster. All of that was wiped from his record when he turned eighteen. So her daddy has no idea. Nathan and Jackson really aren’t that different at the core. And Nathan has an ulterior motive. Daddy is rich. He bought some land outside of town for the church to use as a camp. Underneath it is loads of oil. Nathan wants to swindle Daddy out of the land by marrying his daughter. But he has to act like he can resist you.”
“This just keeps getting better. What a messed up story. I love it. Am I gonna tempt Nathan? Make him be bad?”
“Actually, he thinks he’s making you bad. He thinks if you sleep with him, you’ll fall in love with him. Remember, he thinks you are a good girl. Because that’s what your daddy told him.”
“Oh, that’s awesome. Who do I end up with?”
“Who do you think you should end up with?”
She smacks her hands together in mock prayer, thinking. “I think audiences will want the bad boy, Jackson. They tend to cheer for the underdog, but I’m assuming that in this story, the good boy is the underdog. And what a twist it will be that she actually falls for the guy her dad chose. I say she finds out he’s a fraud, he makes the right choice in the end, and then she chooses him.”
“She does.”
“Knox for the win!” she yells, holding her arms up in the air, as Knox opens the door.
Her eyes get big and she quickly pulls her arms down.
Knox gives Jennifer his bad boy smirk. “I’m all about the win, sugar.”
I fake pout. “And here I thought I was the only one you called sugar.”
“Don’t worry, Keatyn, you know what we’ll be doing tonight. I’m looking forward to it.” He winks at me.
“What are you doing tonight?” Jennifer asks, her eyes still big.
“Jennifer, Knox,” I say, ignoring his reference to the sex scenes we’re filming later today. “Have you two ever met?”
“Not formally,” Knox says. “Although she did give me a hot kiss after she won the Oscar.”
She covers her face with her hand. “Note to self: Don’t do shots at the Oscars. Ever. Again.”
“Unless, you win,” I add, causing her to uncover her face and laugh.
“That’s right,” Knox says, sitting on the couch next to her. “Unless you win.”
She holds out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
He takes her hand in his, stroking it gently. “I liked our first meeting better. We should have a repeat.”
Jennifer laughs. If there’s one thing Knox knows how to do, it’s how to put a coworker at ease.
Although, he’s probably serious.
“Knox, Jennifer needs to meet with Dallas to go over the contract. I’d love for the two of you to do a scene together soon.”
“I’ll do a scene for you right now. Jennifer, follow my lead.”
He leans closer to her and starts reciting lines from the Daddy’s Angel script. Obviously, he talked Riley into giving him a copy because he sure as hell didn’t get it from me.
He glides his hand slowly across her shoulder, the sexual intent very clear. “Angel, in this case, I don’t think your daddy knows best. Your body is yours to give to any man you deem worthy.”
Jennifer, who hasn’t seen the script, heaves her chest toward him, giving a full shot of cleavage, and licks her lips. “Are you worthy, Nathan?”
Knox pushes her hair behind her ear and softly kisses her neck. “I’m kissing your neck.”
A little gasp escapes from Jennifer’s mouth. I can’t tell if it’s her real reaction or brilliant acting but, either way, it’s perfect.
“Now, I’m kissing your lips,” Knox says, putting his lips against Jennifer’s. She’s sitting with her hands to her side. Like she’s in shock.
And I’m thinking she is, until she says, “You shouldn’t be,” wraps her arms around his neck, and deepens their kiss.
They are now totally making out.
I see a shadow cross over them, look up, and see Riley standing outside the glass, pointing down.
He mouths, What the fuck?
“Now, I’m going to kiss your breasts,” I hear Knox say.
“Knox!” I yell. “Cut!”
Jennifer smacks him on the arm in a cute way, then narrows her eyes at him. “Is that even a line?”
Knox stays close to her, seriously flirting and holding her gaze. “No, but it should be.”
Riley bursts through my door, dragging Dallas along with him.
He takes Jennifer’s hand and pulls her up off the couch. “Jennifer, Dallas will see you now. And, Knox, you’re fired.”
Jennifer is still swooning, and stumbles as she follows Dallas out the door because her eyes are locked with Knox’s.
As soon as the door shuts, Riley says to Knox, “What the fuck was that?”
“We were reading lines. Keatyn wanted to see if we had chemistry.”
“I stopped him before he felt her up.” I laugh. “By the way, Knox, I’m jealous. You don’t look at me like that anymore.”
“Just wait until tonight. Guess who’s soft little lips I’m going to be thinking about?”
Riley holds up his hands. “No. Just no. It won’t work.”
&nb
sp; “They do have chemistry, Riley. I felt like I was intruding on something private.”
“Shit,” Riley says, pushing his hands through his hair and marching back into his office.
Knox grins at me. “It was good, right?”
“Yeah, Knox. It was really good. You’re in.”
“Fucking aye! You want a ride to the set?”
“Yeah, but can we stop and get something to eat on the way? I’m so hungry I feel sick.”
“What’s with you and this flu thing?”
“I don’t know,” I lie. “At least you haven’t gotten it.”
“No, but I plan on getting something, pretty damn soon.”
“Knox, I don’t know what boy code you and Riley follow, but unless Riley stops hanging out with Jennifer, she’s off limits to you.”
“What?! No. That’s not how it works.”
“It’s how it’s gonna work if you want the part.”
“That’s blackmail. And I thought you wanted him back with the chick who stomped on his heart?”
“I just want him happy, Knox. He took the afternoon off yesterday to hang out with her. He never does that.”
“He’s letting her drive his car,” he says, defeatedly.
“Then that ought to tell you something.”
Captive Films - Santa Monica
DAWSON
I knock on my brother’s office door. I can see through the glass that he already looks stressed. He’s running his hands through his hair and pacing.
He looks up and motions for me to come in.
“You got a minute?” I ask.
“Sure.”
“I just wanted you to know that it’s my fault Keatyn didn't tell you I was coming. I asked her not to tell you.”
“But why? I’ve offered you jobs over the years. You knew I’d want you to come.”
“I wasn't sure if I could leave the girls. Leave home. I didn't want you to know if I couldn't do it. It was embarrassing enough to tell her.”
“Dawson, I know I was probably a little rough on you this summer, but it's for your own good. You can’t let—”
I hold my hands up and interrupt him. I know what he’s going to say. It’s what everyone has said for the last two years. “I know. And you're right.”
He sits down behind his desk. “So, Keatyn and Aiden talked you into it, but I couldn’t?”
I take a seat in a chair across from him. “They helped, but it was actually Mom who tipped the scale. She told me that Harlow came home in tears after visiting Whitney's mother.”
“Why?”
“Because she hurt her feelings. Told her she didn't know how to behave like a lady. You know how spunky she is. She stood up for herself and said, ‘that’s because I’m a girl’.”
“Ooh. What did she say to that?”
“That she had just proved her point. That a lady would also never speak to her elder in that tone. And then something about how I wasn’t teaching her manners and she’d grow up to be a social misfit.”
“I bet that pissed Mom off.”
“It did. She told me that although she’d miss the girls terribly, she loves California and would visit often. She doesn’t want them around that kind of influence.”
“I don't know why you didn't tell Whitney’s mom to fuck off a long time ago.”
“Because she threatened to sue me for custody, Riley. And I was scared to death that she'd win.”
“How could she win?”
“Because I was a deadbeat dad. No job, no home.”
“And you don't have a home because of goddamned Whitney,” Riley says, getting pissed.
I hold up my hand. “Don’t, please.”
“I’m sorry. So, is that what made you come?”
“It was a big part of it. I don’t want my girls to grow up like Whitney did.”
Riley leans back in his chair and grins. “I might be a little biased because they have me wrapped around their little fingers, but they are my favorite nieces. Also, you know what's mine is yours. I told you so many times I'd help you financially.”
“I guess I just wasn’t ready for help. And you’re helping now. Keatyn offered me a ridiculous salary, not to mention the perks. That's not what I wanted to talk to you about, though. Do you think it's too soon for me to, like, maybe go on a date?”
“You don’t need a date, bro. What you need is to get laid.”
“I haven't been with anyone since Whitney left.”
“Dawson, stop saying that Whitney left. She fucking killed herself, made you feel guilty about it, and left you broke to raise the girls alone! It was selfish of her, and a chicken shit way out of the mess she'd made.”
I run my hand through my hair, much like the way my brother did earlier.
“Yesterday, Vanessa and I were at this hotel. And . . .”
“And?” he asks, a smirk on his face.
“And, it was hot. She was naked. I was going to. But then I stopped. Felt guilty.”
“You know, if you don't use your dick, it will turn to stone and fall clean off your body.”
I start cracking up and so does Riley.
“I remember when Camden told us that when we caught him beating off in his room.”
Riley says with a laugh, “I know I sure as hell never risked finding out if he was right.”
“Mine hasn't turned to stone. Well, except for yesterday. I was as hard as granite. Vanessa’s beautiful. Smart. And those god damned red lips. I know you have a rule about not having sex with coworkers.”
“That's Keatyn's rule for me. You should totally fuck Vanessa. And, as your boss, I'd highly recommend it.”
I squint my eyes, the thought of my brother having been with her bothers me way more than it should. “You recommend it because the two of you have . . . ?”
“What? No. I’ve never been with her. I’m just saying you should.”
“What do you know about her ex?”
“He couldn't keep his dick in his pants. But I think it was more than that. He destroyed her. She almost lost her business. I suppose the two of you have a lot in common. You both got fucked over. You need to get back in the saddle again. And Vanessa has a fucking equestrian center. She's got lots of saddles. So go for a ride, bro. Hook up with her this weekend.”
“I won’t be here this weekend. Keatyn’s flying the girls to Sonoma. We’re meeting them there and spending the weekend at the vineyard. Dallas is going with his kids too.”
“So, then, you better get on her today,” Riley says as I head out.
I see Keatyn’s still at her desk. She waves me in.
“You and Riley okay?”
“Yeah, we’re good. You know all my brothers are encouraging me to, uh, get back in the saddle again.”
“Dawson, you’ll know when the time is right. Actually, it sounds like the time was almost right yesterday.”
“How long do you think a widow should wait before he starts dating again?”
“My mom started dating about a year after my dad died.”
“How old were you?”
“Almost ten.”
“And what did you think?”
“I was kind of a little shit about it, until she met Tommy. Are you thinking about asking Vanessa on a date?”
“Maybe. Does Captive have a rule about that?”
Keatyn grins. “That rule is only for your brother. And, technically, Vanessa isn’t an employee. So you like her, huh?”
“Yeah, I think I do.”
“Good, we have a meeting with her in your office in ten minutes.”
“We do?”
“Yep. I want to get you both up to speed on Daddy’s Angel. I’ll see you in a few.”
As I walk out of Keatyn’s office, Tyler joins me. “I have all sorts of stuff for you in your office. So do you like the decor?” he asks me.
“Yeah, it’s great,” I reply, taking it all in again. The walls are dark teal and there is a coffee table made from a tree trunk sitting in front o
f a comfortable brown leather couch. I have an industrial looking desk with a lush suede chair to match.
“Keatyn worried about the color.”
“She has good taste.”
“That she does,” he says. “Have a seat. On the desk, you have your new cell phone, business credit card, business cards, swipe key to access anywhere in the building, and laptop.” He hands me a piece of paper. “After your meeting with Vanessa and Keatyn, you have an appointment with Human Resources to get your benefits set up, and then a meeting with the marketing staff. From there, you’re having lunch and playing golf with Riley, Dallas, and Knox.”
“Golf? I’m not really dressed for that.”
Tyler turns and presses his palm into the wood-sheathed wall behind him. A door pops open revealing a large closet stocked with clothing ranging from golf attire to formal wear.
“Behind here,” Tyler says, opening another door, “is your full private lavatory. There are many times when you will go directly from work to another event, so all the executive suites are set up in similar fashion.”
“Wow,” I say. “This is great.”
“And there’s Vanessa,” Tyler says. “I’ll leave you now. I’m interviewing assistants for you today. Do you have any special requirements?”
“Can you clone yourself?” I joke.
“I’ll see what I can do,” he says, exiting, and leaving me face to face with Vanessa.
“Good morning,” I say politely.
“Good morning,” she replies brusquely, setting her briefcase on the coffee table. She’s wearing a tailored black skirt that reveals long bare legs and leopard print high heels, but all I’m seeing is her lying on the bed last night, naked.
I feel myself start to harden.
And it drives me toward her.
“I’m sorry about last night,” I tell her, sweeping her into my arms and lowering my lips to hers.
At first, her body feels stiff against mine.
But as our lips touch and our tongues collide, her stance softens.
She returns my kiss with passion.
I hear Keatyn say, “Oh, um, I’ll just be in my office whenever you two are finished with your, uh, meeting.”
