“I’m not that big of a catch,” she said, shrugging.
“I beg to differ. Wait and see. After tonight everyone is going to wonder who you are. People will be crawling out of the woodwork to find out everything about you. By tomorrow morning your entire life is probably going to be splashed across some headline.”
Horror clouded her features, and she paled dramatically. “Are you serious?”
Leaning closer, I watched her with concern. “Are you all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I slipped my hand into hers, squeezing gently.
“I . . . I forgot to tell my parents what I was doing tonight. In all the excitement of getting ready for everything it slipped my mind.” She seemed truly panicked.
“It’s okay, Aubrey, really. I know you feel out of your element right now, but I meant what I said earlier. I’ll make sure you’re safe. If you’d like you can call them right now.”
“I didn’t think this through,” she continued on, still sounding hysterical. “I didn’t consider the implications it would mean to the rest of my family. I can’t do this.”
I wasn’t sure what was the matter, but it was easy to see she was truly terrified. “Fine,” I said, desperate to reassure her. “Then we’ll turn the car around and I’ll take you home, if you’re that worried. I can’t go to the event without you, so I’ll tell Penelope or Luke to call the studio and try to smooth things over with them.”
“No!” Aubrey interrupted sharply. “No,” she added, quieter. “I’m sorry. I’m just having a slight panic attack. I agreed to do this. I won’t put your job in jeopardy.” She took several deep breaths, slowly releasing them.
“Tell me what’s upsetting you, specifically. Maybe I can help.” I’d never seen her so flustered.
“Z, we’re almost to the carpet,” Penelope’s voice crackled over the speaker, as was our tradition for these events. I wondered if she thought I was back here banging Aubrey, as I had so many other nameless, faceless girls in the past. Suddenly I didn’t feel too proud about all that.
Ironically, I hadn’t had any drugs, alcohol, or sex today, and yet I still seemed to be having the best time I ever had in the back of a limo. It made me wonder what the rest of the night would hold.
“Showtime,” I said, smiling at Aubrey. “Are you ready?”
She shook her head. “Not even a little, but I’ll manage. Promise me one thing.”
“Anything.”
“Before we go back tonight, I need to speak with you about something . . . something really important. I just want to have some uninterrupted time with you to talk about . . . our past together.”
That sounded a little ominous, but the car was already rolling to a halt and there was no time to press her further. “I promise. But for now, it’s time to show the world my gorgeous date.”
Glancing at the door as it opened, she squeezed my hand. “I’ll try to do my best.”
“You’ll be perfect.”
Releasing her, I slid from the vehicle, and the crowd roared its approval the moment I stepped out. Cameras by the dozens clicked in a mad frenzy around me as I did my traditional straightening of my tie and slipped into character. Turning back to the car, I offered my hand to the vision of loveliness sitting just inside.
A collective gasp went up from the onlookers as Aubrey stepped from the vehicle, her Dominic Florin gown falling perfect around her feet. As predicted, everyone shifted to get a closer look and I couldn’t help my pleased smile.
“Who’s your date, Z?” someone shouted as the cameras clicked away, blinding me as usual, and several others echoed the question.
As we’d decided earlier, I tried to keep things casual. “This is a dear friend of mine, Aubrey.” If they wanted to know more about her, they were going to have to dig for it themselves.
“Aubrey, how’d you meet Z?”
“What’s your last name, Aubrey?”
“How does it feel to be out with Hollywood’s most eligible bachelor?”
“Who are you wearing?”
“Dominic Florin,” Aubrey replied as if on cue, smiling beautifully as the bodyguards pushed the crowd back, allowing us through so we could stroll the carpet.
Penelope appeared beside us, guiding us along our way. “You’ll be stopping at the Glitz stand to speak with Margo Tamson again. The media has been prepped and told that they’re not allowed to ask you about the indecent exposure charges since the case is still open and sentencing hasn’t happened yet. Everything else is fair game though.”
Shit! I’d forgotten all about my last encounter with Margo and the fact that I’d be seeing her here tonight. This was going to be a bit awkward, I was afraid.
I nodded. “Got it.” Still holding Aubrey’s hand, I waved and smiled at the crowds as I led Aubrey up on the platform, praying for the best.
“Z McCartney, everyone!” Margo said with her microphone and the crowd cheered loudly as I waved. Turning to me she continued. “I have to say, you’ve caused a lot of speculation lately. Everyone has been wondering where you disappeared to.” Her eyes had a hard glint to them. She was angry about Aubrey, though I wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t like I’d promised her marriage. I had promised her another hook up though. I’d completely forgotten.
Laughing, I slipped easily into my alter-persona, ready to schmooze the masses. “Yeah, I heard about all that. I had no idea my life was such a big deal,” I easily lied. I knew my life was a very big deal to a lot of people.
“Can you tell us where you’ve been the last several days?” Margo tipped the microphone back to me, and I knew she was trying to get back at me by making me as uncomfortable as possible.
Two could play this game. Glancing at Aubrey, I grinned. “Getting reacquainted with an old friend.”
Margo stared at Aubrey with a smile, though it was faltering a bit as she struggled to keep it in place. “Well, we can certainly see why you’d want to do that. Your date is a vision. What’s your name and who are you wearing, dear?” Margo asked, turning the microphone to Aubrey.
“Thank you. My name is Aubrey, and my lovely dress is made by Dominic Florin,” Aubrey stated, smiling and looking as cool as a cucumber, even though I could feel her hand trembling in mine.
“Lucky girl! I’m sure there are many ladies here wishing they could be wearing Dominic Florin. I must say it suits you well.”
I leaned forward. “Nothing but the best for the best.” I wanted Margo to know that there was nothing going on between her and me anymore.
Eyes flitting between the two of us, I knew she was trying to ascertain what exactly was going on between us. “Are the two of you dating?”
“We are tonight.” I answered easily. “As for future dates, that’s up to Aubrey, but I’m game.”
Aubrey flashed me a nervous smile, and I knew I’d put her on the spot in front of the whole world, but I was willing to do whatever I had to do to keep her in my life.
“What about it?” Margo asked, choking slightly on the question. “Are you up for a second date?”
I had to do my best not to laugh. What else could she say?
Glancing at me, I thought I noticed her eyes glistening, as if they were a little teary. “I couldn’t imagine dating anyone else,” she said smoothly, but I didn’t fail to notice she hadn’t actually said yes.
“Move it along,” I whispered into Penelope’s ear wanting to get out of here. “Aubrey seems upset.”
“Last question,” Penelope said without hesitation.
“Rumors state your next picture, Soldier Force, has been delayed for production. Is this true?”
“It is. There were still a few details we needed to get squared away, but production will be back on track in a few short weeks. I’m excited and ready to get started.”
“Time to go,” Penelope said, staring at Margo.
“Will you both be at the after party tonight at the Roosevelt Hotel?” Margo asked, squeezing one more question in.
“We plan to atte
nd all the festivities tonight,” I replied.
“Wonderful, we’ll try to catch up with the two of you again there. Mr. Hollywood, everyone! He’s alive and well!”
God, I hoped not. The last thing I wanted was more conversation with Margo while Aubrey was standing right there.
The crowd cheered its approval as Penelope ushered us forward and down the steps of the platform.
“How’d you end up with that moniker, by the way?” Aubrey asked, leaning closer so I could hear her.
“Mr. Hollywood?” I questioned, just to be sure we were talking about the same thing, and she nodded. “Mr. Hollywood Magazine ran a contest a few years ago where readers could vote for their favorite actors to receive the title of Mr. Hollywood. I guess I won the vote by a landslide. People took notice and started calling me that. It just sort of stuck.”
“It must feel like a lot to live up to.” Her words struck me as odd, but I didn’t get a chance to ask her about them.
“Time for pictures,” Penelope said, guiding us toward a particular strip of carpet where photographers were lined up to capture the latest fashions the stars were wearing.
“Mr. McCartney! Who’s your gorgeous date?” someone shouted again as we stepped in front of the lenses and blinding white lights flashed all around us.
“How about I just step out of the way and let you get pictures of the real star here tonight.” Releasing Aubrey’s hand, I gently pushed her forward into the limelight. She shot me a half second look of desperation, before smiling widely and letting everyone take her picture.
“I can’t see,” she said after about thirty seconds of posing, holding her hand out, and I took it in mine, tucking it in the crook of my arm. We continued along together, making our way farther down the carpet and I felt inordinately pleased that she’d reached out for me.
“It helps to try and stare above the cameras, so you aren’t looking directly at them.”
“Now you tell me.” She gave a short laugh. “I really can’t see a damn thing.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” And if she were willing, I’d never let her go. Just the short time I’d been with her tonight was some of the happiest moments I’d felt in . . . well, in about ten years.
“Kiss her!” someone shouted and everyone laughed. Happily, I obliged them, placing a kiss on the side of her cheek as she blushed prettily.
“I hope that was okay,” I whispered next to her ear.
“Perfectly fine,” she replied, her hand tightening on my arm.
“You’re doing great, by the way. We’re almost halfway down the carpet now. Just a couple more interviews and some signings with the crowd and we will be done.”
“Do your thing,” she said with a smile. “I’m just here for the ride.”
Immediately my body reacted, putting an entirely different spin on her words. My earlier musings over my previous time with her were still burning too hot in my imagination. Thank goodness for my suit coat.
Even so, I couldn’t help my smile. I was pretty sure this was the best night I’d ever had on the Red Carpet. I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the evening unfolded.
“Mr. Hollywood, Z McCartney Stuns All with His Red Carpet Appearance Amidst Swirling Rumors.”
~Hype~
Chapter Eleven
Aubrey
“Here you go,” Penelope said, shoving two champagne glasses into our hands the moment we stepped into the glitz and glamour of the after party. “It’s sparkling cider, so drink to your heart’s content. We are trying to keep up appearance and stave off speculation. All I ask is that you let me know when you want a refill. I’ll make sure you get the right stuff.”
“Thanks, Penny. You’re the best,” Zane said, smiling.
“Anything for you,” she replied with a smile, before moving off to mingle in the crowd.
It was obvious to anyone with eyes that the two of them cared a great deal for one another. I hated that it made me wonder if there had been more between them. Had Penelope ever warmed Zane’s bed? Glancing around the party, my insecurities got the better of me. There was probably a good chance that he’d bedded several of the women here.
Forcefully trying to push those thoughts from my mind, I attempted to focus on the glittering event going on around me. Clusters of people gathered together here and there visiting loudly as they tried to be heard over the thumping music. The guests were a collection of some of the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood, and I still had the desire to pinch myself, just to see if it was real.
“Anyone you want to meet while we’re here?” Zane asked, turning to me, and I noticed he still didn’t release my hand. For some reason I couldn’t force myself to pull away.
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. You’ve always been my favorite movie star.” I couldn’t help coloring even as the words left my mouth, leaving me wishing I could blame it on the drink, but knowing I couldn’t. “Although, if Sandi Lubbock is here, I’d love to meet her. She’s amazing.”
Quickly Z scanned the crowd. “I’m fairly certain she won’t be here. She rarely stays for these things anymore. She likes to hurry home now that she’s a momma.”
I could totally relate to that. In fact I was missing my little tiger right now. The best part of my day was coming home from work and getting hugs from Dustin. He made it all worthwhile. “That’s sweet of her. Kids are important.”
“Do you want kids someday?” His question completely caught me off guard.
“Um . . . of course I do,” I faltered, not sure how to answer. “Look. Could we maybe go for a drive or something? I mean, unless you need to stay at the party. There are just some things I’d like to talk to you about privately still, without any interruptions—if you don’t mind, that is. I’m just worried we might run out of time before we need to get you . . . home.” I figured that word was a better choice in case anyone was eavesdropping.
“I don’t mind at all. How would you like to go back to my place? I know the staff at Sunnybrook isn’t expecting me back until early in the morning. As long as you’re with me, I’m not breaking any rules. What do you say?”
I nodded, swallowing hard. Just the idea of being alone with him in his house felt so intimate. It scared me a little. He’d been nothing but charming tonight, on his best behavior, and despite the walls I’d erected against him, he seemed to easily be able to slip his way inside.
“Let’s find Penelope. She can call for the car.”
“She won’t be angry that we’re leaving early? I thought they wanted to interview you because you were one of the winners.”
“I did those few interviews after the show as we were leaving. That should be plenty. Let the press speculate over why I left early, toting the most beautiful woman at the party with me.”
Rolling my eyes, I shook my head. “Stop. Have you seen where we are? I’m definitely not the most beautiful woman here.”
“Are there other women here? I didn’t notice,” he replied, his eyes never leaving mine. “I’ve been completely mesmerized by the vision of loveliness beside me all evening.”
“You’re a charmer, Mr. McCartney.” Whether he was trying to be charming or not, his words pleased me way too much. I needed to keep my head—and my heart—together better.
Smiling, he shook his head, and then grew more serious. “No, I’m not. I just can’t believe I’ve been lucky enough to spend an entire evening with the girl of my dreams. Look, there’s Penelope.”
Dragging me through the crowd behind him, he maneuvered the two of us over to Penelope’s side and whispered in her ear. Glancing at me, she nodded and then disappeared.
I wasn’t really paying attention, still caught up on Zane’s previous comment about me being the girl of his dreams. It had my heart racing way too fast, and I realized that despite our tortured past, I wanted to be the girl of his dreams. Heaven knew he was still the man of mine, despite the hell he’d put us both through.
No matter how angry I??
?d been with him, he was still the one I dreamed about. I’d compared every other man I’d tried to date against him, and found them all sadly lacking. I used to fantasize that Zane would find out about Dustin, and one day come to sweep me off my feet, but as time passed, reality set in. He wasn’t coming for me. I doubted he even remembered I existed.
Then the bitterness set in, knowing it was all a pipe dream and he would never show. Of course he had no idea I’d even been living here in LA. I wondered if he’d have come for me if he knew. But I convinced myself I didn’t want him to—that he wasn’t the same guy—that he was too messed up by the seduction of the fame and glory of Hollywood.
But I was wrong. He was the same guy. Underneath the wild partier still existed the boy I’d fallen in love with—the boy I was still in love with—only he was a man now. And what a fine man he was.
Yes, he’d fallen victim to the dangers around him, but his heart was still there. It was easy to see the regret that lay hidden behind his eyes. I knew he’d change things if he could. I knew without a doubt he still had feelings for me. The real question was would he still after he found out what I’d hidden from him?
“We’re all set. Let’s go.”
I said nothing as we wove our way back through the crowd. Pausing here and there as we greeted different celebrities and several other people that I had no idea who they were. Finally, we reached the door and I could see the driver waiting beside our limo.
Zane led me to it without speaking, and helped me climb inside, following after me.
“What about Penelope?” I asked, not seeing her.
“She’s staying. The car will come back for her and take her home when she’s ready.”
“And what about us?”
“We’ll take one of my vehicles back to the facility, or call a driver to take us.”
“If we take your car, how will we get it back to your place?”
He shrugged. “I figured we could just leave it in the lot at Sunnybrook. Or better yet, you could take it home and keep it until I’m released.”
I gave a slight snort. “Yeah, I could see trying to explain that to my parents.”