She glared at him and shook her head. “I tried that one. I don’t like getting my heart broken.”
“I’m sorry for what I did.” His face flamed with heat.
She crossed her arms but behind him were moving boxes. “As you said, we moved too fast.”
His cheeks were on fire. How had he said that to her? He’d known right away that she was special. He bowed his head. “I’m sorry for that too.”
She let out a small sigh. “Why? I prefer to hear the truth over sweet lies. And I always expected that you would break my heart.”
She lowered her arms.
“I wasn’t expecting to ever meet you, Ashley.”
“Pfft.” She turned away toward a window that was so dark he could barely make out her view of the parking garage. “Well, you won’t see me again. You can forget about me. I’m nothing like my cousin. I won’t stick around where I’m not wanted.”
Speak now. If you don’t you lose your shot. Matt placed his hands in his pockets and said, “I know you’re not. When you left I realized something.”
Her eyebrows rose. “What?” He stepped toward her and her shoulders stiffened. “Did you lose something and need my help? You’re looking at me pretty funny.”
He took her hands. “I did lose something, and you can help me.”
She crossed her arms and hovered over her half-packed boxes as she said, “Look, Jennifer once accused me of stealing something of hers for prom and my mom took her side. She eventually found the stupid bracelet, a month later, and didn’t bother to tell me. She just wore it to school after I got in trouble. I didn’t take anything if that’s where this is going.”
“You did.” He squeezed her palms. “It was absolutely you and no one else.”
She stared at him, pale beneath her tanned skin. “No.”
He pressed her hand to his chest and glanced down at her as he said, “You took my heart. I love you. I just didn’t see that until after you left. But I hurt you. I betrayed your trust and I understand if you never want to see me again.”
Color returned to her face. His skin had goosebumps but he didn’t move, afraid to startle her—finally she blinked and asked, “You love me?”
Ashley was the sweetest woman he’d ever met. He pressed his forehead to hers. “Yeah. I’ve never loved anyone before, so it’s new for me.”
Her eyelids fluttered but she didn’t pull back. “But you used me.”
“I was a fool.” He ignored the zip in his veins that only echoed how much he meant what he’d said.
Every part of him ached to kiss her.
She sucked in her lip but then stopped and met his gaze. “From now on, you’ll talk to me if you’re planning something and we’ll discuss it beforehand?”
“I swear it.” He held her closer.
A huge smile bloomed. “Good, because I love you too and I’d like to see what happens next.”
For once he had everything he ever wanted. Almost. His lips went for a kiss, but he ruined his own intention as he said, “You can move in with me.”
Her eyes narrowed. “To California?”
She hadn’t said no right away. He ached to hold her hips and kiss her senseless, but he held back and said, “Just for movie filming. I have a house here in Miami too.”
She started to nibble on her lower lip but stopped. “I’m not supposed to go near Peter or the Morgans on Starr Island. I have a contract.”
A laugh escaped his lips. If that was her objection, it wasn’t a problem. “My lawyers will take care of that. I need you with me.”
Her eyelids fluttered closed.
His blood warmed as he reached out and tugged her flush against his body.
A moment later he was in heaven as he claimed her lips in a kiss that seared his soul.
Ashley’s kiss left a warmth stronger than the soaring sensation of glowing reviews.
As it ended, she hugged him and said, “Wow.”
She laughed and the sound made his heart grow bigger than the Grinch’s had in the book or movie.
The boxes around them and the living area that had nothing in it made his skin jumpy. He tugged at her to head to the door. “What do I need to help you with so we can leave here?”
She turned around in her small apartment and said, “I’ve pretty much put everything in boxes already.”
He took out his phone and sent a voice text. “Security, I’ll need you to move some boxes. I’ll text the addresses.”
Holding her hand, he rushed to the door. She yanked hers free. “We said we’d talk about that.”
They needed to settle quite a few things, he knew that, but first he needed to touch her again. Everywhere. He winked and laid on the charm. “Look, I have an unexpected two-week vacation and I see you have New York and Hawaii on your map. So we need to get on my jet and we can talk about where you’d like to go first.”
She pressed her hand to her heart. “Vacation?”
Good. Yes. Her and a beach were exactly what they both needed. “I want to show you that life with me is better than ever being alone, again.”
“Lead the way.” She picked up her pocketbook.
Perfect. With Ashley he now had a chance at a happy life for real and not just a pretend one for a film. She was real and made him see himself in the mirror, not just the pantomime where he only lived to please a crowd. Until he’d met her, he’d thought only other people had the secrets to happiness. But now anything was possible.
Chapter 18
Ashley fixed her new diamond stud earrings she’d bought herself in the diamond district of New York last week.
The past two weeks had been amazing but so was returning to Matt’s house in Hollywood.
She had money to spend but rarely bought anything. As Matt’s official new girlfriend it was time to buy something she could wear for any occasion and look fabulous.
As she walked down the flight of stairs, she saw Matt drinking the coffee she’d made for him earlier and watching the delivery truck from his living room windows in his estate.
Yeah! Her shoulders grew lighter as she realized her stuff had finally arrived from Miami. She headed toward the door from the bottom step to the foyer, but Matt wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight. “Ashley, the movers will handle everything.”
In her past life, she was in charge of the arrangements.
She relaxed as she saw Medina, now in black pants and a white shirt for her uniform instead of the Victorian like skirt, outside with the movers. The housekeeper would take good care of things.
Ashley turned in Matt’s arms and nodded. “Medina looks happy.”
He winked at her and she pulled back so as not to wrinkle his nice blue shirt he wore today, tucked into designer jeans. “We have two full-time housekeepers who will keep the house in tip-top shape. We’re running late.”
Fair. She grabbed the white pocketbook she’d bought in New York as well and checked that her white ballet slippers were spotless. “I still feel strange meeting with your agent and then heading to the studio with you. I don’t have anything to do there.”
He held her hand and led her outside, away from the moving truck. “Andy wanted to meet you and thank you in person.”
“For what?” she asked as he handed her the helmet.
He hid his face under his own helmet and said, “He’ll tell you.”
Okay. This was the life she’d chosen. The life she wanted. She hopped on the back of his motorcycle and hugged him.
Matt’s strong shoulders blocked most of the wind, except the sting of her flying hair out of the helmet that creating kept her on the edge of her seat, waiting for more adrenaline.
A few minutes later he stopped by a posh black iron fence for a garden cafe on Rodeo Drive and tossed the keys to the valet.
The keys clinked into the other man’s palms like he did this all the time.
She rolled her shoulders to pretend she still wasn’t star-struck at the valet, though this time the actor�
�s name wasn’t on the tip of her tongue and she couldn’t remember her name. He’d played a doctor on TV ten years ago, but Matt acted like he knew the guy so she smiled as they passed.
They went inside, Matt’s hand on her lower back, as he guided her through the crowd to a gray-haired gentleman with a tan a little too dark for it to be natural. Matt held her chair for her and she settled into the seat, then he took the one next to her. The man they were meeting said, “I wish my best client didn’t try to ruin his career with risk-taking.”
“Hello.” She offered her hand to shake his, and Matt introduced them. “Andy, this is Ashley.”
“Hello, beautiful.” He kissed her knuckles instead.
For an older man, Andy clearly charmed people which must be how he worked well as an agent. She pulled her chair closer. “Hi.”
The waiter handed them menus. Andy ignored the interruption and said, “Glad you can both be here today. Matt, I have great offers.”
Matt waited until they were alone and asked, “What?”
Andy glistened like he had some sort of eye drop he needed to wipe. She stared, fascinated. Did all Hollywood agents have the charm of actors on TV? He said, “First, we have what you wanted.”
“The franchise?” Matt held her chair at their table by the window.
Yeah! She squeezed his hand. He had what he wanted. Perfect. Ashley couldn’t be happier for him.
“You’ll be the spy the world loves. I knocked it down to four movies with three more optioned depending on box office sales.”
Matt’s knee brushed against hers under the table. “Great. I can’t wait to read the first script.”
The waiter returned and she ordered a chicken salad made with olives. Once it was just the three of them again, Andy said, “Speaking of scripts. I think I have one for you that could be an Oscar winner I want to talk to you about.”
Interesting.
Her ears perked as she waited. Matt stilled and asked, “What script?”
“It’s a modern day Godfather meets Beauty and the Beast.” His chest puffed out.
Without meaning to, Ashley broke in and said, “In the Godfather the romance ends with his lies.”
Andy nodded at her. “True, but in this story the romance saves the CEO banker from the biggest mistake that could get him arrested in Wall Street Scandals.”
CEO banker. Like Matt’s father.
Her lips thinned—she knew how much he didn’t want to be that man, not even to pretend.
Matt said, “Romances don’t win Oscars.”
Andy folded his hands on the table. “The part seems to be written for you. I wanted you to read the script.”
Matt met her gaze. She nodded at him and hoped he’d at least think about changing his stance on the matter. His father was dead. He was not that man.
Matt tugged his ear and then asked, “A banker?”
“Yes.”
Matt ran his hands through his longer hair and looked into her eyes. “Ashley, do you think I should?”
Boy band photographers wished their clients gave them that stare for the cameras. Ashley’s heart warmed as she said, “Yes. I think it’s time.”
“Then I’ll read it.” Matt squeezed her hand.
Andy gave her a high five like they’d tag-teamed this together, when she wouldn’t do such a thing. “I knew I liked your girl.”
Well, if it wasn’t for Andy, she might not have Matt now thanks to the fake-girlfriend ruse. Matt brushed his knee against hers but folded his hands on the table as he asked, “Andy, you ran a studio before you became an agent. Can you explain to Ashley about set design?”
The waiter brought three plates, and he placed her chicken salad in a green pita in front of her as Andy asked, “Doesn’t the movie you’re working on now need a new set designer?”
“I’m not ready for that.” Ashley picked up her pita once the waiter left.
She ate her food as Andy explained the job. “Look, a set designer can use computers to sketch out the plans for the director, reads the scripts, budgets the buys, discusses the final look with the director, attends meetings, rehearsals, and film sessions. And oftentimes there is the craft of actually building. Most people have a degree in design, interior design, or set design.”
Interesting. She wiped her lips with her cloth napkin. “I have a degree in interior design that I never used.”
Andy snapped his fingers like he’d solved a world problem. “Let me talk to the production designer on Matt’s film. I think there’s an opening for an apprentice.”
Her mind raced. Agents worked on percentages and commissions. “Do I have to pay you for that?”
Andy shook his head. “Not at all. You keep Matt happy. It’s good to check it out to see if you like it, with hands-on experience.”
True. Her heart pounded but she liked this idea.
In college, she’d liked setting a room. In a movie she could do it all the time and help create ambiance. “Thanks, Andy.” She turned toward Matt and said, “So I didn’t need to talk to Brandon, after all.”
Matt finished his blackened chicken and put his silverware down. “Once you work your way up to production designer, then you’re working with the director.”
A laugh escaped her throat. She wasn’t ready for that. She wasn’t ready for anything that meant she was in charge. Not yet. “I’m just happy to try this plan.”
Andy’s phone rang and he left cash over the bill, excusing himself from the table.
It must be important to leave his new super star. Matt moved his chair so it was just the two of them and then he kissed the tip of her fingers. “You don’t have to. I’m happy that you’re with me. You don’t have to do anything.”
She scooted closer as she didn’t want anyone to hear her, but said, “I’d be bored just sitting at home. Besides, making things pretty can be fun.”
He tilted his head like he was trying to talk her out of it. “Movie sets are temporary.”
“Then it’s perfect.” She squeezed his forearm. “And I get to come home with you.”
This time that smile of his that sold tickets beamed solely for her as he traced her arm. “Let’s go home.”
Goosebumps grew all over her body. She’d been his multiple times now, but still everything was awesome as she stood up with him and said, “I thought you needed to go to work.”
He ran his hands up and down her lower back like he wanted her, too, and said, “Tomorrow. Tonight we’re celebrating living together and getting that role.”
“With wine.” She imagined the perfect afternoon, with the pair of them enjoying the evening air of Beverly Hills and the garden that now had a pretty patio for dinners outside.
She’d picked out the table yesterday. As the valet went for the motorcycle, her clutch purse buzzed. Matt said, “Your phone is ringing.”
Strange? She retrieved it and glanced at the caller ID. “It’s Jennifer.”
“You should answer,” Matt said. The valet returned with his motorcycle so he went to thank the man and give him a tip.
Ashley had fallen for family guilt for years instead of chasing after her own happiness, but it had been two weeks of silence. She answered her phone. “Jennifer, I said I don’t want to talk.”
Jennifer’s words came quick like she thought Ashley might hang up on her, which had crossed her mind, “I wanted to leave you a message, at least, thanking you and Matt.”
Matt returned and took her hand. Ashley pressed the button and said, “I’m putting you on speaker. Why are you thanking us?”
Jennifer spoke loud enough for everyone on the street to hear her. “Because Anthony and I officially just signed custody agreements. It’s over now.”
“What’s over?” She turned the volume down.
There was no reason to blast this news across all of Rodeo Drive.
Jennifer continued in her more normal tone, “How Cosimo will be raised. You and Matt helped us come to an amicable arrangement.”
; Matt motioned with his head to the bike and she followed, accepting her helmet. She said, “Jennifer, we’ll talk later.”
“Do you mean that?” her cousin asked.
“Yeah, I guess.” Ashley hung up the phone and closed her pocketbook to settle on the backseat of the motorcycle.
Matt hopped on. “Why did you hang up on her?”
She squeezed his shoulder. “She’s not my friend, though she is family. Today, we matter more.”
“Let’s go home.” He lowered the visor on his helmet.
The wind brushed against her as they headed back to his house.
Ashley at last had a home, a man she loved, a job, and everything she’d ever wanted that until now she hadn’t really believed possible.
With Matt, she had her fairy tale.
Chapter 19
Ashley’s rubber gloves ensured she left no fingerprint on the movie set.
She moved the coffee maker and replaced it with a ceramic tea pot for a nice oven shot of a kitchen behind a faux concert stage for the movie.
The scene Matt filmed was supposed to be the scene where he told his bandmates that he loved Emily, and they all gave him a hard time about bringing a woman on tour.
Matt had assured her the movie was nothing like his brother and his band, who had supported Axel finding love—but the tea pot gave a better sense of people who were bonded rather than a cold plastic machine.
Matt called out from the hall, “Ashley, we have three days—let’s go.”
True. The entire cast and crew were taking the weekend off because the director had some sort of emergency. Still, the small steps took the most time. She set up porcelain tea cups instead of paper to make the scene warmer and more heartfelt.
She moved a cup to the left an inch. “I’m almost done. Give me one more minute.”
“What are you doing?” Matt leaned on the counter beside her.
In the scene he’d be picking one of these up when his bandmates joined him in a second family scene.
They would also film a scene where Eva would fall into a tub of glitter. Next week’s set was already playing out in her mind and as she finished arranging the cups. “Would a rock star prefer a purple or blue glitter?”
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