by Stacy-Deanne
“Shit. Sierra?”
She sashayed out the office.
“Let me explain.” He ran after her. “You got the wrong idea.”
“You cast a woman who you’ve had a crush on for years in your movie and she hasn’t acted a day in her life.” She stopped, snapping her head toward him. “What don’t I get about that, Hugh?”
“But, it’s the best thing for the movie.”
“Save it.” She flashed him her palm and kept walking.
Hugh turned around, bumping into a gofer.
“Mr. Macintosh, Sir,” the pimple-faced young man greeted him. “Is there something you need?”
“Yeah.” He watched Sierra exit the entrance doors. “I need a manual on how to deal with women.”
The gofer grinned. “Don’t we all?”
****
A Week Later
In his black, Ralph Lauren sharkskin suit, Hugh glided across Ian’s crowded ballroom as the party guests got their groove on to the smooth sounds of the black saxophonist.
Gabrielle grinned from ear-to-ear as Felix twirled her. His hands roaming body parts Hugh longed to touch.
He ditched his plan to interrupt, went to the bar in the back of the room, and ordered a scotch.
“Hey.” Warner slapped Hugh’s back, causing Hugh to dribble liquor on his suit. “Sorry about that.”
The bartender handed Hugh a tissue.
Hugh dabbed the spot. “Don’t worry about it.”
Warner ordered a glass of champagne and took a suave sip. “I would ask if you’re okay.” He checked out a busty blonde-haired woman who swiveled her hips to the music. “But, your face tells the whole story.”
“Is it that obvious?”
Felix twirled Gabrielle around, the ends of her dress rising.
“You haven’t been able to take your eyes off Gabby all night,” Warner said. “I can’t blame you. She’s the most beautiful woman in here.”
Gabrielle’s blue fringe dress rose to her thighs as she gyrated her magnificent body. Her long, wavy ponytail swung left and right.
“She’s killing me,” Hugh spoke with his mouth on the rim of the glass. “How could you let her come with Felix?”
“I had nothing to do with it.” Warner lowered his glass. “Gabby does what she wants.”
“Yeah, but Felix?” Hugh scrunched his face. “Of all people she shows up here with my archenemy? The man’s built a career out of tearing down every movie I’ve ever made. I think he’s jealous of me or something.”
Warner snickered. “You can’t take criticism.”
“I don’t mind professional criticism, but that man has it in for me. I can’t believe Ian invited him here.”
“Felix is one of the biggest film journalists in the world.” Warner smiled at a passing brunette woman. “It’s a good thing to let Felix get some early insight into Fatal Honor. He loves Ian’s work so he’ll like this one too.”
“Not with me directing it.” Hugh put his hand in his pocket. “I could direct Jesus’ rebirth and Felix would hate it.”
Warner laughed. “Cheer up. It’s supposed to be a party.”
“I fucked up with Gabby.” Hugh started to sip from his glass but hesitated. “I gotta make it up to her, but she won’t even talk to me.”
“Where’s your girlfriend?”
Hugh caught Warner’s sarcastic tone. “Why did you say it like that?”
“What?” He sipped, eyebrow raised. “I just asked where Sierra is.”
“I don’t know.” Hugh shrugged off the question without an ounce of care. “Somewhere around here.”
Gabrielle whispered in Felix’s ear then they parted ways.
Hugh set his glass on the table. “See you, Warner.”
“Um...”
Hugh took off after Gabrielle.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Gabrielle strolled across the multi-colored walkway and entered Ian’s cedar-framed gazebo decorated with white lights.
She sat on the red futon of the matching 4-piece set, took her shoes off and reclined.
Hugh rushed inside. “Thought you could avoid me all night?”
“Leave me alone.” She got her shoes and attempted to leave, but he stayed against the door. “Move.”
“No.”
“Get out of my way or I’ll scream.”
“Good luck having them hear you above the music and hundreds of guests.”
She pushed him, but she might as well had thrown a grape at him for the good it did. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because you won’t talk to me.”
She threw down her silver pumps. “You think trapping me in here will make me talk?”
“No, but it’ll make you listen because you won’t have a choice.”
She plopped on the futon, crossing her legs.
“It’s been a week since we spoke, Gabrielle.” He sat beside her, and she scooted away. “You can’t ignore me forever.”
“I told you I had no intentions of dealing with you until we film the movie and I meant it.”
“All of this because I acted a fool in my office? I said I was sorry. What do you want me to do? Cut my wrist and do a blood sacrifice? What?”
“I want you to leave me alone.”
“What’s this with you and Felix?”
His passion fruit cologne drove her crazy. “What?”
“Warner said you two are friends. How did you meet him?”
“Why are you asking me all these questions?” The fringe of her dress tickled her thighs. “Don’t you have a girlfriend?”
“It killed me seeing you dancing with Felix. Watching him touch you like I want to.”
She shrugged. “Too bad, so sad.”
“I want to be alone with you.”
“You are alone with me.”
His gaze latched onto her naked shoulder. “We need to talk—”
“Hugh, I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“You can’t stay mad at me forever.”
“This isn’t about what you said in your office.”
“Then why are you mad?”
She stood, leaning over him. “I hate that you’re making me doubt all the things I initially felt about you.”
“All those things were wrong, Gabby. Don’t you see? You’re in love with me and being stubborn won’t stop it from happening.” He rose, taking her waist. “Come to my place tonight.”
“No, hell no.”
“Okay.” He snickered, touching her lips. “I’ll come to yours.”
“No.”
“Ditch Felix.” He slid his hands over her backside. “Come with me right now.” He sucked her ear, dampening the lobe. “Let’s put this fire out once and for all.”
“No...” She held onto his arms. “Hugh—”
“You want me?” He kissed her neck, leaving a trace of wetness that spawned a fabulous sensation in her neck. “Let’s go or we can do it right here. It would be exciting, wouldn’t it?” He moved his tongue toward her cleavage.
Her body not allowing her to fight it any longer, she grabbed Hugh’s head and took his lips between hers.
“Mm.” He clenched her buttocks and the feeling swept to her toes.
She teased his mouth with a light kiss then slipped her tongue inside, tasting the scotch on his breath.
“Yes, Gabby,” he mumbled as she controlled his mouth. “That’s it. Give in. I love you, honey. Let me prove it to you.”
Just as that raging passion swelled within her, she let go of his mouth, panting afterward.
“What?” Her plumb lipstick covered Hugh’s lips. “For god’s sake, don’t stop.” He opened his mouth to receive another kiss, but she moved. “Come here.” He grinned. “I can’t take more teasing.”
“Did you enjoy that kiss?”
“What do you think?” He wiped her lipstick away. “I need more though.”
She pivoted from his grasp. “I hope that kiss was all you dreamt of because that’s the only
time it’ll happen.”
“What?”
It killed her to look into those confused, puppy dog eyes and hurt him but she had to do it.
“Gabby, what is this?”
“It’s me scratching an itch.” She got her shoes and went to the door. “Me getting you out of my system once and for all.”
“You can’t kiss me and act like it’s nothing.”
“I didn’t say it was nothing—”
“Then what the fuck is it?” he shouted. “I’m tired of games. Why can’t we be together?” He kicked the futon. “Why not?”
“Because...” She swallowed, catching her breath. “I don’t trust—”
“You can trust me. Give me a chance to prove it.”
“I meant myself, Hugh.” She opened the door. “I don’t trust myself with you.”
“What the hell does that even mean?”
“Felix is waiting for me.” She exited the gazebo and ran across the yard.
“You can’t run from us and you can’t run from yourself!”
Hugh’s words rang in her ears as she entered the side door of the mansion.
“Gabrielle?” Warner stood in the dim corridor beside Ian’s glass case of movie awards he’d won including his two Oscars and three Golden Globe awards.
“What are you doing lurking in corners?”
“You look flustered.” He shifted in her direction in his black, Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo suit with a white bow tie. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing.” She lowered her voice in case anyone else observed the conversation. “I needed a breather.”
He swallowed, his neck rippling. “What did Hugh do to you?”
“Nothing.” She slipped into her shoes. “Why are you being so suspicious?”
He assumed a regal pose. “It’s my job to protect you, and that’s what I’m gonna do.” He pushed at the side door to go out.
“Wait.” She pulled on his arm. “Nothing happened. Why are you being like this?”
“He made a pass at you, didn’t he? What happened to your lipstick?”
“Warner—”
“Since you don’t want to tell me what happened then maybe he will.”
“You have something to say?” She stood against the door. “Do you have feelings for me other than friendship? Hugh seems to think so.”
He guffawed, but it wasn’t convincing. “Is that the game he’s playing now?”
“You haven’t answered the question.” Her dress swayed when she moved from the door. “You’re acting like a jealous boyfriend.”
“This isn’t about me. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“Listen.” He manhandled her. “You can’t fall for his words.”
“Warner, let me go.”
“You think you’re different than all the other women to Hugh, but you’re not.” His champagne breath coasted toward her face. It’s a game.”
“Let me go, Warner. What the hell’s the matter with you?”
Hugh came in and pushed Warner off Gabrielle. “What the hell are you doing?”
Gabrielle rubbed her throbbing arms, catching the wild look in Warner’s eyes. “That’s what I’m wondering.”
Hugh stood in front of Warner, pointing to Gabrielle. “Where you get off grabbing her like that?”
“It’s none of your damn business.”
“It is my business,” Hugh said. “She’s my lead actress, and I need to make sure she’s okay and that nothing jeopardizes her being in the film.”
“This has nothing to do with your damn film.” Warner pulled at the sleeve of his jacket. “This is all a part of your master plan to finally get in between Gabrielle’s legs.” He scoffed at her. “Looks like she might let you too.”
Gabrielle clutched the top of her dress. “How dare you, Warner?”
Hugh poked Warner in the chest. “You’re too much of a pussy to tell Gabrielle the truth but you want her for yourself. Let’s put it all out in the open right now.”
“Hugh, don’t.”
“No, let’s do it, Gabrielle. I mean aren’t you curious too? Warner can’t stand the thought of us being together and I wonder why.”
Warner got face-to-face with him. “I won’t let you ruin Gabby’s life.”
“You’re a two-faced hypocrite.” Hugh shoved him into Ian’s gold, floor statue of Aphrodite.
“Come on then.” He lunged at Hugh, fist high.
“Stop it.” Gabrielle jumped between them. “We’re at Ian Delfino’s place. You can’t disrespect his party by acting like morons.” She pushed Warner while pulling at Hugh’s blazer. “Don’t do this!”
“Friends?” Hugh sweated. “I doubt we were ever friends in the first place if Warner can turn on me.”
“I’m the one who should be suspect of your so-called friendship, Hugh.” Warner huffed and puffed. “For all I know you were friends with me just to get with Gabrielle.”
“What goes on between Gabby and me is none of your business.”
Warner moved, bumping Gabrielle. “Gabrielle made it my business. You can have any woman you want so leave her alone.”
“Ooh, you’re lucky we’re at this party and that the press is here.” Hugh straightened his jacket. “From now on, save the fake ass friendship and keep my name out your mouth. You got something to say next time, say it in my face and not to Gabrielle.”
“Don’t worry.” A line of sweat escaped Warner’s brow. “If I never mention your name again, it’ll be too soon.”
“Hugh’s right,” Gabrielle interjected. “This isn’t your business.”
“You made it my business.”
“I shouldn’t have done that. Nothing’s going on between Hugh and me.” She avoided Hugh’s seductive stare. “But, Warner, our friendship is in jeopardy now. I’m appalled at your behavior.”
“My behavior?” He scowled. “You’re hot and cold, Gabby. One minute you hate Hugh and the next you’re kissing him in the gazebo.”
She and Hugh glanced at each other and looked away.
“Yeah, like I wouldn’t notice your lipstick on his mouth?” Warner gestured at Hugh’s face. “Might wanna clean that off before Sierra sees it.”
“Go on, Warner,” Hugh said. “Be man enough to admit you want Gabrielle and stop hiding behind this friend bullshit.”
“I’m coming from a place of unselfishness here,” he said. “He’s twisting this.”
Gabrielle rubbed her elbow, studying the frustration in his eyes. “I think you’re in love with me, Warner. Aren’t you?”
“Fuck this.” He passed her, rolling his eyes. “From this point on I don’t give a damn what either of you do.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Sierra entered the engraved, pocket doors of Ian’s Victorian parlor.
Ian and Dash laughed it up with members of the press, but the press’ amusement switched to groans and awkwardness when they noticed her.
“Am I interrupting something?” Sierra tucked her strapless purse underneath her arm.
“Not where I’m standing.” Dash shined in a white, linen blazer trimmed in black. “You look great.” His eyes flickered. “As usual.”
She caressed the side of her knee-length, silver, metallic dress. “Thanks.”
Ian half-smiled. “Dash and I were doing a quick promo spot for Fatal Honor.”
“Sierra Delfino.” The man with the bushy, 80’s mullet, walked from behind Dash and kissed her hand. “Arnold Hayes. I’m a new reporter with Star Weekly Magazine.” He whipped out a card and handed it to her. “Big fan of yours. Love all your movies, and might I add you’re even more beautiful in person?”
“Thanks.”
“Hopefully, I can get an interview before the party ends.” Arnold smiled. “Would love to know what you’re working on.”
She gave a slight smile. “That might be possible.”
“Is there something you needed, Sierra?” Ian asked.
“I
’d like to wish you happy birthday in private.” She smiled. “If that’s not too much to ask.”
Ian stood from the burgundy sofa, which elevated the vintage color scheme of burnt orange and sienna. “Certainly.” He displayed a tense smile while dismissing the press.
Dash brushed against Sierra on his way out. “I want to speak to you later.”
She whispered back, clenching her teeth. “I’ve got nothing to say to you, Dash.”
“We’ll see.” He faced her as he backed out the doors.
Ian planted his size 13 feet on that tacky, orange and red rug, she always hated. “Well.” His black suit slenderized him somewhat. “Wish me happy birthday.”
“You can’t even be cordial on your birthday?”
He moved to the other side of the table, the tall centerpiece reaching his waist. “I don’t wanna get into anything with you, Sierra.” His frown deepened.
“Is that why you didn’t invite me?”
“You’re my daughter. You don’t need an invitation.”
“Come off it, Dad.” She stomped toward him.
He turned away, sighing.
“With the way things have been between us, I’m supposed to assume you want me here?”
“Well, you came didn’t you? What’s the problem?”
“Yeah, I came and put up with being looked down upon and ignored the entire night.”
He sat at the desk by the television, scratching his nose.
“Then what do I witness? You praising Gabrielle Montane like she’s the Virgin Mary.”
He dropped his hands. “You’re pathetic.”
“You were kissing her ass like everyone else does.” Her stomach turned. “Made me sick to watch you, Hugh, and the press hang on to her every word.”
“She was giving her first interview about the movie. That’s why I invited the press.”
“You know damn well she doesn’t belong in that movie. She can’t even act.”
“Actually, she’s pretty good. She did a run at the studio for me the other day. Miss Montane’s no Meryl Streep but neither are you.”
“I’m a trained actress and she’s never even been in an infomercial.”
“And, no one cares. Sierra, this is how the world is now. It’s about people who can fill the movie theaters whether they’re seasoned acting pros or not.” He curled his fingers into a loose fist. “Why don’t you go on about your business?”