Baby Surprises 7 Book Box Set

by Layla Valentine

  “Name?”

  “Juliette Dietz. I have an appointment with Albert Price and Edward Ainsworth,” she added nervously.

  The guard did not look impressed by the information. For a second, she didn’t see how that was possible, but then again, the guy worked for the biggest action and adventure studio in Hollywood. He saw full-blown stars all the time.

  The guard barely glanced at her as he handed her driver’s license back after checking the list. Apparently, Juliette was on it, and she couldn’t help the sigh of relief she gave at knowing that. This wasn’t all some weird hallucination, at least. He gave her directions to the proper lot and then ducked back into his air-conditioned booth.

  She followed the directions carefully and parked amid cars that cost more than her entire year’s rent. Her truck, whom she’d affectionately dubbed Betsy when she’d bought it second hand, looked awfully scruffy there. Juliette raised her chin and marched into the studio anyway. Her talent, or lack thereof if they didn’t like her, didn’t have anything to do with what she drove.

  She stopped outside of the door to the room and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. This was no different than going on stage. She just had to center herself. Then she’d be fine.

  Once her knees stopped feeling quite so weak, she turned the doorknob and walked into the room. Chris was already there—the two other men she had only seen in the DVD commentary section of some of her favorite films. The director, Edward Ainsworth, was an unassuming man, quiet almost to the point of seeming shy. The other man, producer Albert Price, was quiet as well. She never would have described him as shy though.

  Everything from his dark suit to the expensive watch on his wrist shouted that he was both rich and powerful. He didn’t speak when she stepped in; he simply looked her over in quiet appraisal.

  Edward smiled and gestured to a seat across the table from them. Juliette dropped into it. Her knees were shaking again.

  “I told you,” Edward said as Juliette folded her hands in her lap and waited. “She looks exactly right. She’s perfect.”

  “Thank you,” Juliette said, understanding that the compliment referred to her as a character rather than her as a person.

  “You don’t have much experience, do you?” Albert said bluntly.

  “Not when it comes to major films, no,” she answered. She could sense that Albert Price wasn’t into smoke blowing. “But I’ve acted in plays, and I’ve done several television commercials, as well as been an extra on—”

  “I’ve seen your resume,” Albert cut in with a wave of his hand. “Those things are completely different than a full-length film.”

  Juliette nodded. “Of course.”

  Edward checked his phone and suddenly pushed his chair back. “I’ve got to go, Albert. Looks like there’s a bit of trouble with one of the flights.”

  “Have your assistant deal with it,” Albert said.

  “She gets a little overwhelmed with things like this,” Edward murmured. “Fantastic with everything but flight schedules.” When Albert Price only sighed, Edward went on, nearly halfway out the door now. “If it makes you feel better, then why don’t you have her come in for an audition tomorrow? But she’s the one I want, remember that.” He gave her a smile and then hurried out of the room.

  Albert sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I’d like to go over the premise of the film and your role in it,” he said.

  Juliette leaned forward eagerly as he began to speak.

  “It’s an action film with romantic elements and for the most part, you’ll be working with the lead actor. It’s a lot of weight for an inexperienced actress to carry, frankly.”

  “Have you cast that role yet?” Chris asked as he flipped through the pages Albert had slid across the table. Juliette cast him a grateful look at his attempt to turn the conversation away from her lack of experience in big roles like this.

  “We’re auditioning for it tomorrow, too,” Albert said as he leaned back in his chair, still looking at Juliette in appraisal. “But Edward has his mind pretty much made up for the entire cast.”

  Juliette was almost positive that she heard him mutter, “Unfortunately.”

  Feeling a little stung, she leaned over to the papers Chris was holding and looked over the plot. The project was entitled “Sunset Island” and it sounded pretty interesting, with more depth than the average blockbuster. So what if the producer didn’t think that she could do it? All she had to do was prove it to him tomorrow.

  The door swung open, and a tall man walked in, cutting off her train of thought. For a second, it wasn’t only her mind that stopped in its tracks. Her lungs refused to take in air as well. Her heart, on the other hand, began working double time.

  “Did I miss him?” the man asked as he dropped down into a chair beside Juliette. “Hey there,” he went on, turning and holding out his hand. “Dominic Hawk.”

  “I—I know,” she stuttered.

  It would have been impossible for anyone even loosely connected in the industry to not know who he was. Actually, she seriously doubted that there was anyone in the country who didn’t know who he was. Even if a person never went to the movies, they would have seen his face in any number of places.

  She would have been lying if she’d said that she hadn’t studied his face a few times in the past. Now that he was right in front of her, she realized that his good looks didn’t need help from Photoshop or any type of movie magic. He really was sinfully attractive with those dark blue eyes and that golden tanned skin.

  Juliette couldn’t help but let her eyes stray to his firm jawline. It had always been one of her favorite features about him. Today there was just a hint of dark blond stubble on it, as if he’d skipped his morning shave. A sudden unbidden flash of curiosity jolted through her. She couldn’t help but wonder what that would feel like scraping over her skin.

  Just as she realized in horror that she was drifting off into a full-fledged fantasy, she felt the producer’s eyes lock on her. She straightened her back and brushed her hair back behind her ears as she made a concentrated effort to pull herself together. She’d worked with some pretty well-known people before on stage, after all. Of course, Dominic Hawk was more well-known than the average stage actor; he was at the very top of the A-list.

  He was also still holding out his hand for her to shake. God, what a first impression. Juliette shook it quickly, feeling her face heat up. He grinned at her, and she saw that the megawatt smile that crinkled the corners of his dark blue eyes was just as devastating in person as on screen.

  “Juliette Dietz,” she said, deciding to keep it simple to avoid embarrassing herself further.

  “Then you’re going to be my new co-star?” he asked.

  “I audition tomorrow,” she said, keeping her answer vague. It was better not to count on anything in this business. Even if she’d been likely to, she wouldn’t have acted overly confident in front of the producer, who was still watching her closely. The last thing she wanted him to think was that she was just another arrogant up-and-coming actress.

  Dominic chuckled and twitched his sleeves up just slightly before he took a sip of the coffee he’d brought in with him. “Yeah, me too,” he said. Apparently, he didn’t mind sounding a little arrogant. He glanced across the table and said, “But Ed’s pretty much already decided, hasn’t he?”

  “Edward isn’t the only member of this production,” Albert said.

  Juliette’s gaze swung back to the producer when she heard the tone of his voice. His jaw was clenched so tight that she could see a muscle ticking in his cheek. She was worried for a moment, but then she realized that she wasn’t included in the sudden annoyance. It was all reserved for the man sitting beside her. Dominic Hawk did not seem to care.

  “When does filming start?” he asked, raising his cup for another sip of coffee.

  “When casting is done.”

  Chris raised his head from the papers, seemingly unaware of the tension at the table. “And
when will that be?”

  As they discussed it, Juliette snuck another look at Dominic. He was looking down at his phone, texting. Another glance at Albert told her that it probably wasn’t the best thing he could be doing at the moment. He was apparently already on thin ice with the producer. What on earth was he thinking, answering texts at the table?

  That triggered the memory. A few years ago, Albert Price and Dominic Hawk had worked on a project together. Afterward, Albert had filleted Dominic in the press. He’d called him unprofessional and a mediocre talent at best. Dominic hadn’t responded except to say that there were different strokes for different folks and that he’d had fun on the project.

  “How did Ed hear about you?” Dominic asked as Chris and Albert began to talk about the time for the audition tomorrow. He slid his phone into the pocket of his jeans and turned back to her. He seemed much more willing to give her his full attention than he had been for the producer.

  Juliette wasn’t sure if she was honored or if she wanted to warn him to stop playing with fire. Then again, it wasn’t really her place. Surely he knew more about managing his own career than she did.

  “I’m not sure,” she said, glancing at Chris. “Did he say how he found me?”

  “He saw one of your plays,” Albert filled in when Chris shook his head. “He liked your southern accent. He can’t stand the fake one most actors do these days, and he thought that it would lend some charm to the character you’ll be playing in the movie. If you get the part,” he hurried to clarify.

  Juliette smiled. “Tell him that I said thank you,” she said. “If you speak to him before the audition tomorrow.”

  Albert nodded, his expression becoming a bit less frosty at her genuine appreciation. “I’ll do that.” Then, seeming to give in, he said, “The auditions really are just a formality. Unless your performance has gotten significantly worse in the past few months, the job is yours.”

  “Which means that we should probably have dinner,” Dominic said. “Since we’re going to be spending the summer together on a private island.”

  “A private…” She let the sentence trail off when Albert’s gaze narrowed on Dominic again. It might be better to answer quickly before the situation spiraled out of control.

  “Of course,” she said to Dominic. “I’d love to get to know you before we start working together.”

  “Great,” he said easily. “Give me your number. I’ll call you tonight.”

  She did as he asked, writing her number on a scrap of paper that Chris pushed over to her. Dominic slid it into his pocket and then stood up without waiting for the producer to dismiss him. The muscle was ticking in Albert’s jaw again.

  “Okay,” Dominic said. “I’ll see you later tonight, then.” He turned to the producer. “And I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Albert. Tell Ed I’m looking forward to it.”

  With that, he was gone. Juliette stood up as well when a look from the producer made it clear that she was dismissed.

  “So you’ll contact me with the time for the audition tomorrow?” she asked Chris who nodded in response. She reached for the script, but Chris held onto it.

  “I’ll email it to you,” he said. “Edward doesn’t want any paper copies floating around at the moment.”

  “Oh, okay,” she said. She’d heard that the director had that small eccentricity. “Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Price?”

  She held out her hand and Albert stood, remaining behind the big wooden table. His gaze was incredibly calculating all of a sudden. What had she done wrong? Should she have turned Dominic down? Surely the producer was too professional to let a years-old feud ruin a new project—right? Or did he think that she was trying to get into bed with her co-star?

  “Yes,” he said, his tone professionally cool once more as he shook her hand. “Have a good evening, Ms. Dietz. And please try not to be late tomorrow.”

  Chapter 3

  “How was the cab ride back?” Juliette asked when she walked into the apartment an hour later and found Tami cooking spaghetti.

  “I didn’t have to get a cab,” she said, stirring the noodles. “Jason picked me up.”

  “Oh, the guy from your studio you said was super helpful?”

  Tami nodded. “Yeah, he called about a client, and when I told him where I was, he offered. Are you hungry? I can throw some more noodles in if you are. I just got this started.”

  “No, I’m good,” Juliette said, taking the change in subject to mean that Tami didn’t want to talk about Jason. “I’m going out tonight.”

  She could hardly keep her voice steady, causing Tami’s head to snap up.

  “With who?” she demanded. “Oh my God, I didn’t even ask about the interview. Are you going out with someone from it? To one of those fancy movie parties? Tell me how it went!”

  Juliette laughed. “Okay, let me start from the beginning.”

  Tami shrieked with joy as Juliette explained that the job was pretty much hers, flinging her arms around her and squeezing tightly. Juliette hugged her back just as enthusiastically. After years and years, this really might be it—her big break!

  “But who are you going out with?” Tami asked, drawing back. “Edward Ainsworth is practically a recluse and Albert Price is married, right?”

  “Actually, my new co-star—if all of this works out—asked me to have dinner with him tonight,” Juliette said, as casually as she could manage.

  Tami waited impatiently. Juliette let the silence drag out for a moment. Then Tami whacked her with a pot holder.

  “Who is it?” she asked.

  “Dominic Hawk.”

  Tami’s reaction made the build-up worth it. “Are you kidding me?!” she asked, her voice dropping from an excited shrillness to a low shock. “Dominic Hawk? The hottest man of the year? The award-winning actor? The hottest actor out there right now?”

  “The very same,” Juliette said.

  Tami dropped down into the kitchen chair and stared at her. “I don’t even know what to say,” she said, shaking her head.

  “Your pasta is going to stick,” Juliette said.

  “Shit.” Tami jumped up and went back to the stove, stirring the noodles around briskly.

  Juliette moved around her and began to set the table. She gathered the pasta sauce and parmesan cheese and put it on the table as well.

  “Thanks,” Tami said, still stirring. “So, what’s the movie about?”

  “Good question,” Juliette said. “Chris said he would email me the plot—Edward doesn’t want copies circulating.” She opened her email and saw her agent’s name at the very top. “Here it is.”

  She opened the message and read the description aloud: “A couple meets on a cruise ship, and although they are extremely different, sparks fly between them…” She skimmed over a few details and then picked up again. “Little do they know, an asteroid is aiming on ruining their vacation. When their cruise ship capsizes in the waves, they manage to make it to the shore of an island. Slowly they come to realize that it’s like no island they’ve ever seen before. Can they unlock the mystery of the island and return to Earth or will they be trapped there forever?”

  “Sounds fun,” Tami said as she drained her pasta and walked over to the table to dump it into the bowl Juliette had placed there. “And it also sounds like a whole lot of one-on-one time with the hottie actor.”

  Juliette nodded and dropped into the chair across the table. “Yeah, it will be mostly just the two of us the whole time.” She skimmed the email some more, and her eyebrows went up. “They’ll be shooting most of it on location in Mexico.”

  “Oh wow,” Tami said. “I’m jealous.”

  “I’ve never even been outside of the U.S.,” Juliette admitted. Nerves suddenly blossomed. “What if they think I suck?”

  “They’d be wrong,” Tami said flatly. “I’ve seen you act. You don’t suck. If you did, I’d have offered you a job as my receptionist or something. I wouldn’t be letting you go out and make
a fool of yourself every day at a job you can’t do well.”

  Juliette laughed. “I appreciate that.” Then, after a pause, she said, “You follow a lot of celebrity gossip, right?”

  “More than my fair share,” Tami agreed as she shook parmesan onto her noodles.

  “What do you know about Dominic Hawk?”

  Her friend took a bite of pasta and held up one finger. “Sorry,” she said. “I know some women lose their appetites when they get pregnant, but that hasn’t happened to me. From everything I’ve read our boy is the life of the party.” She chewed another bite and, once she’d swallowed, said, “I don’t want to tell you how to live or anything, but I wouldn’t…expect too much from him.”

  Juliette tilted her head in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “Dating his co-stars is sort of his thing,” Tami said. “The relationships usually don’t even make it until the end of the movie. That’s one of the reasons that Albert Price swore he’d never work with him again—his failed relationship with the actress in one movie almost derailed the entire project. Luckily the movie did well, but if it hadn’t, I’m not sure what Price would have done. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a heads-up. So that—”

  “So the country girl doesn’t get her heart broken?” Juliette asked with a grin.

  “It wouldn’t be the first time someone has come out here with stars in their eyes and gone home broken-hearted.” Tami stuck another forkful of pasta into her mouth.

  Juliette reached out and patted her friend’s hand. “Thanks. I mean it. I’m not planning on falling in love with the guy though, so I think it will be okay.”

  “Good,” Tami said. Then her green eyes took on a wicked glint. “Now that we’ve established that, feel free to do anything else you like with him. The only stipulation is that you have to tell me all about it.”

  Juliette laughed. “Cross my heart,” she promised, just as her phone vibrated. “It’s him,” she said, opening the message.