Dreaming With A Broken Heart (Hollywood Legends #1)

by Mary J. Williams

  Garrett drove with an easy skill. The winding road could be dangerous. Especially at night. They were in no hurry, so he went at a leisurely pace, barely hitting the speed limit.

  He hated blasting the air conditioner at night, preferring the feel of the air from an open window on his face.

  “Will the breeze bother you?” Garrett knew from experience that some women did not appreciate having their hair messed up.

  “Hmm?” Jade frowned, her mind obviously a million miles away.

  “The windows. Do you mind if I open them?”

  “Oh,” she smiled. “No. Not at all. I prefer it to air conditioning.”

  Garrett returned her smile. She was a gem. Or rather, rare Jade. He chuckled at his whimsical thoughts. Lordy, he needed to get a hold of himself. Rare Jade? Where the hell had that come from?

  “Tell me what’s so funny. I could use a laugh.”

  “Smile like that again and I will tell you anything.”

  “I’ve heard the Landis brothers cornered the market on charm.” Jade’s smile widened. “This is the first time I’ve seen it in action. For once, there was no false advertising.”

  “Charm is a subjective thing, Jade.” Since they were on a straight stretch of road, Garrett spared her a brief glance. Damn, she was beautiful in the moonlight. “Other women might not enjoy my brand.”

  “I doubt you have any problem talking women around — whatever it is you want.”

  Garrett didn’t deny her words. He liked getting his way. He was good at making sure he got it. Right now, all he wanted was to give her what she needed.

  “You said you had a decision to make. How can I help?”

  “Drive. Talk.”

  “About?”

  Jade leaned her head back, her eyes closed, and sighed. “Anything. Nothing. Just talk.”

  So that’s what Garrett did. He told Jade about the last movie he made. Searching his brain, he relayed the craziest moments that at the time made him want to tear his hair out. Now, they made her smile — laugh. Every frustration became worth it when he heard that husky sound. She didn’t respond in any other way, letting him go on and on. She relaxed, though, slipping her feet from her stiletto pumps. Her hands that were once clenched fists were now open, palms up on her lap. His words, and the miles they traveled, seemingly taking her farther and farther away from her troubles.

  Garrett finished his story. He didn’t feel the need to fill the silence; instead, kept driving, enjoying the company. The summer air became sweeter the higher they traveled into the hills. He realized he didn’t do this enough. There wasn’t time. Busy schedule — busy life. There was something to be said for driving with no destination. They had no place to be. They had no reason to hurry.

  “I never do this,” Jade said quietly.

  “Go for meandering drives through the Hollywood Hills? Me neither.”

  “Well, yes.” She smiled again, not opening her eyes. “I meant I don’t take off with men I’ve just met. I don’t take off with men. Or women.”

  “What do you do?” Garrett was genuinely curious. What made getting out of bed each morning worthwhile for Jade?

  “I… exist.” She scoffed at her own words. “Wow. How overly dramatic does that sound? Poor little rich girl Jade Marlow. She lives in a mansion with servants to carry out her every whim. Designer clothes, expensive cars. Yearly trips to Europe. What woman wouldn’t trade places with me in a heartbeat?”

  “Sounds incredible.” Incredibly boring. Garrett glanced at Jade’s hands. Fists. Clenched. Great. An hour of relaxation gone in a few minutes. “Who would you change places with, if you had the choice?”

  “That’s a loaded question.” Jade turned her head toward him, her eyes still closed. “What we see of other people’s lives is usually what they want us to see. Scripted, so to speak. I could pick a seemingly perfect family. Happy Mom and Dad. Rosy-cheeked children. What happens when that door closes every night? I don’t want to know.”

  “Untold horrors?” Garrett asked. He pulled the car onto a secluded side road. Turning off the engine, he looked at Jade. “Why would your mind go there?”

  “Because I don’t live with any of that.” Jade’s eyes opened and he saw a tired resignation Garrett didn’t understand. “I’ve thought about leaving my father’s house. But why? I’m not abused. All he asks is that I’m there when he’s in town. He wants a companion. The rest of the time, I can come and go as I please.”

  “Are you happy?”

  “I think so.” Jade frowned. “I’m not unhappy. And as my father reminds me whenever I get restless, there’s nothing wrong with consistency.”

  “Jesus, Jade. Really?” Garrett took her hand, smoothing out the fist. He massaged the back of her fingers with the pad of his thumb. “Consistency is one thing. Not living your own life is another. What do you do for excitement?”

  “Take off for late night rides with strange men?” Jade lifted her gaze from their joined hand. “Is it pathetic that you’re the most excitement I’ve ever had?”

  “We won’t call it pathetic.” Garrett lightly kissed the back of her hand. “We’ll call it a start.”

  “More like a one-off.”

  “It doesn’t have to be,” Garrett assured her. He didn’t want this to be the beginning and the end. Why should it be?

  “Garrett? I have another favor to ask.” Jade’s smile was tentative — a little shy. “Have I exceeded my limit?”

  “With one car trip? Hardly. Ask away.”

  “Will you kiss me?”

  “Oh, Jade. Honey.” Garrett pulled her into his arms, the console between them a minor barrier. “You’d be doing me the favor. I’ve wanted to taste you all evening.”

  Garrett couldn’t remember the last time he thought about how he would kiss a woman. Maybe as an untried teenager on his first date? Then he worried about how to turn his head or if he should use his tongue. With Jade, his thoughts weren’t about technique. He wanted this to be a kiss she never forgot. If he knocked out the memory of every other man in the process, that would be a nice added bonus.

  At the first touch of her lips against his, he stopped thinking at all.

  Jade’s mouth was soft under his. Her sweet breath came out as a sigh. Garrett’s fingers slid into her hair, the silky strands caressing his skin. All of her was satin smooth, the skin of her cheek, the curve of her lips. His sighs mingled with hers. This wasn’t a kiss. It was a feast and he was a starving man who couldn’t get enough. Her taste was instantly addictive. A lifetime wouldn’t satisfy his craving.

  Garrett pulled Jade closer until they were chest to chest. For such a slender woman, her breasts were wonderfully full and soft. The thin material of her dress was little protection from his roving hand. He cupped the firm mound, running his thumb over her peaked nipple.

  “What are you doing?” Jade breathed the words into his ear.

  “You don’t like me touching you?”

  “I like it too much.”

  Garrett smiled, his teeth nipping at her bottom lip. “No such thing as too much.”

  “I wasn’t supposed to like it at all.”

  Garrett let her pull away, a frown on his face.

  “You asked me to kiss you hoping… What?”

  “I wanted it to be nice. Pleasant.”

  “I don’t know what to say. Sorry?”

  Jade laughed. It wasn’t a happy sound.

  “It’s my fault,” she said. “That wasn’t my first kiss.”

  “I wouldn’t think so.”

  “It was the first time a kiss has, I don’t know. Worked me up?” Jade shrugged. “Kissing is nice. Affectionate.”

  “Kissing, when done properly, is hot as hell, Jade. Nice and affectionate is reserved for family members and friends. Lovers are a different matter.”

  “We aren’t lovers.”

  “Fine.” Garrett nodded. His eyes met hers, the color a deep, intense gray. “Soon to be lovers.”

  “No.”
>
  “I hear the regret in your voice. Why? We’re both unattached.” Garrett paused. “Are you married?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Engaged?”

  “That’s the decision I need to make,” Jade turned away. “My father thinks I should marry. It’s time.”

  “Time? What does that mean?”

  “I’m getting older and he wants grandchildren.”

  “What are you? Twenty-two? Twenty-three?”

  “Twenty-five next week.”

  “Ancient.” Garrett took her hand again. He liked touching her. “My parents want grandchildren, Jade. That doesn’t mean they push my brothers and me to get married.”

  “My father doesn’t push,” Jade assured Garrett. “He bulldozes. In this case, though, I think he’s right. I want to get married. Someday.”

  “Someday is good.”

  “I’m not seeing anyone special.” Jade sighed. “I never see anyone special. About a week ago, my father pointed that out quite forcefully. Since I wasn’t capable of finding a suitable husband, he would find one for me. Or rather, he’s found a suitable husband.”

  “Then let your father marry this guy. You don’t have to tie yourself to a stranger.”

  The whole idea was appalling. He couldn’t understand how Jade could be so calm.

  “He isn’t a stranger. Stephen works for my father. I went on a few dates with him last year.”

  “Were his kisses pleasant?”

  “His kiss,” Jade emphasized the singular, “was fine.”

  “Fine being a step down from pleasant?”

  “He’s handsome, well-spoken. Stephen fits in socially.” Jade smiled. It didn’t reach her eyes. “I like the idea of having my own home, Garrett.”

  “You want to get away from your father. I understand that. You don’t have to get married to do that, Jade.”

  Seeing her hesitation, Garrett took a big leap.

  “Come away with me.”

  “Garrett…”

  “Hear me out. I’m going to Vancouver tomorrow to scout movie locations. Two weeks in Canada. Have you ever been?”

  “No.”

  “It’s beautiful. We’ll take our time. Eat at some great restaurants. See the sights.” Garrett gave her his most charming smile. “Separate rooms. Or not. That will be up to you. No pressure. I promise.”

  “There wouldn’t be separate rooms,” Jade said. “We both know that.”

  “No. But it will be your choice.”

  “I can’t, Garrett.”

  “You can.”

  “I have three charity events in the next week. I’m chairing one; the others are very dear to me.”

  “Jade…”

  “Take me home, Garrett.” When he would have protested, she squeezed his hand. Her eyes begging him to understand. “Please.”

  Garrett started the car without another word. There were plenty of things he wanted to say. Instead, they rode in silence. He knew where she lived. The Marlow estate wasn’t far from his parents’ place. He and Jade grew up a few houses apart. They went to the same school. Only a few years separated them. Yet this was the first time they had spoken more than a few words. Now, when it was too late.

  The hell with that, Garrett thought. Jade wasn’t married. She wasn’t engaged. She certainly had no strong feelings for Stephen. Who said it was too late?

  Garrett pulled to a stop outside the gated house.

  “Don’t.”

  Jade stopped him when he would have pushed the intercom.

  “I’m not letting you walk to the house, Jade.”

  “It isn’t that far.”

  “Far enough.”

  Garrett pushed the button then waited for the gates to open. He drove the short distance to the house. Before Jade could make her escape, he put a hand on her arm.

  “Tell me you were tempted.”

  “I wanted to say yes the second you asked,” Jade told him.

  “I want to see you again, Jade.” Garrett lifted her chin until her eyes met his. “Two weeks. That isn’t long.”

  “In this case, it might as well be forever.”

  Before Garrett could answer, the passenger side door opened.

  “Jade.”

  Jade winced. The voice wasn’t loud or harsh. It was firm. Commanding. Cold.

  “Get in the house. Stephen was worried about you.”

  “Stephen can kiss my…”

  “Garrett.” Jade shook her head. “It’s fine. Honestly.” She looked at her father. “I’ll only be a moment.”

  “Now, Jade.”

  She sighed. There was more than regret in her hazel eyes. Sadness. And something Garrett couldn’t quite define.

  “You don’t have to go, Jade. I’ll take you anywhere you want.”

  “This is home.”

  There was no fear. Resignation. That was it. He saw it in her eyes and heard it in her voice. For some reason, that alarmed him more than anything.

  “Two weeks.” He was giving her a lifeline. All she needed to do was grab on.

  “Thank you for driving me home, Garrett.”

  Jade slipped from the car. Before she could say anything else, her father slammed the door. He escorted her up the steps and into the house. Garrett waited until they were completely out of sight before he pulled away.

  He would see her again. Nothing would stop him. Not an over-controlling father or a would-be husband. God, it was going to be a long two weeks.

  GARRETT KNEW LESS than a week into his trip that he’d found the perfect spot to shoot his movie. A rural setting that could pass for Michigan in the nineteen-twenties. The lake he was particularly interested in was exactly as the screenwriter described. A log cabin sat on the shore of the north side. The inside was too modern; that they could get around. The outside suited his vision.

  Which was a good thing. Garrett’s budget was tight. There wasn’t room to build what he needed. Coming in on time, with money to spare meant solidifying his reputation. He worked fast, cheap, and produced a quality product. None of his movies lost money. He planned on keeping it that way.

  Next up was Garrett’s first “studio” film. Bigger budget, better locations. He could finally afford to take his time. Every shot would be planned out. No more flying by the seat of his pants because the money was running low. Not that he planned on going overboard. He was too much his father’s son to waste money. Letting a film run over budget was not in his DNA.

  “What do you think?”

  “Hamish,” Garrett slapped his AD on the back. “I hope you like trees. Starting next month, this is our home. One month of roughing it. No takeout pizza or egg foo yung at two in the morning. Think you can handle it?”

  Hamish shrugged. He grew up dirt poor in Scotland. If his father lost his job or someone got sick, food became a premium they couldn’t afford. Since coming to the States, he’d gotten used to eating regularly. As long as that didn’t change, he could handle the boondocks.

  “Down the road about a mile, there’s a bonny widow and her sister. They’ve invited us to dinner.” Hamish wiggled his bushy, black eyebrows. “I got the impression dessert was part of the package.”

  Garrett looked at his friend. They were close to the same age. They had similar appetites. During their last shoot, it was the co-eds — college roommates who weren’t shy about having sex in the same room. After six, long celibate weeks and a few too many beers, neither was Garrett. The next morning he swore never again. If they couldn’t find separate rooms, he would go back to his old standby. Masturbation was a lonely form of gratification. Still, it beat the hell out of getting a glimpse of Hamish’s ass in mid-thrust.

  “I’ll pass.”

  “Come on. They have their own bedrooms. No sharing.” Hamish had to hurry when Garrett started walking around the lake. He was eight inches shorter. With shorter legs, it took three steps to keep up with Garrett’s one. “Besides, the older one’s front teeth are missing.”

  “I know I’ll be so
rry I asked,” Garrett said. “Why is that a good thing?”

  “All gums on the blowjob.”

  Hamish covered his teeth with his lips, providing Garrett with a visual he wouldn’t soon forget.

  “Tempting.”

  “Are we on?”

  Garrett shook his head. “They’re all yours.”

  “Why?”

  Their plan was to stay in the cabin tonight, and then head out early. They were done a week early. The only thing left was fine-tuning the details. Garrett was happy to leave the haggling to Wyatt. It was his job as the producer of the film. Besides, he was good at it. It was taken care of on conference calls that bored the tears out of Garrett.

  He wanted nothing more than a good night’s sleep. They were scheduled on the eleven-thirty flight to Los Angeles. If he were lucky, the plane would be on time. By seven tonight, he hoped to be having dinner with Jade.

  Thoughts of her crept into his mind at the damnedest times. It wasn’t constant. He had a job to do. He was focused and professional. That didn’t stop him from thinking about Jade’s smile. Or her laugh. When he was alone at night, visions of her long, silky legs wrapped around him teased his sleep.

  “I’m not up to it, Hamish,” Garrett told his friend. It wasn’t a lie. “Can we leave it at that?”

  “Sure.” Hamish gave Garrett a speculative look before letting it go. “Maybe the sisters will be willing to share. Hamish Floyd can handle two at once.”

  The next morning, Hamish looked worse than what the cat dragged in. Garrett didn’t ask how the evening went and for once, Hamish didn’t volunteer the information. It was a story that would eventually get told. Probably on a long, cold shoot when there was nothing else to talk about.

  The flight back to L.A. was blessedly uneventful. Hamish slept while Garrett poured over his notes, jotting down thoughts while they were fresh in his mind. Vancouver was going to be the last thing on his mind tonight. He planned on devoting all his attention on Jade.

  “Do you want to share a cab?”

  Hamish was awake. Barely. His bleary eyes focused on Garrett long enough to acknowledge the question.

  “Make sure the driver takes the quiet way home,” Hamish mumbled. He settled into the back of the cab, asleep before Garrett joined him. What quiet way? This was L.A. This time of day there was no such thing. Garrett shook his head. He doubted Hamish knew what he was saying.