by T. N. King
They broke apart and Liam caught his breath. Miranda leaned in and hugged him. Liam cradled her in his arms. Something caught his attention. It was a thin tall dark figure stood up in the stands.
It was Caroline looking at him.
She seemed as if she was nodding in approval. She then turned and went down the steps, disappearing through the exit.
T.N KING
&
ROXIE ODELL
What’s Next For This Superstar?
Meet Jacob Cooper, a rising star in the world of Hollywood. Women sigh his name and even some men stare a bit too long at his perfect physique. With his chiseled body, sculpted face, and piercing green eyes -- the trifecta of a rising star -- he has climbed the star dotted ladder to be one of the most sought after leading men in film.
Yet, despite multi-million dollar movie contracts, magazine layouts, music video cameos, and wearing those famous briefs in all the ads you see on billboards, Cooper is rich & single with charm to spare when he wishes to use it.
When he finally meets his match in an up and coming young actress with the same determined glint in her eyes that he himself sees in his own every day in the mirror, together, in a new production, this will be their chance to shine in a multi-billion dollar spotlight.
How far is he willing to go, to grab that elusive Golden Globe Award?
Prologue
Interview with Actor/Model Jacob Cooper
Ask anyone in a mall, in front of the movie theater or on the street. Who is Jacob Cooper? And their faces will light up. They know the name, who the man is. They see him every day on billboards, in films, on magazine covers and in music videos. When asked the question, they will stop and see him in their minds—only he’s probably in his underwear as out of all his modeling jobs, we all remember that most famous underwear ad he’s done. Gleaming skin, looking like satin and his emerald eyes piercing you with that glinting, sensuous stare. Yes, they will know who he is and most know him from their fantasies.
When I arrive on the set of his latest film, Brilliant, I find him in the makeup chair, not that he seems to need it. The man has the most luminous skin and features that only a few men in the world sport. Chiseled chin, a strong jaw and a perfect nose that seems masculine but could be termed as beautiful. His dazzling smile and deep green eyes greet me in a way that nearly takes my breath away. I tell myself to be steady. Not to let this magnetic creature lure me into thoughts better left in secret fantasy land. I steady myself and sit in the set chair across from him.
Jacob Cooper, it is so nice to finally meet you.
He smiles at me as the makeup artist dabs on a little highlighter just beneath his beautiful eyes. He waits for her to finish before he greets me. He waves his hand at her and she takes a step back. “Thanks sweet Lynn, that’s enough. I don’t wish to be cake. You rock, Lynn.”
I notice the slight British accent right off and if it were possible, it just makes him sexier. Did he say cake? I let out a sigh, yes, if so, he is definitely frosting. Lickable, sweet frosting. I try to smile and not allow myself to be star struck, but I am failing miserably.
So, Jacob, readers want to know the real man. As you have taken on several, different roles in film, we wish to know who is the real Jacob Cooper?
With a relaxed posture, he leans back in the chair and his smile is slight. No more dazzle, but this is even more alluring as if he really gives this question thought. His eyes show a depth that most would not expect to find in his albeit famous green eyed gaze.
“I’m just a man. I’ve dreams, hopes. I work hard and expect others around me to do the same. I push myself to my limits and sometimes beyond. I come from humble beginnings and hope to be remembered for my work.”
Well, this answer takes me off guard. I didn’t expect something so deep and thought provoking. There seems to be more to this magnificent man than meets the eye and plenty does meet the eye.
Your answer only begs for more questions, Jacob. So, as to your humble beginnings. Has your family supported this aspiration of yours? To be an actor, and icon, with your face flashing across the big screen?
His relaxed posture seems to stiffen for a mere second. So brief it’s as if I might have imagined it.
“I’ve no real family. I was mostly an orphan. I grew up in the streets of Manchester. I was lucky though, as someone took me under their wing and helped to bring me up right. So, yes, that person is supportive and happily cheers me on in my endeavors.”
Again, an answer that entirely surprises me. In my research of the man I did not find this person, he speaks of.
I’m glad to hear this, as will the readers. We’re on the set of Brilliant, a 2-billion dollar film project. I hear they cast Anna Halloway as your leading lady. How do you feel about all of this hoopla and being cast with such a rising star as Anna?
His dazzling smile returns with this question and his easy posture as well. “I was thrilled to land this part and there is a lot of nuance and depth to the script that assures me as being one of the best roles in my career. And yes, to have such an actress of her caliber can only make this a better film. I’ve met her briefly, but as we’re only at the dailies, I can’t say I know her personally…yet.” His brows lift just slightly with the last word in his answer.
Mmm, interesting, Jacob. It sounds like a match made in heaven.
Again, he gives me that drop your panties smile. “I so agree and I look forward to working with Miss Halloway.”
I’m again, bedazzled by this man, by the secrets that seem to glimmer in his gaze. I feel like he is holding back some beast, some hidden sexuality that I cannot quite see at face level. I shiver a bit as I wonder what he is like in private.
So, this new film, Brilliant. It’s already caused a buzz in Hollywood and across the net. What was it that drew you to this story?
He chuckles a bit and leans forward.
I again, feel as if he just touched me, when in fact his hands never left the arms of the set chair. His laugh must be like tiny fingers caressing your skin.
“A man loses everything, his girl, his dream, his entire family. Only to hit rock bottom. Then something happens that’s so astonishing, so brilliant that he rises to fame and…Well, we don’t want to give out too many spoilers, you know.”
I giggle, unable to stop myself.
For my last question, Jacob…My readers want to know. Are you still single?
With his smile in place and a twinkle in those green orbs, he replies, “Of course. I haven’t found my match as of yet. But, there’s always hope for love in the future.”
Again, I can hardly breathe as he gazes into my eyes and heat rises up along my body to my face. As I try to match his smile, I am wondering now, if I remembered to pack an extra set of underwear in my go bag.
Chapter One
“CUT!”
Jacob turned at the call. Cut? God damn right! Those lines by the other character lacked everything. Feeling, depth, everything. He hid his scowl. This would go to another retake he knew this for sure.
“It’s a pickup,” the director called out.
Jacob felt some relief at this announcement. Usually, this referred to a shot which only had part of the dialog or action. Then they would reshoot only part of it again. As he waited for the action call, he looked around. Yes, everyone on the set look tired. Funny, he felt like he just got started. ‘The first one on the set and the last to leave,’ his PA once said with a chuckle. At the time, he had wondered why it was something she thought to be so damn funny. Like a joke. No, none of this was a joke. This was his achievement. His rise to the top. He intended to make it the best film possible.
The problem with this aspiration was all the people standing in between him and that goal. An actor only had so much say in a film. He had tried hard to keep his opinions and frustrations to himself. For him, this wasn’t a real test or challenge, he dealt with emotions like they were any other tool, he used them for his roles.
Handling the rea
l thing, in his own life? This was almost an impossible feat. He didn’t do real life emotion well. He couldn’t even stay with a relationship for very long. He wasn’t ready for any emotional drama. It wasted his energy. Energy he needed for the parts. It was all about priorities at any rate.
He knew his craft though and had studied hard to be able to hold his own and excel.
“Okay,” the director called out, “Last looks!”
Jacob rolled his eyes. He didn’t need a bloody touch up. He huffed a bit and again, hid his real emotion behind a blank expression. His frustration during filming would build and he would have to give in and grab a woman. His only release against the overkill of his emotions. He had to keep on an even keel.
Reining his thoughts in, he headed to the makeup chair.
“Hey Jacob,” Lynn greeted him.
“Hey,” he replied as he sat. “Just light, alright?”
She laughed. “Yes, I know. I have to agree that you do not need a touch up.”
He smiled at her. The girl was sweet. He didn’t meet many who were in this business. In fact, his main rule about dating was they couldn’t be in the business at all.
“So, that interview this morning…” She buffed his cheeks lightly.
“Yes?”
“It was exciting right?” She put her brush down and stared closely at his face.
He shrugged. “Yes. A rather well known syndicated mag.”
“Just that?” she asked with disbelief in her voice. “Rich & Single is a staple in every nail parlor, day spa and ladies room.” She picked up a highlighter brush.
“Well, let it never be said I was too afraid to be read over the toilet.”
The makeup artist snickered. “You have the most wonderful sense of humor.” She picked up a small brush.
The interview that he had pretended to be relaxed for this morning had made him nervous at one point…when Dahlia Lloyd had asked about his family. That was a deep dark hole he would’ve rather not fall into or he may never crawl back out. He let out a breath. “Yes, kind of big, I suppose?”
Lynn rolled her eyes at his downplaying of such a huge event and tilted her head to the side as she continued her perusal of his face. “You are amazing, ya know?”
He blinked his eyes with fake surprise. “In which of a hundred ways?”
Shaking her head, she let out another laugh. “You have been here since like what…dawn? And just look at you!”
He leaned forward, towards the mirror, concerned about bags or any signs of distress on his visage.
Laughing harder, Lynn set a hand on his shoulder. “No, silly. You still look so fresh, like you just got here!”
He released a sigh and dramatically put his hand over his heart in faux hysterics. “Damn it, woman. You scared me!”
Tilting her head back, her laughter rang out.
Some of the crew on the set looked over.
She then halted her amusement and bit at her lip. “Sorry. Drew attention.”
He shrugged. “I’m used to that.”
At his joke, she again, laughed. “You are the sweetest star I have ever met.”
Raising his brows, he paused. Star? He mentally shook his head. Not a big enough one yet.
“There…it’s a wrap on your beautiful face,” she announced.
He couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks.”
“Oh, I am sure you are used to hearing that,” she teased.
He chuckled at her comeback joke then got up.
“Back in!” someone called on the set.
Jacob headed back to the set and stood at his set point to await the call.
“Abby Singer!” the assistant to the director called out.
Again, Jacob had to refrain from rolling his eyes at the AD. Yes, the term for the last shot and the irony of the saying was not lost on him. It always meant…Next to the last and never the last. Maybe the other actor would get his tone right this time.
* * * *
Entering his penthouse, Jacob sighed as he dropped his keys by the door and moved through the huge open space. His home was different than most. It was all one big flat as they called them back in England. His living space as he referred to it was actually 5,000 square feet of living. When he had first purchased it, the interior decorator had actually gaped at him when he had said, “Tear it all out.”
He smiled again while remembering the expressions on the faces of the decorator’s staff. It had originally been done in all modern tones and expensive lines. The design was ultra-modern and ultra-American. Jacob did not care, as he had his own preferences, not that his attitude and ideals were anti anything. It was all about what he’d envisioned for years while being poor and putting himself through acting school.
Those were the years that got him to where he was today. Hunger, Steward used to say. Steward was his father in all respects. Took him in at fifteen and raised him. Before that time…Jacob halted. There wasn’t anything before that, he told himself yet again.
He immediately toed off his shoes, tugged a sock off, then the other and walked across the cool marbled floor. Yes, he had them put in marble flooring. Cold to the bare feet and glimmering with smooth, yet calm elegance. His decorators had again, worn startled looks at his choice, 300 dollars a square foot, so his flooring for just the living room had cost what most people made in a year.
He headed towards his relax room, as he thought of it. All while disrobing and leaving a trail of clothing behind him as he neared the space he’d longed for, then he slowed his steps, as if preparing himself for the change he was about to feel. His pent up emotions were unsettling, he needed to get back to being calm and in control.
He then entered the last entryway at the end of the long hallway. His bare feet took him into the place he’d thought of all the way home. Steam room, massage room, and a garden bathtub that itself, took up 500 feet of space. Ivy plants climbed the walls, as a skylight above lit up the space. The walls were waterproof, and soundproof.
SaJacob released a heavy breath as he entered and sat on one of the warming benches.
He sat back, closed his eyes, and sighed.
A small noise reverberated along his ears. He knew what it was…who it was.
“Jacob san,” a musical voice greeted him.
Opening his eyes, he stared at a beautiful face. Her Asian features and her voice always seemed to calm him.
Bowing, she lowered her head.
“Airi.” He bowed his head.
She held his clothes that he’d left in a trail.
He smiled. Of course, she did.
She gracefully turned and walked out to hang them up.
Jacob knew this was what she would do. He let out a sigh and stood up, making his way to the table. To await her return.
Yes, he knew what anyone would think had they been here in this room with him. That he had his own Geisha Girl. Not that any male in their right mind would chide him for having one. What healthy male would not want one for himself?
Well, maybe there was one—him.
She stayed in an apartment below the penthouse. She cleaned and cooked for him.
Steward had sent her a year ago. Jacob had been appalled at the time when she had shown up on his doorstep. He had called him up in England and told him he did not need a concubine or whatever bloody hell they were called. Steward had laughed himself just about silly, much to Jacob’s irritation.
“She doesn’t have to do that for you!” Steward had exclaimed his voice full of amusement. “Unless you want her to.”
“It isn’t right,” Jacob had seethed into the phone. “I cannot seem to get through to her that she is free to leave. That I am not her master.”
Again, a belly full of laughter was all he got in reply.
It seems that Steward had rescued her from a slave ring. She had no family and no one in the world. She had been ‘trained’ in pleasing a man. Steward sent her to Jacob to help him ‘keep house,’ as he’d called it.
Furi
ous at first, Jacob tried to convince her to leave, saying he would even pay for her travel. That she could go back home to Japan and live a normal life.
This had only confused her and she had cried.
Jacob had felt bad and thought maybe after a while he could make her see how wrong it was for him to have her serving him.
That had been a year ago. He had set her up with her own bank account, and made sure she had a Work Visa in place. He paid her a salary and only as a maid.
It wasn’t that she wasn’t beautiful…she was, in fact. He just did not feel it was right. Plus, having a public image, it would look like he thought he could actually get away with owning a…sex slave. He rolled his eyes. If the press ever got a hold of it, he would be skewered publicly.
Oh yes, there had been nights when she tried to…He had refused. Tempted yes, but he would seek females elsewhere.
He’d made sure she had two days a week off and in fact, he had a translator tell her that it was an actual order. She could not even come into the Penthouse at all for those two days. She finally relented to it. He would then make sure if he brought a woman to his place, Airi would not be there at all. Not even allowed up on his floor, she had been specifically instructed. He then hired a Japanese American driver to take her anywhere she needed to go in town and he doubled as her bodyguard as well. Los Angles could be a dangerous city. It would be too ironic and even sad to have her be taken or worse, raped after escaping the nightmare life she’d been raised in before she came here.
At one point, he had even tried to help her to find friends and groups that spoke Japanese. She spoke a little English, but he felt she needed people around her that were from her own culture.