by Raine Thomas
She smiled. “I know.”
“I hope you do. I know you didn’t want any of this. I want to protect you from it. But I’ve done a shitty job so far.”
She placed her hands against his chest and patted him in a way meant to console him. “I knew what I was getting into.”
“I don’t think any of us really knew that,” he countered.
He had her there. They were all on a steep learning curve here. He needed her reassurance now, though.
“This is for you and the band,” she said. “We all knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. Reality TV never is. But as long as I have you, I can deal with this. Really.”
“Well, I don’t know if I can.”
“You’re going to have to.” She stood on the tips of her toes to brush her lips against his. “Because we’ve got dinner with your parents in a few hours and they’re going to call me a conniving gold digger, too.”
He groaned. “That seemed like a much better idea ten minutes ago.”
Smiling again, she stroked his cheek and turned to head to the library. “Have fun killing Johnathan,” she said over her shoulder.
“Oh, yeah,” he said, his eyes glinting with determination as he turned back to his bandmates. “Bubbles, hand me that pencil.”
* * *
“What the hell was that?” Nikki fumed from the phone currently pressed to Regina’s ear. “What the fuck?”
Regina had received the call only minutes after the second House of Archer trailer aired. She was still processing it herself. She couldn’t believe that Suddenly Something wasn’t included in any of the footage outside of the brief intro and Brandon’s single statement. She had been led to believe otherwise by Elijah.
“I intend to call Long and ask him just that,” she said.
A beep had her pulling the phone away from her ear and seeing she had a call from Mal beeping through. She fought the urge to growl.
Sending the call to voicemail, she said to Nikki, “They probably didn’t get the footage of you and Mal together in time to incorporate it into the second trailer.”
“Bullshit. Mal and I started doing our thing the same day Lily got knocked on her ass by that fan, and the fan footage made the cut. And what was all of that shit thrown in there with Lily and Archer fighting and Archer flirting? Those two are so sappy with each other it’s disgusting.”
Nikki’s resentment was apparent in every word. She had a point. Regina realized she wasn’t the only one trying to fabricate storylines for the show. It had her clutching her phone hard enough to make the plastic case creak.
Damn Lily Montgomery.
“Look, Nikki,” she said, “it wouldn’t have made sense to include a scene or two of you and Mal together when everything else was so focused on Lily and Archer and how she’s supposedly scheming to ruin his life. Try and have some patience. We’re laying groundwork here. Think ahead to the series, which may last for years if we’re lucky.”
Nikki huffed in irritation. “Fine. But this had better not be a waste of my time. Malcolm O’Dell is a seriously lousy lay.”
Regina rubbed her forehead. “Must you be so crass?”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Nikki snarked. “Am I not prettying this up enough for you?”
“You have choices in this, Nikki. Stop pretending like you don’t. You’ve done plenty to get yourself into the press over the past few weeks. Don’t forget that I know exactly what you’ve done.”
“That’s unlikely with you reminding me every other minute,” Nikki snarled.
“It sure seems like you need reminding. Put aside your resentment towards Lily Montgomery and keep an eye on the goal. I’ll work out the rest.”
“That sounds familiar.”
The call abruptly ended. Regina gave the screen a dirty look as though Nikki could see her. The young woman had proven a questionable ally. Regina would have to keep an eye on her. Sometimes allies outlived their usefulness.
For now, she had a call to make...and Elijah Long’s day to ruin.
Chapter Twenty-One
Later that evening, Archer stood in front of the open glass patio doors at the back of his home overlooking the city in the distance. He watched the view transition into a nighttime skyscape full of twinkling lights as he listened to his agent, Cara Severino, discuss a film project he had signed on for. It wouldn’t begin filming until after the tour but there was some prep work to get through before then.
“The script arrived today,” he said into his phone. “I’ll be bringing it with me on the tour so I can give it a full read.”
“Is there any chance you could read through pages twenty-nine through thirty-three before then?”
He recognized the wheedling in Cara’s voice. “Dare I ask why?”
“The casting director just called me to ask if you could go in and do chemistry reads with the two actresses they’re considering for the role of Marlene.”
Archer was familiar enough with the plot of the film to know that Marlene was his character’s fiancée. Chemistry reads were a way for the casting team to gauge whether two actors would pair well on-screen. He had only done a handful of them in his career because he didn’t typically pursue lead roles, and chemistry reads were more commonly reserved for leads. This particular role was a strong supporting role in a film that had multiple A-listers as top draws, so Archer could understand why they were taking extra care in the rest of the casting.
“I see,” he said, mentally reviewing his upcoming schedule to see if he could fit in this unexpected request. “Who are they considering?”
“Let me check.” He heard shuffling papers before she said, “Looks like Felicia Vargo and Cassandra Rhimes.”
“Really? I’m surprised they’d ask Felicia to do a chem with me.”
He and Felicia had been actors on the popular long-running television series The Living Years. Archer had been seven and Felicia had been eight when the show first aired. Their characters had started as friendly neighbors when they were both younger and then developed into a romantic couple when they entered their teens. By the time Archer left the show to join Suddenly Something when he was fifteen, he and Felicia had become one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples even though they had never dated in real life.
“It’s been ten years since the last time you two acted together,” Cara pointed out. “I guess they just want to make sure you have the same spark.”
Archer was convinced Felicia would get the part. They had always paired well together. That didn’t make it any easier to shuffle this chemistry read into his already full calendar.
“Tomorrow is my last day with any flexibility before we head out again,” he said. “If they can fit me in—preferably in the morning—I can make it work.”
“That’s really helpful,” Cara said, sounding relieved. “I hated to add one more thing to your plate.”
“It’s fine.”
Archer heard the clicking sound of high heels and turned to look at Lily as she entered the room.
“I’ll reach...” Cara was saying.
The rest of her words faded as the phone lowered from his ear. His gaze was riveted on Lily.
Oblivious to his reaction, Lily headed over to one of the stools by the kitchen counter and retrieved her purse. She lifted it onto the counter. He determined that she was transferring some items into the smaller red handbag she was using that evening for the movie premiere they were going to attend.
With the exception of a few tendrils floating around her beautiful face, her strawberry blonde hair was gathered in some kind of low, intricate bun at the base of her neck. She was wearing an edgy black dress with a sleeveless leather bodice that dipped into a low V. The body-hugging skirt ended just above her knees. A shiny, asymmetrical patent leather belt accented her slim waist and added another layer of visual interest to the outfit. It was quite unlike anything he’d ever seen her wear before.
What captured his complete attention, though, were her shoes. They were cherry red stilettoes with pe
ep toes and delicate laces that started criss-crossing just above her toes and ended in sexy little bows around her slender ankles.
He was a sucker for laces and bows on a female.
She finally glanced over at him when she noticed the silence. “Aren’t you on a call?” she asked.
He lifted the phone to his ear and said, “Sorry, Cara. Something important just came up. Can I call you back?”
“Uh...sure,” Cara replied.
“Thanks.”
He clicked the end button, his eyes still on Lily.
Her attention was back on deciding what to include in her evening bag. “Aria told me I need to look the part of a rock star’s girlfriend and that I shouldn’t go formal since neither of us is starring in the movie. She’s right...right?”
He moved to within a couple feet of her and barely stopped himself from grabbing her. She had already done her hair and makeup and they were leaving for dinner with his parents in a few minutes. He knew they didn’t have time for any fooling around.
But, God, she stopped him in his tracks.
“She’s right. And you look amazing,” he said. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
She smiled at him as she zipped her small purse. “Cheesy. But you know I appreciate it. Thanks.”
“I meant every word.” He paused as though studying her more carefully. “There’s something missing, though.”
A frown fluttered across her features as she looked down at herself. “What?”
“Isn’t that what Richard Gere says to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when he presents her with jewelry?”
Her eyes narrowed. “How did you know that?”
“Wait right here.”
“Dane,” she said warningly, disregarding his order to wait and following him back into the bedroom. “What did you do?”
“I got you a gift and you’re going to accept it because you love me and you don’t want to hurt my tender feelings,” he said, walking into his closet and pulling down the signature blue bag he had put there the day before.
Her lips parted when he emerged with the bag. “I’m going to kill Aria,” she declared.
As usual, Lily was right in her assumption. Aria had reached out to him while she and Lily were shopping. They had dropped into the classic designer jewelry store at Aria’s urging and Lily had fallen in love with a particular necklace. He had known just based on Aria’s description that Lily had to have it. He had immediately called the store and arranged to have the necklace and some earrings he chose with the salesperson’s assistance delivered before the premiere. Thanks to his mother’s love of this particular store, he had an account with them, so it hadn’t been any trouble at all.
He paused in front of Lily with the bag. She stared at it like it might bite her. He reached up and lifted her chin so she was looking into his eyes.
“I know you don’t want to spend my money, but it’s my money to spend until you’re willing to accept it,” he said gently. “I choose to spend it on you, the woman I love. Are you really going to begrudge me that?”
Her expression softened. “No,” she sighed.
“I promise this cost less than a quarter of a million dollars,” he said, crossing an X over his heart as he handed her the bag.
“Seriously, how do you know that?” she asked, sitting on the loveseat in the bedroom’s seating area and opening the bag. “You’ve never seen the movie.”
“Aria told me. She was amused that I reserved the stores for you based on your mention of the movie. She thought you’d get a kick out of it if I mimicked the movie when I gave you these.”
“These?” she repeated, reaching into the bag and pulling out the two boxes. “Oh, boy.”
She opened the first box and found the platinum and diamond bow and arrow pendant she had seen in the store. She issued a feminine sigh of appreciation as it caught the light and sparkled exquisitely. He smiled, enjoying her misty-eyed reaction.
“It’s even more beautiful than I remember,” she said, looking up at him. “Thank you.”
He should be thanking her for wanting the symbol in the first place. He adored the bow and arrow tattoo that she had gotten as a tribute to him, but that was private. Now whenever she wore this necklace, she would be declaring her love for him to the world.
“You’re welcome. Hand it over so I can put it on you while you open the other box.”
She gave him a rueful look as she did as he instructed. When she opened the second box and saw the earrings flashing in the light, she gasped.
“Oh my God,” she breathed, running her hand along the platinum and diamond petals of the floral studs. “They’re gorgeous.”
He removed the necklace from its box and opened the clasp so he could drape it over her neck. “I thought if you were going to have a symbol for me, I should pair it with a symbol for you.”
“Lilies,” she said softly, bringing a hand to her chest. “Oh, Dane.”
He finished clasping the necklace and walked back around the sofa to assist her to her feet. He was pleased that the pendant rested just slightly below the base of her throat. He hadn’t been sure about the length of necklace to get her since she was so petite.
“I’m sure Aria planned the earrings you’re currently wearing to go with your outfit, but I’m sure she’ll understand making a change,” he said, taking the earring box from her to free up her hands.
She removed the earrings she was wearing and put the new ones on. “Well?” she asked, smiling expectantly once she was done.
“Take a look,” he said, waving at the mirror over his dresser.
She hurried over to it with a laugh. “I truly never want to know how much these cost, okay? I love them too much to insist that you take them back.”
Grinning, he joined her behind the mirror. He was thrilled by her joy over the jewelry...something he had given her that she hadn’t refused. Cheesy or not, he really felt like the luckiest guy in the world.
“You’re stunning,” he said, turning her so she faced him.
She tilted her head and gave him a Really? look.
“What?” he asked.
“That’s something else Richard Gere says to Julia Roberts.”
“Seriously? Huh. Well, it’s true.”
“And you’re seriously sexy,” she said, reaching up and running her fingers through the hair he’d had cut a few days before. “The fans will want to leap over the barricades to tackle you on the red carpet.”
He was wearing dark jeans and a white collared shirt with a black suit jacket. He decided to forgo the tie for the reason Lily mentioned...he wasn’t starring in the movie, just playing one of the minor roles. His outfit was nothing fancy, but if Lily thought he looked sexy, that was good enough for him.
“Trust me,” he said, stepping closer to her and reaching up to stroke her soft cheek with his thumb. “If anyone is going to be tempted to do any tackling, it’ll be because of those shoes.”
She gave him a seductive smile and ran her hand up along his chest. “Like these, do you?”
“Hell, yes. You knew those laces would do me in.”
“If you like these laces, just wait until you see what I’m wearing under this dress,” she murmured, her lips less than an inch from his.
“Jesus.”
He claimed her mouth. Her irresistible taste and the light floral scent she was wearing made him want to completely lose himself in her. If he hadn’t needed to keep her presentable for dinner with his parents, he would have blown off the premiere and kept her home to himself.
The sound of a throat clearing had them parting and looking towards the open doorway. Trey stood there.
“Excuse me,” he said. “Sorry to interrupt, but we need to head out.”
Archer nodded and looked at Lily. He was pleased to see her flushed and breathless, her eyes deepened to the color of violets. It was clear she had forgotten herself, too.
“All right, Trey. Thanks.” When the bodyguard stepped away, A
rcher asked, “Am I covered in lipstick now?”
Lily smiled. “Nope. Color Stay. It’s amazing.”
“It sure is,” he said. “That means I can sneak in kisses whenever I want tonight.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
An hour later, Archer and Lily were seated at his parents’ formal dining room table beginning the first course of their dinner. Archer found that amusing, as the only time he had eaten in their dining room was when they had large parties or family holiday meals. He couldn’t remember a time Lily had ever eaten in it. They usually just gathered in the kitchen’s more casual eating area. But since Duff was planted in a corner of the room capturing everything, Archer figured his mother wanted to make an impression.
“So, Lily, how have you been enjoying the tour so far?” his father asked.
“It’s been crazy,” Lily said as she spooned up some of the hot soup in front of her. “I never really knew what the band and crew went through on these things. There’s never a dull moment.”
“I’m sure you’re enjoying the down time here in L.A.,” he guessed.
“When we can fit it in, I am,” she agreed before sampling the soup. “This is delicious, Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, dear,” his mother said. “I slaved over it all day long.”
Archer and his father both snorted in laughter. His mother gave them a quelling look.
“Behave, gentlemen,” she said. “Or you won’t be enjoying the rest of your meal in this house.”
“They’ll have snacks at the theater,” Archer said, earning a smack on the arm by Lily.
“It must be nice to have help in the kitchen,” Lily said diplomatically. “I rely entirely too much on my microwave.”
“Well you won’t have that problem now that you’re with Archer now, will you?” his mother said silkily.
That was all for the cameras. Archer scowled to stay in character, but privately applauded his mother for doing what he asked.
Lily glanced uncertainly from Archer to his mother in a way he thought would translate well for the show. He was impressed with how well she had been doing on their staged scenes.