by C. J. Thomas
“Yes, Mr. Brooks.” She gave a curt nod as she hugged her notepad to her chest. “Everything will be just as you expect by the time you arrive in the morning.”
I stepped out from under the tent and planted my hands on my waist. These were my new interns. I bit the inside of my lip as I studied their faces. Already, they were looking too comfortable inside my house.
“Nash.” Ted came up to my side and slapped me on the back. “Meet your new interns.”
“They’re just kids.” I gave him a sideways glance.
“The best of the bunch.” He crossed his arms.
“Let’s hope so.”
“An equal number of men and women.”
We both stared straight ahead and I debated whether or not to thank him now for bringing the ponytailed beauty around. I decided against it. He knew me all too well and would advise me against doing what it was I was thinking of doing. So I kept my thoughts to myself. The difference between me and Ted was simple; I wasn’t in the same position as he was and could do what I wanted with whomever I wanted.
“Well, let’s go introduce you.” He smiled.
“Don’t bother. I’ll take it from here.”
He laughed.
I marched on over and said in a loud, firm voice, “These are my new interns.” I rubbed the palms of my hands together and laughed. “Looks like there might be one or two future directors in this group.”
Each and every one of their faces lit up.
When I stopped only five feet in front of them, they all shut up and their faces turned to stone. Perfect. They knew who was in charge and I didn’t need to remind them of that, or why they were here. My gaze hopped on down the line until I finally landed on her.
She held my gaze when the others cast theirs away, diverting eye contact. I liked that she seemed to be the only confident one in the bunch, but I also didn’t want to mistake it for what else it could mean—a challenge to authority.
“Who here wants to be a director?” I pulled away from her gorgeous, round face.
All dozen hands rose to the air.
I paced up and down the line before stopping in front of her. “Did you like my hook at the end of that last scene?” Her smell was intoxicating. A blended mix of spring water and fresh mountain flowers—so pure.
“I did,” she said confidently.
“It was perfect? There wasn’t anything you would have done to make it better?”
She remained silent for a moment as she thought how best to answer my question. And in the time between, I stared into those eyes that took me straight to the white sand beaches found in the Caribbean that had the ability to make even a celibate priest’s cock hard. “Well?”
She tilted her head to the side, giving me the look like it was a trick question I asked. And I guess it kind of was. Except I didn’t really care what she said, as long as she said something, so I could hear that articulate voice of hers again.
“Go ahead.” I closed the gap between us. “Tell me.” I was so close I could practically feel the heat radiating off her.
The other interns all held their breath, waiting to see how this played out. They were as anxious as I was to hear what she had to say.
“There was just one tiny thing I would have changed.” Her voice swirled around me and prickled my skin.
My brows lifted high on my forehead. “And what would that be?”
An intern next to her shifted her weight and stood with one arm holding the other at the elbow, carefully studying my reaction.
“I would have had the cop kick the chair over.” All the blood in my heart swelled my cock the moment she said it. “He’s a badass cop.”
“That he is.” The corners of my eyes smiled.
“So he needs to finish the scene and give hope that he’ll defeat this evil he’s fighting.”
Each word was music to my ears. Not once did she doubt herself. Nor did she shift her weight between her feet. There was a confidence to her that immediately roped me in. What she said was fucking brilliant.
But there wasn’t a chance I’d let her know that. At least not in front of the other jokers she studied with.
My head turned to my right, and the moment my eyes landed on the next intern, her cheeks flushed and her knees shook. “What do you think?”
“About what, Mr. Brooks?” Her voice cracked.
“Her answer.” I pointed at the sexy hourglass I wanted to bury my cock inside. “Do you agree?”
“I think it would really add to the scene.” She nodded as she spoke.
My chin dropped to my chest as I shook my head and chuckled.
“Except we haven’t read the script!” someone down the line said.
“Who said that?” I asked.
“I did, sir.” A young stick figured man raised his hand. “We don’t know what’s coming next.”
I moved quickly to stand next to him. “You’re abso-fucking-lutely right.”
He laughed, as did his buddies.
“The writers and I have been over this exact scene hundreds of time before today.” I paused to see their faces. “I haven’t slept, I’ve called off dates, and did anything to make sure that by the time today rolled around, I wouldn’t fuck it up.” I walked closer to her, stopping momentarily to pick up a script from a table nearby.
Everyone remained silent.
I took my time to stare into the eyes of each and every one of these rookies before stopping in front of her again. Her eyes teased me, luring me in and getting me hard.
“Go home, read the script, and next time, come back prepared.” I threw the script at her beautifully-formed breasts.
What she didn’t know about the script we were playing out, was that soon I’d make her mine.
4
Alex
ALL I DID WAS ANSWER the question he asked. He didn’t have to cut me down at the knees. And especially not in front of my entire internship class.
Ugh, it was so humiliating.
When I saw the bus coming, I stood from the bus stop bench and slung my handbag over my shoulder. At least it was over. The bus stopped, opened the door, and when I stepped inside the driver smiled as I flashed my Metro card.
These buses were always packed. It was like the entire city was in my shoes. None of us could afford a car. Even when we all wanted one.
Traffic was awful, but who cared. At least then I could sit in the comfort of something that made me feel just a little bit successful and not have to worry about who I was next to, or who wanted to be next to me.
It was a trick question Nash asked. That was why it took me so long to respond. No matter how I answered it, I couldn’t win. He had his eyes set on me the moment we arrived.
I worked my way to the back of the bus where I saw an open seat.
That was the thing—I’d always had that look about me. The look that invited confrontation. My entire life. From the moment someone stole fresh baked cookies from the lunchroom cafeteria in middle school and I got the blame for it, I had the look that said I was guilty. It had happened countless times since then, too. So frequently, in fact, I was nearly immune to noticing. Even though I was very rarely actually guilty.
And this latest incident was right when I wanted it most.
The seat was empty. Perfect. At least something seemed to be going my way today. I scooted my bum across the vinyl covering and snuggled up against the window, staring outside as the bus pulled away from the curb and began taking me across town.
Fuck, I sighed. That was the last thing I needed on my first day on set with Nash Brooks.
Unbelievable.
I cast my gaze down to the script—When Darkness Fell. That title . . . I wasn’t so sure it was the best choice. It was a gritty crime movie where the detective, not always one to follow the rules, was on a mission to solve a crime when his family got abducted. The premise was good. The execution, well, there was no doubt that would be the best in the business—especially since Nash Brooks was at the helm
.
My head hit the back of the seat when I couldn’t look at the stupid script any longer. I hated that he handed it to me. I’d read it. Hell, Professor Fields made sure I read it before today. I’d thought everyone did until that asshole spoke out of turn and admitted that no one had read it. Apparently I assumed wrong. Yet, somehow, I ended up being the only intern, the one who’d already read it, getting told to go read the fucking script.
The bus wasn’t so bad. It was slow, was filled with L.A.’s sketchiest citizens, and I got hit on, like, all the fucking time. No, it was good. Really. I rolled my eyes. Who wouldn’t want to have this rich cultural experience day in and day out?
It wasn’t like my idea on how to end the last scene was a bad one. In fact, it would have really finished the scene strong. Completed it. Instead, it just ended. Dropped off and fell flat. Nothing was worse than an abrupt ending that left the viewer a bit let down.
But who gave a flying fuck about what I thought? My friend, Kendra. That’s who. I dug my phone from my handbag and gave her a call.
“Hey, what’s up?” She answered right away. “You meet Nash Brooks?”
It was all she seemed to want to talk about these last few weeks. Or at least once I found out that I was selected to be part of the small group to work alongside him. Everyone in L.A. knew who he was. And not like how the rest of America knew him either.
Nash Brooks wasn’t just one of the best directors of all time. He was young, in his mid-thirties, and struck gold when he was in his early twenties. You could say he got lucky, but I knew he was pure genius. That was what molded him to be the notorious playboy who roamed Hollywood’s bachelorette population; all of L.A. knew that.
“Yeah, I met him.” I closed my eyes and could see his messy hair that fit his style flawlessly.
Nash wasn’t just a billionaire playboy who made kick ass movies. He’d been seen with actresses, rock stars, and even the princess of some small European country I couldn’t pronounce the name of even if I tried. Oh, and never to forget, according to the tabloids, he was hung like a horse. And Kendra certainly knew about that.
“You don’t sound too excited about it,” Kendra said with more attitude than I was in the mood for.
Kendra studied law, and when she didn’t have her nose buried in a textbook, she loved talking about her recent sexcapades. And when she wasn’t doing that, she was fantasizing every waking moment about just how big she thought Nash Brooks’s shlong was.
“Because he’s an asshole.” I slumped further down in my seat. We’d just passed the park, and that meant I had at least another forty minutes on the bus before my stop.
“What happened?”
“It’s too long of a story for the phone.”
“Okay.” She drew out her word slowly, as if annoyed that I wouldn’t dish out the details now. “Let’s get a drink, then.”
I debated whether or not I was even in the mood for that. He’d really killed my day, and I kind of just wanted to go home and take a hot bath.
“C’mon, I’ll pay.” Her voice was more inviting than before.
That was becoming all too common and I felt bad about it. She shouldn’t have to pay for me to go out. But after the inheritance her grandparents left her after they died, she never had to worry about money ever again. I often wondered why it was she even bothered working. But law was her passion, just as entertainment was mine.
“I can’t let you do that.” My tongue swept across the front of my teeth.
“Don’t sweat it. You’re my girl. Plus, it’s been a couple days and I could really use a good fuck.”
I laughed. “Cool. Same place same time?”
“See you there.”
Anything to take my mind off the disaster that unfolded today.
5
Nash
“YOU KNOW SHE WAS RIGHT.” Ted clasped his hands behind his head as he leaned further back in my director’s chair.
I knew Ted wouldn’t let this one go. That was the kind of guy he was. Always watching, looking out for the interests of his students. And that was what made him a better man than I.
But I didn’t question her because I thought she was right or wrong. I questioned her because I needed to hear her voice blanket me in her sexiness. And that . . . that right there was something I wasn’t about to tell him.
Not now at least.
“You could have at least given her some kind of recognition for having something intelligent to say.”
I glanced in his direction from the corner of my eye.
“If I were in your shoes, I would maybe consider re-filming today’s scene.”
“You could help close up shop for the night.” I stood and turned to peer down at him. “Instead of telling me what I should be doing.”
He laughed. “Just admit it.”
I arched a brow.
“Her answer was brilliant.” He jumped to his feet. “Go ahead. Admit it.”
I straightened my spine and squared my shoulders with his. We both stood over six feet and were solid muscle. “What, are you sleeping with her?”
He chuckled. “She’s the best in the group. And the only one I let read the complete script before today.”
“I knew it.” My hands rested on my hips. “You are sleeping with her.”
A flash of anger tightened my mid-section. I wasn’t one to get jealous, but the thought of him sleeping with her, the woman whose legs I wanted wrapped around me, made me really hate him right now.
“I see.” He dropped his chin and shook his head as he stared at me from under his brow.
“You do, do you?” I challenged.
It was her voluptuous body I wanted spread across my satin sheets. Nobody else’s. Only her. And the way I saw it, my good friend Ted, was the only obstacle standing in my way.
“Yeah, I do.” His jaw clenched.
“You know I had no choice.” I lifted my chin, never taking my eyes off his intense gaze. “Someone is always my first victim. Today, she was the unlucky one.”
He chuckled. “You’re a sick son of a bitch. You know that?”
My lips curled into a devious smile. “If I can’t keep the rookies in check, then this will be over before it ever leaves the ground.”
His hand lifted and squeezed my shoulder. “You seem wound tight. Everything else okay?”
“Everything is fine,” I reassured him.
My stress was high. As high as it always was when I was in the middle of making a movie. There were so many tasks that needed to get done and we were on a tight schedule. Sleep came in short bursts and I survived off energy drinks. And through it all, I fucking loved every moment of the wild ride.
“Just like all the times before.” He released his grip on me. “Quick to cut the ones who aren’t cut out for the job.”
“You mean weed out the losers.” I laughed.
“Say it how you want.” Ted moved behind a camera and started pressing buttons. “They’re in school. They’re students. They have a whole lot to learn still.” He glanced over his shoulder to let me know he was serious about them being young.
“And that’s why you’re a teacher and I’m a director.” My fingers grazed a script laying on the tabletop.
“Look, all I’m saying is that you didn’t have to come down on her so hard.”
I pointed at him. “You need to quit fucking your students.”
He laughed. “Believe what you want, but I’m not fucking her.”
My phone buzzed and I swiped it alive. “I have to take this.”
Ted nodded and continued his slow prowl around my work.
“Mr. Reid.” I pressed the phone to my ear. “What a surprise.”
“Nash Brooks.” I could hear his smile through the phone.
“What can I do for you, Wes?”
“You free tonight?”
“Why?” My brows furrowed. I knew Wes well enough that he wasn’t just reaching out to have drinks with a buddy. No, it was always business with
him and something was up. I could feel it.
“Nothing serious.” His voice was calm and collected. “Just need to catch up on a few details. That’s all.”
He represented Ricky Moran, my star lead actor. It didn’t matter what I had going on—when Wesley Reid wanted to meet, I fucking met. Without question.
Like the rest of Hollywood, Wes didn’t give anyone a choice. Premier was the hottest agency in town and Wes was a goldmine of opportunity in L.A. This could be anything, but I could almost guarantee that it involved money. “Yeah. I’m free. Just closing shop for the night.”
“Good,” he said, friendly enough. “Meet me at Mojito. Eight, sharp.”
“No details?” Ted was staring at me, wondering what it was Wes wanted. “C’mon, Wes. Shed some kind of light on the subject.”
Silence hung on the line for a moment too long, just enough to get my nerves rattled.
“Let’s just say that there’s a quarter million different reasons you and I should talk.”
6
Alex
“DAMN, GIRL.” Kendra gave me the once over. “And, here, I thought I was the one dressing to get fucked.”
Suddenly my ears burned hot.
Kendra reached for my hand so she could twirl me around.
It was a party dress. I knew that. I’d chosen it on purpose. It was short. Like, halfway-up-my-thigh kind of short skirt that revealed too much. The way the southern California desert night air drifted up between my legs made me feel more exposed than what I considered comfortable. But I felt free flowing and I liked that.
Kendra whistled.
The back was open and I wasn’t wearing a bra. Not with this dress. It didn’t make sense. So my boobs were forced to support themselves tonight. I was also afraid of having my panty lines show through the thin fabric, so to eliminate that disaster I wore a thong. And now that I thought about what exactly I chose to wear tonight, Kendra was absolutely right—I was dressed to get fucked.
After the kind of day I had, maybe that wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Like that would happen. Ha!
When I stopped twirling, Kendra stopped so we were standing face-to-face. Kendra licked the pad of her finger and pressed it against my bare shoulder. “Zizzle.”