Michael

by Marie Tuhart

  No, Michael wouldn’t do this to her. He wouldn’t. Unable to help herself, she started reading the article.

  “Samantha Collins and her new leading man, Michael Levin, were caught leaving Ninety-Six West very early Sunday morning after a Saturday night of partying. The two looked very inseparable.”

  Kelsey closed her eyes, but the image was burned into her memory. She closed her Internet browser. What was she going to do? How could he do a love scene and not become involved with this woman? Samantha was everything Kelsey wasn’t. She had connections in Hollywood, was followed by photographers and reporters alike. She could do so much for Michael’s career. Kelsey’s heart was breaking, and she didn’t have a clue what to do.

  ****

  Michael glanced up from the pages he was reading in his recliner when the front door opened. “Kelsey?” He stood up. “You’re home early.”

  “Yes.” She set her purse on the side table.

  “I’ll…” It was then he got a good look at her face. “Baby, what’s wrong?” Her eyes were red as if she’d been crying. “Has something happened to your parents?”

  Her mouth opened then closed, and she shook her head.

  “Then what’s wrong?” At least it wasn’t her family.

  “Did you or did you not see Samantha Collins on Saturday night?”

  “Yes. It was a meeting at Chris’s house.”

  “And where does Ninety-Six West fall into all of it?”

  “What?” His fingers curled into his palms. How had she found out about that? Not that he had planned on keeping it a secret, but telling her about it had totally slipped his mind since they had gone to her parents place for the picnic.

  “Tell me, Michael, is she a good kisser?”

  His mouth dropped open. “How the hell should I know?”

  “Really? Seriously? You’re going to deny it?”

  “Yes. The only time I’ve kissed Samantha is during the auditions for the film, nothing more and nothing less.”

  “Then explain this.” She marched over to the computer, typed something, and then pointed at the screen.

  Michael rubbed the back of his neck and sauntered over to the computer. What the fuck? He stared at the picture. “It’s not what it looks like.” Hell. He should have told her on Sunday, even if it meant ruining their day together.

  “It looks very much like a kiss. She’s draped all over you.”

  “Yes.” He reached for Kelsey’s hand but she drew back. He frowned. “I was at Chris’s Saturday night. A friend of his called and told him Samantha was making a scene. Chris asked me to come along and help him out. So I did.”

  “And helping him meant kissing Samantha?” Her voice rose an octave.

  This wasn’t like the Kelsey he knew. His Kelsey would never raise her voice. He glanced at the picture again. Samantha’s arms were entwined around his neck, and he had his arms around her waist. But he was trying to keep her from falling down. He had no idea Samantha’s lips were so close to his. Hell, she had so much alcohol on her breath he was surprised he didn’t get drunk from it. But in some ways, he couldn’t blame Kelsey. The article painted a bad picture. “No.”

  “Why, Michael?”

  “Why what?” He didn’t know what she was thinking.

  “Why not just tell me you weren’t interested in me anymore?”

  The tears in her voice shattered his heart. “Of course I’m interested in you.”

  “Then why didn’t you tell me about this.” She gestured toward the computer screen.

  “I was trying to protect you.” It was the truth. He didn’t want her upset, but that seemed to happen anyway.

  “Protect me?” She shook her head. “I…” Her hand shook when she brushed her hair away from her face. “Samantha Collins wants you. It’s plain and simple. She kissed you at the party then had the nerve to call you the next day.”

  “She called, and you didn’t tell me.” His eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

  “She made up some story about needing you to escort her to a party that night. I don’t trust her, Michael.” Kelsey waved her hand toward the desk.

  “Why didn’t you tell me she called?”

  “Because I wanted to trust you.”

  His heart stopped. “Samantha Collins means nothing to me. You can trust me.” His muscle tightened.

  “I don’t know what to trust.” Kelsey strode toward their bedroom.

  Michael followed, but the lead ball in his stomach expanded with each step.

  Kelsey peeked over her shoulder as she entered their bedroom. Her heart was heavy. “First, the party where she drapes herself all over you,” she said, turning to look at him. “Then she calls the next day, and you go to a meeting at Chris’s. Now there’s this picture and story of the two of you.”

  “And you found this out how?”

  “Samantha stopped by my office.”

  “That conniving bitch.”

  “That may be, but… What would you do if I asked you to let the part go?” Kelsey’s heart hammered.

  She couldn’t believe she let that question slip out. She didn’t want to make Michael choose between her and his job, but she didn’t regret it—fear was starting to grow in her belly. Her other boyfriends had done the same thing, slipping out with the excuse of work only to cheat on her.

  “Don’t ask that of me.” He scrubbed his hands over his face. “I’d have to tell you I can’t give this up. I can’t let this opportunity pass me by. Not when I’ve made it this far.”

  Her heart dropped to her stomach. She couldn’t make him choose, yet she didn’t want him to keep the part. This would be the end of their relationship. Insecurity welled, making it hard to talk, let alone think. She needed some space.

  Without a word, she strode to the front door, snatching her purse off the small table on the way, and left.

  Michael stood there, stunned. Kelsey had walked out. Damn it! He wanted to throw something. He was at the front door before he could rein in his temper, but he didn’t open the door.

  Kelsey had to trust him. Samantha Collins was a bitch, and he wanted nothing to do with her. Muttering a curse, he turned on his heel and went over to the computer to read the article. He needed to know what he was up against as he gave Kelsey some time to think.

  His heart grew heavy with each word he read. Damn, hack reporters. Not that he could heap all the blame on them. He sensed Samantha’s hand in all this. There were too many innuendoes dropped by the reporter. Only information someone on the inside of the film could have.

  Chris was going to have a fit when he saw this. But that wasn’t Michael’s concern right now. Kelsey was his concern.

  He had tried to reassure her at every turn he wasn’t like her other boyfriends. Heck, after he talked to her dad on Sunday he went out and got the ring. No, he hadn’t proposed yet. She had to trust in his love, in their love. He wasn’t like her exes. He wouldn’t run out on her for some two-bit actress.

  Michael shut down the computer, stomped over, and plopped down on the sofa. He flipped on the TV scanning all the so-called entertainment channels surfing for any more leaks. He wasn’t surprised to find several stories circulating. Give the gossips a nibble, and they’ll take the whole sandwich. He picked up his phone and called Chris.

  ****

  By ten that night, Michael paced around the living room. Kelsey wasn’t answering her phone. He’d expected her back by now. He was about to call her parents when his phone beeped.

  He picked it up off the side table and glanced at the screen. Finally, a text message from Kelsey.

  Won’t be home tonight. staying at my parents’ place. K.

  She wasn’t coming home? Oh hell, no. Chris was already doing damage control. And Kelsey wasn’t going to spend the night away from him, stewing. His temper exploded. He punched the speed dial on his phone.

  “Come home. Now.” He used his Dom voice when she answered.

  “No.” Her voice was
firm, and his ire rose even more.

  “Damn it, Kelsey. Come home. We can discuss this.”

  “There’s nothing to discuss.”

  “There’s plenty. Kelsey, the article was a complete and total lie. You have to know that.”

  He heard her take a breath. “I want to believe it’s a lie, but…you want the job. You’ll be on the set with her every day, and you’ll be making out with her.”

  “Kelsey, it won’t be real.” She was ripping his heart out, and there was nothing he could do about it. “Let go of the past, baby.”

  “I thought I had until now. I just can’t do it.” The line went dead.

  Michael tried calling her back, but it went to voicemail. Damn her. She was letting a little fear ruin what they had. He was a one-woman man. Hadn’t she learned that yet?

  Apparently not. Michael threw himself onto the sofa. It was going to be a long night.

  But he couldn’t let Kelsey go. He sent her a text. Stage 32 at nine in the morning. I’ll leave your name with security. Please come.

  The ball was in her court now.

  Chapter Seven

  “Kelsey, go home,” her mom said, sitting in Kelsey’s old bedroom that night.

  “Are you kicking me out?” She hoped not. Her mind was in turmoil, and her emotions were all over the place. One minute, she wanted to throw herself into Michael’s arms, and the next, she was ready to cry her eyes out over losing him.

  “Of course not. But Michael is not the enemy.”

  She stared at her mother with frown. How could her mother say that? Michael was the man she loved. “I know that, Mom.”

  “Honey, it’s obvious to anyone who watches the two of you that he’s helplessly in love with you.”

  Her heart constricted. She loved him so much. “But he’s never told me.” She’d said the words, but he hadn’t.

  “You don’t need the words.”

  “Maybe not, but his actions aren’t those of a man in love.”

  “Honey.” Her mom sat down next to her. “Michael wouldn’t hurt you for the all the gold in the world.”

  “But he’s going to be making love to another woman.” She’d told her mom about Samantha’s antics. Kelsey almost smiled. Her mom had called them antics.

  “On a movie set, honey. It’s all make-believe. And I don’t think for one moment that Michael will be naked.”

  She shivered. “Ewww. Mom, don’t say naked and Michael’s name in the same sentence.”

  “Well, it’s true. You know how the movie industry is. Actors only do nude scenes if they want to.”

  “I just can’t deal with this right now. I can’t think. It hurts too much to believe Michael could fall for Samantha Collins’s charms.”

  Her mom patted her on the shoulder. “If for some outlandish reason he does, then he’s not a man worthy of you or your love. Sleep on that.” Her mom walked out of Kelsey’s childhood bedroom.

  Kelsey flopped back on her twin bed and stared at the ceiling. It was going to be a long night, but she had to make a decision. Did she trust Michael or not? Go to the studio and watch the audition or return home, pack up and leave?

  Her stomach tightened. She loved Michael, and he’d never strayed not in their entire time together. Hell, he had survived dealing with her family. Her exes certainly hadn’t.

  So now, the ball was in her court. Whatever choice she made, it would change her life.

  ****

  Bright sunshine woke Kelsey. She rolled over and glanced at the clock. Eight. Well, at least she hadn’t overslept too much. Hell, she was surprised she got any sleep at all.

  After making her way to the bathroom, Kelsey looked at herself in the mirror. Oh, what a sorry sight she was—hair a mess, makeup all over the place—and she desperately needed to brush her teeth.

  Thankfully, her mother always kept a supply of extra toothbrushes. She cleaned up and dragged her sorry ass into her bedroom. She picked up her cell and turned it on. She needed to call work and let them know she wouldn’t be in today.

  Kelsey’s mother knocked on the door as she hung up with her boss. He wasn’t happy due to the upcoming deadlines she had, but there wasn’t much they could do about it.

  “Morning, Mom,” Kelsey called out.

  Her mom pushed open the door. “Morning, sweetheart. I have breakfast waiting.”

  “Thanks, but I’ve got to get a move on.” She wanted to go home and change.

  “Are you going to see Michael’s audition?”

  “Yes.” Kelsey slipped on her shoes. In the middle of the night, she’d looked deep into her heart. She loved and trusted Michael. She had over-reacted, but at the time, it had seemed reasonable. Now, she wanted to be there for him. He wasn’t like her exes. He wouldn’t cheat on her.

  “It will all work out.” Her mom squeezed her shoulder.

  “I hope so, Mom, because this will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” Watching Michael in the arms of that blonde bimbo just might cause her to murder someone, preferably the blonde.

  Her mom folded her into her arms, hugging her. “You’ll be fine, sweetheart. And Michael only has eyes for you.”

  Kelsey hugged her mom back before leaving. She hoped her mom was right. Because if this didn’t work out like she thought it would her heart would be in a million pieces like her pride.

  ****

  Michael shivered beneath the robe even though the room was warm. In a minute, he’d have to shed the covering and climb onto the mattress with Samantha Collins. The woman had no shame. He was wearing flesh-colored boxers. She, on the other hand, was totally nude. He wished Kelsey were there.

  His arms ached to hold her close. Having her here would make it so much easier to get through this scene and win the part. Her support meant the world to him. He wanted her to see the love scene was nothing to be worried about, at least not as far as he was concerned. He belonged to Kelsey and no one else.

  “We’re ready for you, Michael,” Chris said. At least he was here today, along with a few other people.

  Michael undid the robe, handed it to the assistant, and strode to the bed. Thank God, the sheet was draped over Samantha, or he might have lost his breakfast. He climbed onto the mattress, and the assistant arranged the sheet over him. “Okay, Michael,” the director said. “Start kissing her.”

  “Stop,” yelled the director thirty minutes later.

  Michael flung himself off the bed. What made him think he could do this? Samantha’s hands kept wandering all over the place and each time she touched him, he shivered in revulsion.

  “Michael, you don’t have a problem with love scenes, do you?” asked the director.

  “No.” He hadn’t until now. “Can you give me ten minutes?”

  “If it will get you through this scene.”

  “Thanks.” Michael scooped up the robe from the assistant and headed for the dressing room. He had to find a way to get into his character’s head or he’d lose his big chance.

  He closed his eyes and thought about the character and his need for this woman. But instead of Samantha Collins’s face, he saw Kelsey’s. Was this really worth it? Worth his relationship with Kelsey?

  “Michael,” a breathy voice said.

  He opened his eyes to see Samantha slithering into his dressing room. “What do you want?”

  “I thought I’d give you a private show.”

  “Get out.” This woman was getting on his last nerve.

  “Now, Michael.” Her voice dripped with more sap than a maple tree as she sauntered over, and grabbed him around the neck. “When we’re on set, you can be standoffish, but not in private. Kiss me.”

  “Look, I’m in a committed relationship.” And even if he wasn’t, Samantha wasn’t the woman for him. God, if Kelsey broke up with him because of this woman, he’d… Hell, he didn’t know what he’d do outside of begging Kelsey to reconsider.

  “So what? It doesn’t matter.” When she ran her fingers under his robe and onto his skin, co
ld, slithering revulsion slid down his spine.

  “It matters to me.” He grasped her wrists and pried her away. “Get out. You’re nothing but trouble. I’m not going to tell you again. Instead, I’ll call security and let them handle it.” And the hell with the role. There’d be other parts. There was only one Kelsey.

  Samantha pouted. “You want me.”

  “No. I don’t.” Michael reached for the phone. “I’m a one-woman man. The woman I love isn’t you, Ms. Collins. So are you going to leave, or do I call security?”

  “I can finish you, Michael. Your career—” she snapped her fingers “—gone, just like that.” She gave an unladylike huff then marched out of the room.

  He’d made a big mistake in auditioning for this role. Sure, it represented the break he needed to put his career into overdrive. But not at the expense of his relationship with Kelsey. He loved her. He was a fool. Michael took a deep breath and let it out before he picked up his cell phone from where he’d left it on the table and dialed.

  “Hello.”

  “Kelsey.” She’d answered the phone. He took it as a good sign. “I’m sorry about last night.”

  “Michael.” Her voice was soft and quiet.

  “No please, listen.” He paused for a second to collect his thoughts then continued. “I never should have dismissed your fears. I understand why you have them.”

  “I don’t want you to break my heart,” she whispered.

  “I won’t. I wish you were here, because I can’t get into this part. I love you so much, and I don’t want to lose you. Maybe I should just give up on the movie.”

  “You do that Michael Aaron Levin, and you’re a fool.”

  He jerked around, because Kelsey’s voice wasn’t on the phone but in the room. “You’re here.” His heart swelled.

  “Yes, I’m here, where I belong.” She strode across the room to him. “You’re perfect for this part, and I trust you.”

  Michael tossed his phone on the table. He plucked Kelsey’s from her hand and did the same. He pulled her into his arms as his lips covered hers in a long, hard kiss. When he lifted his head, they were both out of breath. “I love you. I will never get tired of saying it.”