Hollywood & Vine

by Olivia Evans

  “Always back to sex, isn’t it?” She stepped back, her moment of weakness gone. She would not be vulnerable in front of a man like Anders.

  Anders pushed the heels of his hands into his eyes and growled in the back of his throat. “Why do you make everything so difficult? I want you. I have always made my intentions clear. I haven’t been with anyone else. I haven’t been on a date. I don’t date for a reason. Because with dating comes relationships and obligations. Neither of those things interest me.” The argument in progress was a perfect example of why he didn’t do relationships.

  Josie shrugged. She didn’t believe him. “Well, if you’re not a liar, then you’ll hold up your end of the bargain. You wanted a date. You got a date.” She glanced at her watch. “I have a meeting. Good luck with your scenes.”

  Anders could do nothing but let her go, even though he wanted to strap her in the chair until she believed him. She’d backed him into a corner. Tense and on edge, he changed clothes before snatching up his phone that had buzzed constantly for the last ten minutes. He read the text from Nathan and smiled, at least something had gone his way. He’d figure out whatever nonsense Josie was talking about later.

  Josie sat at her desk and tried to concentrate on the drawing in front of her, the same one she’d stared at for the last thirty minutes. She blew out a frustrated breath and pushed up from her chair. It was time for her meeting with Craig anyway; maybe the distraction would help clear her mind.

  After gathering her folders, she walked to Craig’s office and knocked on the door before sliding into the room. “Hey, Craig.”

  Craig lifted his head. “Josie, take a seat. There won’t be a meeting today.”

  Josie froze at Craig’s tone. He sounded tired, resigned, like he was about to tell her something unpleasant. Her eyes closed as she pulled in a deep breath and eased into a chair. She wasn’t sure what he had to say, but she was certain it had to do with Anders and that she wasn’t going to like it.

  Ten minutes later Josie learned she was right on all accounts.

  “No. Craig, there has to be something we can do.”

  “Josie, I’m not sure what is going on between you and Mr. Ellis―”

  “There’s nothing going on between us,” she interrupted.

  “I’ve been around for a long time, Josie. Something is going on. I don’t know if it’s one-sided or not, but this thing isn’t work-related. Now, if he’s harassing you in any way, then you need to tell me and we’ll report it to the proper people…” Craig let his words trail off, and Josie dropped her head in defeat.

  “No,” she answered quietly. “There’s nothing to report.”

  Craig hummed at her answer. “Well then, there are two options. You can suck it up until the movie wraps or you can convince him the crew we plan to send will be sufficient.”

  Josie gave Craig a tight smile and nodded. “And what are you going to do about the other wardrobes I’m supposed to start on?”

  Craig gave her a look that clearly asked if she was joking. “Dressing Mr. Ellis should take no more than an hour a day. Two tops. That leaves plenty of time to work on the new stuff. Consider it a vacation.”

  “So unless I convince him that he’ll be in good hands, I have no choice?”

  “Afraid so. Let’s get together about this other project next week. There’s time.”

  “Okay. Well since I have two weeks to convince Mr. Ellis my presence isn’t necessary, I better get started. Wish me luck?” Josie stood from the table and gathered her things.

  “Good luck.”

  Josie marched down the hall and out into the parking lot. She didn’t need luck, and she didn’t need two weeks to convince Anders. Pulling out her phone she steeled herself for what she was about to do.

  I believe you. Come see me tonight? 1919 Antebellum Drive.

  She climbed in her car and drove home, her nerves making her vision blurry and her hands shake. By the time she pulled into her drive, he’d already responded.

  I’ll be there at 8.

  That was it. Nothing more. The next seven hours were going to be the longest of her life.

  Back at the studio, Anders stared at his phone in disbelief. He wasn’t sure what had changed her mind, but he wasn’t going to complain. He’d been unable to focus on his scenes because he couldn’t stop replaying his conversation with Josie. It was a constant distraction. Josie was a constant distraction.

  He’d been on the verge of an epic tantrum when she texted. After he read her message, it was like a weight lifted from his shoulders. He refused to consider why that was, but one take later, he nailed the scene.

  By the time they wrapped for the day, he was exhausted. He didn’t know what to expect when he saw Josie, but he was going to see her no matter how tired he was.

  After a quick shower, he took off in the direction of the address she’d given. He parked a few houses away from her place and checked his mirrors. Confident he wasn’t followed, he stepped out of the car and walked to her house with his shoulders hunched and his chin to his chest. Climbing the steps, he knocked on the door then stepped back, chuckling at the number of ivy plants on her porch. Seconds later the door swung open to reveal a smiling Josie. Not the fake, indifferent one she’d worn earlier but a real one, albeit a little more relaxed than normal.

  “Hey.”

  “Anders, hey. Come in.”

  He shuffled inside, keeping his eyes locked on her as he passed. Josie closed the door, her steps a little unsteady as she spun to face him. “I’ve already eaten.” She shrugged, not bothering to mention her dinner had consisted of a bottle of Merlot liquid courage and a few slices of cheese. She needed to be relaxed, seem normal, and get the night over with.

  “That’s okay. I’m not hungry.”

  “Of course you’re not. Not for food, anyway.” She stepped closer and slid her hands around his waist, locking her fingers behind his back. Anders’ eyes widened. It was the first time she’d initiated contact since that first night. To say it took him off guard was an understatement.

  “What are you―”

  “Shhh. I think we’ve talked enough.” She moved her hands to his chest. In a slow, smooth motion she slid them over his pecs and around his neck, tipping forward on the balls of her feet until her mouth covered his.

  Anders froze. His hands hung limp at his sides until her tongue swept over his bottom lip and brought his body to life. He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her flush. His tongue stroked hers, the sweet taste of wine invading his senses at once. He pulled back, causing Josie to groan in frustration. “So you believe me? What changed your mind?”

  Josie stiffened; she didn’t want to talk. She might be capable of letting her body take over, especially with the wine she drank, but never once had she been able to control her mouth. Suddenly, she wondered if having so much wine was such a good idea—because she didn’t believe him. Twice already he’d been photographed with other women and both times he had an excuse. Besides, it wasn’t about that anyway. She’d been on a date too, only she never tried to cover it up.

  “It doesn’t matter.” She reached for the top button of his shirt and popped it open. Lifting up on her toes again, she bit his neck as her fingers made quick work of the remaining buttons. She scraped her nails up his chest as she separated the material and pushed it off his shoulders. Walking him toward her bedroom, she moved to his pants, giggling when she stumbled, her hands faltering for a second.

  “Hey. Hold on.” Anders stilled her and stepped back. He studied her face. Her eyes seemed glassy in the dimly lit room and her cheeks were alcohol-flushed. “Are you drunk?”

  “What? No. Just, come here.” Josie moved for him again, finishing what she started with the button on his pants before sliding down the zipper. She slipped her hand inside his pants and palmed his dick, squeezing as she started guiding him to the bed again.

  “Fuck,” he groaned. Grabbing the bottom of her shirt, he pulled it over her head, not wasting any
time ridding her of the bra as well. Josie shoved him on the bed, his body bouncing from the impact. She reached for the waist of her pants and pulled them down, kicking the material from her feet before crawling over Anders and straddling his hips.

  “There are condoms in the drawer.” She grabbed the top of his boxers to pull them down, but he was faster. He wrapped his hands around her wrists and flipped their bodies until she was pinned under him.

  “What’s the fucking rush, Ivy? Slow down.”

  She shifted, the wine in her system doing what she hoped. Lost in the moment, she shut off her thoughts and let her body take over. “Anders, stop being a pussy and touch me.” She shifted, cradling him between her thighs. Arching her back, she rocked her hips, grinding into him.

  He lifted his gaze to her face, her heavy-lidded eyes making challenges her parted lips never had to utter. He was done fighting. Rising to his knees, he dragged his hands over the tops of her breasts and down the dip of her waist. Never taking his eyes away from her body, he grasped the sides of her panties and yanked them down her legs.

  Josie twisted her hips, her legs coming together in an attempt to create some kind of friction, anything to distract her from Anders’ penetrating stare. He moved his hand to the apex of her thighs and pushed her legs open, cupping her where she wanted him most.

  “Like this?” He slid a single finger inside her and pulled back, his movements slow and teasing as he pressed his palm against her clit. “Is this what you want, Ivy?”

  “More.” She grabbed his hair and pulled his mouth to hers, biting his bottom lip. He added a second finger and pushed harder, his dick straining against his boxers.

  “You’re so wet.” He slipped his fingers out and spread them around her clit, letting the tight bundle catch and slide between his knuckles.

  Josie’s body jerked when he made another pass. Her eyes drifted shut and her mouth fell open. Anders watched his fingers tease and taunt her before turning his head and dragging his flattened tongue over her sensitive nipple.

  Josie’s groan-gasp as she tipped over the edge had Anders biting down on her hardened peak to keep from losing himself. While she shuddered and tried to calm her racing heart, Anders snatched open the drawer of her nightstand and pulled a condom from the box. Not letting his mind wonder about how many were missing, he removed his boxers and sheathed himself.

  “Come here.” He tugged her leg, positioning her under him before sliding his hands around the backs of her thighs and tilted her hips. Lifting his eyes to hers, he dipped his head and kissed her lips gently.

  His kiss, their position, the way his breath fanned across her face when he dropped his forehead to hers as he pushed inside―it was too much, too intimate. It caused Josie’s mind to go into overdrive. This wasn’t right. It was supposed to be like the first time. Tightening her muscles, she squeezed around him, moving her hips with his.

  “God, I’m not going to…” He tilted his chin to kiss her, but Josie turned her head at the last second.

  “Just fuck me, Anders.”

  He pulled his forehead away from hers. The expression on her face caused his hands to tighten around her thighs, but he didn’t argue. He did exactly as she asked. He fucked her fast and hard, his body tensing and his eyes squeezing shut when he finally spilled into the condom.

  Collapsing on top of her, Anders let his body sag while his erratic heart rate returned to normal. Josie groaned and pushed his shoulders. He rolled to his side and pulled her against his chest, his arms around her waist. Josie lay stiffly, her chest tight. A million different thoughts and emotions swirled in her head. She felt caged and restless.

  The buzz from the wine had burned away, leaving nothing but confliction. The way he looked at her was nothing like last time, and he sure as hell hadn’t stuck around to cuddle. She expected the guy who made sure she hung back while he walked out to avoid being seen together. She expected the guy who lied to get his way and didn’t care who it affected or how. The guy next to her was a fake and a fraud, and she didn’t sign up for that. Freeing herself, she climbed out of the bed and began dressing.

  “What are you doing?” Anders lifted up on his elbows, his brows pulled together.

  “I’m getting dressed, obviously.” Her voice had resumed the same edge she had in his trailer earlier.

  Anders’ jaw ticked, his temper climbing. “Why?”

  Josie sighed and turned to him. “Because we’re done. We did what you came here to do. What else is there?”

  Anders reached for his boxers and yanked them on before jumping from the bed. “What are you doing right now, Ivy? Before you were fine, and now…now you’re right back to acting like you did this morning.” When she didn’t answer he crossed the room in three angry strides and grabbed her arms. “Look at me.”

  Josie shoved away and backed toward the door. She tried to keep an indifferent expression, but her eyes told another story. They overflowed with hurt, anger, and fear. “I’m not acting different. I’m treating what happened exactly how I should—a means to an end.”

  Anders clenched and unclenched his fists, his entire body taut with frustration. “Why do you keep fighting me? Why do you keep running away?”

  Josie scoffed and shook her head. When she spoke again her loud, angry voice decimated the silence. “The better question here, Anders, is why do you keep chasing me?”

  His features hardened and his temper soared. “I have no fucking idea.” He turned and grabbed his clothes from the floor, missing Josie’s flinch. When he turned around, she was gone. He shook his head and left the room. Nothing made sense. Not her, what happened, or how hollow he felt. As he reached for the front door, movement off to the side caught his attention. He turned and locked eyes with Josie for a moment before she looked away.

  “Fuck this,” he muttered. Slamming the door, he stormed down the stairs and out into the street, none the wiser to the lone tear rolling down Josie’s cheek.

  Anders stripped out of his set clothes and draped them over the back of his chair. Running a hand through his hair, he looked around the room and sighed. It was quiet, peaceful, empty. More than a week had passed since he’d stormed out of Josie’s house, and she hadn’t come back for a fitting since. He wanted to demand she continue coming, but there was no point. He orchestrated that arrangement to sleep with her. There was no reason for her to be around anymore.

  He’d seen her around the set a couple of times, but she was never looking. She acted like he didn’t exist. With a tired sigh, he dressed in his regular clothes. The last couple of days had been hell. Between long hours on set and the ass kicking from his personal trainer, he should have been sleeping like the dead, but he wasn’t. Memories he’d rather forget plagued his dreams, making him antsy and on edge.

  Not in the mood to drive home, Anders hopped on the vanity counter and leaned against the mirror. With unfocused eyes, he stared across the room, tensing when he noticed a dying ivy plant. The wilting leaves served as yet another reminder of how many days had passed since last seeing Josie.

  Annoyed that the mere sight of a harmless plant bothered him, Anders made a decision. He needed to blow off steam, take some time to forget about long hours, hard workouts, and a feisty girl who would argue with a tree stump. The beep of his phone reminded him of an earlier text from Owen. A night out was exactly what he needed to get back in the game. With a nod, he made plans to meet Owen later.

  Around ten thirty that night, Anders sat at a familiar table, in a familiar bar, surrounded by a scene he knew all too well. Loud voices and drunken laughter echoed around the room as he downed another drink. The redhead to his right smiled slyly as she rubbed his thigh. He didn’t stop her. This was who he was, and he’d make no apologies.

  Owen studied Anders over the top of his beer and grinned, his eyes glassy and drooping. “You fucked her.”

  “Who?” Anders tried to sound nonchalant. Owen laughed.

  “You know damn well who. Come on. Tell me. You
wouldn’t be here, and with her, otherwise.” Owen motioned to the girl next to Anders.

  “Of course I fucked her,” he scoffed. The memory caused his stomach to tighten.

  “Well, shit, man. I expected you to be, I don’t know, less”―Owen waved his hand at Anders face―“whatever the fuck this new brooding thing is you have going on. I never pegged you for a brooder. What’s the deal?”

  “Work,” Anders answered. “It’s kicking my ass. And I didn’t mention it because last time I checked I had a dick.”

  “Whoa, no need to get pissed. I’m just waiting for you to act normal.”

  Anders glanced at the girl next to him before reaching over and trailing a path up her inner thigh to the edge of her panties. “I am normal. This is one hundred percent me right now.”

  Owen hummed and raised his drink. “Whatever you say.”

  The rest of the night Anders ignored the part of his mind that wondered what Josie was doing. Instead, he focused on the redhead as she stroked him under the table. With each stroke his pounding pulse muted the voices of the crowd until he tensed and came all over her hand. When she suggested moving the party to her place, nothing appealed to him less.

  “Nah, I’m good, but thanks for that.” He motioned to his lap and smirked before fastening the button.

  “You’re an asshole.” Embarrassment and anger colored her face as she used a napkin from the table to wipe her hand.

  “That’s the rumor.” He laughed without a trace of humor. The last time someone called him that, it had a completely different effect. The girl pushed away from the table and flung the napkin. It bounced off his chest and fell to the floor as she stormed off.

  “What was that about?”

  Anders shrugged. “Nothing. I’m going to take off. We’ll catch up later.” Not bothering to wait for Owen to argue, Anders threw some cash on the table and walked out of the club. A strange mix of guilt and regret settled on his chest and caused his muscles to tighten. Even after a shower, the feelings lingered. He blamed Josie. All of this was her fault.