Careless Kisses

by Andrea Hurtt

  She'd have to confront Charles in the morning.

  We can't start a show like this. I've dreamed of playing this role since I was a child. I can't screw this up!

  She fell asleep with his scent still lingering in the room.

  Charles opened his door, set the keycard on the nightstand and looked at the roses sitting in a beer bottle on the desk.

  The sweet aroma of the flowers filling his room still made him think of Grace.

  Her lips had been rose-red, and as soft as a petal. She'd opened up to him, much like a bud in bloom.

  Then shut him down the moment things got hot.

  What the hell?

  He would not give up.

  She'd said she gave up relationships, but she can't really mean it.

  The anger in her voice had said she was serious. At least when it came to intimate relationships.

  With three sisters, Charles had become very good at being the 'friend' to many a girl. His sisters' friends had come to him for advice on boys, or a shoulder to cry on. They usually left with a smile on their faces, and it wasn't simply because he listened.

  He sat at the desk, continuing to stare at the roses. What he wanted was a shock, but he couldn't follow through. Yet. He glanced at the clock. Had enough time had passed?

  After waiting almost forty-five minutes, Charles stood, reached for a stem, and headed out the door; Grace's room key in his other hand.

  He held his breath as he slowly opened her door.

  The room was dark, but the light from the hallway still illuminated her.

  Charles stepped into the room and quietly shut the door, waiting for a response from his Sleeping Beauty.

  Nothing happened.

  She was deep asleep, her breathing soft and soothing.

  He could stay there all night, just looking at her.

  They had a long day ahead of them, and he needed sleep.

  Charles crept up to the edge of her bed, taking her into his lungs and holding it there. He reached across her to place the single red rose on the pillow beside her, so when she woke, it would be the first thing she saw.

  He set her room key on the nightstand, close to her purse and with great care, then slipped out the door.

  Chapter Nine

  Grace woke with a yawn but stopped mid-breath. Her senses were overwhelmed with the smell of roses. Her eyes flew open to find a single rose, inches from her face.

  Her heart slammed against her ribs. She flew off the bed, panic flying up to her throat, strangling, making her choke.

  Fear froze her against the door to the room, but her eyes were glued to the offensive item in on her pillow.

  What the hell?

  Breaking her eyes away, she scanned the room for any other signs there'd been an intruder.

  Her purse was right where she left it, her room key beside her phone. Her clothes were still in a heap on the floor by the bathroom. Nothing looked amiss, other than the damned flower in her bed.

  Her hand went to her neck. She tried to calm her racing heart. Who could have done this?

  How did they get in?

  Grace rushed to the phone, pressing the option for the front desk.

  "Perry speaking, how may I help you?"

  She swallowed once, then again, her throat dry from her fear. "I… uh… someone came into my room last night, while I was sleeping."

  "Ms.… um, Harrison. Are you all right?" He didn't sound concerned.

  "I'm fine. It's just… they left a rose on my pillow."

  The line was silent for a moment.

  "Sounds sweet. You must have a secret admirer."

  His words send angry heat spiraling up her spine.

  "Are you kidding me? I tell you someone entered my room while I was sleeping and you say, 'sweet'? I want your manager! I want to know who was in my room!" Her knuckles whitened, and the phone creaked from her tight grip.

  "One moment, please."

  The line clicked and terrible elevator music blasted in her ear.

  Grace looked over at the red bud and tried to calm herself enough to replay the night's events.

  She'd had dinner with her new costar...

  Charles. Could he have done this?

  She looked at her key on the nightstand and shook her head. He'd brought her to her room; they'd been kissing.

  He'd wanted more.

  She'd pushed him out of her room and he'd left without another word. Her key was right where she'd left it.

  Hadn't she left it there?

  She couldn't actually remember setting the key down, that much was still unclear.

  "Miss?"

  The voice on the line snagged her attention.

  "I'm so sorry there was a miscommunication with our new front desk clerk. If I understand right, you think someone entered your room without your permission?"

  "Correct."

  "Unfortunately, there's no way for us to investigate this. The keycards are not traceable. But I'd like to comp your stay with us and move you to another room. I suggest you utilize the locking mechanism at the top of the door for your additional safety."

  Grace didn't know what to say.

  Really, what had she expected?

  Cameras in the hallways? Not at a mid-level hotel like this.

  She accepted the comp and the offer of a new room. She packed up in record time, and left the damned rose on the bed, slamming the door behind her.

  Thwap, thwap, thwap.

  Charles slammed the red dodge ball on the hardwood floor of the community center's recreation room like a basketball. He was irritated; with himself, with Grace.

  He'd thought things had gone well last night.

  Until Grace had shoved him out of her room, right when things were getting good.

  I've never had a woman deny me before. What the fuck's up with that?

  Yes, she'd been drunk, and he took things too far. He'd left her a rose, his way of apologizing if he'd pushed things too far. Had she accepted it?

  Rehearsals were supposed to start almost an hour ago, and she still wasn't there.

  He slammed the ball down again. He looked up when it returned to him, and all the anger disappeared.

  A vision of beauty stood before him.

  Her long hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her cheeks were flushed pink. The buttons of her light green shirt were slightly askew.

  She must've been in a hurry to return to me.

  Relief flooded through him when she came closer.

  "Gracie! You're here! It's about damn time! We can't get started without you. Hey! Catch!" Charles playfully threw the ball at her.

  She stepped out of the way before it could collide with her. The flying red rubber hit the wall behind her only to roll back their way.

  "Seriously, Grace. Would it really hurt that much if it hit you?" Charles crossed his bare arms over his chest, trying to fake disappointment.

  "Everyone please take your seats, I don't care where. Just sit and I'll pass out the scripts," Jason said.

  Charles led his beautiful costar to the ring of chairs, indicating she should sit right beside him. He did his best not to laugh while she rolled and unrolled her script.

  Something was on her mind, something that caused her cheeks to lose their color.

  Did I do this to her?

  He bumped her shoulder, trying to get her attention. "Are you ready for your life to change?" he whispered in her ear.

  She glanced his way, fear written all over her beautiful face. Her brows furrowed, and she swallowed. "Did you come into my room last night?" Her voice waved slightly.

  "You know I did." He wagged his brows at her.

  "I'm serious, Charles," she whispered, but spared a glimpse to Jason, who was engaged in a discussion with the two men chosen to play their characters' fathers.

  "Is this about the kiss?" He asked, but didn't mention his little gift.

  She shook her head. "Someone came into my room when I was sleeping."

 
He could hear real fear in her voice.

  "There was a rose on my bed. And it wasn't the first left for me. Someone's been following me, and I'm scared."

  Oh shit, what have I done?

  Jason asked everyone to open their scripts, and they began their first reading.

  Two hours later, they'd finished with a full read-through.

  Charles always loved the first meeting of a new show and getting to hear how people changed their voices and body language when pretending to be someone else. Even Grace was different.

  * * *

  Color had flooded her cheek, she sat a little straighter, even her laughter was lighter.

  She really transformed into her character.

  This will be a damn good show, if I don't screw things up.

  Jason thanked everyone for coming and handed out the actors' information packet.

  "We're doing things differently than any other production before. This show is unlike any I've done in the past. It'll be treated as thus. I have a large ranch out in Montana; we'll stay the first three weeks. There're two bunker houses where you'll be living, guys in one, girls in the other. I will have no consorting during rehearsals or production. Is that clear?" Jason looked right at Charles.

  He looked down at the packet and thumbed through it absentmindedly, ignoring the words clearly pointed at him.

  Screw you, Jason.

  He'd bide his time.

  Grace already made it known she'd have nothing to do with him until the show was over, at least not romantically.

  In the meantime, he'd do what he did best.

  Woo her secretly.

  He'd get under her skin in all the right ways; convince her he was her best friend. Having sisters had taught him a lot, like patience and how to listen. Every girl needed a guy best friend. "You have one week to get your affairs in order and get to the ranch. All talent must arrive by Tuesday next week. You can come as early as Monday, but anyone that hasn't checked in to the ranch by nine p.m. on Tuesday will lose their position in the production. I'm taking this show to a new level and will not accept less than the best. Is this understood?"

  The crowd made it known, and Jason released them.

  The actors began filing out of the rec room, a buzz of excitement around them.

  Including Grace.

  Charles offered a hand to his beautiful costar, helping her out of her seat.

  "Do you have any plans tonight?" he asked with a hint of anticipation. He was proud he'd been able to keep it from his voice.

  "Actually, I think I should head home. I could get at least a few hours of drive time in. It would get me to Denver faster."

  No, I can't let her leave yet!

  "Grace, it's really not a good idea for you to drive this late at night. You've had a long day. I'm sure your hotel will still charge you for the room since you didn't check out by eleven. Why don't we have dinner tonight, I promise I'll be a gentleman? You can get a good night's sleep, and head out first thing in the morning."

  She stopped walking, causing Charles to do the same. The color in her cheeks from moments before had paled. "Technically, my room's free tonight. The hotel's trying to make up for… well, something that happened last night. I'm ready to go home. Honestly, I'm scared to spend another night in that hotel."

  "Why? Because of our kiss last night? I promise it won't happen again."

  She sighed. "Someone's been leaving me roses, I'm deathly afraid of roses. It's just set me off-kilter. I'm really excited to be doing the show but I cannot wait to get out of Minneapolis." There was a hint of a quiver in her voice.

  They reached the door to the front of the building and he held it open for her.

  The evening was once again chilled, and she wrapped her arms around herself to keep the cold wind off her bare skin. She was wearing short sleeves.

  "Let's go have dinner, and you can tell me all about these roses."

  Chapter Ten

  Grace sipped water while they waited for their food to arrive, wishing she hadn't made a pact with herself to give up certain things. The first read-through of a role was the beginning of her celibacy.

  Tonight she could really use a drink. Even if it was just the bubbly carbonation of an ice-cold soda. The boring clear fluid would have to do.

  She set her glass down and continued to explain her dilemma. "First there was the rose at the restaurant, then the one outside my door, then in my hotel room. Seriously, how could someone gain access to my hotel room? It had to be through housekeeping. They must've gotten someone to let them in." She watched her costar's face closely.

  Could it have been Charles?

  His expression showed no signs he was the culprit.

  "Not to sound insensitive, but you weren't hurt. Just spooked. Is it worth continuing to stress over?" He picked up his beer and downed the entire contents in just a few gulps.

  "I'm scared. That's not something to take lightly. My fear is real. Don't discount that."

  Charles reached across the table and took her hand, running the pad of his thumb across her knuckles in a comforting gesture. "I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I'm simply stating it's not good to continue to worry about it. I get it, you're afraid. You have every right to be. But you don't have to face this alone. I don't think it's a good idea for you to drive home tonight, especially since you're scared. Your state of mind isn't in the right place. Why don't you stay with me—"

  She put a hand up to stop him.

  "I've got a room with double beds. Remember, I have sisters. I know how to be a gentleman. I apologize for my behavior last night. It was inappropriate. I spent the rest of the night thinking about what I did. I want this show to work. It will be the best show Shockside has ever done. And I think it's because of the chemistry you and I have."

  Grace said nothing, letting him go on. She arched an eyebrow, but he didn't seem to react. Evidently, he didn't get her, are you serious? she was trying to project.

  "We're about to spend the next four months together. I want you to know from the beginning you can trust me, come to me for anything. This is the best time to show that. I hope you never experience this type of fear again." His words were so sincere, the tone of his voice saying he truly meant the words he spoke.

  Maybe he's right. I'm making a big deal out of this.

  Grace took another sip of water, trying to find the right words. She didn't want to lead him on, but she could use a friend.

  The waiter interrupted them, holding two plates in his hands. "Is there anything else I can get for you?" He asked after setting them down.

  "I think we're good," Grace let him know.

  "Are you excited about the ranch? I've never done a production like this. I'm apprehensive about living with the cast before we hit the road. There'll already be enough tension during the show. Have you ever done a traveling show before?"

  Grace's face flushed hot. "I haven't. The shows I've done in Denver have all been in one theater or another. Stationary. So, yeah. I'm looking forward to it." She cut into her meat and busied herself with eating. It was difficult, not because the food wasn't enjoyable, she was always up for a good steak.

  She had too much on her mind. Not to mention the knots in her stomach.

  This was going to be a life-changer, but worry scattered her self-confidence. This could lead to so many things, including furthering her career as an actress.

  That's what I need to focus on. Just that. Only that.

  Being the best actor she could be.

  Charles chatted about some of the other productions he'd done, and a bit about his family, but she was absentmindedly picking at her food, not really absorbing the information.

  Once again, he took care of the bill before she had a chance to do anything about it.

  They walked in silence the six blocks from the restaurant to the hotel. The hotel marque was just coming into sight when Charles let out a sigh and broke the silence.

  "Seriously, though, Grace. You should come
stay with me tonight. Just so you're not alone. If I prove to be anything less than a true gentleman, I give you permission to geld me."

  Laughter rumbled in her belly as it carried up her body to release into the night air. "Well, that's a promise I've never been given. But, okay. You're right. I really don't want to be alone tonight. My things are all still packed in my suitcase from moving this morning. I just have to run to my new room and get them. It should give you time to pick up all your dirty underwear from off the floor."

  This time, he laughed.

  They entered the hotel, followed by the elevator. Charles pressed his floor and Grace had to hold back a laugh.

  Sure it was a small hotel, but they were now on the same floor. When the doors opened, she headed to the left, and he to the right.

  "I'm in 227. See you in a few minutes!" he called over his shoulder.

  She slid the keycard across the pad and entered her room

  The cold of the air conditioner hit her.

  Why do they always have the rooms so cold? It's warmer outside in the brisk April night.

  Grace used the restroom, brushed her teeth, and did a basic bedtime prep, in case Charles was all nasty male and the bathroom was gross.

  She took one last look in the mirror before heading out.

  Charles smiled as he touched his keycard to the lock. He had Grace right where he wanted her. When he opened the door, the smell of roses swept over him.

  Oh shit! I gotta get those out of here!

  He rushed over to the remaining flowers, still sitting in the last of the water. He scooped them up and whirled, not once, but twice.

  What the hell was he supposed to do?

  He opened the door, scanning to see if his costar had left her room yet.

  The hallway was empty, thank God.

  Charles looked both left and right, trying to assess his options. The stairs where just off to his left, as far away from Grace's new room as possible.

  He dashed for the stairs and football-tossed the fully bloomed flowers over the railing. He didn't stay to watch them flutter to the landing below.