Notorious (Hollywood Bad Boys) Read online

  “Everyone,” Kelli said. She scrunched up her face in a way that almost reminded me of Sarah, which, if I was being honest, was part of the reason why I hired her. I just really trusted my best friend, okay? “This whole set-up was really for Jack. I mean, second string is hanging in the green room today, just in case, but we’ve already read them, so…”

  “Send them in.” I sighed heavily and kicked the table leg. “Let’s get our Martha out here, too, so we can start sorting through who’s going to be—”

  “So we’re just giving up?” Kelli cut me off. “Not going to wait for this Mr. Wonderful to walk through the door and—”

  The door swung open and in walked that sexy and impossible man, Jack Steele. In the fluorescent lights, he almost looked like a normal man instead of the demi-god he resembled last night. Almost. He was wearing hip-hugging jeans and a tight army green shirt, which managed to show off every single muscle under his shirt and around the sleeves. I took another sip of water to keep my tongue from falling out of my mouth.

  Sexy wasn’t even a fair description. He was beyond sexy. He was otherworldly.

  I didn’t date a lot of white guys. It wasn’t intentional, like I barred them from going near me or anything, they were just by and large scared of me because I was ‘different’ to what they were used to. They thought I’d be a fun conquest until they realized what that entailed and hauled it out of there.

  But the way Jack stared at me, script in one hand and phone in the other, suggested he probably knew exactly what he’d be getting into…and be damn good at it.

  I cleared my throat and checked my watch, trying to be casual. “You’re a bit late, Mr. Steele.”

  “I got lost.” He flashed that winning smile that made my heart race, but only for three seconds.

  He got lost? That was his excuse for practically standing me up? He wouldn’t even humor me with the truth, just come out and say he didn’t think he’d do it until the last minute?

  Then again, I didn’t know what else I expected from him. I barely knew him. I definitely was not hoping to hear he’d been up all night, unable to sleep because of the image of me dancing before him racing through his mind, and he overslept his alarm from it. Definitely not.

  I was definitely not a liar.

  “Well, here’s hoping you quickly learn your way around the city that’s been your home for several years. I’m sure it’s terribly inconvenient.” I surprised even myself with the chill attitude I exuded. I grabbed the test scenes and offered him one. “Kelli will read with you—”

  “I had some other ideas.”

  I paused, arm frozen in midair. “Excuse me?”

  “No disrespect, ma’am.” Was that a wink? Did he just wink at me? “But I was up all night reading the script and I’d like to read my favorite scene, if possible.”

  “How do you know it’s not the scene in my hand?” I swallowed down a lump of frustration. I’d dealt with prima donnas before. Hollywood was rife with them. Performers who thought they should be catered to simply because they wore tight pants and knew how to wink suggestively. It always turned my stomach.

  Jack’s bad boy image was infamous, yes, but I’d been secretly hoping it was a Heart of Gold situation. Instead, I found myself regretting approaching him at all.

  “Again, I don’t mean to be rude.” He totally did, that liar. “But I know how these usually work. The scenes you guys usually choose. I wanted to try something a little different, prove that I was worth…searching out.”

  Well. That wasn’t what I was expecting.

  “And I was hoping to read it with you.”

  “Me?” My heart stopped.

  “You. I’m sure your assistant is very nice, but I’d rather prove it to you than her.”

  Kelli nudged me, practically jumping out of her skin. I mouthed ‘stop staring’ before grabbing my script and joining him in the middle of the room.

  “Page 180.” He turned his back to me and ran his hands over his head as though getting into character.

  I flipped to the page he requested and felt my stomach drop to my shoes. This was the big fight between Eddie Bowser and Veronica Station, the love interest. It was explosive and passionate, one of my favorite scenes in the whole thing.

  Acting was not my forte. I belonged behind the camera, behind a desk, hand-picking the talent I could see oozing from actors when they themselves couldn’t even taste it. That was my gift. Kelli always did the readings because I was horribly awkward.

  Just before we began, the doors swung open and Denver and Gerald waltzed in with two other assistants. A full crowd. Lovely.

  Jack paid them no mind, a professional actor to the core. He dived right into the scene with an intensity I’d hoped for but almost didn’t expect. I had to work to follow the lines because I was so mesmerized by the conviction and angst in his voice, the way his eyes tore through me as he begged me to stay. I played along as best I could but he never lost a beat.

  I, however, nearly fell apart when he crossed to me, gently rested his hand against my cheek, and ran his thumb across my lower lip. We were as close as we’d been in the club and it was almost as intense now as it was then.

  “I love you.” His voice dropped two octaves and for the tiniest moment, I thought he was talking to me. I barely had enough time to recognize it was a reading before he crushed his lips to mine. Written in the script. Performed across my tongue. God help me.

  Thunderous applause broke us apart. Jack winked at me and stepped back to do a small bow. Kelli wolf-whistled and I felt like my entire body was red-hot. Okay, hot kiss aside, what the hell did he think he was doing, kissing the casting director? I mean, the sheer arrogance of it all was maddening.

  But it didn’t change the fact that he was every inch of Eddie Bowser and exactly what the film needed.

  “You were worth the wait,” Denver announced. “I think we’ve found Eddie!”

  Everyone cheered and clapped. Kelli ran over to give me a hug, whispering, “Thank god that’s over.”

  The smile on my face hurt. Jack’s antics aside, I did this. I brought him in. I wowed Denver. Even Mr. Sour Grapes Gerald looked impressed, and he patted my shoulder as he walked out.

  I did it.

  “Well, Mr. Steele, if you’d like to accept, I’d be happy to show you around.”

  “After you.” He extended his arm for me to take, which I ignored. He was beautiful and kissed like a dream, but he was arrogant. So arrogant. It was time to be professional, and that started with reminding myself he was a guy with a mile-long fuck buddy list. I needed our hero, I got our hero. The end.

  Even if that hero was stunningly, painfully gorgeous.

  We toured the lot so I could introduce him to some of the key players on our team. Most of the cast and crew were on break, but it was enough to show him off and let everyone know I’d delivered in full. Suck it, Everyone In My Life Who Doubted Me.

  “And this is your trailer.” I pulled out a key and unlocked it. “If you’d like to take a look.”

  He stepped inside with a grin and popped back out immediately. “I mean, it’s a bit small.”

  “Well, your ego fit nicely through the door, so there’s a start.”

  He let out a low laugh and motioned me inside. “No seriously, come see this.”

  I rolled my eyes and followed him up the steps into the trailer. It was larger than the space Kelli and I shared outside of the room used for castings. Hell, it was practically larger than the casting room. An exasperated laugh escaped my lips, so I coughed to cover it up. Jack cocked an eyebrow at me.

  I was going to apologize, thought better of it, and said instead, “This is bigger than our office. For more than one person.”

  He offered a wry smile. “Ah, the allure of star power.”

  “I suppose.”

  “Bobby will call you later to discuss salary and all that.” He grabbed an apple from a basket and tossed it in the air once before taking a bite. The whole thing
reminded me of something out of a Tom Cruise movie. “I wanted to say thank you.”

  Well, I wasn’t expecting to hear that. “For what?”

  “For seeking me out. For putting up with my ridiculous requests. I know it sounds like I’m an asshole, and I’m sorry. I’m not really, I swear. I’m just... always waiting for someone to take advantage of me. Like last night. I see a beautiful woman approach me, drink the same poison, and then hustle me for a job my agent insisted I shouldn’t do. I’m just a piece of meat someone can use.”

  I pressed my lips together, embarrassed. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

  “But then.” He pointed at me with his apple. “I read the script. I saw what you wanted from me as Eddie Bowser. I saw the potential you saw in me. That was… unexpected. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d have the guts to come out and audition, but I really wanted to see you again.”

  Another flashy smile. Another line he’d likely used a million times. Still, it made my heart race just a touch, enough to soften the edges. “Well, thank you for giving it a chance. Denver looked over the moon.”

  “You were a great audition buddy. If you’re at the set, it should be a breeze.” He cracked another grin and turned serious. “But truly, this is the kind of role I’ve been waiting for. Thank you, Alison, truly, for seeking me out. I’m going to bust my ass to prove to you it was worth it.”

  I was taken aback by his sincerity, and I smiled. Maybe he wasn’t such a dick after all. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the table reading.”

  He nodded and pulled his shirt over his head, like I wasn’t even there anymore, and went about his business getting settled into his new trailer. I left him to do it, but realized very quickly, as I made my way through the set pieces and hulking equipment, that I was disappointed to leave.

  Shit.

  I had a crush on Jack Steele.

  Chapter 5

  JACK

  Table readings were always fun. A great opportunity to learn about your fellow cast members, test the waters of improv with the director, and break the ice before any nudity comes up. You know, a good chance to laugh it all off before they really strapped my dick in a sleeve around my thigh and shoved cameras in my face while I sucked on a costar’s tits.

  It sounded kinda sexy, but it was actually awkward as hell. Boners were painful as shit, too, inside that little pouch. I always spent the whole time thinking about my grandmother’s dentures to stay as dead inside as possible. It was never a fun afternoon for anyone.

  Though, as luck would have it, this movie got better and better, because my favorite leading lady sat next to me in the seat marked for Veronica Station. Lena Nichols. The girl was cool as hell and partially responsible for my rise to fame. Our sex scenes in The Tailor’s Apprentice won just about every goddamn award there was to win.

  I didn’t even mind the dick sleeve while filming with her.

  “If it isn’t my favorite big softie!” She threw her arms around me, still smelling like peppermint and cigarettes, same as always. My kind of girl, except for that whole only-dates-chicks bit.

  “My favorite lady!” I gave her a squeeze. “You’re looking more beautiful than ever. Have you decided to give up the muff yet? I’m lonely.”

  She scoffed. “In your dreams.”

  “Every night.”

  She just laughed at me and hauled me across the room. “Come on. Everyone’s been dying to meet you. Every other spot was filled except yours. I was starting to think we’d have to CGI someone in. Thank god we don’t, because those damn green screens give me a headache. Ah. Holly!”

  A pretty young thing, emphasis on young, spun around with a bright smile on her face. She practically skipped over to us. And by skipped, I mean swung those hips hard. I'd seen her type around a lot: the girls who would do anything to pass themselves off as older, to be taken more seriously in the industry. It was cutthroat out here, man.

  "Hi." She grinned in a flirty manner and stuck her hand out. "Holly Fisher. I'm playing your sister, Eva."

  "Jack Steele." I shook her hand firmly and her eyes fluttered. Lordy. "My darling baby sister who gets kidnapped. They cast well."

  She flushed and pretended to be shy from the compliment, but you could see behind her eyes how hungrily she ate it up. "They said I was a shoo-in. You, though…that took a while. I'm really excited they went with you for the lead. This should be a fun movie!"

  "Aren't they always?" Lena raised her eyebrows at me with a smile before patting Holly on the arm. "Holly here is one of the new breakouts from last year. Don't mind the pretty face; the girl has some serious chops."

  "I'm just trying to contribute as best I can." Holly's eyes were wide. Did she ever turn this off? This whole doe-eyed bullshit routine?

  Maybe I was just too jaded. Maybe being on a movie set was still thrilling when you were a teen and hadn't been swallowed whole by the industry. Yet. I mean, I still enjoyed it... we just had a mutual respect for one another now. A little world-weariness. Holly still looked newly-minted.

  Then again, Lena shone brighter than the sun without the set lights on, so maybe the problem was me.

  "I remember my first day on set," Lena said wistfully. "God, I was so nervous..."

  While Lena recanted the horror that was her first day, I got the feeling someone was watching me, that itch under the skin that doesn't go away. I looked to my right and found Holly eye-fucking me. She bit her lower lip and winked with a sly smile.

  I offered a strained smile and crossed my arms over my chest to finish listening to Lena. The very last thing in this world I was about to do was get nailed for screwing around with a minor. And that Holly girl? She was pure jailbait.

  "Anyway." Lena segued awkwardly out of her story after catching the look on my face. She briefly glanced at Holly before grabbing my arm. "I should introduce him to everyone else. We'll talk later, Holly."

  "So excited to work with the both of you!" Holly gushed, clasping her hands together across her chest. She gave me another all-over look before flouncing away.

  "Damn."

  "I know." Lena sighed. "She's gorgeous but desperate."

  "Someone needs to tell her you can get through Hollywood without fucking someone at every door step."

  "Probably, huh?" Lena bobbed her head back and forth before shrugging. "Eh. She'll figure it out."

  "Who's the dude who looks like he wants to eat me?"

  "Josh Bowen." Lena flashed me a toothy grin. "He wanted your role. Word is producers were pushing hard for it. If you hadn't come in, he'd be our Eddie Bowser. Lucky you."

  "Lucky me." I nodded to the guy across the table, who looked like he was equally horrified of me and disgusted by me. I could pound the guy to pieces without trying and he knew it. Nothing like starting the next three months of my life with someone who hated my guts.

  What had I gotten myself into?

  "Who is he in the film?"

  "A supporting role. But word is he's secretly your understudy, so stay healthy, my friend." Lena nudged me playfully. "He's a nice kid, but pretty average. Definitely not memorable."

  "Have I seen him in anything before?" I studied the guy. He looked so very....average Hollywood. Decent looks, good shape, hair styled in a very trendy and non-offensive way. Safe. Hollywood didn't like safe. Fans didn't like safe. It was the fastest way to forgettable.

  "Lots of things, actually." Lena listed off a few movies I'd never heard of or got around to seeing. "He's never really the forefront, but he's always there. I think he thought if he had your role, he'd finally break the cycle."

  I popped my neck and smiled at this Josh dude, who looked immediately uncomfortable and disappeared into the fray. "Guess you don't always get what you want, eh?"

  "Dream killer."

  "Every day of my life."

  "There you are!" A familiar voice called out behind me. "I've been looking everywhere."

  Alison stood behind me, looking flushed. I gestured around to my costars. "What, you
mean with the other actors?"

  She flushed hard and Lena had to excuse herself from laugh-coughing. "I didn't think you'd be here yet."

  "Ah. I guess I sort of set myself up for that one during auditions."

  "A bit." Alison offered a small smile. "Can you come with me? We need to finalize your contract and go over some things. I've already talked to Denver. They aren't ready to begin yet, anyway."

  "Oh, great," I said stupidly. I followed her out of the room and down a dark, quiet hall. "So. Come here often?"

  I saw the grin creep across her face before she swallowed it down. "Every day."

  "Great. It's actually my first time here. Think you can show me around?"

  "Would love to." She threw open a heavy door to a tiny office, cramped with stacks of tapes and folders and more televisions than any one room should have. "Forgive the mess. We are trying to move digital, but some studios are a little slower than others."

  "This is where they keep you?" I could touch both walls without overextending my arms. "Shame. Someone as pretty as you should have a bigger office."

  "Unfortunately, Mr. Steele, the only half of the industry that favors looks over skill sits in front of the camera, not behind it."

  Touché. I liked her. Feisty.

  "I suppose you worked everything out with my agent?"

  She nodded. It was now that I noticed she hadn't looked at me once during this entire stretch we'd been together. The girl who put her goods on display just so I'd read a script couldn't look me in the eye anymore?

  She wasn't this quiet after I kissed her during the audition, either. Which, by the way, was amazing and I high-fived the fuck out of myself later for that. And by high-five I meant...never mind.

  "Is there something in here I need to be worried about?" I didn't take the pen she held out for me.

  "No. Everything was approved by your agent. He told us your terms and Denver was willing to meet them."

  And that asshat said I didn't want this role? Denver Latmini! Gave me everything I wanted! Despite everything that happened, all the press, the reputation I'd garnered around this shitty rock, he wanted me here.