Hollywood & Vine (15 page)

Josie licked her lips and something tightened in her chest. Of course he wouldn’t bother to look. She wasn’t important. “Never mind. This is stupid. I’m being stupid. But since I already look like a fool, I might as well ask what’s been driving me crazy since I saw the pictures
―
”

“What pictures?” Anders interrupted, his confusion turning to anger.

“Pictures of you on a double date with Owen. Pictures taken the same night you texted me for a date, but not for a public date like the one you were on. No, a private one, so no one would see you with me.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Anders laughed, his voice incredulous. “I haven’t been on a date.”

His condescending tone was not the smartest approach when Josie already felt vulnerable. The moment she’d seen the pictures of him smiling with a pretty brunette wrapped in his arms, it set her on fire. It was a feeling she’d never experienced, and it took her completely by surprise.

The pictures showed Anders smiling as the girl kissed his cheek, then a short article speculating about the elusive Anders Ellis settling down. It wasn’t something Josie had ever considered. It wasn’t even something she wanted or expected. But to be hidden like a dirty secret when he was in public with another girl days earlier? Well, it didn’t matter if she was being irrational. He hurt her feelings. He made her feel stupid.

“I just don’t understand why you bothered,” she continued, ignoring his comment. “You wanted to have sex with me. I knew that going in. Why pretend it was something more? You obviously have someone you don’t mind taking out in public. Was this punishment for making you work for it? Was it a game? Or am I just not good enough in your eyes?”

Anders stepped forward and clamped his hand over her mouth. “You need to stop. Now.” His voice was low and even as he paused between each word to drive his point home. “I. Have. Not. Been. On. A. Date. I have no idea what pictures you’re talking about. I had dinner with Owen the night when you agreed to a date. And the only kind of punishment I’ve ever imagined involves us naked and very happy.”

“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.