Hollywood & Vine (27 page)

“Y
ou’re not going home to change?” Aubrey grinned and pulled her purse strap over her shoulder. “Eager are we?”

“No, I’m not going home to change, and neither are you. The sooner we go, the sooner this can be over.” Anders looked at his phone again. He still hadn’t received a reply from Josie, and with every passing second his unease grew. He thought about what Madison had said, how Josie wouldn’t put up with this kind of thing forever. He wondered just how many more apologies she would allow him.

“Anders, honey, I get that you’re an asshole to the world. I find it rather endearing to be honest. That being said, can you cut me a little slack? Let’s have dinner, make fun of all the people whose careers have turned into utter shit, and just enjoy each other’s company.”

“I don’t like being told what to do. I agreed to this for the sake of the movie, and I get why the studio is pushing it, but if I could go back to that day, I’d tell all of you to go fuck yourselves.” Anders walked to the car and climbed into the back seat, not bothering to wait for Aubrey.

The ride to the restaurant was quiet. Aubrey touched up her makeup while Anders kept his phone clutched in his hand. Just before the car pulled to a stop, his phone alerted him of a new message. With a sigh he unlocked the screen.

Rain check.

“Fuck,” he swore under his breath. Her response didn’t tell him anything other than she wouldn’t be waiting for him. He didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.

“You ready?” Aubrey smiled.

Anders nodded. He needed to get his head in the game. The cameras were rolling, and it was time to put on a show. “As I’ll ever be.”

When they stepped out of the car, the paparazzi bombarded them. They shouted questions about Anders’ weekend out. They yelled for a pose, for the status of their relationship, all the questions Anders expected but hated nonetheless.

He wrapped his arm around Aubrey’s waist and pulled her against his side. He kept his head down but a small, secret smile could be seen on his lips. His goal was to leave them wondering what his smile meant.

Over the shouts and whistles, a voice rang out that made Aubrey grin and Anders’ steps falter. “Can we expect you to be less of an asshole now that you have a good woman?”

Anders’ gaze burned through the crowd. His grip tightened around Aubrey, and his jaw ticked with anger. He knew that voice. He hated that voice. Aubrey tugged on Anders’ shirt and looked at him, concern etched in her features. She lifted her hand and brushed her fingers along his jawline. “Are you okay?”

Anders grabbed her hand and pulled it away from his face, then nodded. “Yeah. I’m fine. Let’s get inside.”

Aubrey grinned as the hostess pulled open the door, her eyes finding Levi just before she stepped inside. He gave her a quick wink then disappeared into the crowd. He got his shot.

Anders felt everyone’s eyes on them the moment they walked through the door, so he did what he needed to. He shut down and gave them the performance they wanted.

“So tell me about your parents.” Aubrey smiled as she stared at him expectantly.

Anders chuckled and took a sip from his glass of whiskey. “Now, Aubrey,” he chastised with a grin, “I don’t talk about things like that with just anyone.”

She pouted. “You could talk to me. I’m not the bad guy. I understand what it’s like to be in this business. People on the outside don’t understand, but everyone needs someone to confide in. I could be that person for you.”

Anders couldn’t help but think about Josie. He wanted to question why Aubrey would bring up outsiders, but he had the sinking feeling she was fishing. He wasn’t giving her bait. Instead, he covered her hand with his and squeezed. “Thanks. I realize I’ve been a bit…difficult lately, but I just have a lot going on right now.”

Aubrey blinked in surprise. She wasn’t expecting that response, and it stunned her into silence. Anders, never one to miss the opportunity, took advantage.

“Tell me about Italy.”

Aubrey’s answering smile was genuine. She didn’t mind that he’d steered the conversation away from himself. She was just pleased he was attempting to have a real conversation. If he would give her a chance, he’d see how perfect they were for each other.

What Aubrey didn’t realize was that Anders wasn’t listening to a word she was saying. Nor did he care. He smiled when she did, laughed when she paused, and nodded in agreement when she gave him a questioning look. To the casual observer, Aubrey and Anders were very much enjoying each other’s company. The buzz spread through the fingertips of every person in the restaurant, with not-so-discreet attempts to snap a photo and whispered phone conversations with friends.

As they exited the restaurant, Aubrey looped her hand around Anders’ bicep and leaned into his side. “See?” she whispered with a coy smile. “That wasn’t so bad was it?”

Anders grinned as he considered the five Jack and Cokes he’d drank to make the evening bearable. “Nope. Not bad at all.”

Aubrey laughed as she climbed into the back of the SUV. She looked back in time to catch Anders’ eyes lingering on her ass. She smirked when their eyes met, and he shrugged, his face unapologetic. “Do you want to come to my place for a nightcap?”

Anders shifted in his seat, flicking his eyes to the driver, who was heading in the direction of what Anders assumed was Aubrey’s house. He might be relaxed, and a little buzzed, but he wasn’t brain-dead. There wasn’t a worse idea in the world than him going to Aubrey Nash’s house.

“Maybe next time?” His grin was salacious, his expression full of promises he had no intention of keeping.

“Fine.” Aubrey pursed her lips into a pout and nodded as the car pulled into her drive, but she wasn’t giving up. “At least walk me to my door.”

Anders rolled his eyes and pushed open the door. “Of course.” It would be less of a headache to just walk her to the door than to argue.

Aubrey dipped her chin and peeked up at Anders as they stood at her front door. “I know things started out a little strained, but I had a good time tonight.”

“Yup.”

Anders moved to step back, but Aubrey caught his hand. She pressed the palm of her other hand flat against his chest and leaned into him. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?”

For a moment Anders hesitated. His pulse accelerated from the soft feel of her body lined up with his. He could have her naked and clawing her nails down his back in less than five minutes, but he didn’t want her.

Aubrey read his hesitation as something else. Before he could react, she kissed him. Anders’ eyes widened in surprise, both from the unexpected kiss and her hand sliding down his chest and palming his dick. “What the fuck?” he sputtered, wrapping his hand around her wrist and shoving her back.

Aubrey stumbled, her hands shooting out behind her just before her back collided with her front door. She stared at him with wide eyes, her mouth open in shock before the heat of embarrassment and anger washed over her. “What the fuck is right! What’s your problem, Anders? When have you ever turned down anyone? You sure as hell didn’t turn away that bitch this weekend. Is it me? Or do you have a piece on the side that you’re not being truthful about?”

“I don’t have anyone on the side. What the fuck do I look like?” Anders shoved his hand into his hair and gripped it tightly. Anger burned in his chest, both from Aubrey’s unknown dismissive comment about Josie and the fact that he was failing at pretending to be unattached.

Aubrey shook her head and pushed off her door. “Then what’s your deal? Because you had no problem fucking me in your trailer during auditions. Now you can’t even touch me? No. Something isn’t right.”

“Because I don’t do repeats. Everyone knows this. And if I did, what’s the fun in fucking someone who’s spread eagle and waiting the moment I walk in the door?” Anders’ words might as well have been a physical blow with the force with which they hit Aubrey.

“That’s the most ridiculous rule I’ve ever heard. Why turn down sex you know will be amazing?” Aubrey’s brow arched in disbelief. “And are you telling me those girls you hook up with make you work for it? I don’t think so.”

Anders had, yet again, backed himself into a corner. He was sick of it. He only had to deal with this situation for a handful of weeks. Once filming wrapped, he could tell them all to go to hell.

Anders stepped closer to Aubrey and traced her jaw with his finger. Leaning down, his lips brushed her ear when he spoke. “Maybe I like watching you squirm. Maybe I want you so worked up that when I do touch you again, I’ll have you a panting mess within seconds.”

Aubrey pulled in a shaky breath as her eyes drifted shut. “I don’t think it would take much now.”

Anders smirked and stepped back triumphantly. He raked his eyes over her body before meeting her gaze. “I don’t suppose it would, but I think I can do better.”

Aubrey shifted, and it wasn’t hard to miss the way her thighs clenched. Her eyes were heavy and her lips parted as she tried to work through the fog in her brain to make sense of what he was saying.

“I don’t know that you can.”

Anders tsked and dipped his chin, staring at the place she wanted him most. “Why don’t you go ahead and take care of that. Although, we both know it won’t come close to comparing.” Anders spun on his heel and walked to the car, unaware of the camera capturing every second of his encounter with Aubrey.

As soon as the door closed and the show was over, his façade dropped. He lowered his face into his hands and growled in frustration. He wasn’t accustomed to talking women out of sleeping with him.

“Goddamn it,” he exhaled. He needed to call Josie, but something akin to guilt twisted in his gut and made him pause. He didn’t mean a word he’d said to Aubrey, but that didn’t make him feel any better. Pulling out his phone, he sent Josie a text. It was a cowardly move, but he couldn’t deal with another argument tonight.

The next morning, Josie was greeted by the sight of Anders kicked back in Craig’s chair. Her back straightened and her chin lifted on its own accord as she watched him appraise her. He appeared calm and relaxed, but she was certain it was an act.

“Hey.” His mouth curved up on one side as he dropped his feet from her desk and leaned forward.

“What are you doing in here?”

“I overheard Marcus and Craig talking yesterday, something about Craig going to San Diego for a couple of days. I took a chance that you’d be here. Now, let’s try this again.” He smiled. “Hey, Ivy.”

She shook her head. “Hi.”

“You look nice.”

Josie quirked her brow and dropped her purse on top of the desk. “Are we having small talk this morning?”

Anders huffed out a laugh and stood. “I’m just trying to gauge what kind of mood you’re in
―
if I should kiss you or cover my dick.”

“You should have brought coffee. That’s always the best way to start a conversation with me first thing in the morning.” She looked down at her watch and frowned, her brows pulling together in confusion. “Why are you here so early? You have an hour before you’re even due in makeup.”

“I came to see you.” He moved around the desk, his eyes darting over her shoulder to make sure no one was in the outer room before leaning down to kiss her.

“You mean you wanted to see if I was pissed, and if so, give yourself enough time to convince me not to be.”

Anders slipped his hands around her waist and pulled her against him. He locked his fingers at the small of her back and smiled. “More or less.”

Josie’s chest tightened and hurt tugged at her middle. She’d spent half the night trying to figure out what to do about her and Anders. It didn’t matter that his date with Aubrey was all for show. All that mattered was how he’d made her feel when she got his text. She felt pushed to the side and unimportant. If there was any possibility of making things work, it couldn’t happen again.

“Don’t do that.”

Anders tightened his grip and frowned. “Don’t do what?”

“Don’t joke. Don’t make light of the situation. You blew me off last night
―
”

“No, I didn’t,” he interrupted, his tone adamant.

“Yes. You did. Why didn’t you tell them no? Why didn’t you tell them you had plans?”

“Because I agreed to do this, it would have been suspicious if I said no.”

“Bullshit.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I call bullshit. It would’ve only been suspicious to you. If you had been an asshole, told them you didn’t do shit for anyone at the last minute, it would have been normal. But you chose to do what they asked because you’re terrified of them finding out about us. And that’s bullshit. Not to mention unfair to me.”

Anders opened and closed his mouth. She was right. The only reason he let them push him around was because of his paranoia. Unless he nipped that in the bud, Josie was going to walk.

“Fuck,” he exhaled, his eyes falling shut in defeat. “You’re right.”

Josie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wow. I should have some kind of smart-ass comeback, but I’m too shocked to come up with anything witty.”

Anders dropped his hands to her ass and squeezed. “I think you did just fine.”

Josie cupped his jaw and tilted his head down, her expression serious. “Don’t do that again. Don’t blow me off. I won’t play second to your fake girlfriend.”

“You’re not
―
”

“Last night I was. I won’t do it again. Do you understand me?”

“Are you giving me an ultimatum?”

Josie huffed out a laugh, her expression colored with disbelief. “If expecting you to consider my feelings over Aubrey’s is what you consider an ultimatum, then yes. And fuck you for making it sound like what I’m asking for is too much.”

Josie stepped out of his grasp and moved around the side of the desk. She pulled in a deep breath and fought the heat of anger rising to the surface of her skin. She wasn’t asking for an announcement to the world that they were together.

“Look, I’m sorry. I’m an asshole.”

“You can’t use that as an excuse for everything. You can’t brush every argument off by saying, ‘Sorry, Ivy, I’m an asshole.’ Why are you such an asshole? What happened to make you like this?”