Star of His Heart (10 page)

A
n hour or so later, a very satiated Ethan was stretched out in the bed with Rachel in his arms and their legs still entwined. Mentally he was ordering his heart rate to slow down, but it wasn't listening. And his brain cells, which had gotten scrambled after a couple of back-to-back orgasms, were still a jumbled mess. But he didn't mind. In fact, he couldn't imagine it any other way. He was precisely where he wanted to be and was with the one person he wanted to share his time.

He raised her hand to his lips to kiss it and in response she snuggled even closer to him. Her body felt warm all over, and he liked the feel of spooning her backside, cradling her hips.

“So tell me,” he leaned down and whispered close
to her ear. “Why were you still wearing clothes when I got here?”

He noticed the exact moment her body stiffened and he tightened his arms around her. Only a man who had been a lover to this woman could detect at that moment she was bothered by something. He shifted his weight, turned her in his arms to face him and his eyes met hers.

“What's wrong, Rachel?”

For a moment he wasn't sure she would answer him, and then in a soft voice she said, “My friend Charlene called today.”

He was sure there was more. “And?”

“You were in the tabloids. It seems reporters are trying to figure out who's your flavor of the month.”

“They wouldn't have to try and figure it out since I'd be glad to tell them, if you would let me.”

She stared at him through long lashes, surprise showing in her eyes, and he understood why. This was the first time he'd ever suggested they take their affair public. The only reason he'd never done so was because he knew her feelings on the matter.

“Ethan,” she breathed out in a regretful tone. “I can't.”

In other words, you won't,
he thought and fought back the frustration he felt. He thought about the party and knew he didn't want to take any other woman but her. He pulled in a deep breath, wondering at what point he had decided he wanted more than a fling with her. When
had sneaking around with Rachel become something he did only because that was the way she wanted it?

“Okay, you can't,” he said, trying to keep the sting from his voice. “What does a tabloid reporter have to do with you having your clothes on when I got here?”

She turned her head to look at the painting of him that she had done and hung on the wall. It was a good thing they were the only ones with keys to this room in the building. He would hate for anyone to ever walk in and see that painting of him. She called it art; he thought of it as borderline X-rated. The only thing keeping him from being completely nude was the very thin piece of cloth that covered a certain part of his body at the juncture of his legs.

“Rachel, you're thinking too much again.”

She returned her gaze to his. “Tabloid reporters are trying to figure out who you're spending your time with. You and I know if they keep snooping then it's only a matter of time before they find out, and I can't let that happen, Ethan. I can't risk being placed in the spotlight ever again. And then there's my career I have to think about. I've worked too hard building myself as a professional in the industry to risk losing everything.”

He pulled in a deep breath. Those damn reporters had definitely done a job on her when she was a kid for her to have this intense fear. He could just imagine the hell she went through. He pulled her tighter to him, trying to imagine life without her. He would still see her on the
set but he had begun thinking of these interludes with her as their time. He looked forward to them. In a way, he needed them. They had stopped being just sexual escapades a while ago. There were those times like these where he would hold her in his arms and savor what they shared, both the physical and the emotional.

“You won't lose anything, Rachel. I told you our secret is safe. No one knows about us or this place.”

“For now, but how long will it be before they—”

“Once they see I'm no longer worth their time and effort, they will leave me alone,” he interrupted her. “Hmm, as much as I don't want to attend that function Saturday night, maybe I should.”

Rachel lifted a brow. “What function?”

“Some charity function Curtis wants me to attend with a date to calm the waters with the tabloids. Maybe if they see I'm a boring person who's gotten so absorbed in my career and nothing more, they will move on to someone else.”

He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was confused. “But I thought you wanted to court the media, build your career that way as a playboy.”

He studied her features.
I thought so, too,
he said to himself. And instead of trying to determine why he'd had a change of heart, he said, “There are other ways.”

He pulled her closer into his arms. “Come on, we've talked enough. Let's get some sleep.”

She pulled back. “Sleep?”

He smiled. “Yes, but if you prefer that we didn't…” He leaned over and kissed her in a way that had her body quivering. And when she responded by returning the kiss he proceeded to deepen it.

This was what he wanted and what he needed. Tabloids or no tabloids he intended to keep her by his side, even if they had to continue to sneak around to do it.

 

Rachel wrapped the sheet around her as she sank into the chair across from the bed. She needed to think and she couldn't do so wrapped in Ethan's arms. She had to have distance.

She closed her eyes and could clearly recall how it felt to be accosted by a crowd of reporters shoving mikes in your face, pulling on your hair to get your attention and all but screaming questions at you. She would try hiding behind her aunt and uncle, and later behind Sofia, but they would get relentless, their questions more demanding, the hordes of reporters even bigger. Then there was the period where she'd had nightmares about them and how they would all enjoy making her life unbearable.

And it had kept up that way until after she'd finished high school and then decided to travel abroad for a while. When she returned home, all the attention had shifted to other heiresses and up-and-coming starlets and actors. They forgot about her, practically left her alone, except
for those times when the Wellesley family appeared together at a social function.

Over the years she had worked so hard to avoid that, as well as strived to be taken seriously in the industry as a makeup artist and wardrobe designer. To land a job on one of the most popular television shows was definitely a feather in her cap, one she refused to lose.

But she didn't want to lose Ethan either. She glanced at him, asleep in the bed. She enjoyed these times with him when she could be herself. Although they made love, they spent time talking as well. He had become her lover but he was still her friend, a very good friend. And it was a friendship that she cherished.

“Rachel?”

She heard the sound of her name and glanced toward the bed again. Ethan had awoken and had stretched his hand out to her. Without a moment's hesitation, she eased from the chair, dropped the sheet and went to him.

He gathered her into his arms and whispered, “You're thinking again and that's not a good thing.”

She pulled back and looked up at him and smiled. “It's not?”

“No.”

“Well, then, can you come up with a better pastime?”

He rubbed his nose against her neck. “Um, I think I can,” he said throatily before capturing her mouth.

He released her mouth and eased her down on the
bed. “Yes,” she managed hoarsely, as her body began shivering in a need only he could satisfy, “I believe you can.”

 

A few days later Rachel looked down into the face of the actress reclining in her makeup chair and smiled before handing the woman the mirror. “There you go. Your makeup looks good on you, as always.”

Livia studied her features in the mirror and smiled. “And, as always, you did a wonderful job, Rachel. You certainly know your stuff.”

Rachel thanked her. Livia Blake was always giving her compliments about her work. Unlike Tae'Shawna Miller. The woman was still living in a fantasy world, still weaving the story of a secret affair with Ethan. Rachel figured she was the only one the woman had probably shared her lie with, probably because she figured Rachel was the only person gullible enough to believe her.

“You're one of the few people I'm going to miss when I leave the show,” Livia said, easing up in her chair and handing the mirror back to Rachel.

Rachel knew she was going to miss Livia as well. Over the past weeks, she'd discovered her earlier assumptions about the woman had been all false, especially when she'd taken time to compare her to Tae'Shawna. Both were beautiful women who turned men's heads without much effort. But their attitudes and the way they treated people were totally different. Livia
wasn't shallow or self-absorbed at all. Tae'Shawna took all those honors.

“You know how directors are. They may decide to rewrite the script and keep you on.”

Livia shook her head sadly. “I doubt that will happen, although it would be wonderful. I'm thirty and nearing the end of my modeling career and although it's been a good one, it's time I moved on, although I haven't figured out to where just yet.
Paging the Doctor
has been a stepping-stone in the right direction. I've met some good people on the set, and—” she threw her head back and chuckled “—a few not so good ones.”

Rachel smiled. Livia didn't have to tell her who the “not so good ones” were. Everyone had figured out by now there were several women on the set who were jealous of Livia's beauty, with Tae'Shawna heading the list.

“Well, I wish you the best,” Rachel said sincerely.

“And I wish you the best, as well.” Livia paused and then said, “Can I offer you some advice, though?”

Rachel raised a brow. “Advice about what?”

“Not what, but who. Ethan Chambers.”

With effort, Rachel kept her features expressionless as she continued to pack away her cosmetics. “Ethan?” she asked, fighting to keep her voice steady. “And what kind of advice do you want to offer me about him?”

Livia paused, as if trying to choose her words carefully, and then she said, “I know the two of you are fiercely attracted to each other and…”

When Rachel began shaking her head, trying to deny it, Livia waved her off. “Hey, I felt the vibes between the two of you, even during his hot and heavy love scenes with me.”

“But I—”

“Want to deny it,” Livia said, smiling. “I don't know why you would want to when you're both beautiful people. Look, I'm sorry if mentioning it got you all flustered. That wasn't my intent. I just don't know why the two of you are keeping it a secret.”

Rachel dropped down in the nearest chair, totally outdone. She and Ethan had worked so hard not to give anything away on the set, yet Livia had picked up on it. She met Livia's curious gaze. “Do you think others noticed?”

Livia shrugged. “Probably not. I'm just good at reading people and picking up vibes. I doubt Tae'Shawna noticed, since she's under the illusion he's all into her, and Paige isn't any better. Those are the only two still hanging on, hoping he'll give them some attention. I think the other women on the set have decided he's truly not interested.”

Rachel didn't say anything for a moment, and then asked, “What did we do to give ourselves away?”

Livia chuckled. “The way the two of you look at each other when you think no one else is noticing, and I'm sure no one else is noticing but me, only because I have a tendency to notice everything. But I still don't understand why the two of you are keeping it a secret.”

Rachel nibbled at her bottom lip. “It's complicated. I prefer not being in the limelight and he's a person who can't help but be there, dead center.”

“Well, I hope things work out for the two of you because I think you're a good match, and you and Ethan truly deserve each other. Since I've gotten to know the both of you, I can easily see you're good people.”

Livia glanced down at her watch. “It's time for me to get ready for my next scene. I'm not sure how they plan to write in my exit from the show since I'm supposedly Dr. Perry's love interest with emotional baggage. I think I'm supposed to pack up and leave when things between us get hot and heavy because I haven't gotten over my husband's death.”

Rachel nodded. It was either that or killing Dr. Duncan off, but she couldn't see them doing that. Still, on the set, you never knew how things would go.

 

“Ethan, can I see you for a moment?”

Ethan kept the annoyance out of his face as he turned around. “Yes, Tae'Shawna, what is it?”

She smiled up at him. “I have tickets to the premier of
Saturday's Hussle.
Would you like to go with me tonight?”

Ethan knew just where he planned to be tonight, and Rachel's arms were far better than any movie premier. Even if he and Rachel hadn't made plans to meet up later, Tae'Shawna would be the last woman he'd go out with. “Thanks, but I have plans already.”

“Oh. Maybe next time.”

He doubted it. In fact, he knew for certain there wouldn't be a first time or a next time. “I'll see you later,” he said, turning to leave.

“Umm, you don't know how I wish on that one, Ethan.”

He kept walking, refusing to turn back around and respond to her flirty comment. His workday had ended, and for him, the fun was about to begin with the woman he wanted.

R
achel glanced over at Charlene as they got out of the car. They were at a karaoke bar for a girls' night out. It was Saturday night and Ethan had decided to go to the charity event solo, against his agent's wishes. He'd insisted he would not take a date.

“Are you ready to have some fun?” she asked her friend. Rachel knew she needed to cheer Charlene up since her mother had hit again, calling her and telling her younger daughter all the reasons why she couldn't get a man.

“Yes, although you should have let me spend the weekend alone getting wasted.”

Rachel laughed. “Neither one of us can handle too
much booze and we both know it. Come on, let's enjoy ourselves.”

A few hours later they were doing just that. Rachel was trying to talk Charlene into competing in the singing contest to win the five-hundred-dollar prize. Everyone knew what a beautiful voice she had.

“You really think I should?” Charlene asked.

Rachel smiled. Charlene had a dynamite voice but she'd always had this thing about singing in public. She much preferred staying behind the scenes, working as a voice coach at one of the local schools. “Hey, so far I haven't been impressed by the others I've heard. The sound of your voice has spoiled me. Personally, I think you have a good shot at winning. Just think of what you could do with the money.” And Rachel could see from her best friend's expression that she was thinking the same thing.

“I don't know, Rachel.”

“Well, I do, so just think about it. You have time to make up your mind. We're going to be here for a while.”

And she meant it. She wasn't ready to go home to sit around or go to bed wondering if Ethan was having a good time at that event without her. No doubt there would be plenty of women there throwing themselves at him. She pulled in a deep breath. By mutual agreement, they were in an exclusive relationship. She knew she hadn't dated anyone else since they'd begun sleeping together and he'd said he hadn't either.

“Okay, I'm going to do it!”

Charlene's exclamation interrupted Rachel's thoughts and she smiled over at her friend. “Good. I have a feeling that you won't regret it.”

 

The hounds were on Ethan the minute he got out of his car.

“Chambers? Where have you been hiding?” a reporter asked as a mike was shoved in Ethan's face and cameras went off from all directions.

Stepping into his role, he smiled for the cameras. “I haven't been hiding.”

That began a series of other questions and he answered every last one of them with the intent of diffusing their curiosity and getting them interested in his role in
Paging the Doctor
instead. After a while it worked, although there were still a couple of reporters who seemed determined to dig into his personal life. Years of being one of the heirs to the Chambers Winery had taught him how to handle that kind.

“No date, Ethan?” one of the two resilient reporters asked.

“No, no date. Is there anything wrong with a man coming alone?”

“Not when he doesn't have to,” was the other resilient reporter's quick comeback.

Ethan smiled. “I call it freedom of choice.”

He answered a few more questions before bidding the reporters good-night. He knew he would be tailed when he left the event, but he figured eventually they would
reach the conclusion he was no longer newsworthy and go find someone else to harass.

 

“I can't believe I won!”

Rachel smiled brightly over at Charlene who was holding a bottle of champagne in one hand and a check for five hundred dollars in the other. “I told you that you would. I keep telling you that you have a beautiful voice. Maybe one day you'll finally believe me.” Charlene had done a beautiful rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and brought everyone out of their seats. “You sounded like a young Aretha.”

Charlene waved off her words. “You're my best friend, so of course you'd think so, and you know how much I love me some Aretha.”

Yes, Rachel did know, but no matter what Charlene thought, she was dead serious.

“Excuse me, ladies.”

Both Rachel and Charlene glanced at the man standing by their table. “Yes?” Charlene asked.

“I hate interrupting, but I wanted to congratulate you, Ms. Quinn. You did an outstanding job. And I want to introduce myself. I'm Jason Burke, a talent scout,” he said handing Charlene his card. “Please call me. I would like to discuss a few things with you. The company I represent would love to bring you on board.”

Rachel could tell from the look on Charlene's face that she wasn't taking the man seriously. Playing along with him, Charlene slid his card into her pocket and
said, “Sure, I'd love to contact you. Will next week be soon enough?”

The man smiled brightly. “Yes, and I'll look forward to that call.” He then walked away and out of the club.

Charlene rolled her eyes. “Does he really think I'm going to call him?”

Rachel took a sip of her drink. “You said that you would.”

“That was to get rid of him. Please. I can sing but not that good. And he's probably not who he's claiming to be.”

“Let me see his business card.” Rachel waited while Charlene dug it out of the pocket of her jeans.

Rachel studied the card. “I think you should call Sofia and let her check him out to see if he's legit. If he is, I would follow up with him if I were you.”

Charlene waved off her words. “Whatever. Hey, let's forget about Jason Burke and have a good time. We need to get on the dance floor and celebrate my win.”

Rachel laughed as she followed Charlene onto the floor to shake their booties for a while.

 

It was past three in the morning by the time Rachel had showered and slid between the sheets. She was about to turn off the lamp when her cell phone rang. Thinking it was Charlene still on a high from that night's win, she answered the phone saying, “Hey, haven't you gotten enough already?”

“Of you? Never.”

Her body immediately began throbbing at the sound
of the deep, husky voice. Her eyes clouded over in desire just from hearing it. “Hey, lover boy, haven't you heard it's not nice to call a girl after midnight?”

His soft chuckle came through the phone and touched her in places she'd rather leave untouched. But since he was going there, she might as well let him finish. “I prefer being there in person but some ass is parked outside the complex, waiting for me to leave. So I guess I'll stay in and engage in some sex talk with you.”

She chuckled. “Sounds like a winner to me. Speaking of wins, Charlene won a singing contest at the club tonight. A whopping five hundred dollars and a bottle of champagne. And a talent scout approached her afterwards.”

“I'm happy for her.”

Although Ethan and Charlene had never officially met, they knew a lot about each other thanks to Rachel. “I'll tell her you are.” There was a pause, and then she asked, “And how was your night?”

“Boring.”

“Did you change your mind about taking a date with you?”

“No.”

Rachel tried not to feel giddy at that one single word but couldn't help it. She had convinced herself that she could handle it if he'd decided to take a date. After all, they were nothing more to each other than occasional bed partners. She drew in a deep breath, not wanting to think about it or how depressed she'd get when she did.

“So what are you wearing?”

His question made her smile. “What makes you think I'm wearing anything?”

He chuckled. “You only sleep naked when you're with me.”

“Says who?”

“Says me. The man who has made love to you a lot of times.”

“Hmm, how many?” she asked in what she hoped was a sexy, low tone. And he was right. He had made love to her a lot of times.

“Was I supposed to be counting?”

“I was.”

He laughed. “Okay, then how many?”

“Tally up your own numbers, Chambers.”

“If I were there, I would tickle it out of you.”

“If you were here, Ethan, I'd make sure you put your hands to more productive use.”

When Rachel hung up the phone an hour later she drew in a deep breath. Ethan's smooth, hot talk had almost made her come several times, it definitely had made her consider leaving her house and meeting him somewhere. But luckily her common sense held tight. They had agreed to throw the paparazzi off their scent by not meeting at their place anytime during the coming week. That meant when they did get back together for some bed time, they would have a whole lot of making up to do.

 

Ethan left his home on Sunday morning to go to the diner for some coffee and a roll. When he walked out
with his purchase, he noticed one of the reporters from last night was waiting on him, braced against Ethan's car. The man was Joe Connors and he was known to be as tenacious as they came.

Since he was wearing the same clothes as he'd worn yesterday when he'd followed him, Joe had apparently slept in his car. And because Ethan considered himself a good guy, while buying breakfast for himself he'd also grabbed something for Joe.

“Looks like you could use this as much as I can,” Ethan said, handing the man the extra breakfast sack he had in his hand. “All the creamers, sugars and artificial sweeteners you'll ever need are in that bag,” he added.

The man accepted the offering. He then took a sip of the coffee, drinking it black. “Good stuff. Thanks.”

“You're welcome.” Ethan took a sip of his own coffee and asked, “Now, why don't you be a nice guy and leave me alone.”

Joe chuckled as he shook his head. “No can do. I have to make a living.”

“Don't we all?” was Ethan's dry response.

The man eyed him curiously. “Since you're in a giving mood, Chambers, how about an interview?”

Ethan shook his head. “I gave you an interview last night. You asked your questions and I answered them.”

“Yes, but you refused to talk about your love life.”

Ethan smiled. “What makes you think I have a love life?”

The man shrugged. “I just figured you did. This time
last year you were dating anything in a skirt, and now for the past month you've been cooling your heels, so to speak, which can only mean you've been caught.”

“Caught?”

“Yes. Some woman's got your heart. Is she married?”

Ethan threw his head back and laughed. “What is this obsession that I'm involved with a married woman?”

“What other reason would make you go to great pains to hide her?”

Ethan fought back the temptation to respond by saying he wasn't trying to hide Rachel. He would be perfectly happy if they made their affair public but…

“Um, look's like you started to say something and then changed your mind. Did I get close to the truth or something?”

“No.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

Joe looked at him for the longest time. “Then what was that funny look about?”

“Nothing. Eat your food, Joe. It's getting cold.”

After pulling a warm croissant from the bag, Joe tilted his head and looked at Ethan. He grinned and said, “Hey man, you're not such a bad guy.”