Idolized (Hollywood Stardust Book 3) (14 page)

Right as he went to sneak his hand between her legs, she pulled back. “Before we solidify our relationship, I think you need to go clean up any messes you’ve made and cut any ties. I assume it’s all right if I tell the studio to deliver your latest script to my place.”

“Don’t you mean our place?” He chuckled and brushed his lips against hers. “We live together now, it’s more than all right.”

“I’ll have keys and cards for you tonight.” She got up off his lap and pressed a button on her desk. “Until then.”

The door opened and Rodger entered, carrying her iced coffee. “Yes, Cora?”

“Mr. Scott needs some help moving into Sierra Towers with me. He needs to run some errands and close some doors.” She returned to her chair behind the desk. “Please help him take care of anything he needs.”

“Of course. I’ll be ready in ten minutes.” Rodger nodded and put the cup on her desk. “I personally checked the brew time.” As fast as he entered, he left.

“I’ll work on your car issue and do some research.” She sipped her drink and turned to her monitors. “Be done by six, I’m sure that’s enough time.”

“All right.” He went to her side.

“Get me a script to your movie.” She typed away at the keyboard.

“I need to make some revisions before you see it.” When faced with the last person who could help dig him out of the hole, he needed to make sure his script was in tiptop shape. “Anything else?” He stared down at her gorgeous hair.

“I need to get back to work.”

For a few moments, he watched her click around the screens and lifted her letter opener. “May I have this?”

Her brow furrowed, she tore her focus away from her machines and glanced up at him.

“I love souvenirs.” He winked.

“Sure.” With a shrug she returned to her technology.

He kissed her cheek. “Later we’ll celebrate.” As he left, he grazed his hand down her arm and shook his head.

“Still trending.” Her voice echoed through the office.

He put his hand on the doorknob and stifled a laugh. Normally women approached him wanting more. Even if they called it an arrangement, they still wanted the relationship. He always bested them and got what he wanted.

Why did he feel that this time he might have been bested?

No, couldn’t be. He was the best of the bunch. This time it was just more of a challenge. “See you at six, dear.”

HOLLYWOOD STARDOM

FADE IN:

INT.HOLLYWOOD, CA – STUDIO SOUND STAGE – DAY.

ROXY, dressed like a typical streetwalker, walks around a set of a swanky hotel room with an actor dressed as a police officer.

DIRECTOR (O.S.)

Everyone on their mark.  Action!

STAGEHAND (O.S.)

Hooker take three.

O.S. Clapperboard snaps.

POLICE OFFICER

Miss Murphy, all we are asking is where you were right before you walked into this hotel room.

ROXY AS STREET WALKER

(Puts hands on her hips)

I know what you’re getting at.  Why would I call the police if I was trying to hide something?  I told you I was with a boyfriend that’s it.

DIRECTOR (O.S.)

Cut!  Roxy!

ROXY presses her lips together.

DIRECTOR

(Joins them on stage and goes to ROXY)

Roxy, I need you to have a little bit more attitude.  I really want hooker to come across in your delivery.

ROXY

If she were trying to be discreet would she be so overtly a prostitute?

DIRECTOR

(Steps closer)

Listen here, we expanded this role because the producer’s a fan of your husband.  We were supposed be done filming this tiny segment two hours ago and you’re still in two more scenes.  You don’t understand how much work goes in to getting everything.  Deliver the line as I told you and you’ll get your acting credit. Understand?

ROXY pauses and then nods.

DIRECTOR

I know you’ve heard this one before, but I can’t tell you how many people would die for this chance.

ROXY nods again.

DIRECTOR

Great!

(Pats ROXY)

All right everyone, let’s get going.

(Director steps O.S.)

ROXY motions to stagehand passing by.

ROXY

Do you have a piece of gum?

STAGEHAND hands her piece of gum.

ROXY shoves gum into her mouth and starts chewing.

DIRECTOR (O.S.)

All right everyone, action!  Action!

STAGEHAND (O.S.)

Hooker, take three.

O.S. Clapperboard snaps.

POLICE OFFICER

Miss Murphy, all we are asking is where you were right before you walked into this hotel room.

ROXY AS STREET WALKER