Rumor Has It: A Bad Boy Romantic Comedy (3 page)

Shonda and I exchanged a look. “That’s going to be a problem,” she said.

“Why?”

“Louis’s… uh… unavailable. He’s busy working,” I lied.

“It will only take a minute,” Theo said. “You have dinner with him every night. I’ll speak to him then.”

“You’re coming out to eat with us? You can’t do that. You can’t come with me everywhere I go.” Panicked I looked to Shonda.

“Yes he can, and yes he will,” she replied.

“But…
he can’t
.” I gave her a meaningful look. I couldn’t say it out loud, but I was sure she knew what I was talking about. Louis and Theo could not meet. If anyone learned the truth about my relationship with Louis it could lead to a PR disaster.

“I’m afraid there’s no other choice,” Theo said. He looked from me to Shonda carefully. I could tell we’d raised his suspicions.

Shonda frowned. “You’ll have to take him on your date with Louis tonight.”

“But, Shonda…”

“Just make it work.”

Make it work. Easier said than done. I was sitting on a secret that could blow up half of Hollywood.

3

I stepped out of my bedroom flanked by my Glam Squad. They’d spent the last two hours getting me ready for my date with Louis. There were always paparazzi waiting to take pictures of us. I needed to look good.

I wore high heels and a tight red dress. They hugged my curves and had a plunging neckline. It was much sexier than what I normally wear out on dates, but for some reason I wanted to look hot tonight. I walked out to find Theo reading the newspaper and drinking coffee. How would he react when he saw me? I braced myself for a sarcastic comment about how shallow I was.

He glanced up from his paper. His eyes drifted over my long legs. His mouth fell open as if to speak. He quickly closed it and cleared his throat. Theo jumped up from his seat and grabbed his jacket.

“We should go. We’re running late,” he said.

“That’s it? You have nothing to say about how I look?”

Again, his eyes took in the full length of me.

“You look nice,” he said blandly.

“
Nice
?”

“Let’s go.”

“
Nice
?” I said looking to one of my new security guards for sympathy. The man gave no indication that he heard me. His face was stern and humorless. Was ‘nice’ seriously the best compliment Theo could give me?

“I bet you’re real popular with the ladies,” I said, turning to Theo. “I bet the panties drop when you bust out compliments like, ‘My, you look nice today.’”

The corner of his mouth twitched like he wanted to laugh, but was trying not to. He handed me my coat. I put it on and followed him to the elevator. He checked his watch.

“Dinner was supposed to start at 1900. But because you spent an extra hour putting on makeup, we’re late. I want to be back to this hotel room no later than 2200.”

“2200?”

“Ten o’clock.”

“Roger. Anything else commander?”

“Yeah. Stop calling me commander.”

The elevator doors opened.

“And,” he said pulling me short as I started to step onto the elevator. “If I wanted your panties to drop, I’d tell you that you look stunning in that dress, like you were dipped in red ink.” He gave my cleavage an appreciative look. “But I’m not saying that,” he finished. “I work for you. It’s my job to protect you. If I’m going to do my job we cannot become involved. Understood?”

I swallowed hard. The proximity of Theo’s body combined with his strong grip on my arm turned me on. It had been a long time since a man made me wet.

“I have a boyfriend,” I said lamely.

Theo stared at me for a second longer before leading me to the elevator.

4

The limo pulled into an alley behind a building a few blocks away from the restaurant. Louis’s car was already waiting for us.

“I don’t understand why he doesn’t just come to your hotel room,” Theo said.

“He’s been on set all day. He’s coming straight from work.”

Louis had been hard at work on his latest movie, a romantic comedy about a guy whose fiancée’s best friend falls in love with him. She tries to sabotage their impending nuptials and convince Louis’s character they were always meant to be together. In the end, her crazy scheme works and they end up married. The movie sounded stupid, but then again the plots to most romantic comedies sound stupid to me.

“Louis and I have to be seen entering the restaurant together,” I said. “It’s easier to time our arrival if we meet beforehand and get into the same car.”

“Can’t you just meet him there? Why do you have to show up together?”

Because it’s in our contract, I thought. But I couldn’t admit to that. It would get me into a lot of trouble.

“It’s just how we do things,” I said lamely.

“Is having your picture taken together that important to you?”

Not really, but I didn’t have a choice. I shrugged. I couldn’t be honest about my arrangement with Louis. Theo didn’t need to know anyway. As Shonda said, ‘Make it work.’

The limo door opened and Louis slid in. “What’s up?” he said.

Ignoring me, his eyes fell on Theo. I watched as Louis checked him out, drinking in every ounce of muscle on Theo’s strong frame.

“Who’s this?” he asked me.

“This is my new security guard, Theo,” I said.

Theo leaned forward and offered his hand. Louis took it and shook. “You’ve got a strong grip,” he said with a smile. “I like that.”

Theo nodded as if he was not quite sure how to respond. “I’m the head of Miss Kelly’s security. I’ve instituted several new rules. First, no schedule. Routines make you vulnerable to kidnappers or anyone with ill-intent. That means no more nightly dinners at the same time.”

Louis frowned and gave me a harsh look. This was not part of our arrangement. It would lead to trouble.

“Why not?” Louis asked Theo. “I mean, she’s got you looking out for her. How’s a kidnapper going to get through a strong guy like you?”

“I can’t be everywhere at once. Besides, we don’t want to make life easier for anyone who wants to harm Miss Kelly. As her boyfriend, I’m sure you’d agree that her safety is of the utmost importance.”

“Sure, sure…
but
… I’ve got a grueling schedule. This movie I’m working on is killing me. I’m putting in twelve, fifteen hour days. The only way I ever see Jamie is if we schedule things tightly.”

“You could move into her hotel room,” Theo suggested. “You would see each other more.”

Louis and I looked at each other. The queasiness I felt in my stomach was mirrored on his face.

“Live together?” he said with distaste. He chewed on the side of his mouth like he tasted something sour.

“Louis and I aren’t ready for that level of commitment,” I said, trying to cover.

Awkwardness hung in the air so thickly you could cut it with a knife. Theo gave us both a strange look. He could tell something was off. Anyone who spent enough time with us picked up on it almost immediately. Louis and I knew how to fake chemistry for the cameras but in person it was more than obvious we went together like toothpaste and orange juice.

“I see. Well, my priority is Miss Kelly’s safety,” Theo continued. “You’ll have to find a way to fit dates into your life that does not conform to a set schedule.”

“What does that mean?” Louis asked.

“No routines,” I said.

“That’s right. Your meetings should be sporadic- different times and days. Try to avoid the paparazzi.”

“Whoa! No, no, no. That’s impossible,” Louis said.

“I know it can be difficult. They’re vultures, but-” Theo started.

“It’s impossible because I need them to survive. I’m nothing without them.” He turned to me to back him up.

I hated it when Louis acted dramatic like this. I’d lost the energy to make excuses for Louis’s behavior. I simply shrugged noncommittally.

The limo pulled up in front of the restaurant. I was grateful to get out. We pulled to a stop. Theo jumped out first. We were supposed to wait. He’d already had his security team scout the area, but he wanted to do one last sweep himself before we stepped out.

Louis ignored Theo’s wishes and stepped out right behind him. He pulled me along with him. After having seen how rabid a crowd can be, I was less than thrilled.

People screamed our names; lights blinded us as the paparazzi snapped photos. At least the restaurant had security pushing people back. They weren’t allowed to come close to any of the restaurant’s patrons. Still, we took our time entering. It was important the paparazzi had several good shots of us holding hands and gazing adoringly into each other’s eyes.

Louis wrapped an arm around my neck, pulled me close and kissed my forehead. The crowd oohed and ahhed. They found us adorable. In truth, we were a cute couple. Too bad it was one hundred percent fake.

Louis took my hand and led me into the restaurant. Once we were inside, safe from the prying eyes of our fans and the paparazzi, he dropped my hand. We took a seat at a table in the corner of the room. It was dark and intimate. It would make for a romantic spot. I glanced at Louis and frowned. It would be nice to share a meal with a man I loved. I guess I’d have to settle for the situation my life had handed me. We don’t always get what we want. Sometimes we have to make compromises to survive.

I sat down and picked up the menu. Everything looked delicious. The food was drowning in butter. The studio had me on a strict diet. If I put on a pound, they would kill me. To hell with them. I wanted to live for once. I ordered the most fattening, unhealthy thing I could find on the menu, plus a lemon drop martini to go with it. Louis raised an eyebrow at my choices.

“That’s not part of your diet,” he said. “You should order a salad. Your ass has been looking a bit thicker lately. You don’t want to get fat.”

Lucky for Louis, Theo walked up to us at that exact moment. If he hadn’t, I think I might have punched him in the face.

“Who’s fat?” he asked.

Louis nodded towards me. I wanted to kill him.

“You’re joking,” Theo said. “She’s far too skinny. I hope you ordered a hearty meal. You could stand to put on twenty pounds or so.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Theo. Yes, I did.”

He took a seat at our table. His eyes constantly darted around the room as if he was anticipating an attack. A few people in the restaurant turned to regard us, but for the most part, no one cared. These people weren’t fans. They were wealthy snobs who weren’t impressed by anything. They couldn’t care less about celebrities.

Or at least that’s what they wanted the world to think. Quietly, they were as fascinated by celebrity as the average fan. I’ve privately met with several wealthy people who want to know what it’s like to live my life. They want tips. They think their money can buy fame. The truth is everyone wants a taste of the fame game no matter how much they pretend not to care.

Once, a billionaire offered me a million dollars to sleep with him. At first I thought he was joking. I laughed it off, but when he didn’t join in I realized he was serious.

“I couldn’t possibly,” I’d said with a wink.

“Two million,” he’d offered, raising the stakes.

“You’re a bad boy,” I replied with a laugh, then excused myself.

I got out of there as quickly as I could. I’m not a prostitute, though I know several actresses who would have slept with him for far less than a million dollars. That’s the dark side of Hollywood no one talks about- actresses sleeping with wealthy men for money or roles. I’ve never fucked for parts, though I’ve had plenty of offers. When I first started in this business, I constantly lost parts to actresses who were more than willing to blow a producer for a starring role in the studio’s next big movie. It’s hard to compete in an industry that favors girls willing to trade sexual favors for parts.

I tried to succeed the honest way, and to be frank, it was impossible. At least, it was until I met Shonda. She saw my potential and took me under her wing. She’d never admit it, but I think she quietly admired me for not behaving like the other girls. Hollywood is not exactly known for its morals, or for promoting people who have the strength of their convictions though. With Shonda’s help, I managed to survive in spite of a rigged system.

Actually, that’s not entirely true. Like I said, I’ve never fucked for parts, but I did enter into a devil’s bargain to get what I want. I’m not totally without morals, but I’m definitely not America’s Sweetheart either.

“Your acting alone won’t cut it,” Shonda said to me one bright sunny day in LA.

We sat by the pool at an exclusive hotel in Beverly Hills. When she saw the hurt look on my face, she’d raised her hands defensively.

“Don’t get me wrong. You’re a good actress. I’m just saying it’s not enough. You know how show business works. You want to succeed you got to play the game.”

“How?” I’d asked naively.

“What do you know about PR relationships?”

That’s how I met Louis. Now as I sat across from him, watching him eat lobster with his bare hands, I wondered if it was worth it. Would I give it all up if the right guy came along? I glanced at Theo. He was watching me. When our eyes met, he quickly looked away.

I picked up my lemon drop martini and took a big gulp. It had been a while since I’d had alcohol; the drink went straight to my head.

“Yet again you ignored a direct order,” Theo said.

I averted my eyes.

“What’s that?” Louis said with a mouthful of food.

“I told you to wait in the limo until I gave you the okay to exit.”

“Everything was okay,” Louis replied with a shrug. “What’s the big deal?”

“Have you read the letters Jamie’s stalker has sent her? Maybe you should read the most recent one where he threatens to-”

“Theo, please. I don’t want to talk about it.”

I tried to play it cool, but in truth the letters had frightened me. The more I thought about them, the more freaked out I became. That’s why I was doing my best to distract myself with shopping and spa visits. It was a shallow waste of time, but it put me at ease.

“Please,” I said. “I don’t want to hear about it.”

Theo frowned. I understood his frustration but it was all too disturbing for me to comprehend.

“He threatened to kill her. So, what? I get death threats all the time. It’s just people messing about. It’s not serious. You’ve got to have thick skin in this business,” Louis said, unimpressed.

Theo stared at him in disbelief. He gritted his teeth so hard that I could see the muscle in his jaw twitch.

“So, what?” he said, raising his voice in disbelief.

“Keep your voice down, mate,” Louis pleaded.

“He didn’t just threaten to kill her. He threatened to
keep
her. He provided pictures of the dungeon he’s building just for her.”

Butterflies stirred in my stomach. Without thinking, I started to pick at the skin around my nails. It was a nasty habit I picked up as a kid. When I get nervous I pick at my nails and skin.

“Theo, please,” I shouted.

You could have heard a pin drop in the room. Everyone was staring at us. I smiled to the people watching us, as if that was a magical cure for the awkwardness in the air.

“Look,” Louis said, “I do all my own stunts. If someone attacks Jamie, I can handle it myself. No one needs you around.”

Theo shook his head. “You people are unbelievable. This is a serious threat. It’s not make believe. The real world is not a movie. If you don’t follow my security procedures, you’ll end up dead or worse.”

Louis rolled his eyes and dug back into his lobster.

“I’ll be waiting outside when you’re ready to leave,” Theo said. He stood, pushing the chair back from the table with a loud screech.

“Wait. I’m done with dinner. I’ll go with you.”

“You’re just going to leave me?” Louis asked. “What about the paps outside? They’ll wonder why you abandoned me alone. They’ll gossip. It will cause problems. You know what happens when there’re problems.”

His voice dropped to a low rumble; he glared at me intensely. The sight of his ‘serious’ face made me bust out laughing. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Louis just looked so stupid. He was acting of course. Louis was one of the least intimidating people I’ve ever met, and he’d not a good enough actor to fake it.

Theo looked at the both of us like we were insane. Then he took me by the arm and led me out of the restaurant. We left through a back exit and got straight into my waiting limo.

“What was that about?” he asked as soon as we were safely inside. “Was he threatening to hurt you?”

“Who? Louis?” I scoffed. “No.”