Love in the Afternoon Read online

  Lisa had a point. Nikki Andrews was beloved by everyone, and yet she, and her character, was given the boot without a second thought. Kayla had only been on the show six months. If this storyline didn’t pan out, she could be axed just as Nikki was. And for reasons he didn’t care to examine right now, Sean wasn’t going to let that happen.

  “I’ll go.”

  “Excellent,” Lisa said. “I’ll call you when I firm everything up.”

  Sean heard a decisive click and then silence. “And you have a nice evening too,” he said and grinned. Lisa was an odd duck, there was no doubt about that. But she was good at her job, and he supposed he should take her advice a little more seriously and not be so contentious with her. After all, she was only doing what he paid her to do.

  Slipping his phone back into his pocket, he watered his plant and then slid onto a stool at the edge of the island where he had his laptop set up. After powering it on, he navigated to the search engine and typed in Kayla’s name. When the search results came up on the screen, he selected her Wikipedia page and, although he felt a bit voyeuristic, he began to read.

  Some of it he already knew, like where she was from and that she’d been in two classic horror films. What he didn’t know was that her birthday was on Christmas Day, she was twenty-seven, and her first role was seven years ago in a Lifetime movie. She’d done several of them apparently, and over the years had done quite a number of guest shots on several different television shows. He scrolled down trying to find what he was most interested in. Was she dating anyone?

  During their dinner, he’d noticed a number of men checking her out. Even without make-up and dressed simply, she was beautiful. She had to have guys lined up to date her, but even though they spent a lot of time together on the set she’d never talked about any guy except Lance. At Cheech’s she’d only mentioned her father, that was it.

  He found a small blurb about a two-year relationship she’d had with a fellow actor—Greg Alamo. He clicked on the link and up popped a picture of Kayla standing next to the guy. The name didn’t sound familiar and Sean had never seen him before. But that wasn’t unusual, L.A. was filled with actors. There was no way to know or have seen them all.

  Greg Alamo wasn’t much taller than Kayla and had dark brown hair and eyes. His smarmy face was smiling into the camera and his arm was around Kayla, holding her possessively. Kayla was smiling, too, but the smile didn’t seem to reach her eyes. Sean went back to the original text and read that they’d dated for two years and had broken up seven months ago. He shut down the website satisfied. At least as far as the internet world knew, she wasn’t dating anyone right now.

  Sliding off the stool, he grabbed his script for tomorrow’s show and headed for the back yard. He sat at the table on the patio and opened the script. Instead of reading it, though, he thought about Kayla.

  He enjoyed her company. A lot. There was a genuineness about her he found very appealing. Obviously, she was close to her family. The love she felt for them was evident whenever she talked about them. He envied her that.

  Not long ago, he’d made a conscious decision to never get involved with another actress and now, here he was, letting Kayla invade his thoughts on a daily basis. He was trying to fight his attraction to her, but it was getting harder every day. There was something about her he was drawn to. Every time he looked into her eyes he found himself thinking less about the reasons why he should keep his distance and more about how he looked forward to coming to work every day just so he could see her.

  More than anything, he wanted to believe Kayla wasn’t like the other leeches who had tried to attach themselves to him. Was it fair to her to assume she was? No, it wasn’t. But he’d been burned badly in the past. There was no way he would risk going down that path again. Ever.

  Chapter Seven

  Shay: Fine. I’ll marry you. But I don’t want a church wedding.

  Jared: Why?

  Shay: Because church weddings are for people in love and that’s not us.

  Two hours before A New Dawn’s fan club luncheon was scheduled to begin, Kayla greeted the receptionist in Lance’s West Hollywood salon and headed to the back of the salon where Lance was texting on his cell phone.

  “Hello, darling,” Lance gushed as she approached. He set his phone on the gleaming black counter of his station and then gave her a hug, in addition to kissing both of her cheeks. He pulled back and gave her the once over. “Girl, you look hot.” He put his hands on his hips. “But in a tasteful, not slutty way,” he added with a grin.

  Kayla smiled. “Thanks. I think,” she said, looking down at the simple black sheath dress and red heels she’d chosen for the luncheon.

  “Love the pop of color,” he said. “Do you think they make those shoes in my size?”

  Kayla burst out laughing. “I doubt it. You have huge feet.”

  “That’s not all that’s huge.” Lance raised his brows and treated her to a wolfish grin.

  “Stop.” Still laughing, Kayla put up her hand. “Too much information.”

  Lance shrugged. “Hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.” He paused, studying her hair. “So, what did you have in mind?”

  “I was thinking one of your chic ponytails,” she said, looking past him and into the mirror. “I don’t like my hair down with this dress.”

  “I agree. It hides those sexy shoulders of yours. I think a ponytail is a fabulous idea. Not a severe one though. I’d like to keep it casual, but with a touch of elegance.”

  “Work your magic.”

  “Have a seat, doll.” Lance turned the chair in front of the station around so she could sit down. “How’s that gorgeous hunk of man doing?” Lance asked as he spun her around.

  Kayla didn’t have to ask who he was referring to. “Sean’s fine.”

  “Oh sweetie, he is fine.” Lance waved his hand in front of his face. “Is there any chance he’s batting for my team?”

  Meeting his hopeful eyes in the mirror, she shook her head. “I’m pretty sure he’s straight. The gossip at the studio is that Rachel Hixson is after him.”

  Lance let out a loud snort. “That bag of bones?”

  “Lance.” She tried to suppress her chuckle. “That’s not very nice.”

  “I’m just saying.” Lance shrugged. “I saw her on Access Hollywood last week. She could eat a sandwich.” He paused as he gathered her hair in his hands. “Or two.”

  “The camera adds ten pounds,” Kayla said, although why she was defending Rachel was beyond her.

  “Then she must be absolutely skeletal.” Lance let go of her hair and reached for a brush. “Uh-oh.” His face blanched. “Incoming.”

  “What are you…?” she began and then her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw Greg Alamo’s reflection in the mirror. She twisted in her chair to look up at him. The scent of his expensive cologne surrounded her, filling her with memories that were far from pleasant. He was dressed to impress, as usual. His black jeans were new and obviously designer. The same with his crisp pale blue button down shirt. There was no way in hell Greg would be caught wearing faded Levi’s or a T-shirt, especially if he believed the paparazzi might be nearby.

  “Kayla,” Greg said in his smooth-as-silk voice that was in great demand for voiceover work. “It’s good to see you.” The words sounded sincere, but his dark eyes were cold. Her skin prickled and she fought to keep a neutral expression on her face. He gave Lance a cursory glance and a nod but, as usual, didn’t address him. “I heard you landed a soap gig.” His tone was derisive. He’d told her repeatedly during their relationship that only actors of the lowest caliber worked on soap operas. No doubt he was thinking she was exactly where she belonged.

  “You heard right,” Kayla said, and while courtesy dictated she ask about him, she didn’t. She didn’t care about him or what he was doing and she wasn’t about to pretend she did.

  “I’m up for a role on a new show called Vampire Nation,” he said as if she’d asked. No surprise there
. His career had always been his favorite subject. “The audition went great.”

  “That’s nice,” she said, casting him a smile just as fake as his spray tan. Clearly he was expecting more enthusiasm. His mouth flattened into a hard line.

  “Are you seeing anyone?”

  “That’s really none of your business.” She felt Lance’s protective hand on her shoulder and was reassured by his presence.

  Greg’s eyes narrowed as he stared down at her, but then, like a chameleon, his hard expression changed and he flashed one of his charming smiles. “You’re right. It’s not.” He checked the expensive watch on his wrist. “I’ve got an appointment.” He paused and met her gaze. “It was nice seeing you, Kayla.”

  Before she could reply, he turned and headed for the exit. Kayla expelled a deep breath and relaxed the rigid control she’d had on her posture. “That was awkward,” she said looking up at Lance.

  “Tell me about it,” Lance said, gazing at Greg’s retreating back. “I wonder why he was here. I always check the books when I know you’re coming in so you don’t have to run into him.”

  “Maybe he came in to buy some products,” Kayla said. “He’s fussy about his hair.”

  “Maybe.” Lance echoed, and then looked at her with a wily grin on his face. “So back to the hunk. I checked out your soap. And if I do say so myself, you’re rockin’ it, girlfriend.”

  “Thanks.”

  He ran the brush through her hair. “You and the hunk have some major chemistry.”

  “His name is Sean.” Although Kayla had to admit, he was a hunk.

  “You say potatoes, I say po-tah-toes.” Lance smirked. “Do you think you might ditch that stupid moratorium you have on dating actors and go for it?”

  “We did have pizza one night after work.”

  Lance’s hand stilled. “You went on a date?” His eyes lit up. “Did he kiss you?”

  “It wasn’t that kind of date. He helped me change a flat tire on the Mustang and then we ran into each other at Cheech’s. He invited me to sit with him.”

  Shaking his head, Lance sighed. “You really don’t know men, do you?”

  Kayla frowned. “What does that mean?”

  “It means, if he wasn’t interested he wouldn’t have asked you to join him.”

  “I think he was just being polite,” Kayla protested, even though a part of her found Lance’s observation just the tiniest bit thrilling. Just because she’d sworn off actors didn’t mean she’d checked her ego at the door.

  “Polite, my ass,” Lance said with a grin. “I might be gayer than a fruit cocktail, but I’m still a man. Mark my words, the hunk is interested. I’d bet my best pair of leather chaps on it.”

  “You have more than one pair?” Kayla asked, trying to block out the mental image of Lance wearing leather chaps.

  Lance shrugged. “Doesn’t everyone?”

  * * *

  Outside the Hilton Hotel in Universal City, Sean sat in his Jeep and listened to the Dodgers game on the radio. The score was tied four all in the third inning. Today’s game was Matt’s first day back after serving a three-day suspension for pushing the umpire in last weekend’s game against Arizona. So far Matt was on his best behavior, and had even scored a run. Maybe the suspension and the fine had knocked some sense into him. Sean hoped so.

  While he’d been listening to the Dodgers game, he’d seen Marcus and Rachel arrive together. He’d also been scanning the parking lot for Kayla’s Mustang, but so far, there was no sign of her.

  At the end of the inning, Sean turned off the radio and pulled the keys from the ignition. Grabbing his sport coat, he climbed out of the Jeep and locked it. As he was crossing the parking lot, he saw Kayla’s red Mustang turn down the aisle and then zip into a parking spot nearer to the hotel.

  Stepping up his pace, he made it to her car just as she was locking the door. Looking at her, Sean felt a hammer blow to his chest. She looked absolutely stunning. Her long silken hair was pulled back in a ponytail, revealing her smooth shoulders and graceful neck. Her short black dress fit like a glove, emphasizing her luscious body. Her legs were bare, sleek and lightly tanned, and on her feet were a pair of red high heels that could only be described as sexy as hell.

  Trying to ignore the thick beat of awareness in his blood, Sean cleared his throat. “Hey,” he said. Startled, she turned toward him, a sudden luminous smile lighting her face. His pulse kicked as their eyes met. “You look great.”

  “Thank you,” she said, opening her small black purse and dropping her keys inside. “So do you,” she said, moving toward him. “I think I’ve only seen you in jeans. You clean up nice.”

  He pulled on his sport coat. “Thanks. At least I don’t have to wear a tux.”

  “What is it with men and tuxes?” She slipped the slim strap of the purse over her shoulder as they began walking toward the hotel. “You guys hate them but you look so good in them.”

  “They’re like straightjackets,” Sean said with a grimace. Kayla just laughed and shook her head.

  As they approached the entrance, Sean noticed two women near the double glass doors watching him and Kayla. By the rapt looks on their faces, he assumed they were fans. His assumption proved to be correct when they clutched each other’s hands and squealed in delight.

  “I told you he’d come,” the taller of the two, a blonde, said.

  “Oh, my God. I can’t believe this,” the brunette said in a loud voice. “May we have your autograph?” she asked, gazing at him with adoration.

  He slowed his pace and glanced at Kayla. She smiled and nodded. “Go ahead. I’ll wait.”

  He moved toward the women. The tall one held out an autograph book. “We were hoping you’d come this year,” she said, handing him a pen. “We love the show.”

  “And you’re our favorite character,” the brunette said and looked past him. “Do you think Kayla would sign an autograph for us too?”

  “I’m sure she’d be happy to,” Sean said, and turned to look at Kayla standing by the door. “Kayla,” he called to her. “Could you come over?” He turned back to the women and signed his name in the autograph book.

  “Hi, Kayla,” the shorter brunette said when Kayla joined them. “Would you mind signing an autograph for us?”

  “Not at all.” Kayla’s tone was friendly. “Are you going to the luncheon?”

  “No. We couldn’t afford the tickets.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” Kayla said as the brunette handed her an autograph book and a pen. “What’s your name?”

  “Donna.”

  Kayla signed the book. Sean noticed she personalized it with a message and then signed her name. She glanced at him. “Trade you.” She smiled and handed him Donna’s book. He gave her the other woman’s book. “What’s your name?” she asked the blonde.

  “Stephanie.”

  Sean signed Donna’s book while Kayla signed Stephanie’s. “There you go.” Kayla handed Stephanie the book. “How much were the tickets?”

  “Seventy-five dollars,” Donna answered. “We’ve been to every luncheon for the past six years but both of us were laid off three months ago.”

  “Things are kind of tight money wise.” Stephanie stuck her book back in her purse. Her expression brightened. “But we got to see you guys and get your autographs.”

  Donna nodded. “You really made our day,” she said as Sean gave her back her book. “Thank you so much.”

  Sean met Kayla’s eyes. “We should go inside.”

  Kayla nodded and then looked at Donna and Stephanie. “Did you get Marcus Bertrand’s autograph?”

  Donna’s smile faded. “No. He didn’t notice us.”

  More like ignored them, Sean thought. Marcus only paid attention to his fans when it suited him. And since he’d arrived with Rachel, who thought anyone who wasn’t in the business was beneath her, he was sure Marcus deliberately avoided the two fans like the plague.

  “If you don’t mind waiting a few min
utes, I’ll have him come out and sign your books.”

  Sean admired Kayla’s gracious offer, but he was pretty sure Marcus would refuse to do it.

  “We don’t mind at all,” Stephanie said, gazing at Kayla with wide eyes.

  Kayla touched his arm. “Let’s go. I want to find Marcus before the luncheon starts. Don’t leave,” she called back to the two women as they moved toward the double doors.

  “How the hell are you going to get Marcus to sign their books?” Sean asked her as they crossed the crowded lobby.

  Kayla shot him a glance and smiled. “Don’t worry. I have a plan.”

  Sean grinned. “Isn’t that what Lucy always said to Ethel?” he said as they followed a sign that read: A New Dawn Cast Members Enter Here.

  “Just trust me,” Kayla said with a laugh. They entered the room and she said, “I’ll be right back.” Sean watched her walk away, enjoying the sway of her full hips, and the stride of her sexy legs.

  “Sean?” He recognized the incredulous feminine voice and turned to fine Rachel staring at him in disbelief. “What are you doing here?”

  “The same thing you are,” he said, “attending the luncheon.”

  “But you never come to these boring affairs,” Rachel said, disdain evident in her expression.

  He shrugged. “There’s a first time for everything.”

  Rachel smile was brittle. She’d always been slender, but in the last year she’d dropped at least ten pounds. She was painfully thin and looked like she might break if someone hugged her. He hoped she would eat the lunch they were serving today. She obviously needed it.

  “How are you?” she asked. “We haven’t talked in a while.”

  “I’m good.” He looked past her and saw Marcus talking on his cell phone, but didn’t see Kayla.

  Where the hell had she gone to?

  “So I’m sure you heard the rumors that I’m the one who got Nikki fired.”