Hollywood Heartbreaker: Hollywood Name Game Book 1 Read online

  A dark look flitted across Rhett’s face. It was gone in an instant and, for a moment, she questioned whether she’d really seen it or not.

  “That might be a nice change of pace.” He picked up another roll and tore a piece off.

  “No, seriously. You should pursue it. Tell Irv to send you something light and fun. It would be a terrific change for you.”

  He gave her a sour look. “I’m afraid your idol Irv has me pigeon-holed. I’ve been trying to get him to help me branch out for over a year. A guy can only shoot up so many cars and terrorists before he goes stark-raving mad.”

  His words surprised her. “You’re serious.” Cassie leaned forward. “You want to try something new but Irv sees his golden goose laying a stinker of an egg instead.”

  Rhett nodded. “That about sums it up. I’m his cash cow. He wants to stick with tried and true material. Let’s face it—I’m the poster boy for action/adventure films.”

  “Then you either get what you want, or we look for new representation, Corrigan.”

  Her words seem to take him aback. “Whoa, Cassie. I can’t go issuing threats to Irv. He’s been my agent since I hit Hollywood. He got me my first break in Killjoy. I can’t walk out now.”

  Cassie looked at him steadily. “Why not? Sure, Irv’s been good to you, blah-blah-blah. But he represents you—and takes a generous percentage of what you earn. If you aren’t happy, you are free to look elsewhere for representation.” She paused, wanting her words to sink in. “An agent guides a career, Corrigan. He can help make one. But remember, the agent always works for you. Never against you or your wishes.”

  Cassie watched Rhett chew thoughtfully on his roll. She’d already opened this can of worms and decided to pursue it further.

  “Not everyone keeps the same agent for an entire career. Pretend you’re Stephen King, Master of Horror, and you’re aching to branch out and try something new. Let’s take a wild stab and say romance.”

  Rhett laughed. “Yeah, right.”

  “No, hear me out. Mr. King’s agent wouldn’t want him to jump to a vastly different genre, not when he’s making a killing with what he’s doing, including books and movies and mini-series. But old Stevie is bored and wants to challenge himself. He finds himself a different agent that’s willing to rep him the way he desires. One who believes in him and think he can write the next best damned romance novel since Nora Roberts. Stephen King has enough money to last a thousand lifetimes. That’s not the point. He needs the creative challenge.”

  Rhett nodded in understanding. “I used to model for Ralph Lauren.”

  “Yes, Abs Man, every woman in America knows that. You had one agent to rep that work—runway, print ads, billboards. When you wanted to cross over to film, you found someone else to help you reach your goals in a different line of work, someone experienced in that field. You broke in, paid your dues, and made a name for yourself.”

  Cassie threw down the gauntlet. “Why not try a different move again—another genre? What have you got to lose?”

  Rhett gave her a soul-searching look. “You really think so?”

  She laughed. “Honey, anyone who can keep a straight face while they blow away bad guys amidst all those green screens can do anything. I mean it. Anything.” She leaned back in her chair. “Life’s too short not to follow your dreams, Corrigan. Just think about it.”

  Rhett eyed her thoughtfully. “I will.”

  They finished their meal, with Cassie refusing to try dessert.

  “Pasta packs it on me. I’ll be on a diet of protein bars and water the rest of the week. Maybe next time I’ll start with dessert first and see if I have room left over for a meal.”

  He signaled for their check. It impressed Cassie that he was a generous tipper. Not outlandishly gaudy, like stars who left six hundred dollars on a sixty dollar tab, but much better than Joe Average off the street. She’d waited tables before and knew how hard a server worked. She would’ve appreciated a customer like Rhett. One who knew her name and asked personal questions about her, just as he had with Raoul.

  They retreated through the kitchen again. Rhett waved to the chef and told him how much they had enjoyed their lunch. A glow of pride crossed the man’s face as he nodded in appreciation.

  Rhett saw her to the Range Rover and recommended a market Maria used that wasn’t far from his house. He fished in his pocket and handed her a wad of bills.

  “For parking and incidentals. Let me know if you spend more. I’ll remember to get the credit card from Carreen.” Rhett paused. “I hope you’re glad you’ve accepted the position as my assistant because I feel as though I’ve made the right choice.”

  Cassie looked down as she fastened her seatbelt, hoping he wouldn’t notice her flushed cheeks. “Yes. I think we’ll be a good fit. I’ll see you back at the house. Hope your visit with Carreen goes well.”

  She retrieved her cell from her purse and found it was dead so she couldn’t use it for directions. Since she hadn’t a clue how to use the GPS in the Range Rover, she was pleased to find the market after a couple of wrong turns. Decidedly upscale, with an exterior that screamed money, and valet parking. What would you expect in Hollywood? She decided to take advantage of it because of the amount of groceries she had to buy. Rhett had handed over a small fortune as it was. She hadn’t ever seen that much cash in her life—much less in her hands.

  Cassie shopped until she was ready to drop. As she moved quickly down the aisles of the supermarket, it made her sad to think of the empty shelves in Rhett’s kitchen. She’d never really thought about movie stars having to eat as ordinary people did. It made her angry to think Consuelo and her crew deserted him on a regular basis and assumed they’d be welcomed back with open arms.

  She loaded up two full carts, knowing she had hungry men to feed. She would get Shep’s dog food later. She’d need to check on who his vet was, what kind of food he ate, and when he was due for shots. She wondered if she would need to walk him or if Rhett had a dog walker come in for that.

  Cassie had so much to do and learn. Part of her was overwhelmed by all the responsibility she would have yet she knew she’d thrive on all the activity. She enjoyed staying busy and Rhett’s life would bring something new every day. It was fortunate that he seemed down to earth, as normal as a banker or architect. After being around Manny’s second and third-tiered acting wannabes, with their diva tantrums and unrealistic demands, she needed some peace and normalcy in her life. Even in Hollywood.

  Of course, Rhett might change around others. He might slip on the Hollywood mantle of fame and attitude when around those in the business. Somehow, Cassie didn’t see that happening. In their short acquaintance, Rhett Corrigan had proven to be very WYSIWYG—What You See Is What You Get.

  Handing her claim check to the valet, she tipped him in Rhett’s fashion, healthy and fair. She only turned down one wrong street on the way back to the Corrigan estate, which made her immensely proud. Usually, she was useless with directions. Maybe the Range Rover simply led her back the right way, much like a horse would an inexperienced rider.

  Cassie keyed in the gate code and pulled up the long drive, wondering if there was a place to pull around in back since she had so many groceries to carry inside. She spotted her sad Toyota and the Corvette still in the drive, but the Mercedes was missing. She assumed the Vette was Breck’s and the Mercedes belong to Randi.

  Glad that the pouting model was gone, Cassie drove past the two parked cars. A sudden glance had her slamming on the brakes. She put the car in park and stared, seeing and yet not comprehending.

  The Toyota’s tires had been slashed.

  CHAPTER 7

  Cassie hopped from the tall seat of the Range Rover and hurried over to the shabby rental. Both tires facing her were deflated. Jagged, angry slashes laced through the worn rubber.

  The front door slammed. She looked up and saw Breck jingling his car keys.

  “Hey, Cass. Glad you’re back. Please tell me you bought f
ood. Anything. Chips. Soda. Chicken. Cheese. Hell, I’d even eat cardboard if you bought some ketchup for it. Or even salsa. Salsa’s good, too.”

  He walked around the front of the Toyota. “I’ll help you bring things in if you—”

  Breck stopped dead in his tracks and whistled low. “Now I see why you’re all glassy-eyed and quiet for once.”

  Cassie turned to look at him, her anger barely contained. “Who would do something like this? How could they get in here? Does Rhett have security cameras? We need to call the police right away.”

  “No way, kiddo. Rhett wouldn’t want anything like this to hit the papers.” He walked over and knelt next to the damaged front tire, rubbing his hand along it. “He thinks the gates are enough. They have been in the past. He relishes his privacy, Cassie. It’s the one thing he guards like a pit bull.”

  Breck stood up. “Rhett doesn’t have cameras because he doesn’t want security tapes floating around or any kind of digital record. That’s why he’s been comfortable with his sister handling most of his personal affairs and Consuelo and her crew doing the rest. They may be a little flaky but they love the hell out of him. It doesn’t hurt that he pays them well. They’d never go shouting to the tabloids about anything.”

  She frowned. “What should we do? Someone got in. Why they didn’t touch your car surprises me. Why mess with a beat-up rental that’s ten years old?”

  He shook his head. “Oh, honey, you still don’t get it, do you?” Breck gave her a long look. “Nobody got in. And only one person has gone out.”

  Shock reverberated through Cassie. “Randi? You think Randi did this?”

  “I guaran-damn-tee you she did. You must’ve set off that fiery little temper she has. You probably gave her as good as she was tossing to you. And you took Rhett away.”

  “Took him away?” She was baffled. “He’s my boss. We went inside to go over business. Lunch was more of the same. Why would she do something like this?”

  Breck grinned. “’Cause she’s a fuckin’ nut case. I told Rhett that from the start. Models are wacko. They don’t ever eat, which would drive any sane person crazy. They keep weird hours. Hang around with looney photographers. They do drugs and drink all kinds of shit that makes ‘em loco and keeps ‘em skinny. I warned Rhett that he was making a big mistake getting involved with Randi.”

  Cassie gave Breck a knowing glance. “But all he saw was tits and ass and legs up to here?”

  “You might say that had a bit of an influence on him.” He looked over at the car and shook his head. “Still, she’s a mean little bitch. How she thinks you wouldn’t figure out it was her beats me.”

  Cassie’s chin rose. “I won’t give her the satisfaction.” She paused. “How do we handle it so Rhett and the papers never know?”

  “This is the kind of stuff you’ll get used to. I’ll show you where the credit card is. Rhett probably forgot to give it to you and I know where Carreen keeps it. Come on inside. We’ll tackle this mess together.”

  “No, we need to get the groceries taken care of first.”

  “Okay. I especially wouldn’t want any ice cream to melt.” He looked at her hopefully. “That is, if there was any ice cream that might melt.”

  Cassie smiled. “Oh, I think there’s Rocky Road and Double Dutch Chocolate, along with some frozen strawberry bars.”

  Breck grabbed her and smacked her loudly on the lips. “God, I love a girl who knows how to shop. Let’s go, General. You’re definitely in charge from now on.”

  She stood and watched Breck sweep up several sacks and march in. Her face burned beet red. She knew he didn’t mean anything by the kiss but months had passed since her last kiss with an asshole who’d stuck her with their dinner bill. He’d gotten all touchy-feely during dessert and then took a call on his cell and raced out of the restaurant, saying he had an emergency and would call her the next day. Cassie paid the bill with her already overextended Visa card and sworn off men ever since.

  Worse, the jerk never bothered to call so she could tell him off.

  They got the groceries in and Breck showed her the freezer off in the butler’s pantry. He was like a kid at Christmas, excited over every new item he pulled from the bags.

  “Oh, I love peppers. I’m glad you got red and yellow ones. Fresh mushrooms? Yes! And Orville Redenbacher movie theater popcorn. His is the best. Bananas? Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a fresh banana? Neighbor, way the hell too long.”

  Shep wandered in and generally made a nuisance of himself, taking every step Cassie made and staying under her feet as she put away everything from fruit to canned goods.

  “What do you want, boy?” She leaned down and nuzzled him once all the sacks had been emptied.

  “You didn’t get his favorite thing in the world,” Breck noted.

  “What do you like, Shep?” she asked, scratching between the dog’s ears.

  “Nilla wafers. It’s his special treat. He’ll do tricks for them a hundred times in a row. Go through an entire box if you let him.”

  “I didn’t know that cookies were on the Shep diet.” Cassie immediately reached for a pen sitting by the phone and jotted the item down on the pad before tearing it off and putting it on the front of the refrigerator with a magnet.

  “Wow. I like your style, General.”

  “Add anything to this list when we run out or anything else you like that I didn’t buy. I’ll be sure to keep things well stocked.”

  He bit into a Granny Smith apple. “Okay, let’s go carpe diem this other situation.”

  With Breck’s help and Rhett’s credit card, Cassie had the car towed to a garage for tire replacement and arranged for the mechanic to return it to the rental company. She had the Range Rover to get back and forth now so she would no longer need the sad Toyota. She also arranged for deliveries of alcohol since Breck said they were down to two beers and she contacted a cleaning service. She would interview applicants tomorrow afternoon.

  Breck nodded with approval. “You did that in record time. Never worry about the bills. They go to Rhett’s accountant. He pays them. Nothing out of the ordinary, so it’s like it never happened.”

  Cassie frowned. “It still bothers me, Breck. Randi’ll think she got away with something. What she did was mean. Vicious, actually. She should own up to such juvenile delinquent behavior.”

  “When the time is right, you’ll know when to spring it on her—and Rhett, if it comes to that. I’m hoping he’ll dump the slut before that happens. The thing is, Cassie, you’ll need to watch your back. Randi is vindictive. She’ll go for your jugular. I’ll do my best to keep you two apart but make sure you keep an eye out for her.”

  “I don’t feel right about keeping this from Rhett. He’s got a crazy woman running loose in his house. He’s my boss. He should know what’s happened in his own home.”

  “Believe me, it’s better to keep quiet. Ride out the storm. Won’t be the first time I’ve protected Rhett this way. And besides, Randi would never lift a finger against Rhett.”

  “I think you deserve a raise.”

  Cassie looked and saw Rhett leaning against the door frame, spooning Greek yogurt into his mouth. Instantly, she panicked. She wondered how long he’d stood there and what he’d heard of their conversation. As she studied him, though, he didn’t seem to be reacting to anything other than the one luxury item she actually bought for herself each week.

  “I see you found the yogurt.”

  Rhett’s eyebrows raised. “Is that what it is? I thought it was a little container of heaven. Seriously, I’ve never had yogurt this good. It’s like cool velvet carpeting my mouth.”

  “This I’ve gotta try,” Breck announced. “The boys’ll definitely be happy tonight.”

  “Boys?” Cassie looked from Breck to Rhett.

  Rhett licked the spoon contentedly. “I hold a weekly poker game here. A few guys come over. We’ve ordered pizza the last couple of times.”

  “What time will they
be here? Do they expect dinner or snacks?” She pointed to Breck. “Or do they eat around the clock like this one?”

  “Hey. I had that apple. And a few grapes.”

  “And Ritz with peanut butter. A bowl of ice cream. Plus, half a bag of pretzels—all while you were helping unload and store the groceries.”

  “Did I hear ice cream?” Rhett’s eyes gleamed.

  Cassie laughed. “I thought you’d found heaven in that yogurt.”

  His smile turned wicked. “Yeah, but ice cream? That’s paradise.”

  ◆◆◆

  “Seriously, Cassie, you didn’t have to go to all this trouble. Besides, you’ve been here all day.”

  Cassie looked at her boss as if he’d sprouted another head.

  “One, it’s my job to be here all day. Two, this is not trouble. Typing illegible contracts is trouble. Dodging calls from strung-out, two-bit comics who can’t get booked for free into a retirement home is trouble. Putting together a small buffet for a few hungry friends of yours is no trouble at all.”

  The doorbell chimed. “I’ll get it,” she said, curious who would show up at this weekly card game. Rhett had set up the table for six players but he said sometimes a few more came. It depended upon who was working or who might be out of town, and in this case, it was getting close to the holidays.

  Cassie opened the door to two men. One she had seen on the cover of GQ and in Ralph Lauren ads for several years. The bespectacled other man looked like a serious version of Chris Rock.

  “Come on in, guys. I assume you’re here for the game. I’m Cassie.”

  “Are you new cook?” asked the Chris lookalike. “Please tell me it’s not pizza again. I live on that four other days a week since Rhonda can’t cook. Please tell me Consuelo’s brought the tribe back.”

  “No pizza, no Consuelo, but I think you’ll be happy.” Cassie led them back to the game room. The doorbell rang again, so she circled back around to answer it.