Hollywood Hearts (Steamy Standalone Instalove)

Just lines on a page.

And although it’s great not to hear someone who’s never met me go on and on about me, I get the growing feeling she might not be that interested in me after all.

At least not in the way I’d hoped.

Not in the way I can’t help myself thinking about her with each moment that passes.

I either dodged a bullet with her not noticing the effect she has on me in the office, or she’s politely ignoring the fact she’s a walking aphrodisiac.

There must be someone else, or maybe she just really doesn’t go for older guys?

Anyone else it wouldn’t matter. But with this girl, what she’s doing to me so far on every level, I kinda feel like I might be unlucky in love for a while yet.

Maybe I’m wrong. Just because I think she’s the one, doesn’t mean she does too. Maybe love at first sight really is just in the movies.

I try to push it to the back of my mind, settling on being this close to her at least, having a conversation and the whole day ahead of us.

A day I already dread ending because I know I don’t want it to.

I could listen to her all day, watch her look up as she tries to think of the next thing to say, watch her nervous little habits like chewing at her lip or squeezing her hands together.

She’s just perfect and I want to tell her so, but I also don’t want to scare her off or ruin my chances.

My phones on mute but I’ve felt it buzzing in my pocket a dozen times already. No prizes for guessing who it could be.

The plan was to follow an itinerary for the day, with the crew following to film everything from Olivia’s reaction to the final farewell at the end of the day, arms full of autographs, and whatever other merchandise Denise wants to plug.

But I beat her at her own game for once. I found something, someone I want all for myself and I don’t intend on letting the Hollywood publicity machine ruin my day with Olivia or any day after it.

A different tone pulses and I think it might be Olivia’s phone but it’s the limo driver.

I reach into the console and answer, not surprised to hear that Denise is calling him now, wondering where the hell he is with me and my lucky contest winner.

“Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Mercury. But it’s your agent uh… manager, Ms. Holland is on the other line. Wanting you at the airport, there’s a plane waiting to take you to the studio.”

I stifle a groan and make a face, looking to Olivia who has her own embarrassed expression on like she’s intruding just by being here.

I tell the driver to just wait. “Keep driving and I’ll let you know where we’re at,” I tell him without committing to anything and hanging up.

The phone is the only way he can talk to me, a privacy screen means he can’t see us and we can’t see him.

He’s a driver, sure. But he’s obviously been hired by Denise to do whatever she tells him to.

“Everything alright?” Olivia asks, and I guess it’s time to level with her on that front.

“I’ve got a bit of a confession,” I tell her, hoping she won’t get mad.

“We’re supposed to follow some itinerary for today and I’m probably in trouble for stealing you away, wanting to keep you all to myself,” I tell her honestly.

She’s not mad though, and she blushes without knowing where to look but I’m looking right at her when I tell her.

“What sort of itinerary?” she asks, sounding shyer now. “No more cameras and reporters I hope?” she asks and that’s what makes it harder for the both of us.

I nod a little, groaning quietly again to myself. “I’ll see what I can do about the press,” I tell her, adding, “Now you really know what it feels like to be a movie star. It’s hard work just to get some privacy.”

I half expect her to be annoyed or even disenchanted that Jack Mercury is turning out to be more like just a regular guy than a movie star, but Olivia seems to like what she’s hearing.

Maybe it’s the idea of going to the studio that’s exciting? It doesn’t do much for me. But as long as I’m with her I don’t really mind where we end up.

As long as we’re together, alone preferably.

Telling myself I’d better get the call over and done with, I call Denise. Reminding myself to keep it professional in front of Olivia.

Don’t mention the word ‘Mom’ for god’s sake. Not yet.

Denise picks up on the first ring and I have to hold the phone away from my ear for a few seconds while she has her little tantrum.