DESCRIPTION
I kept our baby a secret thinking that it was the right decision. And it was… until I found myself in a mess greater than any Hollywood movie could ever portray.
Working as a PR executive for a brilliant director was supposed to be fun.
Little did I know that I’d meet not one, but four men of my dreams.
Ryan, the country’s superhero, is my baby daddy. His past might make him feel unworthy of love but he has every piece of my heart beating for him.
Kai, his co-star, is the exact opposite of Ryan. He doesn’t know that his grumpiness makes him that much more endearing.
Thiago is famous, to say the least. Landing a superhero franchise changed everything for him except for one thing – his intense stare.
Michael completely switches on-screen. He could go from being introverted to a full-on alpha within seconds.
Each of them has me swooning over their chiseled abs and charming smiles, and it’s putting my job at risk.
It’s also affecting my sanity because I’m having to lie to Ryan.
He has no idea about his son and I have no clue how he’d react after finding out.
Would he hate me? Will it end my career?
What if I lose my child? Or the only source of income that lets me care for him?
My life is hanging from a thread, and only time will tell if I’m able to survive the passionate ordeal…
1
TINSLEY
The trill screech of her cell phone broke through the silence of what had otherwise been a peaceful morning. I made it a point to always assign specific ringtones to my various PR clients so that I could be sure to distinguish between them at a moment’s notice.
Each ringtone was based on my client’s specific personality, neediness and attitude. I could tell instantly by the annoyingly loud ringtone that the person calling me at 6:02am was Lee Wynn.
Lee was brilliant and boorish at the same time. He had a reputation around Los Angeles for both his beautiful filmmaking and horrific outbursts. My PR firm had been hired to represent Lee while filming concluded on the latest instalment of the Falconi series, a non-stop, action- packed, thrill ride filled with super heroes of varying abilities.
I was assigned the role of promoting the movie. But anyone in the know was aware that what I was really being tasked with was babysitting Lee who was known around town as a misogynistic asshole.
The production company had already had a couple close calls with him in the last film that could have derailed their top franchise and cost them a fortune. And I was given the dubious honor of keeping him from self- destructing and costing them millions.
“This is Tinsley, how may I be of assistance Mr. Wynn?”
“I’m not paying you to be late,” responded an agitated Lee.
I mused at the fact that Lee was in fact not paying me at all. He had been shocked by the production company’s insistence that I was hired at all Let alone that I was required to attend any activity involving Lee and his
cast. He had pitched a world-class fit and demanded that my compensation come directly from the studio and not impact his salary.
“I have the table read on my schedule for 11:15 this morning, has something changed Mr. Wynn?” I asked in the most polite tone I could muster for this creep.
“Hell yes, it’s changed. Do you not bother to read your emails?” Lee growled at me.
I quickly opened my inbox and smirked seeing that an email marked 5:59am from that morning that read Table Read Moved to 9am Sharp! I once again smiled to myself. Men like Lee were all the same. He probably had a dick the size of a toothpick. I knew his type all too well not only from the PR industry but years of shitty dates.
There’s only one way to handle a jerk like Lee: bogus flattery and boundaries. My eyes darted to the kitchen entry where he had just emerged from the back bedroom. The cell phone ring must have awoken him. I gave him the 100 megawatt smile that always made him happy.
“Mr. Wynn I’m currently meeting with a VIP, but I should be finished by 8am and will head to the studio at that time so I can be sure to arrive ahead of schedule for the table read. Thank you so much for the courtesy of calling to let me know about the last-minute schedule change.”
“The courtesy, I, uh, of course. See you at nine sharp and for goodness sake, call me Lee!” he said, now flustered and slightly softening at my lack of concern for his annoyance, “Mr. Wynn was my asshole father.” And then the line went dead.
I looked up to see Lucas, my precious seven-year-old son, still rubbing the sleep from his ice blue eyes. His father’s eyes.
“Mommy, what’s a VIP and what is our meeting about?” he asked sleepily.
“Well, it means a very important person and I can think of no one in my life more important than you.” That got him grinning like a Cheshire cat.
“And even if you aren’t a client, my office knows to block my day to not start until 8am because taking you to school is one of my favourite parts of the day,” I pulled him in for a long hug. The scent of his shampoo lingered in my nose as he pulled away.
“In that case, can you stop and get this VIP a smoothie on the way to school this morning?” Lucas asked with a grin.
“You got it bud! But we’ll have to hustle if we want to make it to school on time, so hurry up and get ready.
We swung by our favorite smoothie place and made our way toward the car. As we started to drive, I saw Lucas had a faraway look in his eyes.
“Earth to Lucas,” I said jokingly. “Everything okay back there, you seem a million miles away.”
“Do you know Ernie from my class?” he asked.
“Well not personally,” I said with a laugh. “But I’ve heard you mention him a time or two.”
“Did you know he has two dads?”
“Oh no bud, I didn’t know that.” I wasn’t quite sure where this conversation was leading.
“It just got me thinking when we saw that girl in the smoothie shop. She was there with her dad.”
“Uh-huh,” I said, not wanting to lead the conversation in a direction he wasn’t trying to take it.
“There are so many kinds of families,” Lucas said and I breathed a slight sigh of relief, finally catching the subtext of the conversation.
“You have got that right Lucas,” I confirmed. “You and I and Nan and Pop are one type of family. Some families have two dads, some have two moms. Some have one of each.”
“We all have a lot of love though, don’t we mom?” he asked sweetly.
“Yes bud,” I said reassuringly. “It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, the most important thing is that you have people in your life that care about you. And you my dear have so much love, I can see it coming out of your ears.”
Lucas smiled that gorgeous smile of his and started sipping his VIP smoothie. My sweet boy.
–
I spent the entire ride from Lucas’ elementary school to the studio preparing for this moment. I was not easily intimidated. I could take on people like Lee all day long without as much as flinching, but I was about to face someone that I knew would challenge me in more ways than one, Ryan Jacobs. Even thinking about him sent shivers down my spine and made me ache in places I was ashamed to admit.
I had known Ryan back in college along with another actor on the project Kai Warner. Ironically, we had all attended University of Chicago back in Illinois before eventually making our way out west. Ryan wasn’t exactly the one that got away, but our history was complicated.
I thought back to the night I lost my virginity to Ryan. We had just wrapped a stage production of The Importance of Being Earnest. I normally didn’t go near the theatre scene, but my advisor had told me that working PR for a local production might be able to help land me an internship that summer with a local PR company that I really wanted.
Ryan had been the star, giving sex appeal to a fairly tame role that would have made Oscar Wilde blush. And Kai, sweet Kai, had been our stage manager.
I had more hunch punch than sense that night and when Ryan had kissed me, there had been no going back. I still remembered the way that first kiss had sent an electrical current through me, it tightened my stomach and gave me a longing my high school boyfriend had never even come close to stirring.
“I said, where are you headed ma’am? Are you okay, you look flushed?” the security guard eyed me uncomfortably.
I was suddenly jarred back to reality. Embarrassed knowing the heat I was feeling in my core was making itself known on my face, I brushed off his second question quickly pulling out my credentials to show him. “Dr. Falconi franchise. I’m Tinsley Cole, PR.”
“Follow the signs for the green lot, make your second left and you’ll see a group of trailers. You won’t be able to miss it.”
“Thanks!”
Back then, I’d been grieving an unavoidable breakup with my high school sweetheart Seth. The kind where you both promised that college wouldn’t change you, that you’d save yourselves for one another and finally consummate your love when you reunited over the Christmas holiday.
Only to find out that he boinked the first co-ed that glanced his way at the community college. A revenge hook-up had seemed like the perfect plan to get back at him.
Ryan had been sweet and kind, he said all the right things and made all the right moves, he had no idea I’d planned to get back at my ex by being with him. The minute we kissed I knew this would be far more than just revenge. I’d felt my body react to him and I knew I had to have him.
“I want you,” I had told him the second the kiss was over. If I was being fair, I’d known he’d had a crush on me since our high school days so I wouldn’t exactly need to talk him into it.
“Seriously, where, when?” He’d asked shyly.
“Right here, right now!” I had slipped my slinky black dress over my head, thrown it at him, and laid back on the futon we’d been making out on. I watched with delight as his eyes devoured my body. I hadn’t been wearing anything under the dress and his pleased reaction nearly sent me over the edge.
Seth had spent years trying to get me to climax, whereas Ryan had me there within the first minute. He crawled toward me with an intensity in his eyes that left me dripping wet. I ripped his shirt off kissing and nipping at his chest, his shoulders, his neck. He sexily traced his hand up my leg expertly and guided his fingers towards my most sacred spot.
“Does that feel good baby?” He pressed, suddenly more confident.
But I couldn’t speak, I’d just cried out in pleasure grasping his perfectly chiselled arms and holding on for dear life. And then unzipping his jeans he’d guided his throbbing cock inside me and my whole world had changed.
We’d not been out of one another’s grasp that entire night, touching, licking, sucking, kissing, and making love. But it wasn’t just sex, we’d shared intimate secrets about our lives. We’d shared hopes and dreams. When we finally had fallen asleep in one another’s arms I’d felt sure that I had found someone that I could truly, finally connect with.
And then he avoided me like the plague. It seemed like he had gotten what he wanted from the situation and I, well my experience had gone just a bit differently.
At the end of the semester a few weeks later I had gone home to Joliet. I ended up finishing my degree online because of how busy I got both with the internship that summer and other things.
Through the years I’d heard about Ryan’s success with smaller roles in various romantic comedies and action movies but it hadn’t been until the Dr. Falconi franchise began that Ryan Jacobs became a household name as Dr Harris Rutledge, bad boy turned good.
You can do this! I said to myself. I was a professional. I had known about the connection to Ryan before I agreed to take on this role. But I knew myself enough to know the carnal urges that I would feel the second I
saw Ryan. Hell, I was already wet just from reminiscing about one night spent together.
But how could I not be? Our night together had been one of the hottest and most sensual experiences of my life. I knew most people had horror stories around losing their virginity but for me, it had been a night to by which to measure all other sexual encounters.
I stepped into the studio’s bathroom before making my way to the room where the table read would be held. I glanced in the mirror at my flushed expression. I forced myself to take deep calming breaths.
“There’s a big old vibrator in your bedside table that can do you just as good as he ever did,” I said, what I thought in my head.
“Damn girl, I like the way you think,” came a voice from the stall that I thought had been empty.
“Oh my goodness. I am so sorry. I had no idea anyone else was even in here.” Adrienne Montoya rounded the corner as I spoke. The brunette was even more gorgeous in real life than she was on screen.
“Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me. Though if I’m being honest, which I pride myself on. You know that a vibrator isn’t worth a damn when you’ve had the right man in your bed. And if one can’t get it done, try two,” And with that, she sauntered off shaking that world famous ass of hers.
“This way, now,” a gruff voice that belonged to Lee immediately directed as I made my way out of the ladies room. Honestly if I hadn’t been so flustered and embarrassed by what just happened I would have slapped him.
“People,” he announced in a tone that was both annoyed and bored, “I have been shackled to another PR person for the duration of this film. She’s here to make sure none of us offend anyone. This is Tinsley Cole.”
A figure moved toward me, “Ryan,” I said, more breathy than I would have hoped. “It’s nice to see you again.” He looked even better than I had remembered in my wildest fantasies. The muscles he’d had in college were nothing compared to his present day physique. He looked like pure sex walking toward me.
“Likewise.” He gave me a curious smile and I noticed his lips, oh those lips that had covered nearly every inch of my aching body, curled into the same boyish grin that he’d had in college. “You remember this guy?”
“No, she doesn’t–”
“Kai!” I practically shouted with a smile. I was both pleased and surprised to see the man that Kai had grown into. The geeky stage manager had been replaced with a total heart throb. Not having seen him since college, I hadn’t realised what a man he’d developed into.
Kai had bulked up since his days as a tech-friendly stage manager. He looked like something Michaelangelo would have carved out of granite. I found my gaze lingering near his zipper wondering if he had something just as hard as impressive hiding away there.
What the hell is going on with me? Those memories of Ryan had done a real number on my libido today. I hadn’t seen Kai in years and here I was ready to jump his bones but I knew I was not the only one who felt that way, Kai was a breakout star.
“I remember you as a backstage kind of guy. I had no idea you were interested in acting.” I noticed Ryan shifting uncomfortably out of the corner of my eye. Had he noticed me checking out Kai’s package?
“I have no interest in it at all,” he said. “Ryan made me audition and I guess I exude ‘dangerous psychopath’ energy.” Dangerous energy was right, I thought to myself. I didn’t trust myself around him.
“I don’t know about that, but I’m sure you’re wonderful,” I said, doing my best to laugh away the lust I was suddenly feeling for these men. I felt my nipples harden and strain against the fabric of my lace bralette. Down girls!
Thiago stood and took my hand, “It’s lovely to meet you, Ms. Cole,” he said. “I’m Thiago Herrara.” Standing next to him I felt like prey to a handsome predator. He was at least a foot and a half taller than I was.
Thiago was the Brazilian dreamboat currently taking the world by storm as Viento, the weather-controlling villain of the franchise. I felt Thiago’s eyes pour slowly over my body and instantly felt my core tighten.
“Nice to meet you too,” I said. He took my hand and gently brushed his lips across it and I felt my face getting flushed. How was it that such a gentle act could be so arousing?
“I apologise now for Lee. He’s brash,” came a kind, Southern drawl from behind me that I knew must belong to Michael Dean. Michael was the youngest of the superhero crew. Typical boy next door, but all grown up.
I noticed Lee tense at the remark. “I’m sure Mr. Wynn and I will get along just fine. Leave it to me.” As Michael shook my hand, I felt a pulse of electricity race through me. I instantly imagined myself as the cheerleader
to his boy next door, football player image and wondered if he had any interest in seeing my pom poms in action.
I shook my head. What the hell had gotten into me? I’d been in the room all of two minutes and was already fantasising about every man I had been introduced to. I had anticipated the passion I would feel when I finally saw Ryan again after all these years, but I hadn’t expected to feel it toward every man on set.
Finally, my gaze landed on Adrianne, who stood up and I went to shake her hand. At least I’d already kinda met her. It was an awkward bathroom exchange, but I knew I wasn’t going to try and jump her bones.
“Adrianne Montoya,” she introduced. “It’s nice to meet you.” I silently thanked her for not letting on about our earlier exchange.
“My son is going to lose it when I tell him that I met Dr. Falconi today,” I said. “He’s such a big fan.”
“Oh, you have a little boy,” Adrianne cooed. “I have a daughter who just turned one.”
“I remember that age,” I said. “Lots of sleepless nights?”
Adrianne groaned. “More than I can count. How old is your boy?”
“He just turned seven,” I said, being sure to avoid Ryan’s sudden stare that was so strong I could physically feel it. “His name’s Lucas,” I pulled out my phone to show her a picture.
Adrianne looked at it, and I noticed her immediately turn her gaze on Ryan. “He’s handsome,” Adrianne said and came back to her chair when Lee started loudly complaining about the table read starting soon. “He’s really handsome,” she said again.
“Thank you! Actually while I have the main cast here and we have about 15 minutes until we begin the table read. I’d love to have a word with the five of you about the press junket we have slated for the end of next week.”
“I’m sorry young lady,” barked Lee, coming up behind me. “I wasn’t aware that you were running today’s meeting. I’ll have to review my contract since last I checked I was the only director listed on this project. Clearly you think your ridiculous hiring gives you the right to dictate how my table reads are held.”
There was an audible gasp in the room. I looked around at the shocked expressions on the actors’ faces around me. I knew from some of the background research that I’d done on Lee Wynn that he used this kind of
bullying on his crew. However, it was known around town that he had been trying to keep this kind of behaviour under wraps since a caterer had threatened to sue the studio and they had settled out of court.
I turned to face him head on, a trick I’d learned from one of my PR professors. He’d told me to always be willing to stare down the bull as most outbursts can be tamed by your willingness to make strong eye contact.
“Mr. Wynn,” I said with a stern but polite tone, being sure to use the formal mister since he had commented earlier in the day that he didn’t appreciate it. “I’m sure you are aware that my firm has been hired to boost public image thanks to some unfortunate press that was turned up earlier this year.”
“Your job is to not stand in my way. If you’ll excuse me, I am using the limited down time before today’s table read that you have left us thanks to your early morning reschedule to go over important details about next week’s press junket. If you have any further questions about my role, I’m happy to have my assistant Alex send you my job description as outlined by your studio head.”
“Fucking bitch,” Lee hissed and then promptly turned heel and left the room. The air suddenly returned to the room and after a moment or two of shock the group started cheering. Several actors I hadn’t met before even came up and patted me on the back or gave me a thumbs up.
“That was something else,” congratulated Kai. “I’ve never seen him back down to a woman before. Ryan maybe, but never a woman.”
“Incredible,” came a voice from behind me. “But then you’ve always been incredible to me.” I turned and stared into Ryan’s ice blue eyes, our son’s eyes. Yup, I’m in major trouble.