Just One Chance, page 10
“Isaac! Need you over here!” someone called.
Isaac pivoted and went to see what was happening, so Xander headed to the circular staircase and walked up. He caught sight of Jared outside the farthest bedroom and found his target.
“Hey,” Xander said, joining him.
Jared tipped his head. “All’s quiet,” he said as if Xander had asked him a question.
“Good. I’m going to check on Sasha.” Before he could take another step to the bedroom, a man with an iPad and headset stopped him.
“No one’s allowed back here,” he said, eyeing Xander up and down with disdain.
Xander narrowed his gaze. “I’m approved. I’m one of the writers.”
“Then I need to see some ID.” He puffed up his chest but couldn’t come near Xander’s size or bulk.
What was with this guy? “I checked in when I got here.” Xander wasn’t showing his ID to some production assistant with a large ego.
“Curtis, what are you doing back here? You’re wanted on set,” Marcie Raydor, an assistant producer, snapped.
The guy shot Xander another glare and walked away.
Xander turned to Jared, intending to tell him to look into him. And everyone on set.
“On it,” Jared said, pulling out his phone.
Relaxing, Xander stepped up and knocked on the bedroom door. The door opened and Sasha stood before him in full makeup and a gown, and he sucked in a shallow breath. Though he knew the scene they were starting with involved looking for information while a party was going on, he’d forgotten that meant Sasha would be dressed like a queen.
The purpose had been to draw attention to Amanda, Sasha’s character, and away from Steele as he searched the house. Right now Xander couldn’t think about the story. He couldn’t focus beyond the sheer perfection standing in front of him.
She wore a red silk dress that exposed more skin than it covered. Her hair was pulled up in an intricate design, revealing her slender neck, and her cleavage was exposed enough to tempt any man.
He let out a groan and stepped forward, but she put out a hand, bracing it against his chest. “Don’t even think about it,” she warned him in a teasing voice. “The dress is set and my makeup is on. Nobody will be happy if you kiss it off.”
“Except me,” he said in a gruff voice.
Her eyes dilated, making him feel better and less … rejected, which was ridiculous. He understood how things worked on set. “I need to go downstairs. Will you be watching?”
He nodded. “You’ve got this. Go get ’em, sunshine.”
She smiled and he escorted her downstairs, stepping aside as she strode into the spotlight. He noted that Jared was downstairs as well, not calling attention to himself but there if she needed him.
For anyone who thought shooting a movie was exciting, they were wrong. Normally it was dead-ass boring. The same scene, shot over and over, and just when they got everything they needed from one angle, they started again with the camera from a wholly different perspective. Hours passed until they took a legitimate long break and Sasha disappeared with her makeup artist for a touch-up.
When the director finally called cut, Xander turned and realized Sasha’s agent stood beside him. “Rebecca,” he said, recognizing the curt sound in his voice. Fact was, he’d never liked her.
“Xander. Like what you see?” She tipped her head toward the set.
“I do.” He’d been damned impressed. Despite the hurt during Sasha’s rise to stardom, he’d watched her earlier films. But to view her acting now, with her increased maturity and wisdom, was a thing of beauty.
“She’s going far. As long as you don’t try and pin her down again,” Rebecca said.
And there was the agent he despised. “The only one who controls Sasha’s life is Sasha.”
Rebecca pulled her phone from her purse and glanced at her screen before meeting Xander’s gaze. “The parts I will be able to offer her will outshine living out of the spotlight and behind the scenes with you.” She patted his arm. “Just giving you a friendly warning,” she said and walked away, already making a call.
Bitch.
But as much as he despised the woman, she did have a point. Sasha deserved her career and however far she wanted to go. He couldn’t and wouldn’t stand in her way.
* * *
After a long day on set, Sasha was exhausted. All she wanted to do was change out of her wardrobe, go home to Xander’s, eat something, and crawl into bed. With him. She needed the warmth and security of his big body wrapped around hers, and she wasn’t embarrassed to admit it. She’d been glad he was on set, and during her breaks, she always sought him out.
She stepped off to the side and slid out of her heels, holding them in one hand.
“You were brilliant today.” Cassidy approached, her eyes beaming.
“Thank you. It’s a fun movie. Fast-paced, easy dialogue. We’ll have some action sequences. I like it.” She glanced around and saw people wrapping up for the day. “Where’s Xander?” she asked.
Cassidy laughed. “Somewhere close by, I’m sure.”
Sasha rolled her eyes. “It’s his book. Of course he’s around.”
“More like he’s watching you.” Her friend held her iPad to her chest, her gaze growing more serious. “Are you okay? Between this so-called temporary romance, a new movie, and a stalker, you have your hands full.”
Sasha lifted her shoulders. “I’m fine. And the stalker thing is quiet. Knock wood,” she said, lightly rapping her knuckles on her friend’s head.
“You’re nuts. Just be careful.” She glanced at her Apple watch. “I have my security waiting to take me back to the hotel. Do you want me to wait around with you until you’re ready to go?”
“No, I’m fine.” Sasha wanted to find Xander and leave, too. “Go rest. We have another early call time tomorrow.”
Cassidy leaned over and pulled her into a hug. “Talk to you later.”
And text, and video chat, Sasha mused, watching as her friend headed for the entrance.
She glanced around again in search of Xander. She’d seen him talking to her agent earlier, and he’d been quiet and more withdrawn from her since. She wondered if he just hadn’t wanted to show overt affection on set, which she agreed wasn’t professional, or if Rebecca had said something to upset him. The woman was arrogant, blunt, and didn’t take no for an answer, which was what made her so good at her job. Not so great of a person.
Sasha felt that same eerie prickle over her skin she’d experienced that day in the city, and she spun around to see if she could locate the cause.
There were production people all over, and one man who looked vaguely familiar stared at her from his position near a camera. No sooner had she caught his gaze than he glanced down at his iPad. She narrowed her gaze. It wasn’t unusual for people to stare at her, even on set, but she was uncomfortable nonetheless.
She turned away and saw Xander walking in, cell phone to his ear. Relieved, she walked over to him just as he said goodbye and disconnected the call.
“Hi,” she murmured.
“Hey.” His gaze raked over her, his eyes darkening as they traveled over her body in the dress that she was ready to take off and the heels that were dangling from her fingers. Still, if the outfit elicited this reaction, that was a plus. “Great job today,” he said in a gruff voice. “Perfectly cast.”
She beamed, pleased with his praise. “Thanks. It felt good. But I’m so ready to get out of here. I just need to change.”
Jared somehow materialized by her side. All day she’d tried to ignore his presence and what needing a bodyguard close by meant, not wanting to consider the reality of someone trying to hurt her. Or worse.
“Ready to go upstairs?” the man asked, breaking into her morbid thoughts.
She glanced at Xander. “Are you coming with me?”
He nodded and they headed upstairs.
With both men beside her, she stopped at her door and automatically reached to open it.
“I’ve got it,” Jared said. He turned the knob and stepped inside.
She followed and ran right into his back because he’d stopped mid-stride. She bounced backwards and Xander’s hands settled on her waist, steadying her.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, wondering why Jared hadn’t just walked completely into the bedroom.
He turned, his features expressionless. “Xander, get her out of here.” He all but pushed her out of the room and closed the door.
She felt the blood rush from her head and dizziness assaulted her. “What? Why? My bag and my phone are in there,” she said, realizing the comment was foolish in light of something serious going on, but it had slipped out.
Ignoring her, Jared lifted his cell and made a call. “Send security to Sasha Keaton’s dressing room and call the police,” he said.
“What happened?” Xander asked, his arm now wrapped firmly around her waist.
“Someone broke in and trashed the room.” Jared set his jaw. Arms braced across his chest, he blocked her from going inside.
“Here? How? Everyone inside has been checked at the door. Vetted.” She shook her head, her body trembling. “What did they do?”
“Your clothes were scattered and cut up, and there’s a note on the mirror across from the door. The same type of cutout lettering used in the other notes,” Jared said, oblivious to the nausea filling her.
“You need to make sure the police were notified.” Xander’s tight voice told her all she needed to know about his reaction.
Before Jared could reply, two uniformed security guards ran up the stairs and joined them outside the room. “The police are on their way,” one of them said.
“Good,” Xander muttered. “Come on. Let’s go somewhere quiet and let everyone do their jobs,” he said into her ear, his hands now settled on her forearms.
Jared nodded. “Stay put. They’ll want to question you both.”
“We’ll be in the empty bedroom at the end of the hall,” Xander said.
He started to turn her but she dug in her heels. Or rather her bare feet. “What did the note say?”
Jared glanced over her head to Xander, and Sasha drew back her shoulders. “You’re my security. This stalker is after me. Now tell me.”
Jared nodded in understanding. “The note said, He can’t have you. MINE,” he said, emphasizing the last word.
She blinked as the words penetrated. “Wait. How does this person know about you?” She spun to Xander. “About us? And how? Has he been following us? Is he here watching?” she asked, panic spiraling.
All day today, she’d felt safe on the closed set and yet somehow … she wasn’t.
Time ticked by slowly. Sasha sat on the edge of the bed in the large room, staring at the closed door as they waited for word from someone about the destruction in her assigned room. They didn’t talk because there was nothing to say until they knew more.
Finally, Jared knocked and Xander let him in. “Okay, so the police need to talk to you so you can file a formal report. And then we can go home. Right now we don’t know anything, but we’re running checks on everyone who signed in today.”
Xander’s jaw clenched and all Sasha could do was nod.
“Are you kidding me?” Cassidy’s loud voice sounded from outside the door. “You’re questioning me?”
Sasha jumped up from the mattress and strode past Xander and Jared, yanking the door open. A cop tapping notes on his phone stood with Cassidy next to him.
He glanced up. “Ma’am, I just need to know where you were from the time Ms. Keaton went down to film.”
“This is ridiculous. Sasha, tell them.” Cassidy folded her arms across her chest, glaring at the officer.
Sasha was offended for her friend and assistant. “She was on set all day. I suggest you go looking for the person responsible and stop wasting your time with my people.” Reaching out, she pulled Cass inside the room with her.
Shooting her a look, Jared walked out to talk to the officer, leaving the door cracked open behind him.
“I’m sorry.” Sasha pulled her friend in for a hug, meeting Xander’s gaze over her shoulder. She could hear his thoughts. They’re just doing their job. She didn’t care. She trusted Cassidy.
For the next hour, the police questioned Sasha until they were satisfied they’d gotten all the information they needed.
Xander expelled a harsh breath. “Okay, ladies, it’s been a long day,” he said to Cassidy and Sasha. “Let’s get out of here. Cassidy, do you want us to take you back to the hotel?” he offered.
She shook her head. “I’ll go with my security but thanks for the offer.” She started for the door and turned. “Xander, I didn’t forget about talking to Axel. He’s interested in a conversation with your brother. I’ll send you his number and Dash can get in touch.”
Xander glanced at Sasha, surprised. “You remembered.”
“Of course I did. It’s important to you.” Their gazes met and held, and the heaviness in her chest that had been present all day eased.
“Okay, you two lovebirds.” Cassidy clapped her hands loudly and Sasha jumped. “Time to go, like you said.”
Cassidy grinned and they headed out, Jared immediately following after them.
* * *
After returning to Xander’s apartment, Xander had walked Bella while Sasha took a shower. They ordered dinner and then Xander showered, too, meeting up with Sasha in the kitchen to eat. All the while, his anger and frustration had continued to rise and was near the boiling point. That someone had gotten into Sasha’s room in the on-set mansion meant the person stalking her was on the crew. Or had a connection with someone there who’d let him or her inside. His gut churned with mixed emotions from the entire day.
They’d moved into the bedroom, and Sasha walked out of his bathroom and stopped, seeing him standing by the dresser, where he’d just put down his phone.
“Hey, are you okay?” she asked. “You were quiet at dinner.”
“After what happened today, I should be asking you that.” He studied her, finding it hard to read her expression.
“I’m more in shock that someone who works with me is behind the notes, but I know now I’ll have a guard outside my dressing room or trailer at all times. I feel better about that. And I know Jared and the police are working on figuring out the identity of the stalker.” She ran her hands up and down her arms. “As far as that goes, I’m okay.” She hesitated, then said, “But you aren’t.”
“I’m fine. Why do you ask?” He was stalling for time.
Her agent’s reminder that he was a hindrance to her career had caused him to distance himself during the day. He hadn’t responded much when she’d caught up with him between takes, and he’d tried to take a step back. For both their sakes. Then her dressing room had been trashed, which only served to pull him back to needing to protect her. How did he explain that?
She folded her arms across her chest. Her damp hair hung in waves around her face, and her long, tanned legs peeked out from beneath the tee shirt.
Her vulnerability touched the part of him that couldn’t keep his distance, and he held out one arm. “Come here,” he said, needing to feel her body against his.
She immediately walked into his embrace, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
“What is it?” she asked. “It’s not just the stalker, because I sensed something wrong earlier today, between takes.”
He groaned and led her to the bed, where he sat down and pushed himself against the pillows. Without hesitation, she curled into his side. She trusted him again, and he wished he could let go completely and do the same. But his reasons not to were valid.
“You’re talented, Sasha. You already have your pick of roles. And this series is a moneymaker.” He knew that from prior films. “When it’s over, you’ll have opportunities most actresses only dream of. And I won’t stand in your way,” he said, forcing out the words.
She placed her hand on his chest and lifted her head. “Rebecca said something today, didn’t she? I saw her talking to you, and I knew she was going to try and damage us.”
He clasped her delicate wrist in his hand and rubbed his thumb over her pulse point. “Just because I don’t like her doesn’t make her wrong.”
She lifted her head and maneuvered so she sat up and could look into his eyes. “I know we’ve only been together again for a few days but you feel it, don’t you? We’re more than just two people sharing a bed.”
Her bottom lip trembled as she spoke, and he needed to choose his words carefully. “Even if we are,” he began, because admitting to deeper feelings would make it so much more difficult for them both, “what’s changed that could make us work?”
She blinked over glassy eyes. “I’ve grown up, for one thing. I wouldn’t let my agent or my mother push me into awkward red carpet walks and fake relationships and things that could damage us.”
He nodded, knowing she meant that. He saw the difference in her, the newly found confidence and strength. But that didn’t change the bigger issues. “Relationships are hard. They take work. Commitment. Two people in the same place more than they’re apart,” he said at last.
She sighed. “I don’t know how to answer that right now,” she said softly, her sad expression tearing at his heart.
“I know.” He wanted her to have the world, and he’d give it to her if he could.
Maybe another man could follow her from shoot to shoot, city to city, continent to continent while she filmed but he … couldn’t. After his tour overseas, his injury, his time away from his family, he needed a life with peace and quiet. Not one with paparazzi flashing lights in his face or fidelity questions posted in the tabloids.
Which brought up another subject entirely.
He hadn’t told her about his father, always keeping that information close, but maybe it was time. “Did I ever tell you why I enlisted?”
She resettled herself cross-legged beside him. “No.”
“To get away from Kenneth Kingston,” he admitted.
“Your father.”
He inclined his head in agreement. “He passed away last year.” And Xander felt guilty he wasn’t as broken up about it as he thought he should be. Then again, he hadn’t really known the man except for his expectations, which Xander and Dash had never met.
