The Roles We Play Read online

  * * * *

  Mark pushed open Kelly’s door and found it odd that the lights were off at this time of the day. Usually she was up. “Babe?”

  “I’m here.”

  He went over to her bed and found her under the covers. “You sick?”

  “Sick of people waking me up,” she grumbled and sat up, her blonde hair a mess about her shoulders.

  “Seriously, you do not have pretty bed head,” he teased. “Are there rats in there?” He reached over as if to check and she swatted him away.

  “Back off, jackass.”

  Mark laughed and was glad to see her smile. “Sooo? Why are you hibernating?”

  “I’m an idiot with issues.” Kelly crawled out of bed and went to her bathroom to brush her hair.

  “More issues than National Geographic. I disagree about the idiot part, though.” Mark leaned against the door jam.

  “I totally freaked out in front of Trevor and he probably thinks I’m mentally unstable now.”

  “Well, you are.” He laughed and Kelly threw her brush at him. “I’m teasing, jeez. What happened?”

  “His latest script hits too close to home.”

  “It’s about spousal abuse?”

  “No, Mark. I mean it really hit home.”

  She didn’t have to go further. Mark exhaled deeply and tried not to be overwhelmed with the emotions that accompanied the thoughts of Kelly’s past—his past. “I’m sorry, babe.” He pulled her into his arms. “Guess that’s not the kind of role you want to see your celebrity crush play, huh?”

  “Is that foolish? Because I feel so foolish for thinking he should care what I think. The man is so far beyond…well…me.”

  “No. I understand. It’s not the type of movie people like us enjoy. We’ve seen the bad side of that lifestyle and it’s going to affect us differently. Kelly, you have to remember, not all women are going to react the same. Most women will pay two or three times to see Trevor Jacobs in that type of role. They’ll get turned on by it.”

  Kelly dislodged from her best friend. “I know. But his character is a monster.”

  “Yeah, but that shit does well. People want more sex.”

  Kelly sighed. “Guess I just thought he was above all that.”

  Mark pushed hair out of her face. “People can’t always live on the pedestals we set them on. You created whatever expectations you have of him based on characters in movies, Kelly. He’s not any of those wonderful guys either. Why don’t you try to get to know him for who he is? He might turn out to be a good guy in a different way.”

  * * * *

  “Damn, Mark. You’ve been watching way too much Dr. Phil.”

  He slapped her ass and chuckled. “Bite me, I have brains. I’m not just a pretty face.”

  No one could ever call Mark ugly. He was gorgeous. His brown hair hung in silky sheets to his ears and his blue eyes always danced with mischief. A killer smile and gym-friendly body topped off the pretty package. It was a shame he was still single. Unfortunately, if there was one thing Mark didn’t excel at, it was commitment.

  She made sure her face didn’t betray the fact she’d been crying. Then she and Mark went to find Trevor. He was on the veranda having evening cigars with Pops. Both men smiled at her and Trevor rose from his chair. “Can we talk?” He glanced at Mark. “Alone?”

  Kelly nodded and retreated to one of the bedrooms. Before he could speak, she cut him off.

  “I’m sorry. I never should have reacted so terribly. This is your life and your career and even though that movie might not appeal to me, it will to millions of other women. I’m a complete stranger to you. My opinion is null and void and you should do what you think is best for your career.”

  Trevor stared at her, silent.

  “Now would be the time you should tell me ‘apology accepted and you’re right, your opinion doesn’t matter. Thanks anyway.’”

  “Kelly.” His shoulders tensed up and he opened his mouth three times before he could speak. “Your opinion does matter. A lot. The bat shit crazy thing is, I can’t figure out why.”

  “Gee, thanks.” She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “What I mean is, I’ve been criticized from day one. No matter what you do in Hollywood, someone, some-effing-one is going to be against it. It’s unavoidable. For years I’ve been able to ignore those people. They don’t bother me, never have. But I really had to question why you getting so upset with me burned me up.”

  Kelly’s head snapped up. What did he just say?

  “You got so mad and my first reaction was to get defensive because no one gets mad at me anymore, at least not to my face. They usually kiss my ass. Then when you stormed off, I realized—” He looked her straight in the eyes. “You were being true and honest. I don’t want you to be disappointed in me. Not as a fan and not as…a friend. I’m fresh out of ideas as to why except that I like you and I appreciate that you’re honest and expressive and your grandfather is a funny old man who I respect. None of you have treated me like anything more than a normal person. It’s nice. Pops scolded me. I haven’t been put in my place like that in years. I’m nearly thirty and he made me feel thirteen.”

  Kelly couldn’t help it. She laughed. The way his eyes turned into those of a child made her almost feel sorry for him.

  “It’s not funny. I thought he was going to take me over his knee or something.” Kelly’s laughter made him crack a smile. “I couldn’t beat up an old man, so that would have been an awkward moment.” He rubbed the back of his neck.

  Kelly had happy tears forming in her eyes. Trevor was every bit the decent, sweet guy she’d thought him to be. “Thank you for not kicking my Pop’s ass. I appreciate that.”

  “Are we good? ‘Cause I’d really like for us to be good.”

  Kelly nodded and when he opened his arms, she couldn’t resist. The moment she breathed in his scent, she should have pulled away. It was now engrained in her brain. His cologne was magnificent, sandalwood and male musk.

  God. Trevor Jacobs was hugging her, calling her his friend, telling her he liked her.

  She definitely owed Mark a kidney.

  Chapter Six

  Trevor never should have held her. First mistake. Now he knew what her body felt like against his. The impression of her frame branded him. There was no way he was getting out of this house without feeling her again.

  Second mistake. Allowing Mark to pick their movie. Pops, Kelly, and Mark had a tradition of watching movies together. They ordered pizza, drank soda and beer, ate popcorn, and made fun of whatever flick they chose.

  And guess who they decided to make fun of tonight? Their new actor friend. His ass was toast. Yet, with this crew, he didn’t mind so much.

  “For tonight’s viewing pleasure we have Captured, starring the talented Trevor Jacobs and the lovely Jenna McKeiver, who I would do in a heartbeat. Trevor, you lucky bastard,” Mark said to the group.

  “I’ll give her your number.”

  Mark gave him a fist bump.

  As the movie started, Pops and Mark took the two recliners on either side of a plush love seat. Kelly hesitated as they both realized at the same time they would be sitting together.

  “You think we’ve treated you well thus far, just you wait, Hollywood.” She winked at him and his libido winked back.

  Sure enough, they gave him hell, he and Jenna both. They threw popcorn at the television during the romance scenes, they degraded the special effects, and they even made fun of his stunts. Through it all, he laughed his ass off.

  “Oh, come on,” Kelly yelled as she threw popcorn at Jenna during a kissing scene. “He’s playing you like a fiddle. Don’t fall for that cheesy line. Stupid boys.” The three men in the room threw popcorn at her. Her husky laugh was infectious and he found himself under her spell.

  Did she know she was more beautiful than the actress on the screen? Did she even have a clue how much sweeter she was than Jenna?

  “She sneezed on me
during this scene,” Trevor said.

  Mark paused the movie. “Yuck.”

  “No joke. She was getting a cold and she actually sneezed in my face.” Everyone cringed. “Yeah, I offered her a breath mint and she got offended.”

  “You. Did. Not.” Mark rolled over laughing.

  Trevor gave a sheepish shrug. “She didn’t appreciate the gesture.”

  “How old is she?” Mark asked.

  Trevor had to think about it. He didn’t get too cozy with her during filming. “I don’t know, honestly.”

  “She looks about twelve,” Kelly said.

  “I think you might have broken the law with that girl,” Mark teased him.

  “You know.” Pops held up his hand. He had to have Italian heritage because neither he nor Kelly could speak without using hand gestures. “When I was a young man, the girls married around fifteen. Grandma Nell was only sixteen when I married her. Seventeen when your father was born, Kelly. This movie was supposed to be in that era. So that’s about right.”

  “Thanks, Pops.” Trevor raised his beer to him.

  “But that girl still looks like she’s twelve so that makes you one sick pup.” Pops threw a handful of popcorn at him while Kelly and Mark cracked up laughing. Trevor nearly spit out his beer. God, they were too damned comical. That’s where Kelly got her spunk. No wonder she was a handful. It was in her DNA.

  About that time, one of the fight scenes of the movie came on. Trevor’s character, an FBI agent, ran up the side of a wall and did a back flip to avoid the assailant.

  Pops motioned to the screen. “Did you do all that?”

  “I do all my stunts unless they are life threatening and the insurance company gets nervous.”

  “Do it. I want to see you run up a wall like that.”

  Trevor blanched. “Seriously?”

  “You said you could. Prove it, pretty boy.”

  “Do it.” Mark clapped; he was buzzed too.

  “Boys are stupid.” Kelly rolled her eyes and watched the screen.

  Not one to pass up the opportunity to show off years of martial arts training, Trevor rose and emptied the contents of his pockets. He checked out the wall to the left of the room that had no pictures on it. Backing up as far as he could, he took off running, went two steps up the wall and used his legs to kick himself over into a back flip. He landed in a crouch and Pops nearly came out of his recliner. He threw his hands up in the air and yelled, “Hey.” and clapped.

  “Ten,” Kelly called from the couch.

  “My turn.” Pops stood up from his recliner.

  “Sit down,” Mark said laughed. “You’ll lose your false teeth.” Pops waved him off.

  Feeling quite proud of himself, Trevor flopped down on the couch and joked about pulling an ass muscle.

  When the movie was over, Pops excused himself to go to bed. Kelly walked him to his room. It provided Trevor the perfect opportunity to quiz Mark, especially since he was buzzed.

  “So what’s the deal with you and Kelly?”

  “She’s my best friend. What of it?” He took a swig of his beer.

  “Just wondering. You two seem close.”

  “We are.” Mark sobered up quick. He bent over and rested his hands on his knees. “What’s on your brain, man?”

  “She’s cool, ya know?”

  “Damn straight she is.”

  “And I’d like to get to know her better.”

  “Why?”

  That was a pretty obvious answer, right? Trevor scoffed. “Why not?”

  “If you’re looking for a quick lay, look somewhere else. She’s not up for grabs. You’re leaving at some point.”

  “Mark, do you have any idea how talented a photographer she is? Pops showed me her portfolio today and—” He shook his head in disbelief. “She could be huge. She has untapped potential that the market would love.”

  “Trevor, let’s get one thing straight real fast. Kelly is…” He searched the ceiling for the right words. “The best girlfriend I could never have. You understand what I’m saying? She’s the greatest woman you will never have. Because the last asshole that had her ruined her. I’ll be damned if I will let another man hurt her again. Be her friend, chitchat, like her all you want. For real though, keep your junk in your pants and away from her.”

  “Who the hell gave you the right to dictate who she’s with?”

  “She did. The night she called me because my brother beat and whipped her until she lost the baby in her belly.”

  All the blood drained from Trevor’s head. The pizza and beer that had been so tasty mere moments ago roiled in his stomach.

  * * * *

  “I’m back,” Kelly said as she came back in the den. Pops was in his room and safely in bed. Too bad she wasn’t tired. “Do you guys want to watch another movie? I rented some comedies—” She studied the two men. Mark’s jaw was clenched and Trevor was an unhealthy shade of green. “What? What did I miss?”

  Trevor stood and smoothed down his jeans. “I’m not used to eating like this and I’m afraid my stomach can’t handle it. I think I’m going to take off for tonight.”

  “Are you okay? Do need me to get you—”

  “No.” He smiled at her, but his eyes were full of sadness. “I’ll be fine. Good night, Kelly. Mark.”

  “Later, man.” Mark saluted him with his beer bottle, then took a swig.

  Kelly waited until she couldn’t hear his footsteps in the hall and zeroed in on Mark. “What did you do?”

  “Guy can’t hold his beer. How’s that my fault?”

  “Cut the crap, Mark. You’re a terrible liar. What did you do?”

  Mark stood up to throw away his beer bottle. “Nothing, okay? He started asking questions about us and I let him know you weren’t up for grabs.”

  “Us? Us as in being a couple? Explain. Now.”

  “Listen, babe, the guy’s interested. He’s just not the type for you. He’ll leave and then what? You think he’s going to carry on a long distance relationship with you when he could have any—” Mark stopped and swallowed whatever words he was about to say.

  Kelly crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes. “When he could have any what, Mark?”

  He averted his eyes. “I don’t want to finish that sentence.”

  “No, you don’t and I don’t want to finish this conversation. You can’t drive home, but I suggest you pick a room far away from my studio.” She turned to leave, but Mark caught her arm.

  “Come on, Kelly, I’m only looking out for you. I don’t want this guy to think you’re some floozy he can bag-n-tag. You deserve better.”

  “I will be the judge of who and what I deserve and want, thank you very much.”

  Kelly stormed out of the room. She needed to straighten things out with Trevor. The last thing she needed was more miscommunication on that front. Her fist stopped mid-air before she knocked on the door.

  What exactly was she going to say? “I don’t know what Mark told you, but you can bag-n-tag me any day of the week and twice on Sundays.”

  “Damn it.” She took off down the hall away from his room.

  “Kelly?” Trevor stuck his head out the door.

  Damn these old houses with their creaky floors. She bit her lip and turned. “Sorry, I was just going to check on you, but then I thought if you were having stomach problems you might want to be left alone.” Yeah, because that sounds so much better than option A.

  He nodded, but couldn’t meet her eyes. “Good night.”

  She paced the floor of her studio. What was wrong with her? Everything was so messed up in her head right now. Nothing made sense. Trevor had come to town and blown her brainpower to smithereens. She looked at her bed, her sexy bed.

  Sleep would help. Sleep always helped. Tomorrow she would wake up with a clear head and she could focus on important things like…like…things that were important.

  With teeth brushed, face washed, and her favorite pajamas slinking over her skin,
Kelly climbed into bed and relaxed into the covers. Perfection.

  Not even the bed made her forget the warmth of Trevor’s delectable body or the sadness in his eyes when he looked at her.

  Damn it.

  Chapter Seven

  “Kelly?”

  Her name was being whispered from far off and she didn’t want to respond. If it was Mark waking her up at three in the morning again, so help her, she was going to make good on that threat against his junk.

  “Kelly?”

  Oh hell. Not Mark.

  “Are you awake?”

  “I am now, thanks for nothing. What do you want, Trevor?” Kelly’s heart fluttered. Why was he in her room?

  “Mark was right; you really aren’t a nice person in the middle of the night.”

  “Then I suggest leaving the beast alone. G’night.” She rolled back over and cuddled up to her pillow. Her mattress dipped. Oh. Dear. God.

  Trevor was sitting on the edge. Why was he in her room? Didn’t he have any respect for personal space? She tried to pace her breathing.

  “I can’t sleep. If I don’t talk to you, I’ll never be able to shut my eyes.”

  Kelly muttered some rather blue words and sat up in bed. “Talk,” she grumbled.

  “I’m not going to do the film.”

  “What film?” Kelly asked as her body swayed, trying to find the comfort of her pillows again.

  “Do I need to make coffee? I really need you to concentrate. This is all your fault and I want to talk to you about it.”

  Kelly sighed, her brain refusing wake up. “How about we make a trade? You come lay down, I lay down, and we can talk in the morning. I promise you will sleep in this bed. It’s magic.” Her last words were muffled by a yawn. She patted the space next to her. “Come on, Hollywood. We can both need to catch some z’s.”

  “We can talk about this tomorrow, right? You promise?”

  “Yes, just sleep. Then talk. Wait, first coffee, then talk.”

  She vaguely registered him laughing and settling in the bed beside her. “You realize this is a bad idea, sleeping together.”

  “I’ll try to keep my hands to myself,” she joked and smiled to herself.