Hollywood Rebel by Misti Murphy

Chapter Twenty-Eight

 

Summer

“Have you had any luck?” Marty Kendall from Hollywood Juice asks me as I make my way through the house in search of my brother and the Maddox boys.

She’s called a few times over the last couple of weeks and my answer is always the same: “He’s not interested.”

“I was hoping you could convince him it would be in his best interest,” she says.

“I’d hoped that too.” Until he’d told me they used to date. And then I’d folded like a bad poker hand. I’d let my emotions get in the way of what I was trying to accomplish. It still doesn’t sit well with me, which is probably why I’m still taking Marty’s calls despite the fact I’ve been clear that his answer isn’t going to change. And after he told me about the mess that culminated from their last interview, I couldn’t push it. Nor did I want to.

It’s just I had it all planned out. I was going to focus on my career and do whatever it took to climb to the top. I was going to show my brothers and everyone else that I’m ruthless and strong and in control. I wasn’t going to get involved with a man who makes my heart feel all kinds of things. And I was absolutely not ever going to compromise.

I was supposed to fix him. I was meant to be the voice of reason. Instead, I feel out of control.  “But the interview is off the table.”

“That’s a pity,” she says in a tone that’s friendly but makes my skin crawl. “Because Alec Hawthorne has agreed to a tell-all.”

Bitch. I drop all pretence of not being aware that she and Rebel have a past. “I am fully aware that you know Rebel wouldn’t have done it without a damn good reason.”

“So you know about us then,” she says.

“Enough to know that he won’t interview with you,” I snap. “But you already knew that.”

“You’re with him, aren’t you?” she asks in a wistful tone that I swear sounds a lot like regret.

“I’m his publicist.” She doesn’t need to know anything more. It’s none of her business. Besides she’s a journalist. More than likely always on the sniff for a new bit of gossip she thinks is newsworthy.

“I see.” She’s quiet for a moment. Long enough I think the call must have dropped, but before I can check she speaks again, “I’m trying to help him.”  

Bullshit, sister.

“Before you say anything, I really am trying to help. You’re right that I know him and he would have had a good reason. We dated.”

“I know.”

She exhales audibly. “Look, I screwed up when we were younger. My career was everything. I was desperate. I just want to get the truth out there. I owe him.”

As much as I don’t want to believe her, she sounds like she’s telling the truth. She wants to ease her own conscience so maybe he could trust her to be on his side this time.

I shove my hair out of my face and drag in a breath as I stare out through the big glass doors to where the guys are playing frisbee on the lawn.

I have no clue how it happened, but Burke took to Rebel like they were long lost pals. And then he met Rogue and Riot and things got weird.

My conspiracy theory-loving brother bonded with Riot over UFOs of all things.

I swear he fell in love with Rogue. If I didn’t know Burke Heart was into girls I’d think he’d found his happily ever after in the arms of my almost-boyfriend’s twin. They get along like a house on fire. Laugh and act like idiots. Currently Burke is wearing a T-shirt with Rogue’s face on it and somehow Rogue is wearing one with Burke’s visage printed on the gray cotton. When did they get those? Where did they get them?

In fact the four of them have practically been inseparable, which is a problem all in itself. It’s like I’ve found myself with nine brothers instead of seven, and one sexual god as my own personal playground. Only I barely get to ride him anymore.

Rebel waves at me as he jogs backwards, a huge grin plastered across his face. His chest is bare and glistening from the mixture of sun and exercise. My mouth waters over the definition in his abs, as always. I bite my thumb when he turns to leap for the frisbee. His back is equally beautiful despite the many bruises covering it. He’s so damn muscular and sexy and mine. I swear I can’t remember what life was like without him, and I really don’t want to ever find out what it would be like post Rebel.

“Summer?” Marty interrupts my line of thought and brings me back to the present.

“I don’t think he’ll go for it.” I push open the door enough to step out onto the deck. Kick off my shoes and make my way to the lawn where their game of frisbee has devolved into a wrestling match.

“But you’ll talk to him?”

Bernadette’s words about doing what’s best for the client is more important than pandering to their ego come back to me. If I don’t push him to do this, God knows what rumors Alec will spread. It could undo all our hard work. I can’t let that happen. “I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t.”

“Great. Hope I hear from you soon,” Marty says with palpable excitement in her voice.

I hang up when she says goodbye.

Nearby Dog rests his snout on his paws and watches the guys. His brows tick. His facial expression is akin to being bored out of his brain and thinking he’s surrounded by idiots.

I drop to my knees to give him a head rub. In reality, the senior canine has fallen in love with the guys. He follows them everywhere. Constantly lies under foot. He was on Rebel’s bed the other day.

Rebel was talking to his pet like they were the best of friends, until he noticed me. Then it was all grumbles and shooing Dog off the covers. That was the point where I got this intense need to call this man I’m spending all my time with my boyfriend.

“What do you think my chances of talking him around are? About as good as me getting Burke to go home, huh?”

Dog groans at the same time I do. As though he knows as well as I do that Burke isn’t going anywhere until he’s well and truly satisfied that I don’t need to be locked in an ivory tower two hundred feet above the real world.

Well, that’s part of it. The other part of it is that Burke has moved in with the guys and they’re having way too much fun. I still can’t believe Rebel suggested my brother stay with him instead of at the apartment.

Poker and beer nights have become the norm.

Then there was the impromptu dance scene from Risky Business. All four of them in their underwear, business shirts, and shades. They’d put on a show. I hadn’t known where to look. Giggling, I’d covered my eyes, but ended up peeking through my fingers at Rebel.

After, well after, he’d put on a private show just for me that had me wanting him so freaking bad.

And then there was the paint ball incident.

I’ve been staying here too because I couldn’t let Rebel deal with my brother alone. I knew something like the paintball incident would happen. My brothers are good men, but coop any of them up in the city without a full day of hard labor to tire them out and they’re guaranteed to get stir crazy. It’s why Kale can never come to L.A. Out of all of the Heart boys he’s the likeliest to take it too far.

But I didn’t calculate the Maddox boys’ enthusiasm for misbehaving or ganging up on each other. Oh no, I severely underestimated what would happen when Rogue and Burke and Riot joined forces.

Which is why the interior of Rebel’s house has been recently redecorated in multi-colored ball shape splats. The bruises are starting to fade though. And he took it with good humor.

Worse than how well he’s handled my brother is the fact that he put a brand-new toothbrush in his toothbrush holder just for me. And every time I use it I think, how long until he owns my heart and has the power to hurt me more than anyone else?

“Oh my God.” I squeal as Rebel bowls me over in the grass. His hands pressed to the ground on either side of my head, his whole body hovers over mine. I shove at his chest. “Get off me.”

His hair flops in his face, but it doesn’t dim the mega wattage of his lunatic smile. “Kiss me, woman.”

Despite my best attempt and one hell of an eye roll I smile back. It shouldn’t be possible to feel this happy. “I don’t think so. My brother is watching.”

“One little peck.” He taps his cheek.

“Nuh-uh. I can’t. Not in front of Burke.”

“You’re not the one who woke up to find him glaring at you because his sister was sleeping naked on his equally naked lap.” He shivers. “My entire life flashed before my eyes.”

“It was just as bad for me,” I promise.

“I think he’s used to the idea we’re together now,” he says. “It’s been weeks.”

“You would think that.” I shake my head. “But that’s because you don’t know him. He’s like a rattlesnake. Just waiting to strike. Do you really want to tempt fate?”

“For you?” He pulls that plump bottom lip between his teeth. “Every. Single. Time.”

Skadoosh, my heart whispers as he leans in to brush his mouth to and fro against mine.

“Hey, fucker. Get off my sister,” my brother warns.

“Yeah, get off my future wife,” Rogue adds. “Burke and I are in negotiations. I’m going to give him a pig. He’s going to give me his only sister. It’s called fair trade.”

“You said a hippopotamus,” Burke corrects him, folding his beefy arms across his chest. “I’ve never had one.”

“You think Rogue can get a hippo?” Riot bends in the middle, clasps his knees, and laughs.

“What? I can get a hippo,” Rogue retorts. “I have connections.”

“We’re surrounded by idiots,” Rebel mutters.

I twist under him and capture his shoulder. Pushing him off balance, I take the seat of power and lean down to kiss him again. Slide my tongue between his teeth until his hand creeps into my hair to hold me there.

“Jesus, Mary-Kate, and Ashley Olsen,” my brother says and then spits in the grass like he’s disgusted. “I thought we raised you better than that, Summer Meredith Heart. You know kissing leads to babies.”

“Burke, you better not believe that’s true,” I clap back as Rebel’s blue-eyed gaze fills me with warmth. Babies? Forever? I can imagine this being my life. A little hectic, a lot crazy. I want it so much. And that terrifies me.

Because life doesn’t work that way.

Sooner or later something will happen and all this will disappear. That’s just the way the story goes. Like it did when my dad walked out on my mom. Like it did when mom died. Like it did with Owen when his fiancée left him to raise Ernie on his own.

I drop Rebel’s gaze and pull away.

“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.” He cups my waist to keep me in place.

“I’m not thinking anything,” I say, climbing to my feet anyway. I’m not imagining the million ways this could all end. I’m not pushing barriers back in place and turning my focus to work. I brush grass from my black tailored shorts and sleeveless blouse. “I have to go pick up my dress for the Bilson party. And your tux. I have a lot to do.”

“I’ll drive.” Rebel climbs to his feet and dusts the back of his shorts.

“That’s okay. I’m going to take Burke’s truck.”

“The hell you are,” Burke says. I glare at him but he doesn’t budge, except to say, “I’ll drive, Little. Be good to spend some time together before I go home.”

“Fine.” I swing my gaze to the bright blue sky. It’s the first time he’s mentioned home. That has to be a good sign. That he’s thinking about heading back.

“You sure you don’t want to take Emmy?” Rebel asks as we head into the house.

I collect my shoes on the way. “You’d let me take your car without supervision?”

“Red, I trust you.” He wraps an arm around my shoulders and brings me into his side. “So yeah, I’d let you take my baby.”

“Well, how can I say no to that?” I beam at Rebel and then turn to my brother. “Looks like I’m driving after all.”

—*—

“You happy here, Little?” Burke asks as we beat feet to one last destination. He has my dress bag over his shoulder and the other shopping bags he insisted on carrying in his other hand. The sun is beating down on us and a slight sweat has broken out on his forehead.

“I wondered how long it would take you to get around to this conversation.”

“You seem—”

“What?” I pull open the door to the tailor where Rebel had his suit fitted. For all his talk Burke can be keenly observant. Can he tell how confused I feel when I think about forever with Rebel? Does he know how much I want to let down my walls and fall in love? “Unhappy?”

“No.” He rubs his hand over his beard. “Like you’re where you’re meant to be.”

“Can I help you?” the floor assistant asks.

“Thanks.” My conversation with Burke on hold, I give her Rebel’s name and tell her that we’re here to pick up his suit.

Burke adds it to his load and we return to the pavement.

“I could use a stop,” I suggest as we dawdle toward the car now that we’re done with the errands. The smell of java and French fries floats in the air from the cafés we’re passing. It makes my stomach grumble, a loud reminder that I skipped lunch. “Do you want to get food?”

“My treat,” Burke says as he unloads the bags on the backseat.

“No. Mine,” I argue as we choose a table at the closest eatery. “After you’ve been my pack donkey all afternoon, I owe you.”

“Is that your way of calling me an ass, Little?” He sticks his tongue in his cheek and grins as I leave him to go to the counter.

I order chocolate milk shakes and cheeseburgers and fries. Since I was a kid it’s been our standard for whenever Burke and I would end up sharing lunch. It’s a tradition I’ve missed, I realize as we tuck into our meal. I’ve spent so much time avoiding going back but honestly, I’ve missed my family.

“Rebel Maddox, huh?”

“Yes,” I say adamantly. He can’t talk me out of seeing Rebel, no matter how much he might try.

“I like him for you.” Burke chews on a mouthful of bread and meat.

“You do?” I dig my straw into the thick liquid of my drink. I didn’t expect to hear any of my brothers commend Rebel to me as a worthy suitor. I figured they’d want to keep me as far away from him as possible.

“I do.” He takes the lid off his burger and tops it with fries before putting the bun back on top. He picks it up with both hands. “Now, I’m not saying I speak for anyone else.”

“Owen,” we both say at the same time.

“Yeah, he’s not too impressed with your choices. Especially since you’re dating a criminal.”

“I am not.”

“He’s served time, Little. That makes him a criminal.” He takes a huge bite of his burger. His jaw works back and forth for a long time. “But Owen will get over it. As long as you’re happy. Are you… happy?”

“I think I am.” Finishing off my burger, I wipe my greasy fingers on a napkin. “Sometimes I’m positive that I am.”

“But you’re not certain.” Burke nods.

“I keep thinking about mom,” I admit. “I keep thinking about how she told me to experience everything. Love. Adventure. Heartbreak. But then I think about him and how much it hurt her when he left. How much it hurt Owen. You. Me. Everyone. And I don’t know that I can do that.”

“Hmm.” Burke clicks his tongue. “I have a theory.”

“Oh, this is going to be good,” I deadpan.

“Not a conspiracy theory, Little.” He rolls his gaze at me and then it catches on something behind me. He’s out of his seat before I can blink. “I think someone is trying to steal the car.”

He takes off toward Emmy. By the time I’ve caught up with him, he’s standing beside the Impala scratching his head.

“What happened? Is Emmy damaged?” I circle the car, checking for scratches and any other kind of damage, but she’s in immaculate condition. Thank God, or Rebel might have killed me and then whether I can handle having my heart broken will be a moot point.

Bending over I glance under the chassis just in case I’ve found myself in a thriller or something and there’s a bomb under the car because someone is trying to assassinate my man. Luckily, there isn’t. 

“The guy was looking in the car,” Burke says. “But when he saw me he took off.”

“I’m just glad he didn’t manage to take Emmy.” I rifle through the bags on the backseat to make sure everything is still there. Nothing has been taken. “I don’t think Rebel would forgive me if anything happened to his baby.”

“She is a classic.” Burke climbs in the passenger seat as I walk around to slide in behind the wheel. “And a beauty.”

“We should probably neglect to mention this,” I say. After all, nothing actually happened. There isn’t much point in upsetting him when we stopped anything from occurring.

“Good point.”

Pulling out of the parking space, I turn to my brother. “So what’s your theory?”

“You’re a scaredy-cat chicken.” He winks at me.

“Gees, thanks,” I respond dryly.

He doesn’t say anything else, but I can tell by the way he taps his fingers on the leather near my shoulder that it’s only a matter of time so I wait it out with nothing but the radio to break up the silence.

“Do you know why we worry so much about you?”

“Because you think I’m too weak to defend myself,” I mutter.

“No.” He draws the word out with a wobble of his head.

“Really?” I glance at him.

“You’ve always been a tough little booger.” He chuckles. “But after everything that happened with mom and…everything else, you shut down.”

“I did not.” I worked my butt off to get into the school I wanted so I could get out of Devil’s Bend and live the life my mom wanted for me. And get away from what had happened and all the talk that followed. “I was focused on my career. I’m still focused on my career.”

“You were focused on building up walls none of us could get past,” he says. “So you couldn’t get hurt any more than you already were. And now someone is threatening those barricades you’ve put in place, and you’re terrified.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I roll my gaze at him.

He shrugs. “That’s not an insult.” I suck my lip between my teeth. “What if I let him in and he hurts me?”

“What if he doesn’t?”