Celebrity 1 - Wrong Number, Right Guy (4 page)

Ryan decided that Dar was definitely kryptonite. Boy-nextdoor didn’t adequately describe him. He was almost as tall as Ryan with thick, light brown hair that fell across his forehead. It shagged a little on the long side, touching his shirt collar.

Dar’s eyes were hazel. Pale brown, with gold flecks and touches of green. Pale freckles touched a few spots on the bridge of his nose, barely noticeable, but all American outdoors adorable. And, Lord, that smile. It lit his face and stirred wicked thoughts in Ryan’s mind.

He was so going to see that face in his dreams, Ryan realized. No wonder Nathan had been irritated. Classic good-looks like his could easily steal the scene and give him cause for Jack’s representation on a future project.

“Are you disappointed you couldn’t meet Fenmore?” Ryan probed, when Dar refused his autograph a second time.
Dar lifted a shoulder in a half-shrug. He nodded. “Yeah, I am. Don’t get me wrong, meeting you is pretty fantastic. I was just looking forward to meeting a new friend.”
“It’s completely understandable,” Ryan reassured him. He liked Dar’s honesty. He liked that Dar seemed just as real in person as he did on the phone. He also felt a little pride in knowing that Dar was more interested in meeting
him
than meeting the movie star.
“Can I just say, you are so fucking hot,” Brett blurted out.
Ryan barked with surprised laughter. Dar muttered too low for Ryan to hear.
“Thanks.”
“No, seriously. You’re hot on screen and everything, but in person, you’re like this walking piece of erotic sculpture.”
“And that’s where he went too far,” Dar said under his breath.
“I know this makes me sound crazy, but would it be too much to say that if you ever go gay, call me?” Brett continued.
Ryan’s mouth fell open. “Uh.”
“Ignore him. He’s star struck,” Dar hurried to cover. “He’s not normally this much of a moron in social circumstances.”
“It’s fine. Really.” It was weird. Really, but Dar was trying so hard to smooth things over for his friend, that Ryan could hardly make him feel awkward about it. “I don’t mean to rush you two out of here, but I have to get ready for the next scene.”
Dar grabbed Brett’s elbow. “Thanks for meeting with us, Mr. Pierce. Sorry about all this.” He waved his hand around vaguely.
“Wait!” Brett insisted. “Can I—can I ask for one more thing?”
Ryan looked from Brett to Dar, and back again. “I guess so.”
“Would it be too much for me to ask you to kiss me?”
“Yes, it would,” Dar interjected roughly.
Ryan felt the blush climb his face. He was supposed to be a well-known romantic lead for standard male and female roles. There was nothing in his cinematic work that suggested he’d be down to kiss another man.
Was his sexuality obvious, or was Brett just that much of a fan that he’d ask him for a leading favor? He was hoping the latter.
“He’s not
gay
, Brett.” Dar seemed inclined to answer for him.
Ryan thought fast. He wouldn’t mind kissing Dar, but Brett? Not that he was bad looking, but he wasn’t the kind of guy Ryan went for. Still, if he gave Brett a kiss, he could reasonably kiss Dar, too.
It would kill his career if it got out.
But he wanted to kiss Dar.
He wasn’t sure he could trust them. He
shouldn’t
trust them since he’d barely met either of them, he reasoned.
But Dar seemed…different. Surely he wasn’t that bad a judge of character.
Dar was dragging Brett backward. Only his reluctance had kept them from reaching the door already.
“A kiss?” Ryan asked, stalling. “I’m known as being a guy’s guy. It would really screw things up for me if someone reported that I was kissing men in my trailer.”
“I won’t tell a soul!” Brett blurted out.
Ryan shrugged. “Who would believe you?” He pretended to think about it for another minute, but he’d already made up his mind. “Okay. Keep it to yourselves. I’ve kissed female fans before. I can kiss a couple of dudes, too, I guess.”
“You’re shitting me,” Brett breathed.
Ryan walked to Brett first. He wanted to savor the kiss with Dar, wanted it last on his lips, so he would have to kiss Brett first.
Ryan leaned in.
“Do it like you did for Selene?” Brett pled.
Dar made a strange strangling sound beside him. Ryan didn’t dare look at him, or Dar would see exactly how much Ryan wanted to kiss him.
“Like Selene,” Ryan repeated. He shrugged again, playing off with nonchalance what was actually a really erotic suggestion. “You got it.”
Ryan grabbed that back of Brett’s hair. Brett was taller, so it wouldn’t be the same, but he dragged Brett to him. He took Brett’s lips, kissing with the same fervor he’d kissed Selene. It was a stage kiss. No tongue. Just like he’d done with Selene.
When he backed away, Brett grinned madly. Not giving Dar a chance to reject a kiss, the way he’d rejected the autograph, Ryan switched his focus.
Dar’s eyes dilated when he realized Ryan’s intent. He even blushed a little, making his freckles disappear in a wash of pale pink. Ryan grabbed the shaggy fall of soft brown hair at the back of Dar’s head and reeled him in, hard against his chest.
It worked better with Dar, their heights in better alignment. Then folding his other arm around Dar’s back, Ryan descended, pausing a fraction of a second before their mouths touched. Dar’s eyes stayed wide open, his lips parted on a surprised breath. Ryan captured it, pressing the soft exhale between their mouths as he laid claim to Dar’s full lips.
Unlike with Brett, there was no stage kiss this time. Ryan smiled at the tentative movement of Dar’s mouth beneath his. It was still parted from the gasp and Ryan took full advantage, slipping the tip of his tongue inside.
It had been so long. So long since he’d kissed another man. For the sake of fame it had been worth it. Until now.
Dar tasted like sweet coffee and cream. Ryan tried to duplicate the kiss he’d had with Selene, but with Dar, he couldn’t. He needed to taste and feel and explore. Dar leaned heavily against him, his fingers clutching the shoulder of his tee, much the same way Selene had. He wondered if Dar was playing a part, too, or if he actually
needed
to hold on.
Ryan did. His knees felt weak and his belly fluttered with hot anticipation. He needed air. God, he was so light-headed from such a simple thing as a kiss. Ryan drew back, breaking their kiss, but stayed close enough that their foreheads still touched, their noses still pressed.
Dar’s gaze woke slightly, meeting Ryan’s. Their quick breaths matched for speed. And in that second Ryan saw awareness.
Dar knew Ryan had enjoyed that kiss. He knew it and it was written all over his face. If he wanted to destroy Ryan, he could. His career would be all over in an instant. Thrown away because Ryan had failed to resist the charm of a man he’d just met.
So why did he want to do it all over again?

Dar lay on his bed in much the same position he had the night before. He’d dragged the phone to his hip, hoping Ryan Fenmore would call. They were supposed to meet for coffee tomorrow. Surely he’d call to see how the shoot had gone.

Dar just didn’t know what to think anymore. He really wanted to meet Ryan, see if he was as awesome in person. Part of him was still enraptured with Ryan Pierce. Who wouldn’t be after that amazing kiss?

Thinking about it made him hard all over again. At least he had the absolute certainty that their kiss had the same affect on Ryan Pierce. Ryan’s cock had been pressed hard to his. Besides, body to body, face to face, the look of lust had been as clear on Ryan as if he’d just announced he was gay and hot for Dar.

He must have known it, because he’d hurried them out of the trailer.
The phone rang. Dar smiled, anticipating Ryan on the other end. He wasn’t disappointed.
“I saw that you met with the casting director,” Ryan began.
“Was it on one of those clipboards you are all so keen on?” Dar joked.
“It was,” Ryan said, laughing along with him. “Did you have a good time?”
“It was interesting. I didn’t realize there were so many takes for just one little piece of a scene.”
“There can be. That’s why filming takes so long. Then there’s the editing, which is what really makes the movie come alive. This director is a purist. He does as few retakes as possible. Some directors can take a hundred versions of the same scene.”
“So you’re saying we could have been at that coffee shop drinking coffee all day,” Dar concluded.
“If it had been another director, sure.”
“Thanks for arranging everything.”
“You’re welcome. Did Ryan Pierce measure up to everything you were hoping?” Ryan asked.
“And then some,” Dar answered thinking about the kiss.
“Oh yeah? How so?”
Ryan Pierce had made it clear that telling anyone about the kiss between men could ruin him. After actually then kissing Dar, and Dar reading the attraction plainly, there was no way he was going to tell anyone what he knew. That Ryan Pierce was a gay man, or at least bi, playing America’s heartthrob in straight roles.
If anything, Dar felt more protective of the secret than ever. Ryan Pierce had trusted him with something and had given him an amazing moment to carry with him through his life. How many people got to make out with their favorite actor—and know that the actor had enjoyed it, too?
Suddenly the unattainable Ryan Pierce wasn’t so unattainable. He was just a man, and that just made him a thousand times sexier.
Which was part of Dar’s dilemma. He still wanted to meet Ryan Fenmore, but now he also had fleeting fantasies of seeing where that kiss with Ryan Pierce would lead.
But he wouldn’t tell Ryan that.
“He’s just a real, down-to-earth guy. Underneath the shine of Hollywood, he hasn’t lost his identity,” Dar said, in answer to Ryan’s question.
“You think so?”
“I expected him to be standoffish and bored. He wasn’t at all. Even when Brett practically drooled all over him, he took it in stride. Ryan Pierce is a class act.”
“He thinks you and your friend were nice. He didn’t mind meeting you two at all,” Ryan offered.
“Nice? Nice is a well decorated room, or your Aunt Mary.”
“My Aunt Mary isn’t nice at all. She’s kind of a cow, actually.”
Dar laughed. “You actually have an Aunt Mary?”
“I do,” Ryan announced matter-of-factly. “Ryan liked you. Brett was a little over the top, energy-wise, a little too in your face, as a personality, but funny. Ryan thinks you could have a future in movies if you wanted one. He said you took everything in stride with calm assurance.”
“He thinks that?” Dar asked, awed.
“Makes me even happier to meet you in person tomorrow. If we’re still on.”
“We’re definitely still on. I’m actually glad you talked me into showing up today.”
“I’m glad you came,” Ryan said softly.
“I suppose you saw the pictures they took of us?” Dar questioned.
“You’re the one with dark hair, hazel eyes, and freckles,” Ryan confirmed for him.
“That would be me. I don’t scare you off?”
“Not at all. I’ll know who I’m looking for tomorrow.”
“In your not-gay way, are you going to be happy to see me, or fulfilling an obligation?” Dar pressed.
“I’m going to be happy to see you.
Really
happy to see you,” Ryan admitted.
“How happy?” Dar said, grinning like a fool.
Ryan laughed. It sounded light and happy, if a little cornered. “Dar.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m nervous. That should tell you enough.”
“You work with mega stars like Ryan Pierce and
I
make you nervous?”
“Very.”
“Are you meeting me in the lobby?” Dar could already feel the rush of excitement coursing through his veins.
Talking to Ryan gave him almost the same high as what happened in the trailer today. Almost. The difference was that Ryan was so easy to talk to. He didn’t worry about coming off like a stalker to a movie star. With Ryan, he felt relaxed.
And horny.
“Give your name at the front desk. I’ll leave a package for you with a note. When you get it, come meet me,” Ryan instructed.
“I’ll be there,” Dar promised.
“Good. I’ll be waiting.”

Dar pulled into the guest parking lot. His phone buzzed a text message. He shifted into park, and picked up his phone. Brett asked him where he was. Dar texted back that he was visiting his phone-a-friend and he’d call later.

Dar was nervous. His hands felt clammy and he wiped them on his thigh, letting the jean material scrub his palms. Pulling the key from the ignition, Dar got out of the car and locked it. Then, gathering his nerve, he walked through the front doors of the main building.

“Hi. My name is Dar Phillips. I believe you have something for me?”
“Yes, sir,” the attendant agreed. His hand slipped under the countertop and pulled back a small wrapped package. He smiled as he handed it over. “Will there be anything else?”
“No, thanks.” Dar went to the small sitting area and opened the box. He pulled out a folded letter with a key tucked inside.
I’m in cabin fourteen, by the nature trail. Come on back and use the key to let yourself in.
Dar’s brows rose. Exactly what was he supposed to be expecting? Whatever it was, this guy was reclusive. That’s not exactly how he’d seemed on the phone. Hopefully he wasn’t some kind of kinky pervert, which would have Dar regretting ever misdialed.
He trusted his gut though. Dar ripped up the letter, throwing it with the box into the trash bin by the front door, then exited the main building. He followed the stone-lined paths that wound around the secluded property, until he finally saw cabin fourteen at the very back.
Dar looked down at the key lining his palm
. Am I really going to do this? You don’t know this guy. He could be anyone
. But he seemed genuine on the phone and it wasn’t like he met him at a bar. In fact, if Dar hadn’t misdialed Brett’s number, they’d never have met at all. There was no planning in something like that.
He blew out a breath, and fit the key in the lock. It slid home easily, and made a soft clicking sound when the lock opened. Dar had one more moment of hesitation before he opened the door.
“Hello? Ryan?” Dar called.
“I’ll be right there,” Ryan’s muffled voice called back.
The cabin was laid out nicely, with a small sitting area just inside the front door. At the back of the room was a bar which looked like it served as a kitchenette, next to a sliding glass door. To the right, the only other solid door in the room was closed. That’s where Ryan’s voice had come from.
Dar felt safe enough. The was a laid-back vibe to the place and Ryan kept his room tidy. Dar walked around, hoping to get a sense of the man before they met, but also trying to ease his nerves.
Clean dishes dried in a rack beside the sink. There was a cinnamon and apple candle burning, which looked like it had been lit several times and not just for Dar. He didn’t know why that should matter, but it did. Perhaps because it wasn’t a behavior put on for their meeting, but one that was already in existence.
An afghan with the hotel’s name draped over the side of the couch, used and carefully laid aside. That made Dar smile. Candles and cozy snuggling under blankets sounded just Dar’s speed. A copy of a children’s
Highlights
magazine, open to a picture find on the coffee table, cinched it.
He saw the other complimentary magazines provided by the hotel, but that Ryan had chosen this one, his pencil still laying across the pages, gave the insight an intimate feel.
Dar leaned over, looking at the picture find. An iron hidden in a tree branch caught his eye. “You missed one,” he called out.
“Missed one?” Ryan said, his voice right beside Dar.
Dar leapt. “Geez, you scared—me.” Dar’s mouth went dry as his gaze transferred from coffee table to the man next to him. “Oh, God.”
Ryan Pierce shifted his weight uneasily. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Dar’s voice squeaked high and mousy.
“Hi.”
Dar shouldn’t be staring, but it was as if his body had frozen. All their phone conversations came swirling back to mind. Every laugh. Every joke. Every tease about Ryan being gay. About Ryan sharing the name of the actor on the set.
Every single instance when Dar admitted how sexy he thought Ryan Pierce was.
“You must think I’m a complete moron,” Dar choked after a minute.
Ryan’s brows drew together in confusion. He shook his head slightly, knocking dark tendrils of hair off his shoulder to fall forward. “Why would I think that?”
“Ryan Fenmore, oh your name is the same as that actor-guy,” Dar loosely repeated.
Ryan smiled, his lips twitching a little nervously it seemed. “You caught me off guard. I didn’t expect you to know that.”
“God, I feel like an idiot.”
“Please don’t.” Ryan shifted again. He motioned to the magazine on the table. “Which one did I forget?”
Dar blinked, glanced down. “Oh,” he said. “The iron in the tree branch.”
“I looked for that thing for ten minutes last night after we talked. Couldn’t concentrate for shit.”
Ryan cocked his head to the side and studied Dar’s profile. Dar could feel it and he reluctantly faced him again.
“I was nervous about meeting you. Afraid you’d be disappointed or pissed,” Ryan told him.
“To be honest, I’m not sure what I’m feeling. Disappointment isn’t it, and I’m not pissed.”
“That’s good.”
“Maybe.”
The embarrassment part isn’t good though
.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Sure.”
Ryan went to the kitchenette. For lack of anything better to do, and still not able to sit still, Dar followed him. Ryan opened the mini fridge.
“I’ve got Coke, Mountain Dew, Sprite.”
“You could have stopped me,” Dar grumbled.
Ryan stood, door to the fridge still open. “What do you mean?”
“Every time I made a fool out of myself by talking about the great Ryan Pierce, you could have stopped me.”
Ryan grinned. “What would be the fun in that?”
“The fun was at my expense.”
Ryan picked up two Cokes. “This okay?”
When Dar nodded, Ryan popped the tops and closed the distance between them. Dar took the drink, but Ryan didn’t move away.
“I’m sorry,” Ryan said. “It’s not often you hear someone’s real opinion of you. I hear a lot of biased stuff, some good, some bad. But you told me what you really thought and even if it had been unflattering, I wouldn’t have stopped you from saying it.”
“Then
this
,” Dar said gesturing with his Coke can. “Would be
really
awkward right now.”
Ryan laughed. “Because it’s not yet.” He took a sip from the can.
Dar laughed, too. “Not in the least.”
“I’m glad you came,” Ryan murmured. “Really glad. If you aren’t comfortable and want to leave, I’d understand.”