pause. “See what I mean?”
Dash nodded. “She’ll be great for the role. I know you’ll help her look like what Cassie imagined and that Monty will pull the best performance from her. Thanks for letting me give you my feedback, Regina.”
Cassie stood. “My part here is through for now. Monty insisted I be present for casting Paul and Rachel. I’ll leave the rest up to Regina. Rhett’s got six weeks before he starts shooting his next project. We’re going to enjoy our beach house rental and have some fun in the sun.” She gathered her things. “We’ll definitely do another cookout soon. But for now, I want alone time with my hot husband.”
“Talk to you soon,” Sydney said as Cassie waved goodbye.
It was the first time she’d spoken since Dash entered the room.
“Are you sitting in on anymore auditions, Sydney?” Regina asked.
“No. Dad only wanted me here for the top two. I’ve got plenty on my plate regarding the film. The rest of casting is in your hands, Regina. Good luck.”
Sydney picked up a notepad, her iPad, and a pen. She slid her purse onto her shoulder. “I’ll walk you out,” she told Dash.
He waited until they left the house before he spoke. “I need to tell you something.”
“That you slept with Marlyn November?”
He winced. “Yeah. That. It didn’t even last a week. I haven’t seen her in over three years.”
“You know she’ll go after you again. That woman is a first-class predator. A Velociraptor would be chopped liver next to her.”
Dash heard the flat tone in Sydney’s voice. He slipped his arms around her waist. “This guy is taken by this girl. If you want, I’ll have that printed on a T-shirt—along with our picture—and wear it the first day of the table read.”
Sydney giggled. “I like that idea, Dash DeLauria.”
He kissed her and let his mouth drift across her cheek and to her ear. “I’m full of good ideas. Even a few great ones.” He whispered one into her ear. Dash loved the shiver than ran through her body at his suggestion.
“I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty. Not dressy. A step above casual. I guess dressy casual. Is that a thing?”
“Does this include dinner? Or only that great little idea you just mentioned.”
“Eat dinner before—but leave room for popcorn,” he said.
Sydney kissed him. “I’ll see you then.”
Dash watched her go back into the house. He didn’t know why the stars had aligned as they had. Fate had brought this precious woman and this memorable role into his life at the same time. He felt like the luckiest guy on earth as he walked to his car and climbed in.
“Hello, Dash. What kept you?”
Marlyn November sat in the passenger’s seat.
CHAPTER 19
“Get out,” Dash ordered.
“Why should I?” Marlyn batted her eyelashes at him seductively. “Do you really want your little girlfriend to see me do that? Maybe I should—”
“I told her about you. And that there’s nothing between us.”
Marlyn gave him a Cheshire Cat smile. “You didn’t have to tell her anything, Dash. All she had to do was watch what unraveled right in front of her. Talk about sexual combustion. Fireworks wouldn’t have lit up that audition room any brighter.” She slid a tapered fingernail along his forearm.
Dash jerked his arm away. “It was acting, Marlyn. It’ll stay on the set once we start.”
Her bottom lip did that pouty thing that had given him such a rush when they’d met. This time, he felt zilch.
“So, no rehearsing on our own?”
“No,” he said firmly. “This movie will be great for both our careers. Don’t screw it up. Do everything Monty Revere says.”
“Will your play toy also be on set?”
“Sydney is first assistant director. You better show her as much respect as her dad.”
“Her father is Monty Revere? Hmm . . .”
“Get out and go home, Marlyn. You got the role. Know your lines when you show up. Do the best acting of your life. It’ll benefit both of us.”
“Can’t you give me a ride?” she pleaded.
Dash glared at her.
Marlyn leaned close to him. Her strong perfume overwhelmed him. “Can’t wait to work with you, Captain.” She pecked him on the cheek and climbed out of the car.
He watched her in his rearview mirror. She crossed the street and climbed into a sleek, white convertible, her ass twitching every step of the way. She gave him a wave and pulled away from the curb.
Dash started his car and cursed. He hated her cute little nickname for him. She’d called him “Captain”