so glad you and Rhett worked everything out. Now, you can come back to the gatehouse and start work again. Everything will be normal, all in time for Christmas.”
Jolene tucked a stray lock behind her ear and faced Cassie. “Who knew Mr. Superstar wanted to jump your bones so badly? The looks he gave you during dinner? I’m surprised the tablecloth didn’t catch on fire. I think everybody here knows what you two will be doing tonight.” Jo grinned. “Or in the limo on the way home.”
Cassie blushed as she touched up her lipstick. “I will be back as your roomie, Jo, and I’m sure I’ll be working as Rhett’s assistant. The rest we’ll have to see how it goes.”
Jolene shook her head. “Oh, baby, it’ll go. Fast and furious the first time. Maybe slow and sensual the next. If you go round three, then—”
“Enough!” Cassie glanced into the mirror and saw her beet red reflection staring back. "Go find Breck. I’ve got to take a few deep breaths and pull myself together. In fact, tell Rhett I’ll meet him at the car.”
“No dessert? I heard it’s tiramisu, your favorite.” Jolene gave Cassie a knowing glance. “On second thought, I’m sure dessert is already planned. See you tomorrow, Cass.” Jolene hugged her. “Have fun.”
Cassie dampened a paper towel and held it to her face, trying not to smudge her makeup.
She was going home with Rhett tonight. Rhett Corrigan. Mr. Action Star, Mr. Bankable, Mr. Hollywood Heartbreaker. She, Cassie Carroll, would be in his bed within half an hour. The thought thrilled her and scared her at the same time. What if she wasn’t sexy enough? Experienced enough? What if he took one look at her naked and said, “Pass”, scarring her for life?
No, Rhett was attracted to who she was on the inside. She wasn’t some Hollywood fake. It was also a two-way street. Rhett wasn’t merely perfect to look at. His inner qualities are what attracted her to him. His kindness. His sense of humor. The way he placed such importance on family. He was much more than his looks alone. He must feel the same about her or else his kisses wouldn’t have packed such a wallop.
She picked up her clutch and left the restroom, feeling more confident than before. She would meet Rhett and begin what might be the best night of her life.
“Cassie?”
Zak Mercury stood in the narrow hallway leading back to the dining room. She hadn’t seen him at dinner but Jolene told her Zak was supposed to stop by after finishing a set at Bonkers.
“I heard all the press the past coupla days.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “Sorry. Tough break,” he slurred. “I have good news. HBO picked up my special.”
She winced, smelling the whiskey on his breath. He must’ve guzzled half a bottle on his way to the restaurant. Still, he was a friend of Rhett’s and he’d been nice to her in the past.
“Congratulations, Zak. I’m sure you’re on your way to becoming their number one draw.”
“Hey, you’re outta job now,” he said, his voice loud enough to make her wince. “My offer’s still open. I could use an assistant.” His words started slurring more. “Things’re happenin’ fast. Scripts pourin’ in. Whad’ya say, Cassie? Wanna work for me?”
Two women came into the hallway and they squeezed by. The women went into the restroom before she answered.
“It’s a sweet offer, Zak, but I still work for Rhett.”
He looked puzzled. “Corrigan kept you on after that fiasco? Boy, you must be good at your job. And other things.”
Zak’s words and tone pissed Cassie off. She decided he was drunk and tried not to read anything into it.
“It was nice seeing you, Zak, but Rhett’s waiting for me. I need to—”
Zak blocked her as she tried to pass.
“Come on, Cassie. He’s just your boss. It’s not like you’re keeping a date waiting.” Zak’s eyes drilled into hers. “Or are you?”
Her mouth grew dry. She clutched her purse to her chest, trying to put some space between them.
“Zak, I really need to go.”
He didn’t move. “You’re screwing him, aren’t you? No wonder you were so quick to shoot me down. Who needs a tall, cute redhead when you can have Captain Hotshot?”
Cassie tried to take a step back but she had nowhere to go. Her heart drummed wildly as anger poured through her.
“You’re drunk and being stupid. Why don’t—”
He pressed against her, pushing her against the wall. “Let’s see if this