‘Okay, okay.’ I tuck my free hand into my jeans pocket. ‘I rocked up at the villa you rented, Ard Na Mara, and there was someone already in it.’ My cock stirs just thinking about it.
‘No!’ Jayden booms.
‘Yep. And by someone, I mean a total firecracker. Stunning, as well as smart-mouthed. You know I never normally fuck around, but there was just something about her I couldn’t resist. A realness about her you just don’t get in Hollywood.’ I pause for a second, trying to find the right words. ‘It was late, I had nowhere else to go.’ Blood rushes to my cock at the X-rated slideshow of memories forcing themselves to the forefront of my brain. ‘We ended up sharing a bottle of wine, and then later a bed.’
‘Fuck off!’ Jayden’s astonished shout reverberates through my eardrum. ‘Where’s Mr Predictable gone? Next, you’ll be telling me you had a bacon sandwich for breakfast and you ordered a fucking Mustang.’ He lets out a low whistle.
I snort. ‘I bought croissants for breakfast. No egg white omelette in sight.’
‘Fuck, man. What’s happened to you? What did she look like? What does she do? Is she still there?’
‘She’s in the villa. Your PA obviously didn’t deliver the message we’d be needing it after all. Holly took it as a last-minute let, and I checked into the only hotel in the village.’
‘You know you’re in breach of contract?’ Jayden’s tone is suddenly serious. ‘If anyone sees you, recognises you, the whole place will be swamped with paparazzi and crazed fans looking for autographs. Filming will be impossible.’
‘Don’t worry. I’m being careful.’ My eyes stray to the dodgy sunglasses I borrowed from Holly as I send up a silent prayer that they’re up to the job of protecting my anonymity.
‘So, this Holly…’ His voice is loaded with questions.
‘She’s five-foot-three, with shoulder-length dark hair and boobs to die for. She’s also one of the funniest women I’ve ever met. Not to mention one of the most intriguing. I can’t get her out of my damn mind.’ I shove my fingers through my hair and sigh.
‘Fucking hell, Nate.’ Jayden blows out a long breath. ‘I think you might have met your future wife.’
My stomach somersaults. ‘Don’t be stupid. I barely know the woman.’
A low chuckle echoes across the phone. ‘And a brunette, too. Are you seeing her again? I’m all for it, but remember you have a movie to make.’
‘Yeah, about that…’ May as well relay the full story, even if my own inadequacies make me wince. ‘Max offered Holly a role on set as an extra. He reckons my performance is better when she’s around.’
Jayden’s silent for a second while he processes. I don’t need to spell it out for him. ‘Whatever works,’ he concedes.
‘That’s what Max said.’
‘Still think you’re going to marry her,’ he quips.
‘Jayden, you of all people know that I don’t date women outside the Hollywood bubble, but I’m not averse to hanging out with one for a few weeks when she’s as intriguing as Holly.’
‘I’m telling you, man, this is how it starts. Chloe and I only agreed to a fling and now look at me. I couldn’t get that woman down the aisle quick enough.’ There’s a wistfulness to his words.
‘You’ve got soft in your old age. Marriage is affecting you,’ I retort.
‘Marriage is affecting me. But I can assure you it’s not making me soft.’ A dirty snigger follows.
‘I’ve got to go.’ I glance at my watch. ‘I’m seeing Holly in an hour.’
‘A date? I knew it!’ he exclaims.
‘It’s not a date, it’s…’ I hesitate because I have no idea what it is.
The only thing I do know is that the need to see her again consumes me.
‘I’ll be your best man, seeing as you’ve got no brothers,’ Jayden teases.
‘Bye Jayden.’ I hang up before he can torment me further.
ChapterFourteen
HOLLY
