Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Star Crossed
Star Crossed
Star Crossed
Ebook246 pages3 hours

Star Crossed

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5/5

()

Read preview

About this ebook

BETTER THAN THE MOVIE

Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl who lived in Los Angeles who wanted nothing more than to be loved, but from the time she was thirteen Jenna Stone has been marketed, pimped out and bartered, all for another person’s dreams of fame. Jenna has certainly enjoyed being a star, but what she’s missed was being special. Her new movie deal might make her just that. Except, the WWII period drama will co-star the one man whom she mistakenly let get close. That can never happen again.

Onetime actor Dane Hadley has loved his recent success as a rock star, but after his band broke up a return to acting seems the best way to keep the money rolling in. Except, his co-star is none other than Jenna Stone, the only girl he ever loved—and the woman who crushed his heart. Working together will be nothing but business...until it isn't. And with villains, plot twists and successes better than even Hollywood can write them, true love seems suddenly possible after all. And the paparazzi will be there to catch everything.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJan 7, 2016
ISBN9781942886891
Star Crossed

Read more from Christine Ashworth

Related to Star Crossed

Related ebooks

Contemporary Romance For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for Star Crossed

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
5/5

1 rating0 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

    Book preview

    Star Crossed - Christine Ashworth

    Ashworth’s talent shines….

    New York Times Bestselling Author Maggie Shayne on Demon Hunt

    BETTER THAN THE MOVIE

    Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl who lived in Los Angeles who wanted nothing more than to be loved, but from the time she was thirteen Jenna Stone has been marketed, pimped out and bartered, all for another person’s dreams of fame. Jenna has certainly enjoyed being a star, but what she’s missed was being special. Her new movie deal might make her just that. Except, the WWII period drama will co-star the one man whom she mistakenly let get close. That can never happen again.

    Onetime actor Dane Hadley has loved his recent success as a rock star, but after his band broke up a return to acting seems the best way to keep the money rolling in. Except, his co-star is none other than Jenna Stone, the only girl he ever loved—and the woman who crushed his heart. Working together will be nothing but business…until it isn't. And with villains, plot twists and successes better than even Hollywood can write them, true love seems suddenly possible after all. And the paparazzi will be there to catch everything.

    STAR CROSSED

    Christine Ashworth

    A StarTide Novel

    www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.

    STAR CROSSED

    Copyright © 2015 Christine Ashworth

    Smashwords Edition

    All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.

    ISBN 978-1-942886-89-1

    To my family—thanks for putting up with me hiding in the laundry room while getting this one done. I love you all.

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    No book is created in a vacuum. My love and thanks go out to my husband Tom Ashworth, who corrected me on several TV and film world issues. Also to Debbie Decker, who was right there with me as I finished the first draft in Starbucks. Huge thanks and lots of love to Yvonne Ravenwood, beta reader extraordinaire. Couldn’t have done it without you. Love also to Sascha, Dorothy, Sidda Lee, Louisa, and the rest of the Night Writers crew—thanks for being there and keeping a smile on my face!

    Thanks as well to Boroughs for the fabulous cover for the series, and to Chris Keeslar and Michelle Klayman for putting up with me. I learned a lot, as usual.

    CONTENTS

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    About the Author

    STAR CROSSED

    Chapter One

    "Thunder Fury, one of Country Rock’s finest bands touring the country, has split. Is it for good, or just temporary? Stay tuned!"

    —Daily Star Online

    I swear to God, Conway. If the next job I get involves jiggling my tits, I’m done. Jenna Stone crossed her arms over her ample breasts and glared at her agent. Seriously. Stop sending me out for the slut parts. It’s disgusting.

    They call it typecasting, Jenna. The best part of that word? Casting. Conway Davis leaned back in his chair and regarded his client. Since moving to Hollywood from San Diego, he’d expanded his clientele. Or, more accurately, he’d taken over his dad’s agency when Royden Davis, barely in his fifties, had abruptly decided to retire.

    Jenna was one of the more talented—and normal—clients his dad passed on to him.

    Your makeup commercials didn’t have you jiggle, he observed.

    She raised her eyebrows. I was on a boat. In a bikini.

    Point. He inclined his head. He inhaled her perfume, floral with a hint of something darker beneath it, and wished yet again that he could hit on her.

    Jenna sighed, bringing his attention back to their conversation. "I spent seven years half naked and jiggling on Lost Island, and that was enough. I want something meaty. Something different. I mean, why should Meryl fucking Streep get all the good roles?"

    Because she’s Meryl fucking Streep? Con waved a hand. Forget I said that. Look, I know you can act. I saw most of the two Shakespeare productions you did out at Theatricum. You were wonderful.

    She flashed him a wide smile, the one that reached her eyes and made him pant for her a little. You came? And you didn’t tell me? You rat bastard.

    He looked down at his desk, shifted in his chair. My date didn’t understand Shakespeare. We didn’t stay for the whole show. Sorry.

    Jenna shrugged. At least you came. I appreciate it. But the fact is I need the money that film work gives me. I need to work, I’m going stir crazy at home. And I’d really, truly, prefer not to take a jiggle job, if you get me.

    I get you. He eyed her. You’re in demand, you know. Your brand of sensuality is missing from the current landscape.

    She wrinkled her nose. You mean someone who has curves. Cleavage and hips. Tits and ass.

    Conway shuffled papers on his desk. Mm. I’ve got a couple of directors clamoring for you. Shall I have them send you the scripts?

    Way to bury the good news, dude. But Jenna’s eyes glowed. Please?

    They’re both leads. One of them is a tit-jiggler. Sorry. But the other one is gold. I’ll leave you to decide which one is which. He regarded her a moment, seeing the tiredness beneath her usual beauty. You’re not sleeping. What’s wrong?

    What the hell good is makeup if it can’t hide a dark circle? She closed those beautiful amber eyes and took a breath. Her sass was back in place when she opened her eyes again and tossed her head. I’m fine.

    Do you need a loan? I can front you if it’s urgent. He watched as unease vibrated through her and transferred to him. Jenna?

    Her smile grew brighter. Nothing’s wrong. Thank you for the offer, but I’m not in the poorhouse. She stood smoothly, and Conway did the same. Please have those scripts delivered soon.

    He moved around his desk to open his office door. As fast as I can get them there. Take care of yourself. And if you ever need to talk, I’m here. I keep secrets like nobody’s business. Yeah. He’d even talk to her, just to spend more time with her. Damn it, he was a sap for a beautiful woman.

    A smile flitted across her face. I know you keep secrets. She stopped in front of him, kissed his cheek. You’re one of the few in this town who can.

    Conway didn’t move to embrace her, as he would have any other woman on the planet. Just remember. Call me, any time.

    I’ll keep it to working hours, if you don’t mind, she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She glanced from his secretary back to him. Don’t want to disturb your, um, extracurricular activities. She walked on through the door. Goodbye, Con. Get me those scripts.

    Conway watched her exchange a few friendly words with Stacie before heading to the elevator. It was too damn bad she was a client. Jenna hit all his sweet spots. There was something else there, though, some formal reserve she exuded, that had him keeping his hands to himself around her. Kind of like a low touch-me-not frequency that he’d been brought up to respect.

    Sighing, he turned back to his desk, letting the door swing slowly shut on his secretary’s hopeful gaze. He’d take Stacie to dinner tonight, he decided. See if maybe she wanted to play office at his house. His spirits rising, Conway picked up his phone. He had scripts to get delivered.

    ***

    So this is it? Dane stared at his band mates in disbelief. Y’all wanna dissolve? They were in a far corner booth at DuPar’s on Ventura Boulevard, finishing their lunch. The noisy restaurant had helped keep their conversation confidential.

    Josh, the drummer, shrugged. Thunder Fury is kind of scattered. Denny’s in Mexico, getting married, and he didn’t bother to invite us, so I’m thinking maybe he doesn’t want to do this anymore. I’m putting my parents in a nursing home next week, and I have no idea how that’s gonna go. Carl here wants to get back to his wife and kids in San Antonio. Shawn’s on retreat in Sedona. And Dane, you’re all kinds of fucked up, son, even if you have stopped drinking.

    Twenty-two weeks on the road had done a number on the five men of Thunder Fury. What Josh hadn’t mentioned was the Feds had been on the band’s ass for weeks, trying to find their manager, Kenny Wetzel, who was wanted for fraud in seventeen states. The last two months had been a nightmare.

    Dane sighed and rubbed his face. Let’s call it a hiatus, for the press. Take some time off. The new record is still selling well, and at least Wetzel isn’t getting his hands on that money.

    I think maybe we should plan on not getting back together. Carl spoke up. I’m getting too old for this shit, and you haven’t written a new song in months, Dane. And you’re the youngest.

    Not that we’re pointing fingers, Josh added hastily. Let’s just not see each other for a while. Like, for a year or two, you know, and then we’ll see how it goes.

    I’m being dumped. Dane winced at the thought as he pushed fries around on his plate. You’re right. I am tired, and haven’t written anything worth a damn in too fucking long. Tired down to the bone.

    Exhausted. Sleep deprivation can do weird shit to your mind, Carl pointed out. You’ve done a lot, keeping us afloat, man, and we appreciate it.

    Dane cracked a smile at Carl, but spoke to Josh. So what are your plans?

    You gonna eat those? Josh gestured to the fries, and Dane pushed the plate over. Like I said, I’m going home to Alabama, meet up with my sibs before we decide where to put Mom and Dad. Want me to check in on your parents?

    The bottom dropped out of Dane’s stomach. As if this day didn’t already suck. Don’t bother. They’re still certain I’m going to hell. Dane glared at the two of them. And stop giving me puppy-dog eyes. I don’t need any sympathy. My old man is cracked, and my mom… He stopped, took a breath, and ignored the pain in his chest. My mom loves him.

    Pisser, that. Carl finished the last of his burger and wiped his hands. I’ve got to get to LAX, man. Let’s keep in touch, just, you know, not too often. It’ll be nice to have the chance to miss you guys.

    Josh stood when Carl did. I’ve gotta run, too. My flight doesn’t leave until later, but I’ve got shit to do. Oh, before I forget. He fished out his wallet and pulled out a business card. Remember when we saw Evie Marcherand and her band last month in Arizona? She gave me her agent’s card after she heard about Wetzel. Said Davis moved up here to Los Angeles. Since you live here and all, I figured you’d be the one to contact him.

    Dane got to his feet and took the card. StarTide Agency. Don’t we want a business manager more than an agent?

    Josh shrugged. Agent first. Business manager second. Besides, we might not get back together, remember? In the meantime, our lawyer has our backs.

    And a big chunk of up-front money, Carl grumbled. See ya. Gotta run.

    Josh hung back as Carl left DuPar’s. He eyed his friend in concern. Dane. Give this guy a call. You used to act, right? Get an acting gig or two. Refill that bank account. I know how much you’ve been fronting the rest of us.

    Thanks, man. I’ll think about it. They man-hugged briefly before parting. Say hi to the old high school. You know. Piss on the football field for me during the next full moon.

    Josh grinned at the reminder of their shared youth and saluted. Will do. He left after slapping Dane’s back one last time.

    Dane threw cash down on the table to cover the check and tip and looked at the business card again. The address was right here in Studio City, so it would be stupid not to drop in and at least meet the guy.

    He waved to the waitress as he left, getting a wink and a kiss blown to him. He laughed and pushed out into the heat of the day, lifting his face to the sun. Los Angeles could be a bitch of a town to live in, but he loved it here. Wouldn’t move back to Alabama for all the money in the world.

    People were more accepting here than they had been in his hometown. Just because he’d picked up a guitar at a yard sale—Dane shook his head and slid into his car. No sense in stirring up bad memories. He revved the engine before pulling out onto the always-busy Ventura Boulevard. This StarTide place was close to Coldwater Canyon, not that far from where he was now. Not far from his first apartment.

    Like it was a sign or something.

    A cold trickle went down his spine at the thought. He’d always believed in signs, in his intuition. In all his years of following his gut, he’d only been wrong once. He drove past the office building and turned left onto a side street, pulling into the first parking space he could find. At least there were no meters here.

    As he headed to StarTide’s offices, something niggled at the back of his brain. A whiff of perfume, maybe, that lingered as he entered the elevator. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Something had his inner alarm system ringing, big time.

    The elevator doors opened and his heart almost stopped at the sight of the blonde behind the desk. Her hair was kind of poufy, and a skintight black sweater showed off her assets. She turned to him with a practiced smile, and he relaxed at the sight of her baby blue eyes.

    That wasn’t Jenna Stone. Stupid to even think it. Jenna must have her house on the beach by now, so she wouldn’t have any need to come to Studio City and play at receptionist.

    He strolled forward, regaining his confidence as the blonde’s eyes widened in recognition.

    Hi. I’d like to talk to, um… He pulled the card out of his pocket and looked at the name. Mr. Davis. If he’s available.

    Her red lips formed an O, and she drew in a breath that made her breasts swell toward him. "You’re Dane Hadley. I love Thunder Fury, I’ve been to so many of your shows, she said on a rush of peppermint-scented breath. Just a minute, I’ll tell him you’re here."

    Ignoring the ringing phone on her desk, the blonde stood and took quick, tiny steps to the door on the far side of the room, vibrating with excitement. She walked on heels far too high for her ability, and Dane watched her feet wobble, fascinated, wondering when she would turn an ankle. She gave him a brief smile before she disappeared from view.

    Dane looked around. The place was buzzing with activity, people going in and out of offices he could see down a long corridor. So, not a one-man band, then. That had to be a good thing.

    That door opened again and the blonde came out. You can go right in, Dane honey, she said, a bit breathless.

    Thanks. The phone rang again, and Dane gestured. Don’t let me interrupt your work, he added.

    She wobbled her way back to her desk as Dane strode to the office door. Conway Davis was at his desk. The office was simply furnished, with two overstuffed chairs along the window wall, two guest chairs in front of the desk, and a couple of bookcases. Boxes were stacked in one corner.

    Conway stood. I haven’t quite unpacked yet, I’m afraid, he said, coming forward. Conway Davis.

    Dane Hadley. He gripped Conway’s hand in a quick shake. Thanks for seeing me.

    Have a seat. What can I do for you?

    Dane made himself comfortable. I need work.

    Everyone does. Conway leaned back in his leather chair. Why me?

    Dane tossed the business card on his desk. Evie gave this to my drummer, who passed it on to me. We went to see her in Tucson a month or so ago. Dane crossed a booted foot onto the opposite knee. I was thinking of broadening out, going into acting for a while.

    Dane watched as Conway picked up the card, looked at the back of it, and stifled a smile. Something funny?

    Evie likes you guys. She’s already talked to me about you. Says you have talent. Conway tapped the edge of the card against his desk as he eyed Dane. You any good?

    He shrugged. I can string sentences together in front of twenty thousand people. And sing on key. He wasn’t about to go into his past acting experience. If he could bury it, he would.

    Is there anything you won’t do? Nudity, sex scenes, commercials, talent shows?

    Thoughts of Jenna crossed his mind, and he flinched. I won’t work with Jenna Stone, he blurted.

    Conway’s eyebrows rose. Interesting.

    Dane leaned back as if his heart wasn’t pounding a mile a minute. "Not really. I’m sure she’s a fine actress. But, well, you know. Tits and

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1