This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidences are either a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is purely coincidental.
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More Than FAMOUS: The Famous Novels, Book Two Copyright © 2015 Kahlen Aymes.
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse-engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book, via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is prohibited, illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.
Cover designed by Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations
Cover photography: © ASJack
Interior design by Cassy Roop, Pink Ink Designs
Published by Kahlen Aymes Books, Inc.
Visit the author’s website: http://www.KahlenAymes.com
ISBN: 978-1-3101196-5-1
Version: Sample: 2015.8.30
Table of 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
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
About the Author
THE WHIRRING OF the airplane engines surrounding me was the only sound in the quiet darkness of the first class cabin. Most of the cabin lights were off and there was little movement of others to disturb the silence.
The last three months passed by in a blur. Up to now, Brook, Martin and I had many promotional appearances around the U.S., as well as some around the world, but the real juice was starting now as I made my way from London to Rome for our first premiere.
I was meeting Brook and Martin there; it would only be the three of us this time. Well, almost. I sighed in frustration as I thought about Brook on a plane with David, traveling from L.A. at the same time I made my way from London.
With David. Fuck.
I couldn't wait for the time when we could stop all of this pretending. I knew it was necessary to uphold the contracts, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. To give David credit, he'd been decent to me whenever we were at events together, but I still felt uneasy around him. I could sense the same tension in him. It was to be expected; we were both in love with the same woman. I still had guilt and jealousy to deal with, but the heart wants what it wants, and it was impossible to deny my feelings for his benefit.
Brook said he'd become a good friend through all this, and even though I trusted her, I wasn't sure I trusted him. There had been many times over the past months I'd been stuck in London when he'd been near her, going to her house to hang out with Nathan. The problem was I didn’t believe Nate was the draw. I could see he still wanted her. His eyes tracked her every move in a hungry, predatory sort of way, and he was extremely guarded when he was around me.
But what did I expect? Who could blame him, really? As far as he was concerned I'd stolen his girl.
As far as I was concerned... she was always mine. Even before we'd met. Before we were even born.
I felt her in my soul. She was part of me in a way no one else ever would be and I doubted would ever be again. She wasn't a choice I'd made... she just was. This was another echo of the book series turned into movies that we were filming.
I closed my eyes and tried to let sleep overtake me, but visions of the recent months flashed behind my closed lids and wouldn't let me sleep. So much had happened with the photo shoots and the many interviews that had been pre-recorded. There were countless airplane trips across Europe and North America; so many that it was beginning to make my head spin. I lost track of time, and where the schedule would take me next, mixed in with more auditions and filming of other work, I was exhausted.
I'd just been home to London, spending ten days with my family for what would be the last real break I'd get until all of the premieres for The Future of Our Past ended in Tokyo the coming February.
Holy Hell. It was an endless array of cities, paparazzi and screaming women. It was completely insane. I still couldn't get my head around it all even though I’d dealt with it for the past six years. This seemed worse and more invasive because now my privacy and the need to be able to be open with Brook, was my foremost priority. I never liked crowds and well, these were more like mobs. I'd never bloody get used to it.
I would’ve been a nervous wreck if Brook wasn't with me for the majority of it. When I'd signed for this movie, I had no idea it would be this much madness. The fans were more adamant than on my other movies, and younger fans turned out in bigger numbers. All I knew was that Brook had become my focus and despite the craziness, I was glad I’d taken this job. She was my reason for everything since her audition.
Brook had a way of grounding me and putting a smile on my face even in the most frantic moments. Her inexperience should make her the uncertain one, but she was solid and confident, less jaded than I. We'd gotten into trouble a few times due to our comments about each other, and our expressions when we looked at each other. Our managers, Jeanne and Denise, literally read us the riot act on several occasions. Hell, it was impossible. I loved her too much to hide it completely, and I didn’t want to. Brook just shrugged it off with a small laugh.
I smirked to myself as I thought back to our weekend in San Diego.
It was beyond incredible.
Being surrounded with her very essence had been complete and utter joy. I wanted it to last forever; I wanted it every day, every morning, every night. She was so soft and loving in the way she took care of me. We couldn't get enough of each other, and since then, we hadn't had any time like that alone.
I'd been able to sneak into her house a few times when I'd been in L.A., but it was never like the complete satisfaction of getting to spend day and night with her. I missed her every second she wasn't with me. The loss was like a tangible thing, and it made my heart ache. I thought time would lessen the pain of being apart, but the reverse was true.
I leaned back in my seat and let the memories rush over me, thinking back to the last day of our weekend...
I caught her popping the tab off of my Starbucks iced coffee can while I lay by the pool. The sound made me open my eyes to see what she was up to. The sight of her stunned me as always, but the look on her face was priceless.
Her eyebrow raised and her mouth smirked as she tried to hide the fact that she'd taken it, shoving it into the pocket of her shorts.
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"Brook what are you doing?" I had to ask. "Are you trying to make me cut my lip so you can suck my blood?" The corners of my mouth lifted in the start of a grin.
"What?" She tried to brush it off as she lay down on the chaise next to me. "Nope," she said and emphasized the word. She'd been all too good at giving me what I wanted over the weekend and I felt a rush of desire flood me at her teasing remark. She reached over and pulled the tab from her own can, too.
"What are you doing with those?" I laughed as she blushed. "Are you going to auction it off on eBay?” I reached for her hand.
"Hmmph! Give me a break, Cade." She laughed. "If I were going to do the ebay thing, I'd steal a pair of your underwear. I'd get so much more for that. Give me some credit, please." Her mouth twitched as she bit her lip and cocked her head to one side.
"What then?" I wouldn't let it go, pressing her to answer.
She sighed. "I wanted it to be a surprise..." Her lips pursed and her brow wrinkled.
"You're going to surprise me with a collection of bloody can tabs?" Her brows shot up and her eyes popped up to meet mine. "Don't think I haven't noticed you stealing them all weekend. I watch you like a hawk, in case you hadn't noticed."
"Oh, I notice, but it's usually not can tabs you're watching." Her eyes flashed at me and her lips lifted in a smirk. She was so damn sexy when she flirted with me. I wanted more and more.
"Brook, you're killing me. Are you going to tell me or not?" My fingers traced up and down her arm.
She turned on her side and propped her head on her hand. She had a serious look on her face, but her fingers trailed down my chest to my stomach making me catch my breath.
I thought this was a joke, but maybe it wasn't.
"I'm going to give a little clue to the world about us... to see if anyone can pick up on it." She shrugged.
"What do you mean?" I was intrigued.
"Well, don't you think it’s bullshit that we have to hide our relationship and sneak around like we have? Frankly, it pisses me off."
Her expression was hilarious as her face set in a stern line and she tried not to laugh. I felt my eyebrows raise and a grin settled on my face as I watched her.
"Yeah? And?" I asked impatiently.
"Cade, remember in the book with the pad locks? And the coffee Sunday thing?"
"Yeah... of course." I shrugged. "What does that have to do with can tabs?" I laughed at her as she nodded. "Well?"
She moved up to straddle my lap and began to kiss my lips softly as her hands ran down my chest.
"That feels nice, babe, but I'm not going to let you distract me, not until you tell me what you're up to." My hands ran up her waist to her ribs and squeezed lightly.
She threw her head back as she laughed out loud.
"Cade, see? I'm going to put my little collection on a bracelet and wear it in some of the photos and interviews." My eyebrows raised in confusion.
"Brook, I'll buy you more bracelets, you don't have to resort to making them out of rubbish." I was teasing her now. "I think we've both quite risen above that, don't you?"
She pushed my shoulders and sat back on my legs. "God! You're so exasperating." She shook her head at me. "You're Ryan; I'm Julia... so I'm telling the world we're together by giving them a hint. I'm going to connect these with tiny pad locks. Get it now?"
"So you're going to wear them to see if people can pick up the parallel?"
"Yes, exactly. The real diehard fans will get it." Her eyes were sparkling as she looked down at me." I guess it's the rebel in me. It's a small, insignificant bit of revenge. At least it will make me feel better."
I shook my head at her and she snorted. “They won’t know the tabs came from Starbucks.”
"We’ll know. They’ll get the lock part, but the tabs are for us. It's me telling the suits to fuck off. Happy now?" She let out another throaty laugh.
"Delirious!" I smiled as I reached for her. She bent to kiss me again, sucking my lower lip into her mouth and biting it with her teeth. My heart and my body started to respond.
My eyes were closed, but I felt her hands come into my hair as she moved up higher on my lap. I slid my hands around her to pull her tighter against me. Her skin was so soft, like silk and she smelled so good.
Her voice lowered as her mouth hovered over mine. "And at least you'll know that it's a connection to you when you see it in some of my pictures." My right hand moved up to the back of her neck to bring her closer. “I’ll wear it with my other bracelet.”
My mouth split into a wide smile. "That's bloody brilliant, babe. I love it. Thank you." I pulled her down for a series of kisses. Her arms tightened around my neck as our breathing sped up. I knew where this was headed and I couldn't have been happier about it. The weekend had been filled with incredible moments and breathtaking lovemaking sessions. My body and my heart couldn't seem to get enough.
She pulled her mouth from mine and kissed lower across my jaw and throat. Her hot breath scorched along the trail she followed. I felt my dick tighten and grow beneath her.
"I can't wear my ring in public yet, but I'll be damned if they're gonna stop me from wearing something to connect us, okay?"
My heart swelled at her words as I took her mouth hungrily again. She was so amazing in every way. “Yes, I want to tell the world. Now,” I’d whispered against her lips.
I took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh as I heard the pilot’s announcement that we'd be landing in Rome in thirty minutes. The flight attendant came over to check on me. She was blonde, attractive and she looked at me intently.
"Mr. Carlisle, would you care for anything else?"
"Just some water, thank you."
The last thing I'd done in L.A. before going back to London had been the Movie Phone interview with Brook, Martin and Noah. It wasn't scheduled to air for two weeks yet, in Mid-November, but our frantic schedule demanded we tape it in advance.
There it was; her can tab and padlock bracelet, for all the entire world to see. It was a beautiful thing, considering the meaning behind it. I was so elated about her wearing it that I wasn’t able to keep the giddy smile off of my face even though I'd wanted to. Each time I looked at it, I had to renew my effort. I knew I probably looked like a bloody git, but something as simple as having some form of public claim on her, made me so damn happy, I was just beside myself and had teased her mercilessly during that interview. Denise, Joel, Ken and Jeanne had all called to bitch about it, but I was beyond caring.
I leaned back in my seat and prepared myself for the scene on the red carpet. I’d face a huge, horrific mob of screaming fans no doubt. Martin and Brook were going to arrive shortly before me, and I knew I'd be faced with seeing her there with David. I felt she should arrive after me, but the managers insisted I was the A-lister, so I had to be the last to arrive.
I hadn't seen her in ten days, and I missed her so much I could barely stand it.
I would get a few hours at the hotel before I'd have to face the crowds, but I wouldn't see Brook until the red carpet right before the premiere. Her flight schedule didn't allow her any time in Rome in advance and she'd have to come straight from the airport.
My chest tightened and my fists clenched in my lap, wondering how they’d dress and primp her.
Would she be wearing the same clothes all the way from L.A. or would she have to change in the limo with him there? I felt so jealous and possessive, even after all of these months of being with her. She'd assured me a hundred times that she and David had made a smooth transition to being friends, but something in my gut told me to be on guard.
I fucking hated that feeling.
I tried to tell myself to be fair. After all, it was a lot to ask of David. Would I have been able to be her friend and stand aside while another man staked his claim on her? After loving her like I did? The answer was clear.
No way in hell.
The flight attendant brought my water and lingered a few seconds. I smiled and ran my hand throug
h my hair and turned away. Looking out the window into the dark night sky, all I could think about was that soon, very soon... Brook would be in my arms again, and the thought made my heart beat a little faster.
AS DAVID AND I made our way through the Rome airport, we were bombarded with flashing cameras and screaming fans chasing us out to the cars. The bodyguards did their best to keep them at bay, but inevitably, there were some that got too close to us and we were jostled about a few times as we kept moving. Our pace was as fast as we could manage through the crowds.
The Future of Our Past premiere in Rome was the first of several, and I didn't think it'd be this crazy yet. I mean, yeah, the girls were all screaming at Cade during our many mall appearances and book signings, and of course at the MTV awards, but I'd figured it'd be mostly about him and I wouldn't have to deal with that much of it. Apparently, I was wrong.
The schedule was nuts. I'd taken my dress for the red carpet with me in my carry on and changed in the airplane bathroom just before landing. Due to timing, we were going straight there without a chance to check in at the hotel.
Even though David held my hand as we made our way through the throng of fans, he'd been distant during the entire flight.
He and I had transitioned back into friendship, even being able to hang out and joke around without him making snarky comments about Cade, but he was withdrawn now. If I were honest with myself, we didn't really talk about Cade that much and it made it easier. I tried not to rub either one of them in the other’s face. It was an unspoken thing that David didn't want to hear it, and I respected that wish. I could understand it totally.
When we got in the car that would take us to the Fiesta del Cinema, I looked over at David as he looked out the car window. His arm up by the window and his chin resting in his hand, his brow dropped over his eyes; he looked lost in unhappy thoughts.
"David, is something bothering you? You've been so quiet."
I wasn't sure if I should have asked the question, but the silence inside the car was killing me. That, combined with the nervousness of this first premiere, I needed to find out what was up.