“I saw her show live last year. She’s a riot. She was about six months pregnant, already big as a barn, and the funniest person I’ve ever heard.”
“I’m sure you’ll meet them sooner than later. Breck’s former Delta Force and Rhett’s best friend since kindergarten. He and Jo are always one of the couples invited when the Corrigans or DeLaurias have people over. I think you’ll enjoy talking to Breck since you have some things in common.”
“They have people over very often?”
“As much as two working parents can. They have a large but tight-knit group of friends.”
“And you’re a part of it.”
“I am. Most of them have kids, except for Knox and London. She’s pregnant now, though.”
“London Monroe? I love her voice.”
“You’d love her. And Knox. They’re really decent people.” Keely sighed. “I know a majority of those in the film industry are egotistical. A lot of infidelity and divorces get thrown into the mix. This group is different, which is why I like them. They have friends outside the industry they also socialize with. All of them adore their spouses and children. They’re really down-to-earth, kind individuals. I’m lucky they took me under their wing years ago.”
As Mac pulled out, Keely gave him directions to Topanga. He didn’t question why but he did have something else to ask.
“So, you said they get together. Have people over. Is it always couples?”
“Usually. Most everyone is married except for Scarlett and me.”
“Do you and Scarlett bring dates with you?”
“Sometimes.” Keely grinned. “Is this your way of asking if I’m seeing anyone, Mac?”
He kept his eyes on the road. “Maybe.”
“I’m not. When I first came to California, all I dated were actors since those were the men I met in workshops and at auditions. I actually moved in with one and thought it might lead to marriage—until I landed Shadow of Suspicion. I thought my boyfriend would be happy that it became my breakout role. Instead, his ego couldn’t take it and he told me I had to move out.”
Keely ran a hand through her hair. “I didn’t date for a year after that. Too emotionally wounded and too busy professionally. Then I started seeing an architect. That lasted four months. He couldn’t understand the long days of shooting or going on location. After him came the OB/GYN. Bruce definitely understood the crazy hours because his were the same. Babies wait for no one, no matter what plans you might have. That’s what ended our relationship. We were compatible. Enjoyed our time together. In the long run, though, we were both so busy, we never really saw one another.”
“When did that end?”
“Three months ago.” She petted the dog in her lap. “Nowadays, Jax is the only guy I need.”
She fell silent and the conversation ceased. Keely wondered if she’d spilled too much about her personal life. Or turned Mac off—when what she wanted to do was turn him on.
To her.
CHAPTER 5
Mac contained the shout that threatened to erupt by hearing Keely wasn’t involved with anyone. He focused on the road ahead. Conversation died between them and he had to bite his tongue not to talk. It was ridiculous to feel as giddy as a kid walking into Disneyland for the first time simply learning she wasn’t in a relationship. He had to think about her priorities, though. And his.
He was going to be in a Hollywood movie.
The thought astounded him. He had an agent. A leading role in an expensive production. A lot rode on his shoulders. Sydney Revere and the rest of RCDS had gone out on a limb for him.
Mac didn’t plan to let any of them down.
Still, he wanted Keely to know he was interested in her. He didn’t want some other guy waltzing in and swooping her up. He grinned. They would be spending an awful lot of time together. So, would he do his best to keep things professional—or would he ignore his head and lead with his heart?
The only time he’d thrown caution to the wind had proven disastrous. He’d fallen head over heels with Ellen in an instant and pushed her hard. They’d married within a few weeks of meeting and then gone through a tiny bit of paradise together before slogging through hell when she lost her leg. That didn’t begin to touch the tip of the iceberg in the room.
Her betrayal.
He’d wondered about it long and hard. Why she’d taken a lover. Mac thought they were good together. Happy. The only thing he could think of was that Ellen, who was a beautiful woman, had felt less than herself after returning stateside. Maybe she’d needed to flirt to prove she was still attractive to men, even minus a leg. Maybe the flirtation had gone too far and that’s how she’d plunged into the affair with Dr. Asshole. Mac would never know. He’d long ago pushed aside any regrets and decided never to give his heart away again. Never get burned. That experience had taken everything out of him. He couldn’t live through a repeat. Until now.
Keely Kennedy tempted him. She was the first woman in four years who’d caused a blip on his radar. No, he wouldn’t lie to himself. Keely wasn’t a blip. She was like an earthquake that had occurred, shaking his world and turning everything topsy-turvy. On a ten-point scale?
She easily notched a twelve.
They approached Topanga and she spoke up, guiding him from the PCH to her house. She lived on the beach side of the highway, which meant her place had to be double in value from houses set along the east side.
“See the red and white mailbox? Pull in there,” she instructed.
Mac did as she asked and she gave him a four-digit gate code. Slowly, the fence moved away, allowing him to pull his truck through. Jax sat up expectantly.
They reached the end of the drive. A charming cottage sat there, with lush foliage and flowers in blues, yellows, and pinks. He got out of the truck at the same time she did, Jax running around in circles, making his odd but cute yodel sound.
“Grab your script,” she said as she unlocked the front door. The basenji flew in and Mac followed him.
“Go straight through.”
He entered a room that had an entire wall of glass that looked out to the ocean. Turning, Mac saw how appealing the décor was, a palette of blues and grays with a bit of moss green mixed in. A large sofa with throw pillows dominated the room, with two club chairs opposite it. By the glass, an oversized recliner that looked inviting beckoned to him.
“I guess the army’s still in your blood.”
His eyes met hers. “Why do you say that?”
“You take in everything as far as your surroundings go. People, too. We’ve only known one another since this morning but you’re pretty predictable in that department.”
Keely headed into the kitchen, which was open to the den, and retrieved two bottled waters. Jax followed her and began noisily chowing down on some food. She handed Mac a bottle.
“It’s definitely in my DNA now. I observe everything around me. I suppose I’m always a little wary, especially going into new places and situations.” He looked around. “Your home is nice. Cozy. Comfortable. Muted colors that soothe.” He indicated the view. “That is spectacular.”
“It was worth paying for,” she admitted. “I drive a modest car. I don’t splurge on clothes. I didn’t hire a decorator. I pulled all of this together myself. I did, however, want that view. I’m from Colorado. I adore the mountains but there’s something about being by the water that calms and yet energizes me at the same time.”