Love Me Tender: Hollywood Nights, #2

By Christa Maurice

Are you strong enough to be tender?

His friend seeing some success as an actor, Mick is making sure nobody in Hollywood ever finds out about their past abuse. When publicist Sarina Das mentions that her job is covering up secrets, Mick wants to make sure she doesn’t know anything already. He also wants to get far, far away because love and pain are tangled together for him. As much as he wants somebody to love, he is afraid of how much pain he’ll have to endure.

Sarina can’t figure Mick out. First he’s nice, then he’s rude, then he’s defending her and then he’s provoking her. When she finds out about the abuse he suffered, she realizes that sometimes it’s not about her. Can she be strong enough for both of them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christa Maurice
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386410041

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright 2017 Christa Maurice

Contemporary Timeline

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Epilogue

About the Author

Also By Christa Maurice

Love Me Tender

By

Christa Maurice

Copyright 2017 Christa Maurice

eBooks are not transferable. All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

PUBLISHER'S NOTE:

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

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Contemporary Timeline

Because my series are interlocking, characters cross over into other books and they share a timeline. This list will allow you to figure out where the book in your hands falls in the timeline and if you spot a character you want to know more about, track them down in another book. The dates provided are not the years the books were published, or even the years the books were written, but when the action in that book took place. Shorts show up in my newsletter.

2007

Satellite Of Love, Maureen & Bear, Drawn To the Rhythm

2008

Heaven Beside You, Jason & Cassie, Drawn To the Rhythm

Decisions, Decisions (short), Maureen & Bear, Drawn To the Rhythm

2010

Love the One You’re With (short), Suzi

2012

Waiting For a Girl Like You, Alex & Marc, Drawn To the Rhythm

2013

Victim Of Love, Rick & Tara, Rock And Roll State Of Mind

2014

Let Me Be the One, Brian & Suzi (& Logan though not all at once), Drawn To the Rhythm

Send Me an Angel, Alan & Angie, Rock And Roll State Of Mind

2015

Not Second Best, Tessa & Brett, Drawn To the Rhythm

Gift To Be Simple, Gian & Rachel, Rock And Roll State Of Mind

Baby Come Back, Trent & Jenny, Rock And Roll State Of Mind

Kickstart My Heart (short), pretty much everybody

2016

Keep Coming Back To Love, Candy & Ty, Drawn To the Rhythm

Try a Little Tenderness, Ryan & Taylor, Hollywood Nights

2017

Love Me Tender, Mick & Sarina, Hollywood Nights

Tender Is the Night, Gale & Lisa, Hollywood Nights

Chapter One

Mick Forrester studied the publicist as he crossed the backyard. Nice, high cheekbones, big dark eyes, skin like hazelnut coffee creamer, wearing a white, sleeveless tunic with black leggings. Around her neck, she had three long gold chains that draped between her perfect round breasts. Her black hair was twisted up at the back of her head and secured with a gold clasp. She had the look of a woman who could turn into a total bitch on a dime, and—sick fuck that he was—that turned Mick on.

Hello ladies, he said when he reached the table.

The four women looked up. Taylor Elgin, who currently had his boy Ryan in knots, frowned. Damn Diva. She probably thought all this was about her. Tanya Bauer smiled. I know you, she said.

You do? Mick knew he hadn’t modeled for her or with her, which narrowed it down to things he was trying to cover up.

Sure. You did the Armani spread a year ago in spring. It was nice work.

Or not. A woman like that would never have had to pay for a date.

I still don’t understand how you tell the difference between good and bad work in modeling. The brunette at the table sipped from her drink.

Practiced eye, Tanya said. You got a card or something? I'm going to need background guys for a shoot, if you're willing to do that kind of work.

Of course, I do. She had no idea what he'd stoop to if he had to. He just hadn't lately. Sure would be nice to be able to pay his share of the rent, though. He handed her a business card. I'd love to work with your house. Even as a background guy.

Great. She tucked the card into her shirt pocket. Don’t want to lose this.

Jesus, what an opportunity. But he had to stay on task or his lucky break was going to break in two. He turned to the Indian woman. I actually came over here to talk to you about Ryan Asher.

Ryan? Taylor asked. What about him?

Ryan and I discussed working together, too. The publicist stood up. If you’ll excuse me.

Mick took her a few steps away, just out of earshot. Did you need a fresh drink or anything?

No, thank you. I’m Sarina Das of Perry Publicity. Call me Sarina. She held out her hand.

Mick Forrester. I manage Mr. Asher. You can call me Mick. The publicist had tiny, delicate hands, but her grip said she wasn’t screwing around.

When I spoke to Mr. Asher, he said he didn’t have any representation. She cocked an eyebrow.

Mick turned his best smile on her. You know how the talent is. They always think they do everything themselves.

Her shoulders relaxed, and she smiled back. Yes, some do.

Mr. Asher is pretty new to this business, and he wasn’t entirely sure what you would be doing for him should he hire you.

Perry Publicity can help Mr. Asher build a brand and market it correctly to the public, which will open the door to bigger and better roles for him. Her mouth was pitching her service, but her body had twisted toward him and she was looking up at him through those long black lashes with a distinct come hither.

And how do you do that? Every time she took a breath, the sun caught her necklace, making her glitter.

Well, one way is by ensuring that when he appears somewhere, he's dressed properly. You just met Tanya Bauer. We work with a number of other designers, as well. We also have connections with the better gossip sites and magazines. If Mr. Asher gets really big we can help him get on one of the late-night talk shows or radio shows.

That sounds very promising. Every word she said sounded like a promise. What about hiding potential problems?

Everybody has things that are—off-brand. In cases like that, my job is not unlike a magician—keep the public looking over here while I stash the quarter over there. She flourished her left hand in an elegant Bollywood movement while she reached up with her right and brushed his ear.

His fucking ear was not supposed to be an erogenous zone, but the light touch of her fingers had him hard and ready before she’d lowered her hand. Only years of practice kept his expression neutral. Very impressive.

Ideally, we work in tandem with the talent’s management company, but it sounds like you work independently. There was the slightest question to her tone.

I do a little of this and a little of that. His mouth went dry, wanting to suggest some things for the two of them to work on together.

Modeling?

Ryan and I modeled together.

Sarina nodded. I see. Maybe I should get your number, too. Just in case I come across the need for a model. She winked.

Mick smiled again. He wasn’t sure what she had in mind, but it would be fun finding out. He handed her the information. You should give me your card, too. In case, my boy decides he wants to get with you.

She chuckled low in her throat. Or you decide you do.

Or that.

She handed him a card. It’s been a pleasure. Hope to hear from you soon. We could just meet for coffee.

I’ll give you a call next week and we can compare schedules.

Good. Pleasure meeting you. She took his hand in hers again, but it wasn’t a business handshake. I’ll be expecting that call.

Mick watched her walk to the table with that belly dancer sway to her hips before he headed back to where Ryan and Gale were waiting.

Well? Ryan demanded as soon as Mick got close enough.

She is smart and she’s really hot.

About us, dumbass, Gale snarled.

She knows nothing. Her sales pitch is how she can fix potential doom, whether it’s in your past or your future. Mick shook his head. We’re safe.

For now, Gale said. Maybe you should hire her, just in case.

Where’s Devi? Ryan asked. I want to go.

She’s talking to your director.

No, she’s not. Ryan glared around the party as if he hated everybody there. What was up his ass? He should be thrilled that he was going to be working more closely with his very favorite actress ever.

Mick spotted their new roommate, Devi, sitting in a grouping of chairs along the side yard with a dark-haired woman. Probably working the director for a guest spot on Ryan’s show. The other one, the lady. Why do you want to leave so soon? This is a great party. Have you noticed who’s here?

Come on, let’s hit the buffet, Gale said.

Food and the chance to watch Sarina Das across the crowd. Perfect.

***

You did the magic trick, didn’t you? Candy asked as Sarina sat back down at the table. She didn’t wait for an answer before turning back to Tanya and Taylor. She does this sleight-of-hand thing that hooks the guys all the time. It’s disturbing how well it works.

It’s in the wrist. Sarina rolled her wrist in a hand flower.

Mesmerizing. Tanya shivered dramatically.

Bitch. Must be nice to be the supermodel daughter of a rock star.

You sign him? Candy asked.

I'm working on him. Sarina stared into her empty cup. Should have taken Mick up on that drink—a nice strong one. Normally, she liked Tanya, but put her in the vicinity of a guy Sarina was interested in, and Sarina wanted to kill her.

Which meant she was interested in Mick. Sarina glanced over her shoulder. He was talking to Ryan Asher and his other buddy. Tight, little group there. Model clique. That just gave Tanya another leg up on her—as if she needed one. The woman had legs a mile long.

Looked like you were working on the one in the suit, Tanya said. She pulled Mick’s card out of her pocket. Mick Forrester.

I was talking to my boss. In addition to modeling, Mick has a real job.

Candy kicked her under the table.

Sorry, Sarina said. The jibe was over the line.

Eh. Tanya waved the card in dismissal before tucking it back into her pocket.

I’m not sure Ryan needs a publicist. He seems to be doing great on his own. Taylor rolled her eyes.

Don’t you worry, Candy said. You’ve got Suzi on your side. I swear, if she didn’t already have a job, I’d hire her.

Hey! Sarina said. Another side effect of being around Tanya. She always made Sarina feel like she was hanging onto her job by her fingertips.

To work with us. That girl is a genius for social media. Candy patted Taylor’s hand. Honestly, with Suzi on your side, you really don’t need us. You have a rock-solid reputation in Hollywood, and you aren’t pushing for an A-list career where you’re going to have paparazzi jumping out of your bushes.

Sarina struggled to keep the scowl off her face as she stared at her boss. Wasn’t the point here to get clients? That was how they paid the bills.

I really like this part. Taylor traced a pattern on the table with her fingertip.

Tanya put her arm over Taylor’s shoulders. You come down to my boutique, and we’ll get you all prettied up. That always makes me feel better.

Sarina ground her teeth. She needed to go circle around Mick some more. The way he’d looked at her had made her feel like the supermodel daughter of a rock star. She spotted him at the buffet with his two friends. At a backyard party with a guest list of beautiful people, he was gorgeous—tall, broad shoulders narrowing to his waist in a perfect V. Dark hair, just a finger’s width too long to be conservative. Piercing blue eyes. Firm jaw. She wanted to get under that jacket to see if his arms were all his shoulders promised them to be. She hadn't had a real date in six months. Every second was spent at the beck and call of her clients, who seemed to spend their spare time searching for messes to get into.

If Mick Forrester wasn’t on the phone to her tomorrow, she’d have to call him.

Tanya’s father leaned over her shoulder. Hey sweetie, you ready to head home?

Sure.

A round of hugs, air kisses, and promises exacted from Candy to bring her kids to the house on Christmas Day followed that left Sarina feeling like a forgotten servant. As much as Tanya brought out her competitive streak, Tanya's dad left her tongue-tied. What could she say to a guy who had been famous before she was born and was embarking on his third comeback? Taylor didn't seem to have any trouble, but she'd been famous since before Sarina was born, too. So maybe it was all in the history and, once she hit a certain age, she'd be able to talk to anybody. Doubtful.

I’ll see you, Tanya said. The incredible Bauers walked away from the table.

Taylor glanced at her phone. My place is clean.

Clean? Candy asked.

My boyfriend was cheating on me, so I had cleaners go through today and they’re done.

Oh, that sucks. Candy patted Taylor’s hand. Men.

Sarina made a sympathetic noise.

Thanks so much for the advice and the introduction. Taylor nodded to the seat Tanya had vacated.

Of course. Anything to help. And I will be happy to give you a free consultation when you go to Tanya’s. She can be a little daring and aggressive.

Again with the freebies. Sarina tried to stare at her boss without staring at her boss. Candy was amazing at her job, and Sarina had no idea how she did it. Then again, she’d only been promoted from assistant in September.

Thanks. I’m not especially daring. She stood up. I’m going to make my exit, too. Merry Christmas.

Candy turned to Sarina after Taylor had gotten out of earshot. What the hell was that?

I was going to ask the same thing. Aren’t we trying to get clients?

Candy frowned. We don’t need to scare or manipulate people into hiring us. We’re better than that.

You, maybe. Sarina pursed her lips before she said it out loud. After effects of being around Tanya.

You don’t want to alienate Tanya, and honestly, you’re lucky it was Tanya. She’s the least likely person on Earth to take offense.

You were the one who said you couldn’t tell the difference between good modeling and bad modeling.

Yes, and Tanya and I are practically sisters. We’ve known each other for ages, and I was once mislabeled in the press as Ronnie Bauer’s daughter. There are people out there who still believe I am. Candy leaned on the table. What’s going on? Is this because I’m back full-time? I didn’t do it to punish you.

No, I’m thrilled that you’re back and that Grant is gone. I hated that guy. And I never thought it was punishment. Candy had stayed home for four years after