Page 30 of Last First Kiss
“It’s the man of the hour!” Spelling, the director and the host of the dinner, bellowed from the opposite end of a very long table. They were seated outside under an enormous tent with three equally enormous chandeliers, in the backyard of a palatial home on Star Island. When Spelling stood and held up a glass of champagne, all eyes turned to Rocco and Annie as they walked down the steps and to the tent. There were toasts, cheers, and applause from the thirty or so guests. For anyone not used to the limelight, it was an overwhelming experience—the richest of the rich, the most famous in Hollywood all gathered around cheering for him.
Her grip on his hand tightened, and it gave him a weird pleasure to know she was holding on to him for strength. It was as if she had exposed a tiny bit of her true self with that small movement. A little bit of vulnerability. And suddenly all he wanted to do was forget all the eyes that were on them and turn to the woman on his arm and get to know her—the real her.
* * *
Annie was not used to being in the spotlight. In fact, she hated it. It was something she just now realized. Rocco, however, was in his element. As the crowd went back to their conversations, Spelling approached.
“Rocco Monroe, our star,” the older man said, slapping Rocco on the back with one hand and shaking his hand with the other.
“Star?” Rocco teased. “You’re the one people are talking about.”
“So modest. So modest.” He smiled sweetly. Spelling was known for being a great director, but more than that, he was a beloved icon, and one of the reasons actors wanted to work with him was his kind heart.
“Is this beauty the bodyguard I’ve been hearing so much about?”
Rocco placed a hand on her lower back, nudging Annie forward a little before looking around to make sure they were all out of earshot. “Yes, this is my bodyguard, Annie Clad. Annie, this is Steven Spelling.”
Rocco’s introduction caught Annie a little off guard, and she kicked herself for momentarily forgetting her mission and getting dazzled by the pretty dress and attentive man next to her. Bodyguard. Of course Spelling knew she was the hired help, and she wondered who else knew as well.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Spelling. I’m a big fan.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. I heard about this morning, by the way.”
“Just a few rambunctious fans and eager paps. Remember that she’s here as my date, Steven, if you don’t mind. Plus, we don’t want word getting around that there’s a threat or anything, right? ” Rocco winked.
“I haven’t forgotten. Your secret’s safe with me. But I will tell you, I’ve got some real concerns, so I hope you keep my boy safe. About an hour ago, VonCar backed out.”
“VonCar?” Annie asked.
“One of the investors,” Rocco clarified.
“They have a lot of business in Colombia and the heat was coming on them hard; they had to pull the plug,” Steven said quietly.
“But things are still okay? We’re still moving forward?” The concern in Rocco voice was noticeable.
“Yes. Yes. We’re in too deep now. All the pre-production already happened. NHN has other financial sources, don’t worry.”
“You guys already started filming?” Annie felt so out of her depth. She’d researched everything to do with the movie, the studio, the possible threat, but she had no clue about the intricacies of what went into filmmaking.
“Yes. Months ago. Sights, extras, scenes that don’t involve Rocco and Julia have already been shot. Because of safety, we’re trying to get their shots done quickly and quietly.”
“Well, don’t worry, I’ll take care of him, Mr. Spelling.”
“Please, call me Steven.” He gestured toward the table of chatting guests. “Go find a seat, have fun, eat well, we’ll talk business during business hours.”
Annie watched the director walk away and immediately felt more at ease. “He’s so nice.”
“Yeah, he is. He handpicked me for the role, you know? He could’ve gone with anyone, but he wanted me.”
“Rocco, mi amor!” A sultry and very familiar voice interrupted them. They both turned around. Julia Vargas was approaching. Holding her hand was her current husband, Lawrence DiManzo. Ben, one of ICS’s employees, trailed a few feet behind them.
“Julia, how are you?” Rocco asked, letting go of Annie to kiss Julia’s cheek and shake Lawrence’s hand.
Annie had always been a fan of Julia. She was an A-list movie star, best known for her dramatic roles, where she’d been a front-runner for two Oscars. She was beautiful from head to toe, not a hair out of place. And Annie found herself hating her immediately.
“Julia, Lawrence, this is my date Annie. Annie, this is Julia and Lawrence.”
Annie extended her hand. “Nice to meet you both.”
