Before A Perfect World: Movie Trilogy, Book Two (The Movie Trilogy) Read Free

Kathy led the two-time Oscar winning actor behind her.
    I turned to Vivian, watching her face go white and her fingers move to scratch her neck.
    And I pinched her nose.
    She jumped, bursting into laughter, and I smirked.
    “Be cool, kiddo.”
    She batted at my hand, her voice lowering. “Okay, boss.”
    Paternal insti ncts went out the window, and my instant hard-on was nowhere near professional.
    I wanted her.
    Now, later… always.
    “ Keaton, it’s great to see you again. Mr. Lander,” Ash said, greeting us, and I watched as People’s Sexiest Man Alive turned toward Vivian. “You must be Miss Hale,” he chuckled, his signature sky-blue eyes gleaming. “I’m looking forward to reading with you. I admit though, it’s a little intimidating to read with the director’s fiancée.”

Crossfire
    V
    Fiancé e?
    I’d completely forgotten the newscast from a month ago, so absorbed in my own ordinary life with Matthew.
    Keaton had already introduced me to Entertainment Tonight as his fiancée.
    His divorce from Kelsey King had been finalized two weeks ago , and the truth about her feigned pregnancy was made public. I knew that because I was stalking E! Online for reports.
    And Ash Salter was about to read with me.
    He reached for my arm, tugging me closer, just as Keaton had only minutes before. He was the ultimate playboy of Hollywood, claiming a future of bachelorhood at only thirty-three. His windblown, blond hair and clear blue eyes were even more attractive in person.
    “You knew when you married me what my job entailed, Kristie, I have to go-”
    “Then I’ m coming with you,” I insisted. Granted, it was clear that his acting abilities were far more developed than Keaton’s, but he wasn’t Keaton . My lack of enthusiasm was enough for Keaton to take notice, and my hovering director stood up and walked to me.
    “ Vivian, do what you did with me. Take a step toward him. Ash, slide your hand up her arm, drop at her shoulder.”
    The actor did as Keaton instructed, and Keaton’s gaze went from pleased to furious within the span of three seconds.
    “Wait, no, don’t touch her. Just keep your distance until you kiss her.”
    I had just kissed Keaton.
    I kissed him.
    I had to kiss him, it was part of the script. I wasn’t Vivian, and he wasn’t Keaton, we were Kristie and John.
    And Matthew would have to understand.
    “Do you remember our honeymoon? In the mountains?”  Ash was ad-libbing, or pulling from some place in the script we hadn’t gotten to yet. Before I could stop him, he backed me against the wall, his strong fingers sliding through my hair. “Baby, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Never. Do you understand me?”
    And holy hell, his lips were on mine. There was a moment of question, but he charged through my defenses. When I softened my own mouth, he took that as a green light, his fingers encircling my neck, possessive, ardent. “Promise me you won’t interfere in this investigation, Kristie,” he breathed, his tongue darting in and out of my mouth.
    Small tongue. Lips too soft.
    Stop thinking about his kiss! You are a professional. Act like it.
    “ John ,” I murmured, scraping my fingernails gently against his face.
    “ Cut! That’s good.” Keaton’s strangled voice sent Ash backwards, and the director moved between us. “A little too much enthusiasm for the scene, though, Salter.”
    I grinned at the edge in Keaton’s voice. Jealous? Keaton? Impossible.
    “Definite chemistry,” Max argued, glancing at his watch. “Okay, thanks, that’s it for today. Vivian, Ash, we’ll be in touch.”
    My smile fell, and I realized that I’d been expecting a decision immediately.
    “We’re doin g one callback, tomorrow morning,” Keaton assured me. “Vivian, I want to talk to you before you leave.”
    Max and Frank walked out of the office with Ash, and I spun around, glaring at Keaton.
    “You should have warned me that I’d be reading with Ash fucking Salter! I looked like such an