She eased her grip on the wads of quilt she’d clenched while they talked about her job. This time when he tugged at the sheet, she threw it aside so his lean, gorgeous body was bared, too. That ended the discussion.

Chapter 15

The next morning, Allie sat in a high-tech ergonomic chair at a sleek modern desk that had been installed in Gavin’s private office. She scrolled through the series bible, trying to figure out the best method for entering names, places, and events. She was determined to earn her pay by being the most thorough, meticulous assistant he’d ever had.

“Where’s Gavin disappeared to?”

The voice was weirdly familiar, and Allie spun around to see Julian Best stroll into the room.

Her heart did a cartwheel in her chest. This was the man who’d starred in her adolescent dreams of dangerous, exotic romance.

“You must be Allie.” Julian scanned her with his brilliant turquoise eyes.

“You know who I am?” She rose out of her chair.

“Gavin told me you’re working as his assistant. I’m Hugh Baker.” He walked forward with his hand extended.

Hugh Baker, not Julian Best. “I know,” she said as she shook his hand. “I just had a moment of . . .” She wasn’t sure what to call it.

He flashed that famous, sinful smile. “Of thinking I was Julian Best.” He shrugged with an offhand grace. “It’s one of the hazards of playing a cultural icon.”

“I just wasn’t prepared, although I knew you were visiting Gavin.” She waved at her computer. “My excuse is that I was immersed in Julian’s world.” And Gavin had said the actor was starring in a public-service commercial, so she’d assumed he’d be filming by now.

“My apologies for interrupting you. Ludmilla said Gavin might be here.”

“He went to his business office next door for a conference call.”

A frown drew Hugh’s brows downward. “I hope not with LA.”

“I honestly don’t know.” It felt awkward to stand in front of her desk chair as she talked with a world-famous movie star. “Would you like to sit down to wait for him?” She gestured toward the sofa and chairs in front of the fireplace.

He thought about it before he nodded. “I don’t have to be on set for another hour or so.” Sauntering to a wing chair, he sat and crossed his legs.

Allie perched on the edge of the couch. Now that she had gotten past the shock of seeing Julian Best in the flesh, she had time to notice that he was wearing a blue button-down shirt and faded jeans. “Shall I ask Ludmilla for something to drink?” She wasn’t sure if she was hostess or employee, but she felt like she had to do something.

“I just had breakfast, thank you.” He surveyed her again from under his slashing black eyebrows, making her feel like a beetle under a magnifying glass. It was a look Julian used on his adversaries.

“Do you film in New York often?” Allie blurted out in desperation.

His smile banished the nerve-racking examination. “Not often enough. Gavin and I used to see each other more when the movies were being shot regularly.” The smile evaporated. “He says you’re helping with his writer’s block.”

“I’m not sure how.”

“He’s counting on you heavily, so I hope you won’t let him down.” He wasn’t glowering at her any longer, but she heard the warning in his voice.

“He told you that?”

“When he speaks of you, there is hope in his voice. I haven’t heard that in a long time.”

Allie squared her shoulders. Gratification warred with nerves. “I’m just updating the series bible.”

Hugh leaned forward. “I’m not naive. Clearly, your relationship with Gavin goes beyond the office.”

Allie felt the heat of a blush singe her cheeks. “I . . . er . . . I . . .”

“That’s none of my business.” He held her gaze with his. “But do not betray his trust.”

“How would I do that? Why would I do that?”

“In answer to your first question, there are so many ways I can’t begin to count them. In answer to your second, I cannot imagine a single reason.” Footsteps sounded from the hallway, and Hugh sat back. “But too many women have found one.”

Gavin muttered a curse under his breath when he saw Allie sitting across from Hugh. He’d wanted to be beside her with his arm firmly around her waist when she met the embodiment of her youthful fantasies. Then he noticed the rigid set of her shoulders and the flash of anger in her eyes. What the hell had Hugh done to provoke that redheaded temper?

“Allie, I see you’ve met Julian . . . I mean, Hugh,” Gavin said, sauntering over to drop onto the couch beside her.

“Bastard,” Hugh said without anger. “We’ve already been through that.”

Gavin slid his arm around Allie’s waist. She stiffened and tried to draw away. He tightened his grip. “Hugh’s very discreet.”

“Thank goodness, because you’re not,” his flame-haired imp snapped at him.

Hugh smiled. “Give him what for, Allie.”

Gavin watched as she wrestled with the problem of how to subtly remind him that they weren’t supposed to be lovers during working hours. Finally, she just took hold of his wrist and pulled it away from her hip. He let her scoot sideways to put two feet of space between them, since he had laid his claim to her in a clear and decisive way.

He turned to Hugh, who was watching the byplay with an appreciative gleam in his eyes. “I thought you were filming today.”

“They don’t need me for another hour. Something about permits.”

“So you decided to bother my hardworking assistant?”

He heard Allie’s little huff of exasperation as she muttered, “You can’t have it both ways.”

“I came looking for you,” Hugh said. “Who was your conference call with?”

“A couple of foreign publishers.” Hugh looked relieved, while Gavin felt a spurt of irritation. “I can handle Greg and his cronies.”

“But I’d be pissed off if they were pressuring you again,” Hugh said. He turned his gaze on Allie. “Greg’s the executive producer of the Julian Best movies.”

Allie shifted on the sofa, and Gavin felt the weight of her concern. “I take back what I said about your discretion,” Gavin said, tossing a glare at his friend.