Dating Games(56)

As I reach the ornate living room, my eyes focus on a painting hanging on the far wall. From the limited exposure I’ve had to art, it appears to be impressionist. Broad brushstrokes and muted colors. I step toward it to get a better look.

“Do you like art?” a voice inquires.

I whirl around to see a man I estimate to be in his forties approach. He has a touch of silver in his beard, making him look distinguished. He has a full head of dark hair and mesmerizing gray eyes I’d recognize anywhere.

“Holy crap,” I say, covering my heart with my hand. “You’re Ethan Ludlow.”

“Guilty as charged.” He winks, approaching me. “And you must be the lovely Guinevere I’ve been hearing about all afternoon.”

“Trust me, I doubt anything you’ve heard is true.”

“Not much you hear about in the Hamptons is.” He leans against the wall, crossing his arms. “But it’s not all bad. And it’s not all lies. I can now confirm a few things with my own eyes.”

“And what’s that?” I smooth a strand of hair behind my ear, trying not to freak out over the idea that I’m standing here, having a casual conversation with Ethan Ludlow, child actor who rose to fame playing on one of the longest-running sitcoms in the 80s. He had a leading role in a few movies during his teens and twenties, then decided to try his hand directing and producing. The movies with his name attached are some of the most popular ones out there. And I’m standing next to him. I want to pinch myself to make sure this is real.

“You have some incredible…assets.” He waggles his brows and a chill instantly envelopes me as he advances. The stench of alcohol wafts from his breath, and I back up as my heart drops to the pit of my stomach.

I grit out a smile, brushing him off as Sadie’s warning about this kind of thing plays in my head. While there are some good guys here, a lot of them think their overflowing bank accounts allow them to have anything they want. They don’t realize there are things in this world that can’t be bought. And what they can’t buy, they simply take.

“I suppose they could be saying much worse. If you’ll excuse me, I should be getting back to the party.”

“I heard you’re a writer for a magazine,” he says, preventing my retreat. “I’m always interested in meeting new writers to see what kind of ideas they have. Ever consider working in the film industry?” He leers at me.

I wish I had more than this flimsy coverup on. Every time Julian had stolen a glance, he gazed at me in a way that made me feel like the most beautiful woman around. This guy makes me feel like I’m a piece of meat. Is that how he looks at every woman?

“I’m happy at the magazine.” I attempt to sidestep him, but he mirrors my movement, blocking me again.

“Come now. There’s a vast difference between working for a women’s magazine and working on a script for the next blockbuster. Who wouldn’t want to be involved in something like that? People would kill to be in your shoes right now.” He closes the distance, the heat of his breath like the blade of thousands of knives. “In more ways than one.”

I swallow down the bile rising in my throat, unable to believe this is actually how Ethan Ludlow behaves. Growing up, he had the persona of being a wholesome kid from a great family. Hell, he’s married to Sonia Moreno. They’re the Hollywood power couple. Why would he be hitting on me when he has someone as stunning as Sonia at home?

“Like I said…” I attempt to mask the tremor in my voice, peering over his shoulder in the hopes of finding a familiar face. Unfortunately, no one here is familiar. “I’m happy at the magazine.”

When he places his hand against the wall, I duck underneath it, walking as fast as my legs can carry me. I only make it a few feet before a pair of arms wrap tightly around me, pulling me against a hard body. Instinct kicks in and I struggle, thinking it’s Ethan. But it’s not, the arms holding me warm and familiar. When I look up, I stare into Julian’s frantic and concerned eyes. He rakes his gaze over me, trying to figure out what has me so rattled. Then he glares over my shoulder, every muscle in his body tensing.

“Julian,” Ethan says as he approaches. Julian’s protective grip tightens around me. “Good to see you again. I was just getting to know your girlfriend here.” He continues past us, smirking, holding his head high and acting as if he can do whatever he wants. “I’m looking forward to getting to know her even better over the next few months.”

Julian doesn’t utter a single word, staring him down until he disappears through the living room. Once he’s out of view, Julian returns his attention to me, scanning my body for any hint of harm.

“Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” His voice sounds frenzied, desperate.

“I’m fine,” I assure him. “He’s just like every other asshole here who thinks they can treat women like property.”

“Except for me.”

I open my mouth to agree, but he is using me as a pawn in whatever game he’s playing.

“Except for me,” he repeats, this time firmer. “Right?”

“It doesn’t matter.” I push away from him, but he’s in front of me before I can return to the party.

“It does, Guinevere. It matters to me. I don’t…” He runs a hand through his hair, tugging at it.