A Starlit Summer Read online

  ‘Learnt your lines?’ He definitely winked at her that time.

  ‘Ha ha.’ Jenna stabbed her fork into the pasta salad.

  ‘They’re my favourite scenes.’

  ‘What? The ones where you don’t have to learn any lines?’ Amanda grinned across the table at him.

  ‘I should be an extra.’

  ‘Rather than a bona fide Hollywood star?’ Timothy raised an eyebrow. ‘I’d stick to learning lines, mate.’

  Jenna chewed a mouthful of pasta. Their casual put-down made her squirm.

  Milo finished his food, pushed his plate away and leant back in his chair. His dark eyes focused on her. ‘So, when are we going to get to see where you’re staying, Jenna? You’re this mysterious woman, disappearing off every evening on your own. I want to see where you hang out away from the rest of us.’

  ‘Why don’t you all come back this evening?’

  ‘A party.’ Amanda clapped her hands.

  ‘Well, I mean, sort of. A few drinks, some food...’

  ‘Sounds good to me.’ Milo met her eyes and held her gaze. She squirmed again, but less from annoyance this time and more from his ability to make her feel flustered.

  ~

  It was strange doing the familiar drive back to Bramble Cottage with Milo. His tanned arm rested on the open window and sunglasses shaded his eyes. Jenna relished the breeze buffering her face as they bombed along narrow lanes. She’d got to know where the passing places were and her confidence in country driving had increased.

  Jenna pulled into the driveway and stopped on the gravel parking area. Apart from the cottage still being clad in scaffolding it exuded peacefulness the moment she switched off the engine.

  Milo got out of the car, took off his sunglasses and looked around. ‘This place is actually yours?’

  ‘My parents. Left to my mum by her aunt.’

  ‘It’s fucking ace.’ Milo took the box of wine and beer from off the back seat and walked to the front door.

  Jenna followed him, her eyes fixed on his broad shoulders and his flexed arm muscles as he carried the box of booze. It was more than just his fame that made him noticeable; he was confident and sure of himself. Fame probably helped with that, but Jenna got the feeling he’d always been like this. He’d probably been an infuriatingly cocky kid. They’d gone to the same drama school but he’d graduated four years before her and even back then, everyone had heard of Milo Blake. Everything about him screamed film star: his lusciously thick dark hair, tanned skin, handsome face with defined cheekbones, full lips and dark brooding eyes.

  He reached the door and Jenna squeezed past him. His aftershave mixed with the scent of the garden. She fumbled for the key in her bag. He was only a little bit taller than her but lean and muscular in all the right places as far as she could tell. Who was she kidding? She’d seen the shirtless photos in magazines – the top 100 sexiest men. He always made it on to those lists, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch.

  She sensed him behind her, so close she imagined him sliding his arms around her. She hurriedly pushed open the door and they went inside.

  Jenna switched on the light and dumped her bag on the kitchen table. ‘It needs work doing to it, mostly cosmetic though.’

  ‘It’s awesome.’ Milo put the box next to her bag and wandered across the kitchen. He peered up the stairs and then poked his head into the living room. ‘Bet there’s a fireplace hidden behind that monstrosity.’

  ‘Yeah, knocking that out is on the list for the builder to do once he’s finished working on the outside. There’s damp upstairs which is hopefully sorted now the roof’s fixed.’

  ‘I’d love to have an old house like this but the upkeep must be a nightmare.’

  ‘It’s okay if you’ve got the time and money to spend on it – or get someone in to fix it.’

  Silhouetted in the living room doorway, Milo turned and grinned. ‘I like my modern-as-hell apartment in central London, but a bolthole like this would be cool. Maybe in the South of France though.’ He winked and sauntered over, reached past her and pulled a bottle of beer from the box. ‘Got something to open this with?’

  Jenna searched through the drawer next to the cooker and pulled out a bottle opener. She opened two bottles and Milo clunked his against hers.

  ‘Cheers.’ He took a swig. ‘When are the others getting here?’

  ‘I think they were nearly done when we left. They should have wrapped by now.’ She took a sip of her beer, suddenly feeling star-struck at the sight of Milo Blake in the cottage kitchen. ‘Let’s go outside.’

  Clutching her beer bottle, she escaped into the warm but fresher evening. It wouldn’t get dark until much later, but the sun had dipped and its heat was filtered out by the trees surrounding the garden. She’d spent time with Milo over the past couple of weeks but she didn’t feel like she really knew him. She was flattered by his attention, though, and the chance to hang out with him. His interest in her was welcome but surprising. She knew Carla would scold her for not thinking she was worthy or pretty enough for his attention.

  They rounded the corner of the cottage and went past the scaffolding.

  Milo stopped. ‘Okay, this is awesome too.’

  The sun cast a glow across the garden – it was so still and quiet, almost otherworldly. They walked over to the worn wooden table and chairs that Jenna had rescued from the fallen-down outhouse.

  They sat down next to each other, both facing the cottage.

  Jenna glanced at Milo. ‘Do you like it, the fame?’

  ‘I like aspects of it. The intrusion sucks but I can’t be choosy, it comes with the territory. Who knows how long it’ll last – I plan on milking it for as long as I can. There’s always the threat of a new up and coming actor. It’s got easier over the years as I’ve become well known, but I still have to audition and chase roles...’

  ‘Join the club.’

  He swigged his beer and looked at her intently. ‘You got this job easily enough though, didn’t you?’

  Jenna put her bottle down and frowned. ‘I was expecting a call-back but my agent said they liked my look. How did you know?’

  ‘I liked your look.’

  Jenna’s frown deepened. ‘Wait. What? You got a say in choosing me?’

  ‘I got to choose a couple of roles, yours included.’

  ‘Who were the others?’

  He tapped the side of his nose. ‘Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?’

  ‘Why did I get the part?’

  ‘Why do you think? I mean, look at you.’ His eyes travelled from her face downwards.

  Jenna’s heart sank as his eyes lingered. If he was expecting her to put out just because he’d got her the job, then he didn’t know her very well.

  ‘So, I really was picked for the role because of the way I look.’

  ‘Get used to it, Jenna. The entertainment industry is ruled by the way people look. You’re beautiful, blonde and slim. You’ll go far. If you play the game.’

  Jenna’s eyes narrowed behind her sunglasses. Did he really mean what she thought he meant? Was he actually suggesting that being with him would advance her career?

  ‘I’m not sure that’s really what I...’

  A taxi turning into the drive ended their conversation. Timothy, Lily and Amanda piled out, slamming doors and shouting ‘hellos’. The taxi reversed down the drive and out on to the lane. The silence returned as it sped away.

  ‘I’m glad we didn’t have to drive and find this place.’ Timothy plonked a four-pack of cans and a bottle of gin on the table. ‘It’s in the middle of bloody nowhere, Jenna.’

  ‘I know. Perfect isn’t it?’

  ‘I miss the city.’ Timothy flopped on to one of the chairs.

  ‘I love it.’ Lily hugged Jenna. ‘I’m not surprised you’re staying here. I mean, the hotel’s great, but this place is stunning.’

  ‘Even with the scaffolding and mess.’

&
nbsp; Amanda held up a bag that was straining with the amount of things in it. ‘I have food and stuff that needs to go in the fridge.’

  Jenna stood, avoiding Milo’s gaze. He’d made her worried that she could actually mess up her career by saying the wrong thing. She motioned Amanda to follow. They headed back round to the front of the cottage and went inside.

  Jenna opened the fridge. ‘It’s pretty empty.’

  She stood back while Amanda stacked tubs of snacks and dips on the shelves.

  Amanda closed the fridge and stood up. ‘So, anything happen before we got here?’ She raised her eyebrows, giving Jenna a knowing look.

  ‘No, nothing. Sorry to disappoint.’

  ‘He so likes you though.’ Amanda gestured in the direction of the garden.

  She shrugged. ‘He likes everyone. He’s a total flirt.’

  ‘Rumour has it he likes beautiful blondes too.’ Amanda nudged Jenna’s arm.

  There were worse things to be, but Finn’s comment the other day in the garden about her being typecast was spot on. Would she ever have a diverse career like Carla, or even Lily and Amanda? Both were undeniably attractive but there seemed to be more scope to the roles they could go for. Maybe she should dye her hair, mix things up a little, but then she’d worry about not getting jobs. She wanted work on the strength of her acting ability not because of the way she looked, although she guessed that worked both ways. Carla got work on the strength of her looks too, it’s just Jenna was competing against every other pretty blonde twenty-something actress.

  ‘You’re in a daydream, Jenna.’ Amanda clicked her fingers in front of her face. ‘Come on, let’s join them.’

  They left the dim kitchen for the light evening. At least with everyone here now, the tension she’d felt at Milo’s suggestion had eased. Not that being with everyone else would stop him from pursuing her.

  Drinks flowed, the sun set, the laughter and chatter got louder and more raucous disturbing the birds in the trees. Maybe Jenna was overthinking things. Maybe she should go with the flow and welcome Milo’s advances? After all he was rich, famous, good looking, fit as anything, and they had plenty in common, both British, both actors, striving for the same thing, recognition, longevity, success. And despite her reservations, she was flattered by his attention and the idea of Milo and her... Jenna’s laughter was as loud as everyone else’s, her smile as big, her appetite for a good time equally matching Lily and Amanda’s thirst for a big night, and yet, in the pit of her stomach there was an uneasiness that just wouldn’t budge.

  Chapter Ten

  It was gone midnight before they started to head inside. Lily and Amanda had gone first complaining it was too chilly in their summer clothes with bare legs and arms pinpricked with goosebumps. Timothy lit a cigarette and remained sitting at the table puffing smoke into the clear night. Milo had wandered off to explore the garden, not that he could see much.

  Jenna cleared away the last of the glasses, smiling at Timothy before heading inside. She dumped the glasses next to the sink, finding the tiniest bit of space among the mess. They’d pretty much used every glass, mug and plate in the place. Lily and Amanda were chatting in the living room, the only sound disturbing the peaceful night. She was about to join them when she realised she’d left her mobile outside.

  It was much cooler now. The sky was black and twinkled with the silver of tiny stars. It was so different to the washed out sky back in London, polluted by the glow of the city. Earlier in the evening she’d strung outdoor lights around the picnic umbrella, but what little light they gave off only pooled around the edges of the table. The moon cast a silvery glow over the cottage but the trees surrounding the edges of the garden were shrouded in darkness.

  Timothy was no longer sitting at the table and her mobile wasn’t on it either. She searched around and found it on the grass. She began to head back around to the front of the cottage to join Lily and Amanda when she glimpsed movement. She paused, straining to look through the night, expecting to see a fox or possibly a deer. The moonlight gave just enough light to make out Milo and Timothy half-hidden among the trees with their arms wrapped around each other, kissing.

  She couldn’t look away, needing to make sure she’d seen right. Her heart thudded and her palms were sweaty. Milo had been flirting with her on set and the other evening at the hotel, plus after what he’d said in the garden before the others arrived... She was staring at them, with her mouth open. Gripping her mobile, she backed away and crept across the lawn.

  Laughter filtered into the night air from inside, amplifying the stillness and silence of the garden. A screech from the living room startled something in the undergrowth. Jenna shuddered at the rustling and exchanged the fresh night air for the warm kitchen. She closed the door behind her.

  ‘Hey Jenna,’ Lily called. ‘Where you been?’

  Jenna walked across the slate floor to the living room. ‘Just clearing up.’

  Amanda’s legs were curled up on the armchair and her usually pristine chestnut hair was now wild. ‘Where are Milo and Timothy?’

  Jenna flopped down on the sofa next to Lily giving herself time to reply and not really sure what to make of what she’d seen. ‘Still outside; I think Milo’s having a smoke.’

  ‘How are you still looking so with it?’ Lily sighed.

  ‘I don’t feel it. I’m going to regret how much I’ve drunk in the morning.’

  ‘Good genes, that’s what it is.’ Amanda pointed across the room at her. ‘You always look amazing even first thing in the morning before the make-up girls have had a go at us.’

  ‘Hey, I’m not the only one.’ Jenna threw a cushion at her. ‘You two have the loveliest clearest skin...’

  ‘Freckles,’ Lily said. ‘I have freckles.’

  The front door creaked open and footsteps pounded across the slate floor. Milo appeared in the living room doorway.

  ‘We okay to crash here tonight?’ He looked at Jenna. ‘I’m dog-tired.’

  ‘Of course. Wherever there’s space; there’s a spare room upstairs, this sofa.’

  ‘Thank God I’ve not got an early call time tomorrow,’ he said.

  Jenna pulled a face. ‘Unlike me. I’ve got to be there by seven.’

  ‘Me too.’ Timothy sidled in, squeezing past Milo. He caught Milo’s eye and sat down in the empty armchair opposite Amanda.

  Jenna looked between Milo and Timothy. She was certain they hadn’t seen her outside. They were behaving completely normally. Milo squeezed into the space on the sofa between her and Lily, his thigh touching hers. She was utterly confused. She’d been flattered by his attention. After all, he was the lead on the film, a big-name actor, a proper Hollywood star, and although his suggestive comments earlier had taken her by surprise, the more she thought about it as the night went on, the more the idea of being with Milo Blake appealed to her. Famous and influential with his model looks, dark hair and those deep brown eyes that made Jenna believe she was the only person in the world when he looked at her. And yet, she knew what she’d seen outside.

  ‘I’m bagging the spare room,’ Milo said with a grin.

  ‘Of course you would, Hollywood star and all,’ Lily said. She looked past him to Jenna. ‘I’ve already called a taxi for me and Amanda. We’re going to head back to the hotel in a bit. You can join us if you want, Tim?’

  Timothy yawned. ‘Not sure I can be bothered. Might crash on the sofa if that’s okay with you, Jenna?’

  ‘Of course it is.’

  Was that another look between Milo and Timothy or was she imagining things?

  ~

  Lily and Amanda left half an hour later. The bright headlights of the taxi punctured the darkness as it backed out of the drive and disappeared along the lane. Jenna closed the front door and locked it.

  She poked her head around the living room door. Timothy was lying on the sofa, a blanket over him, his hands tucked behind his head.

  He looked up at her. ‘See you bright and early in the
morning.’

  Jenna nodded. ‘Night.’

  She took the stairs two at a time. Light spilt from beneath the spare room door. She walked across the landing to her room and a door creaked open behind her. She turned. Milo was just in his pants, a shadowy figure silhouetted by the light behind him. He ran a hand through his thick dark hair and stepped across the landing.

  ‘Thanks for a great night.’ His warm hands slid down her bare arms. He leant in, his lips gently brushing her cheek before he pulled her into a hug. Conflicting and confusing thoughts flooded her head as their hug continued a bit too long, his firm hot body pressing tight against hers. Was this what he’d been insinuating earlier, his meaning behind ‘playing the game’? Was he expecting her to make the next move? How easy would it be to take his hand and lead him into her room? But the image of him and Timothy together made her falter. What the hell was she thinking? She knew what she’d seen out in the garden, and yet here he was, suggesting he wanted more than friendship. Maybe he liked men and women... But before she could make a decision, he released her.

  ‘Night, Jenna.’

  ‘Night, Milo.’

  She watched him retreat across the landing and close the door behind him without a backward glance. Jenna sighed and went into her room. This was the second time he’d teased her, and then nothing. What was he playing at? Maybe he was confused. She opened the windows as far as they’d go and breathed in the cool air. It was stuffy in her room so she left the curtains open in the hope of a bit of breeze finding its way through. She changed into her pyjama shorts and a vest and climbed into bed. She closed her eyes but her head immediately filled with thoughts of Milo in his underwear. That hug out on the landing, the blatant flirting on set. She’d be kidding herself if it hadn’t crossed her mind that she’d end up in bed with him tonight.

  She flung the sheet off. She’d been single for far too long. The only action she’d got in the last few months was kissing that hot model on a pop video she’d filmed a couple of months ago, and that didn’t count. Even though it was hardly an ordeal snogging a fit bloke all day long, they had been acting. And he of course had a girlfriend – it was the first thing he’d mentioned, setting clear boundaries.