Page 11 of Hollywood Humbug (The Naughty List)

“What is there to say, Bianca? I walked in on you kissing Cannon.” I took a step closer, locking onto her turquoise orbs, which were currently spitting fire. It was sexy as hell and I fucking hated that I still wanted her after finding out just what kind of person she really was. “What kind of woman tells a man she loves him, then makes out with Santa—who just happens to be my brother—the first chance she gets? What was the point of stringing me along if it was him you always wanted?”

Scarlett let out a cute little growl, and my groin tightened, further pissing me off. “If there’s nothing to say, why aren’t we done with this pointless conversation?”

I paused for dramatic effect, letting the viewer see hurt flashing on my face before I covered it up with anger again. “I guess you’re right. The only thing left to say is, ‘We’re done.’ Goodbye, Bianca.” My fingers flexed, and I reached for her, then I balled them into fists and took two steps back.

Scarlett sighed and wrapped her arms around herself, looking at me with a devastated expression. “Hunter, did you ever stop for even one second to consider that things might not have been what they seemed?” She suddenly looked small and broken, which was a true testament to her talent, considering the real Scarlett had always been larger than life.

“I know what I saw, Bianca.” I gave her one last look of longing and betrayal, then stormed off the set.

“Cut!” Luca Regis—the director—called, standing from his chair. “We got it,” he grunted in his usual gruff and brooding tone. “We’re done for the night. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Luca,” Scarlett replied airily, smiling at the sound tech helping her remove her Lavalier microphone.

I just nodded, unable to stop glaring at her as I took off my mic and handed it to another tech. It seriously pissed me off that she didn’t appear to be as affected by me as I was by her. I also didn’t know why I cared so fucking much. I should’ve been glad that she wasn’t pining over me. But I liked the idea that she was suffering. And not just because it would be a fitting penance, but because misery fucking loves company.

It had been two years, but I still craved her. Still dreamt about her. Still wished I knew why she’d…whatever.I gritted my teeth and told myself to get a grip as I stomped off the set and headed for a dressing room. My phone buzzed, and I yanked it from my pocket to see my agent’s name flashing. I was still salty with her over convincing me to take the role in this ridiculous movie, especially after I found out about Scarlet’s involvement. And, I fucking hated Christmas.

Bah-fucking-humbug.

I stopped at the door to the dressing room and my thumb hovered over the answer button.

“Nice job.”

My head flew up at the unexpected sound of Scarlett’s voice right behind me. I twisted my torso and watched her approach, then pass me by.

“Your portrayal of a bull-headed, self-righteous asshole was spot on. Perhaps because you two are so much alike.”

I almost missed what she’d said because my eyes were glued to her perfect ass and swaying hips as she sashayed down the hall. My lips curled into a frown as I scowled at her back. “Is that all you’ve got, Red?” I asked in a caustic tone, using the nickname that had always pricked her temper. “You’re going to have to come at me with better ammunition than that if you want to hurt my feelings.” I laughed, somewhat bitterly because the truth was, she’d already caused me pain—while giving me a hefty blow to my ego. I never expected her to turn out like the other fame-hungry women who’d used me to further their own agendas.

“If I thought you had any, I’d try harder,” she sassed as she stopped outside the door to the next dressing room and pierced me with her unreadable turquoise eyes. “But, like Hunter, the wall you’ve built around yourself is too thick to penetrate. Perhaps that’s what makes you both so blind.”

I folded my arms across my chest and raised an eyebrow, silently staring at her, which was all the reaction she was going to get.

Scarlett watched me for a moment and stuck her hands in her back pockets. “You miss out on a lot when you aren’t willing to open your eyes and see beyond your assumptions.” Then she rolled her eyes and cocked her head to the side. “And heaven forbid you ever admit when you’re wrong.”

“One date and you think you know me so well?” I scoffed.

“No,” she mused with a shrug. “I thought I did. But I’m willing to admit I was wrong, because clearly, you weren’t who I thought you were.”

“Really?” I asked dryly. If anyone had turned out to be different, it was her. I had been completely sucker punched when I learned what she had done.

“Really.” Her eyes narrowed, and her sexy mouth pursed, irritation bleeding through her blank mask. “I would have pegged you as someone who would ask for an explanation before reacting. You have a reputation for being laid back and open-minded. So, did I see the real you? Or does the rest of the world and I’m just special?” The last part was said in an acidic tone. She observed me for a moment more, and though her outward expression remained neutral, I saw a wealth of emotion in her eyes. Then she shrugged and disappeared into the dressing room.

What was that about?

Her words had more of an impact than I expected. I’d never questioned how I’d handled the situation with Scarlett two years ago. There was no excuse as far as I was concerned…so I didn’t give her the chance to explain. Even though I still wondered why.

However, it had been her eyes that penetrated the wall of bitterness around me. Other than working on projects together from time to time, we hadn’t really spoken since the news broke in the rags.

Scarlett was a stellar actress, but having been in this business so long, I’d learned to see through people’s bullshit. Although, Scarlet had made me question my ability to read people. Still, I’d worked with Scarlett enough to know when she dropped the mask of her character. But our last real conversation had been over the phone…well, conversation was a bit of an overstatement. I’d been so angry that rather than let her speak, I hung up as soon as I’d said my piece. We’d never discussed it in person.

As she’d been speaking to me in the hall, though, her beautiful turquoise eyes had sparked with anger. And pain…she’d looked hurt and resigned.

For the first time, I admitted to myself that I might have made a colossal mistake.

Six

SCARLET

---