Page 20 of Notorious (Hollywood Heartthrobs #2)

Spencer waved this away, and he asked, “So, what’s wrong with it?”

“The man is an asshole, uncaring to the feelings of others when the story starts out, but some part of him is also relatable. He’s sleeping his way through the entire population, which is a start to a hero arc.

Through trials, he becomes the snarky hero we all love, but when he cheats, which is a no-no in romance, especially a romantic comedy with no dark elements, it kills the desire we have to follow him throughout the rest of the story.

At that point, there is no absolving him of his ‘discretion.’ But there’s something that spurs me to read on, despite my misgivings. ”

Spencer nodded. “Yes, that’s what bothered me too, but I can’t figure out how to fix it.”

I reflected about it for a minute before I answered, “What I can’t shake and pulled me out of the story is that I want him to succeed and I’m not as shocked by the cheating the longer I stew about it.

If you want to keep the story as is, the protagonist needs to redeem himself, some action or proof the love interest will accept, and he’ll have to work through the rest of his time on screen to deal with the fallout, and allowing himself to be vulnerable by the end. But let me read the rest.”

Spencer took notes and nodded as I went back to the screenplay.

When I finished, I blinked.

“I can see what the writer was trying to do. Instead of ‘the love interest cheats and they break up with them because they are horrible,’ it becomes romantic and a solid relationship when he goes through the trials, all of which makes him realize how sorry he is for his actions. Yes, it’s jarring when it happens, but when you understand no one is perfect and all relationships are a work in progress and need constant communication to work, it makes sense for his story.

It has a great emotional impact and is memorable. ”

“So, no changes?” Spencer asked.

“Despite my heart hurting during the part where he admits his infidelity, this story is the writer’s interpretation of how they would handle the situation or have in this same way.

The painful and humbling aspect is that you never hear the story from the perspective of someone who deals with their partner cheating.

And there are people who choose to stay.

It might be a powerful movie if done right,” I concluded.

Lee cleared his throat and said, “It’s true.

In the past, whenever I came up with worst-case scenarios where my partner cheated, the knee-jerk reaction would be to break up with them, deal with the grief, and move on with someone else or by yourself, whatever the choice.

The way this story plays out is intriguing, if portrayed in a heartfelt way. ”

Curious, I glanced up when Spencer stood from his desk, rounded the corner where Lee stood, and proceeded with a kiss so dirty I chuckled and glanced away.

My eyes landed on Connor, who sat next to me with a contemplative expression. I reached over and squeezed his hand. “What it is, beautiful?”

As if pulled out of deep thoughts, he shook his head and said, “This might be perfect for both of us.”

Both Spencer and Lee panted when they broke apart, but turned to Connor.

“Con?” Lee asked.

He swallowed as his eyes met mine. I gave his hand an encouraging squeeze.

“Over the last year, I’ve been curious about transitioning into the director’s chair. I’m not giving up acting, but I would like the challenge being a director would pose. Would you guys trust me with this project?”

Lee nodded.

Spencer scoffed.

My smile was so huge, my cheeks hurt, but I was proud of my man for taking this chance.

“Connor, when I envisioned opening this production studio, all I wanted was the freedom to not only give people a voice without the run around given by the typical Hollywood elite, and to work on projects I believe in. If this script is something you want to tackle, and Lee will agree with me, then you should be the director,” Spencer said.

Lee chimed in. “Besides, I’ve seen you interact with your directors along with the crew, other actors, and even catering.

I’ve never seen another actor getting along with everyone like you do, because you’re a genuine, nice guy.

It will be a net positive to have someone who would look out after everyone on set. ”

“What would Kaid think about it? He should get a say in this decision.”

Lee picked up his cell and texted. A minute later, Kaid entered through the door with a brow raised. The suspicious look disappeared when he noticed me.

“Hey, Ollie. Doing good?”

Standing, I approached the staid man and gave him a hug, which he returned.

“Yeah, but this is between you four.” I turned toward Spencer and asked, “Should I step outside?”

Connor snagged my thigh and directed me to sit on his lap. I lost my balance, and it allowed him to wrap me up and cuddle me.

“I guess not,” Spencer laughed. “Besides, you’ve read the script and we don’t keep secrets from our partners.”

Kaid gave a twitch of his lip, but otherwise didn’t comment. I knew he was thinking about Lewis and I wondered, although I kept quiet, how their relationship was going.

“What’s going on?” Kaid asked.

“Connor wants to direct a movie, and Lee and I think he’d be perfect for it.”

If there was any surprise, he didn’t display any signs of it. “Which one?”

Spencer handed the script I’d been reading over the man, and he raised his brow, turning to Connor. “I understand wanting to do something new. But this is a heavy story, especially the cheating. Is that a subject you want to cover?”

“It’s where the second part of my idea comes in.

I think with Ollie as the script supervisor, working alongside the person who wrote the script, and with suitable actors for the roles, yeah, I think the story would come alive on screen with enough emotional resonance to draw the audience into the theaters in droves,” Connor said.

Stunned, I stood and faced Connor. “What?”

He linked our fingers together and smiled the soft, genuine smile I’ve seen every day since we became boyfriends. But Spencer drew my attention away from Connor’s pleading eyes.

“Oh, oh. Yeah, I should have thought about that. That’s perfect.

You two working together is a great idea.

Ollie understands what the scriptwriter wanted to convey, even giving the entire story a read before making a judgement.

It’s that attention to detail that will benefit you as the director, Con. Yeah, that’s perfect,” Spencer said.

Kaid nodded and handed me the script. “That’s all I needed to hear. I approve of both positions. Good luck and let me know if you need anything.”

Determination was my predominate emotion when I nodded at Kaid. “Thanks. I’ll find out whatever the script supervisor does and it’ll be my pleasure to work with Connor to get this movie made.”

After that, my brain was a whirlwind of disjointed thoughts about how I would fill the position I didn’t even know was a thing until Connor suggested it. I pulled out my phone and started down the rabbit hole of research. It was exciting. I’d help make the movie come alive for Connor.

By the time I finished, the list on my phone was a mile long. I glanced up and blinked when Connor pressed a kiss to the top of my head.

“I’ve been thinking about how much work this will be for you, but what happens if it cuts into your writing time?”

The honest, worried expression on his face squeezed my heart in my chest, and for a long moment, I forgot to breathe.

Connor, underneath the exterior renowned movie star, both beautiful and gracious, had a heart of gold.

He loved with a fierce loyalty, wanted the best for strangers and friends alike, and still had room to pursue his dreams. I wanted what was best for Connor, and I’d do whatever I had to for them to become a reality.

“Beautiful. I have a laptop and can work anywhere. I’m in this with you.”

Spencer cleared his throat. “Besides, with how systemized Ollie is with writing his books, you’ll have a schedule of things you need to get through each day, with some time for creative expression.

It’s a learning experience and I hope you aren’t putting too much pressure on yourself to make things perfect. ”

A brilliant, beaming smile lit up Connor’s expression. “No, thrilled to get started, to be honest. I know it’ll be a lot of work, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll take the script home and read it again, making notes. And I’ll contact Ava Inoue and get her started on the casting call outs.”

“And think about the crew you want to hire. When you’re settled in the next couple of weeks, we’ll announce production starting soon with you as director. Do you have any idea who might play the lead?” Spencer asked.

I’ve seen Connor excited, tired, sad, angry, and turned on, but the hesitation on his face as he glanced back through the doorway Kaid left through brought a realization.

“Oh,” I whispered, nodding.

Connor met my eyes and agreed. “Yeah.”

Lee caught on and said, “Kaid would be perfect for the role. But if it happens, we need to support him through the trying scenes. A great way would be to hire Lewis as the caterer, so he’d be close by whenever Kaid needs emotional support.”

“But isn’t he still filming the action movie?” I asked.

Spencer shook his head. “They finished last week. But he hired on Lewis to be his live-in chef, even though he would stay without getting paid. But that’s a problem for another time. I’m excited for you, Con. I think this will be a great opportunity. And if you need any help, just let us know.”

Connor stood and wrapped Spencer in a hug before moving to Lee. He then linked his fingers with mine and pulled me closer.

“I appreciate your support. I’ll figure out a way to convince Kaid to star in the movie, and give him a say on who he’d like to be his co-star, but I’ll leave it a few days. In the meantime, Ollie and I are off to have dinner. Thanks again.”

Excitement thrummed through me as we left the building, Connor leading me to his SUV. Before he started the car, he asked, “Where would you like to go for dinner?”

I shook my head. “We should head home and tell your family. You know mama would want to hear about your first directorial debut from you.”

Not proud of myself, but a squeak escaped me when Connor grabbed my waist and maneuvered me to straddle his lap.

He cupped my face and when his tongue teased my bottom lip; I opened for him, once again overwhelmed by his kiss.

My arms draped over his shoulders and I whimpered as he tilted his head and deepened the kiss.

Unable to help myself, I ground my hard dick against his stomach, moaning into Connor’s mouth as my brain became fuzzy with need.

Breathless and gasping for air as we pulled apart, I couldn’t help my cheeks heating at the desperation on his face.

“What?”

“You, carino mío , are good for my heart.”

It took every ounce of control not to blurt out how much he meant to me.

Falling for Connor would be as easy as taking a breath.

Hell, in the recesses of my deepest thoughts, I could admit to losing my heart to this man at his first encouraging smile when we met.

But being able to keep the man was a novel concept, and I wasn’t sure I’d be lucky enough.

“I’m proud of you for voicing your desire to direct. And you know your mom will be thrilled. Especially if we decide to film here. But that’s your decision and I’m on board for anything you decide.”

I returned to my seat and tilted my lips up when he reached for my hand, laying it on his lap, before he started the SUV and drove us toward home.

With my thoughts on what I read about the position, making the movie come alive and keeping the schedule on track seemed like a new challenge, one I would take on with gusto.

And bringing a story to life is another positive.

As Connor parked, I blinked, pulling myself out of my thoughts, to see I took notes on my phone.

“Ready?”

A smile lit me up from the inside, and I nodded. “Oh, have the paparazzi left?”

“There wasn’t anyone outside. Despite my lurid past, I’ve never created a suspicion for them to stay very long. And if we confirm nothing to the press, then there is no story.”

Connor hopped out, and I followed. When we entered the kitchen, it was to loud voices and laughter, and I noticed even Sam and Thomas were in the kitchen.

“Hey, mama.”

She gave us a smile when she noted our linked hands, but unlike every other time, she clapped her hands and asked, “What are you two so excited about?”

“I’m going to direct my first film,” Connor said.

I waited with a small smirk and laughed aloud when the room erupted in cheers.

The triplets threw themselves at Connor, who held him close as they cuddled him.

Next, his mama gripped him tight and kissed him on the cheek, her face beautiful with the proud smile.

Both of his sisters kissed him on the cheek, and even Sam pulled Connor into a hug.

“And… Ollie is going to be my script supervisor on his first Hollywood production.”

“Holy shit,” Landon exclaimed, then flinched when his mama slapped the back of his head.

Linus lunged forward, and I hugged him. “This is so cool. We didn’t know you wanted?—”

“Spencer called me in for help with a script, and when I read it through, I enjoyed it. So did Connor. And when he volunteered to direct, he also volunteered me to be a script supervisor.” I leaned closer and whispered, “No clue what the position is like, but I want to find out. If I can help Connor with his directorial debut, all the better.”

“We’ll visit you on set, and you can put us to work,” Lyric said.

Connor huffed, “You’ve never offered to help me during a production.”

“You’re protective of us, Con. But we’re almost eighteen, and we know how to take care of ourselves.

We can use this experience as something to put on our college applications, and it’ll get us out of study hall and credit us with work study since we’ve taken all the required classes needed to graduate.

Besides, Ollie’s our favorite person and if he’s going to be away from home most of the time, we’re coming with,” Landon said.

“Fine,” Connor huffed, but the happiness shone from the brilliant smile on his face, knowing his brothers would be close.

“Let’s celebrate,” Valentina announced.