The Assistant and her Playboy Celebrity

It was the day before my 18th birthday when my mother was murdered. It appeared to be a home invasion. I should have been home, but I had a school project due and stayed late at the library. It is hard not to think of the "what if's". What if I was home, would I have been killed too? What if I could have saved her? The guilt I feel for not being there engulfs me some days.

I never knew my father and I do not have any siblings. It was just me and my mom. The only other family I had was my best friend, Theo. We have known each other since we were little and talk every day.

After graduation, me and my mom were going to move to Los Angeles together. My lifelong dream was to be a famous actress in Hollywood. Theo didn't want me to go. He would always say that I was too good for Hollywood and that it would ruin me one day.

But I felt all alone now and wanted nothing more than to leave. Theo tried convincing me to stay. He told me that I would have regrets leaving without knowing who my mother's killer was. But the police had zero leads and I had nothing left here in this small town. He tried getting me to stay for him, but I just wanted to be away from everything and everyone who reminded me of home and my mom. I know it hurt him, but it hurt me more to stay.

So, after graduation I left for California and never looked back.

Theo would text me every day. At first, I would respond, but after a while I stopped and so did he. Years had passed and I did a good job of forgetting my old life.

I just celebrated my 22nd birthday and you would think by now that I would have some acting gigs under my belt. But I found out very quickly how hard it is to break into show business.

All the money I got from my mom's passing had run out and I had to take odd jobs to make ends meet. I worked at a diner for a while. Then I got a job at a fancy boutique. This is where I got my big break and met Charles Sampson. He was shopping for his wife and was saying how his assistant had just quit due to a family emergency and he was in desperate need of a new one.

Charles was in his 60's but he had a long acting career under his belt and just landed a major role in a successful series. I jumped at the opportunity as this could be a great stepping stone for me to land an acting role. Plus, I could learn a lot from him. I felt like things were finally looking up for me.

I had been working for Charles for a few weeks and today was the day we got to go on set for filming. I was beyond excited and really nervous.

"Victoria, please stop playing with your hair." Charles said.

"I am so sorry." I said as I put my hands under my legs so I couldn't do it again. It was one of my nervous habits and was hard to control.

"You will do great. You do not need to be nervous. If anything, I should be the one being nervous." he said as he laughed.

There were a lot of big named actors and actresses on this show, and I was excited but scared to meet them. So far, Charles is the biggest celebrity I have ever met.

The car dropped us off at the entrance of the set for today.

We both walked in and were greeted by the producer. She had her assistant show us to his fitting room.

As we were walking by the suites, I glanced at the name on the wall outside of one of the doors and saw Luca Hayes. I have had a crush on him for as long as I can remember. I couldn't believe I was walking by his fitting room.

The door was open, and I peeked in. He was pulling a shirt over his head and all I could see was his toned abs. I didn't stop staring until his shirt covered them. I quickly looked up and we made eye contact. I could feel my face heat up and immediately turn red.

He had this cute smirk on his face, and I looked away and left as fast as I could.

I was so embarrassed. He probably thought I was some weirdo, just staring at him. I wouldn't be surprised if I had drool coming out of my mouth.

I hurried and caught up with Charles and the assistant.

We arrived at his fitting room and his stylist was ready for him. I didn't need to be there for this so I asked, "Is there somewhere that I can set up my laptop to work on emails?"

The assistant showed me to a communal area with food, wifi and a lounge area.

"Be careful with him. He is known to make you feel special, but it is all a lie." She said as she walked away. I looked up from my laptop and saw Luca walking toward me. I didn't dare say a word and just looked back at my screen.

"Did you like what you saw?" he asked.

I kept my eyes down and said. "I don't know what you are talking about."

The last thing I wanted was to get caught up in any of his games. Plus, this job meant everything to me, and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that.

"What's your name?" he asked.

I didn't want him to think I was interested in him so, I picked up my phone and acted like someone had called me.

"Excuse me, I need to take this." I said as I grabbed my things quickly and ran to the bathroom. I really had nowhere to go but I just needed to get out of there.

After about 10 minutes, I figured the coast was clear and left the bathroom.

I walked back to Charles fitting room hoping he was finished with hair and makeup. Luckily, the door was open, and they were just finishing up.

Charles noticed me outside the door. "Oh good, you are back. We are about to head to the set. Would you like to come and watch a few takes? It is great experience for you."

Without hesitation I said, "Absolutely I would!"

We walked down the halls and made our way to the set. I got goose bumps from being so excited. Even though I am not the one acting on set, it is still so amazing to be here for this.

There it was, a full living room set surrounded by lights and cameras. I am sure I looked like a kid in a candy store.

"You again?" a voice said behind me.

My smile dropped and I turned to look at him. It was Luca.

"It would be so much easier to say hello to you, if I knew your name." he said.

"Luca, this is my assistant, Victoria. Please let her know if you need anything." Charles said.

"Nice to meet you, Victoria." Luca said.

"Charles, we need you on set." the director said.

It was just me and Luca now. I couldn't help but feel nervous. He was insanely attractive and all I could do was stare at him.

I caught myself, looked away and said, "Nice to meet you."

"Anything, huh?" he asked.

"What?" I asked confused.

"Just curious if you really would get or rather do anything I needed?" he said with a smirk as he walked away.

Was he flirting with me? My heart was beating so loudly that I could barely hear anything else. No, I must have misinterpreted it.

There is no way he could be interested in me. He must just do this with everyone, like the assistant warned.

Filming was about to begin so I found a chair in the back and sat down.

It still felt so surreal that I was watching live filming on a Hollywood set. I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

My eyes kept landing on Luca, and I found it hard to look away. He was mesmerizing. He rarely needed to do any retakes. He was practically perfect every time.

Filming looked to be wrapping up, so I decided to use the restroom before it was time to leave.

I fixed my makeup and as I was walking out of the restroom, I bumped into someone right outside the door, and it was like walking into a wall. I fell straight to the ground.

"I am so sorry. I should have been paying better attention." I said as I looked up from the ground.

"You fall to the ground, and you are apologizing to me?" he asked as he reached out his arms and picked me up with ease.

"I, ummm, didn't know it was you." I said.

"If you knew it was me then you wouldn't have apologized?" he asked confused.

He was still holding onto me, and I realized how close we were to each other, and I quickly pulled away.

"No, that was not what I meant. I should go find Charles." I said as I tried to pull away, but he held onto me and pulled me a little closer.

"Why do I get the impression that you don't like me?" he asked.

I didn't know what to say. I just stared into his bright blue eyes and felt like I was getting lost in them.

Luckily, I pulled away from his trance and said "I don't even know you."

It is true. I don't know him personally, even though I felt like I knew him from watching him on television and movies for years.

"Have dinner with me?" he asked.

His question threw me off.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"So you can get to know me." he said.

"I can't. I drove here with Charles and my car is back at the office." I said.

"I can drive you to your car." he said.

I was honestly perplexed. Why is he intent on taking me to dinner? There must be some kind of hidden agenda he has. I mean sure, I consider myself attractive but I am not rich nor a celebrity, I am a nobody.

"Go get your things. I know the perfect place." he said as he let go of me and walked to his fitting room.

Well, he sure was confident in himself.

I walked slowly back to get my things. I was still trying to figure out what just happened.

As I was packing up my things, Charles walked up to me.

"Great, I found you. I have a few more takes on this scene to get it right but it is getting pretty late. There is no reason for you to have to hang around here. I can arrange for a car to take you to pick up yours." he said.

"Oh, I don't mind, I can wait." I said.

"I will take her to her car." Luca said as he grabbed my laptop bag from me.

"That is wonderful of you Luca. Thank you. Is that ok with you, Victoria?" Charles asked.

Did I have much of a choice?

"Sure." I said but I was still feeling hesitant.

"Perfect, I will see you tomorrow." Charles said and he walked back to the set.

"Shall we?" Luca asked.

He started walking away but I didn't move. He looked back and said "Well? Come on."

I started walking but slowly.

"If you continue walking this slow, I have no choice but to pick you up and carry you." he warned.

I stopped, looked at him and tried to figure out if he was serious. But then he started walking toward me and I did not want to find

out, so I quickened my pace.

"That's better." he said with a laugh.

We walked out of the building and reached his car. His car probably cost more money than I have made in my whole life.

He of course was a gentleman and opened the door for me. I got in and could not believe how comfortable the seat was. He turned the car on, and it lit up like a spaceship. It probably had every feature a car could have.

"Tell me a little bit about yourself, Victoria." he said.

What is there to say? My mom was murdered, her killer was never found. I left my hometown to be an actress. I have no social life because I spend all my time working, yet have no money. Plus, I am still not an actress. Sounds depressing.

"You first." I said.

"I am a Gemini and I like long walks on the beach." he said as he laughed.

I giggled and I realized how funny he was.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"It is a favorite spot of mine. It is up in the hills and kind of a hole in the wall but it is worth it." he said.

"Is it far? I can't stay out too late." I said.

"So, do you have a boyfriend?" he asked as he completely disregarded my question.

"No, I don't really have time to date." I said.

"Why not? You have time right now." he said.

"My life is complicated." I said.

"How old are you? Have you ever had a boyfriend?" he asked.

He seems very intrusive, but I wanted to know where he was going with all these questions.

"Wow, don't you think these questions are very personal? I mean, I just met you!" I said loudly.

He started laughing and it kind of pissed me off.

"What is so funny?" I asked.

"You are a virgin, aren't you?" he asked.

My eyes widened in shock and my face instantly turned red. It was red from embarrassment but also anger. Who does he think he is to ask me these questions? We just met. I don't care if he is famous or not.

"I think this was a bad idea. Can you take me to my car please?" I pleaded.

"Sorry if I offended you. I am a very straightforward person. I don't have time to beat around the bush. If I am attracted to someone, I want to know right away if we are compatible." he said.

He is attracted to me? This was all too surreal.

"What makes you think I am attracted to you?" I asked angrily.

He pulled over and stopped the car.

"What are you doing? Do you want me to get out here?" I asked.

He turned and looked at me.

"Don't be silly. I won't let you get away that easily." He said.

"Then what are you doing? I want to go back to my car." I said.

"You really aren't attracted to me?" he asked.

He knows very well that most women would be attracted to him. He was trying to call my bluff.

"Is it really that hard to believe that I am not?" I asked.

He leaned closer to me and his face was close to mine. My heart has never raced like this before. I could feel a pressure building down there that I have never felt before. My entire body tensed up.

He turned his face, leaned even closer and now I could feel his breath on my neck.

"You sure about that? Because your body is saying otherwise." He said in my ear with such authority, and it turned me on even more. But, I had to stand my ground. I leaned back and looked out the window.

He laughed and put the car in drive.

I have never felt so flustered in my life. I was young when my mom died and I never really had the chance to date. Since moving to the big city, my life has been consumed with working long hours just to make ends meet. I just didn't have the time for a social life.

I sat there trying to calm myself down.

"Are you being so quiet because you know I am right?" he asked.

I didn't answer.

"I'll take your silence as a yes." he said.

It was strange, I normally didn't care for such brazen arrogance. But he was different. I found it charming and somewhat comforting.

We pulled up to a cute little diner. It was all by itself in the hills.

"I thought you were going to take me to my car?" I asked.

"I will. But we are already here. I know you must be hungry." he said as he got out of the car.

I sat there, debating whether I wanted to get out or not. Before I knew it, he had opened my door and reached his hand out.

"I don't bite. Not unless you want me to of course." he said.

I looked up at him with my eyes wide.

"I am just kidding. Come on, let's go. I promise you will be fine." he said.

Just then my stomach growled. I really was hungry. So, I figured I might as well eat.

I didn't grab his hand though and he just laughed it off.

"I like how feisty you are." he said.

"I am not feisty. I am......guarded." I said.

"I see. Well, we can get some food and you can tell me all about why you are so guarded." he said.

We walked side by side into the diner.

It was small, the lighting was dim and there were only a few people inside, but it felt very inviting. The smell made my stomach rumble even more.

"Mr. Hayes, do you want your regular table?" the waiter asked.

"Thank you, Javier. That would be great." he said.

We followed him up some stairs and there was a very quaint rooftop deck. Patio lights strung across the top for the perfect glow.

There were only a few tables up here and one couple in the corner, cozied up to each other. It was very romantic.

"Here you are sir. I will be back to take your order." he poured us some wine and he left.

I sat down and felt a little strange. I just met him, but this seemed planned or maybe he does this with lots of women like the assistant said.

"Cheers." he said as he held up his wine glass.

I clinked my glass to his and took a drink. I don't normally drink, and I don't really like red wine. I tried my hardest not to make a face.

"Do you take a lot of women here?" I asked.

He put his glass down, tilted his head and looked at me.

"Tell me, why are you this way?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You act like I have some sort of hidden agenda. Are you always this defensive?" he asked.

"I am not stupid. You could have any woman on the planet practically, why am I here?" I asked.

"You really need to work on your self confidence. You are a gorgeous woman. Why would I not be interested in you?" he asked.

"If you think for one second that all of this is going to get me in your bed, you are sorely mistaken." I said.

He laughed and moved his chair closer to me. My heart started beating fast again. I kind of hated how he made me feel like this. I would love to actually date him but that just seemed too far fetched and I needed to protect myself. Maybe I have just been alone for too long. I don't know how to have relationships with anyone outside of work.

"Don't worry, I would never force you into doing anything you don't want to do. But lets be honest here. You and I both know that there is a strong attraction between us." he said.

"Attraction isn't everything." I said.

"You are right! That is why I am trying to get to know you." he said.

"Why me?" I asked.

"There is a charm about you that I like. You get flustered when you are turned on. I first noticed it when you saw me changing. I think it is insanely attractive." he said.

"What? I was not turned on. I barely know you." I said angrily.

He moved even closer to me, and I knew he was trying to prove his point.

He used his hand to lift my chin up to him. We were staring into each other's eyes as he leaned in. His lips were mere inches from mine. I closed my eyes because I was overwhelmed with emotions. It had been a year since my last kiss, and this felt like it was going to be far more intense.

But just as he got closer, he dodged my lips and whispered in my ear. "I told you not to worry. I will give you the time until your heart is ready. Even though your body clearly is."

He sat back just as the waiter came back to our table. "Are we ready to order?" he asked.

"I am so sorry. I haven't had a time to look at the menu." I said as I picked it up.

"I can come back." he said.

"Do you like Fettucine Alfredo? Because theirs is the best." Luca Asked.

"It is my favorite, actually." I said.

"Perfect, two fettuccines please Javier." he said.