One Wild Ride: A Hollywood Chronicles Novel Read online

  “It wasn’t a pleasure being hit by you, Elle!” I holler back just as the car door slams closed. She rolls down the passenger window and leans over the passenger seat.

  “Send me the bills!” It’s the last thing she says before offering a wave of her hand and taking off out of the lot, her silver BMW tires screeching as she speeds away.

  “What was that?” the guy pushing me through the sliding glass doors asks.

  “Everything I think I’ve ever wanted,” I respond, a smile pulling at my lips.

  * * *

  “Mr. Cowen,” the older doctor says as he pulls up a set of X-rays on his laptop. “It’s definitely broken.” He points to the black-and-white picture that shows my right ankle with a broken bone. “The good news is, it’s a clean break. We’ll get you in a temporary splint until your swelling goes down and then we’ll need to cast it. You’ll be non-weight bearing for four to eight weeks.”

  Four to eight weeks? Holy shit. Dominic, my agent, was so not gonna be kosher with that. If I thought Elle was busting my nuts . . .

  “The bad news is that you were hit by a car, and although you were wearing a helmet, you’re showing signs of a concussion. We’d like you to stay overnight for observation.”

  “Observation? I was wearing a helmet and the only thing that hurts is my ankle,” I argue with him.

  “Do I need to remind you again that you were hit by a car?” He looks at me over the top of his wire-rimmed glasses. “I’d like to do a CT scan to make sure there is no internal damage. If that checks out clear, you can go home tomorrow.”

  The old man stands, sliding the laptop under his arm as he looks down at me. “Someone from registration will be by shortly and we’ll get that ankle splinted after your CT scan.”

  I clench my jaw and nod, dismissing the doctor. “Who would you like us to notify of your admission?”

  Fucking Elle . . . silver-BMW-driving princess, that was who.

  “Let me get you a number.” I smirk, and he nods before sauntering away.

  Three

  Elle

  My limo left me, the zipper on my dress got caught on a red sequin, and the curls ironed into my hair were falling out of their hold.

  But I was going to make it on time, damn it.

  I was going to make it.

  Stumbling into the elevator in my heels and trying not to trip over the short train at the back of my dress, I anxiously poked at the garage floor button.

  “Come on, come on, come on,” I coaxed as the elevator swiftly dropped from the top penthouse floor where my condo was located to the parking garage in the basement.

  The second the doors slid open, I was racing for my car that now had a big scrape across the back bumper.

  Compliments of one Kas Cowen.

  Obviously, the memory of him wasn’t going to be erased quite so easily.

  Pushing down the jolt of remorse that just had to be mixed with a fat dose of attraction, I focused on getting to my dad’s premier. An hour ago, Kaylee had texted me that her limo was picking her up and she’d see me there, which she damned well would.

  I jerked my car out of its spot—albeit a little more carefully than I’d done earlier this afternoon. For the first time, I wished that maybe I had traded my baby in earlier this year like I’d considered before I’d decided to save a little more for a down payment.

  My parents had gotten me this car as a high school graduation present and my condo for my college graduation.

  Both over the top and ostentatious and done with the biggest amount of love and care that I ever could have imagined. It also would have been stupid of me to refuse either under the guise of wanting to stand on my own two feet.

  I wasn’t so spoiled that I didn’t recognize that.

  Now, I was determined to do the rest by myself.

  But, damn, had I splurged and purchased a new car a little earlier, I might actually have had a backup camera like every other normal human being on the face of the planet seemed to. Had I, I wouldn’t have run Kas down.

  God only knew how much that accident was going to cost me.

  Hell, I’d be lucky if that man didn’t sue me.

  I jumped out into the heavy evening traffic, cursing under my breath. Luckily, the theater should only be about ten minutes away.

  My phone rang from the console. It had to be Kaylee wondering where I was. Again.

  I reached for it to assure her I was just around the corner, freezing up when I saw the name on the screen.

  It was the same hospital I’d dropped Kas off earlier.

  Panic surged through me.

  What if he was hurt worse than just a broken ankle? What if something horrible happened between the time I’d left him at the door and now? Maybe I should have gone in with him. Made sure he was okay.

  Warily, I answered it. “Hello?”

  “Ms. Elle?” a woman asked from the other end of the line.

  Ms. Elle.

  I bit back a laugh. I hadn’t even given him my last name. Some things you just had to protect.

  “Yes?”

  “Hi, I’m Martha in admitting at St. John’s. We have your number listed as the next of kin for Mr. Kassius Cowen.”

  Next of kin?

  “Is he . . . okay?” I managed.

  “He does have a broken ankle, and we are keeping him for monitoring, but we do need you to come in and sign some paperwork in order for us to admit him and get him to imaging for a CT scan.”

  “Sign paperwork?”

  “You are listed as the guarantor.”

  Shit. I’d told him I would pay for whatever was needed. And I would. But I needed to get to that premier. “Is that . . . necessary?”

  “The ER physician wants to ensure he doesn’t have a concussion. He was hit by a car. And he’s asking for you.” Was that a little sarcasm in her voice?

  God, I had to be the most selfish person in the world. This guy could actually be injured. Really injured. Even if he was a huge pain in my ass and got under my skin in the flash of a second I didn’t know if I could just leave him hanging like this.

  But just being in his presence felt dangerous.

  And exciting.

  Bad Elle, I scolded myself. Look, don’t touch. But, somehow, I knew even looking at this man could get me in to trouble.

  But this wasn’t about me.

  This was about a guy I’d mowed down with me car and my father’s premier. No matter which choice I made, I was going to be letting someone down.

  And I wanted to be there for my father. I did. More than anything. But Kas was relying on me for his well-being. His health had to win out.

  I jerked into the next lane and made a quick right turn. “I’ll be there in five minutes,” I told her and killed the call, gunning the engine as I headed toward the hospital. I weaved in and out of traffic, making quick turns, and what felt like a moment later, I was swinging into a parking spot and running into the ER in a red-sequined dress.

  People staring.

  Just awesome.

  I ran to the counter and asked for Kas. Two minutes later, I was being led down a hall and into a curtained-off area, the admitting nurse telling me she would be bringing in the paperwork for me to sign.

  “Thank you,” I told her as I pushed aside the drape to step into the small space.

  My breath left me.

  Kas was lying in the bed, his jacket and clothing traded for a hospital gown.

  The goofiest grin on his face. “Princess,” he said, slurring a little.

  I frowned. “Kas?”

  “What are you wearing? I really must be dead. Women just don’t really look like that in real life. Come here, angel, get in this bed with me.”

  Redness flew across my flesh, deep enough I’m sure it matched my gown. “Are you drunk?” I asked him.

  A deep chuckle rumbled out, and he swung his arm around that was attached to a tube. “Nope. But I am feeling jussstttt fine,” he drew out, slurring on the last. Clearly,
they had something potent dripping into his veins.

  “You were in pain?” I cringed when I said it, the realization that I had actually hit a man today finally settling in.

  He lifted one eyebrow. “Broken ankle, Princess. That shit hurts.”

  “I’m really sorry.” I meant it.

  His mouth quirked up on one side. “Don’t worry yourself. I’m sure you can make it up to me.”

  “Not gonna happen,” I told him, not even close to missing his suggestion, before I waved my phone toward him. “I need to make a call.”

  “Make it fast. I don’t like to be alone. I might get . . . scared.”

  I didn’t even try to keep from rolling my eyes at him.

  This guy was too much.

  I stepped outside his curtained-off room, having a hard time believing I’d let the man goad me into not leaving him because he didn’t want to be alone.

  Talk about a guilt trip.

  But that was how I felt.

  Guilty.

  I dialed Kaylee’s number. I knew the second she answered that I was in trouble.

  “Where are you?”

  I pushed out a breath. “I’m so sorry, Kay-Kay, but something came up.”

  “Something came up?” she screeched.

  Yep. There it was. More guilt.

  “I know you don’t understand right now, and I’ll explain it later, but right now I just need you to be there for my daddy on his big day.”

  “Oh no . . . .no . . . no way am I going there without you.”

  “Please, Kaylee,” I begged desperately. “I already hate that I’m doing this to Daddy. Both of us can’t not show. He’ll be devastated.” I peeked over my shoulder where they were getting ready to move Kas to his private room. “And this is important.”

  Panic bled from Kaylee’s voice. “I don’t understand how you could do this to me or to him. Tell me what’s going on.”

  I hated that I was doing this to them. Letting them down. But what was I supposed to do? Walk out on Kas? This was my responsibility. I would make sure he was fine, that his brain was just fine behind that beautiful face of his, and then I could get the heck out of here and put this all behind me.

  “I’ll explain it all later. I just . . .”

  Kas moaned in pain from behind the curtain.

  I cringed.

  Yep.

  That was all on me and my dumb laser-sharp focus.

  “I have to go. Just . . . please do this for me. Please, Kay-Kay?”

  “Fine. But you owe me big.”

  Relief blew from my lungs. “I know. I know. Anything, and it’s yours. Tell Daddy I love him, and I’m really sorry. I’m sure he’ll be over to kick my ass in the morning.”

  “You know he will.”

  That I did.

  * * *

  My eyes blinked open, my senses disoriented as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. Where in the world . . .

  Memories from yesterday came rushing back.

  Hitting Kas.

  Coming back to the hospital.

  Missing the premiere.

  Falling asleep on this stupid little chair with my neck kinked to the side still wearing a tight red-sequined gown. I was sure I made quite the sight.

  Gathering my bearings, I stretched, stood, and peered over at Kas, who was lost to sleep, the medication they’d given him to take away his pain surely taking him there. For a moment, I let myself stare at him.

  God.

  He really was beautiful.

  His cell phone rumbled on the table next to him, the name Dominic appearing on the screen. It stopped before it started right back up with the same number.

  Hesitating, I bit my bottom lip, wondering if I’d be overstepping by answering it. But maybe he’d been totally wrong about having no one and someone was actually worried about him.

  What the heck? I figured I owed this to Kas to find out.

  “Hello?” I answered, keeping my voice super quiet so I wouldn’t wake Kas.

  “Who is this?” the voice demanded.

  “Um . . . Elle?” Why that came out as a question, I didn’t know, but the irritation in this guy’s voice had totally set me on edge.

  “Shit . . . that asshole missed his audition for pussy?” he muttered. “How he thinks he’s ever going to break into the movies and then pulls stunts like this is beyond me.”

  I bristled, anger sliding free. “Excuse me?”

  “Listen, sweetheart.” He said it as if I was an ant beneath his shoe. “This is his agent, put him on the phone, pick up your panties off his floor, and get the hell out. He’s late. Again.”

  “You’re an asshole.”

  I ended the call, gritting my teeth, looking back at Kas, who hadn’t even stirred.

  Damn it.

  He was an actor.

  Of course, he was.

  Or probably at least wanted to be since I’d never seen his face before I’d seen it on that billboard.

  Old hurt wound itself around my heart.

  No doubt, Kas was just like the rest of the assholes in this city, running around doing whatever they had to do to make it, hurting anyone who got in the way, climbing all over you like you were nothing but a stepping stool.

  I pushed out a sigh before I turned to the television hanging from the wall, set to silence.

  But there was no missing what was blipping across the screen.

  My best friend Kaylee.

  Sweet, innocent, Kaylee who had never had a one-night stand in her whole life.

  Scaling down the wall as she sneaked out of the house of the most sought-after movie star in all of Hollywood. Wearing her gown from last night, nonetheless. The act caught on camera and smeared all over the trashy Hollywood station.

  “Fucking actors,” I muttered under my breath, grabbing my bag and flying out the door.

  My best friend was definitely going to be needing me this morning. And Kas was just going to have to figure things out for himself. Because I sure didn’t have the capacity to get any closer to a man like him.

  Not with the unsettled way he made me feel.

  Nope.

  Not again.

  Four

  Kassius

  I see the twenty-two missed calls from Dominic, and I’m sure the number forty-seven that hovers over my text notifications are all from him as well.

  “Fuck.” Whatever they have dripping through my IV has taken the shooting pains away from my ankle, but my head is throbbing like a bitch.

  “Mr. Cowen,” the older doctor from yesterday announces as he enters my room, drawing the curtain closed behind him. I hear my roommate on the other side moaning in pain, and I momentarily feel bad for the poor sucker. At least I got the door prize of a princess with a sassy mouth and looks that all but stole my heart for my trouble.

  “Doctor,” I greet him, clearing my throat.

  “I must say, wearing a helmet saved you from having an extended stay with us. You’d be shocked by how many more serious head injuries I see from motorcycle accidents. You’re very lucky,” he smirks. “CT scan was clear. No internal damage, and we’ll have you follow up with your primary care doctor for the concussion. Nutrition has your breakfast outside, and once we take one last look at that ankle of yours, you’re cleared to go. I’ll submit discharge papers once I’m done doing my rounds.”

  I nod and push the button on the remote that raises the back of my bed slightly higher. I’m woozy, and I hate that feeling, but I know I needed the pain meds for my ankle last night.

  With my eyes finally adjusting, I look around the room, noticing the blanket and a pillow sitting in a pile on the chair next to my bed. Did I dream that Elle was here? Those meds had me fucked up pretty good last night, and I swear she was here, looking like a dream.

  A soft voice announces a, “Good morning,” just as a woman in scrubs carries in a tray full of breakfast foods, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, oatmeal, juice, and water. My stomach rumbles as the aroma fills the air.<
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  I devour the food in front of me and stare at the phone as more messages and calls come in . . . all from Dominic. When the phone finally stops vibrating, I lift it up, swipe the screen and tap Elle’s name before the phone starts ringing.

  A hesitant voice answers, “Hello?”

  “Morning,” my gruff voice responds.

  I can hear the long sigh she releases before she says, “Hi, Kas.”

  “Looks like they’re cutting me loose in about an hour. Gonna need a ride, Princess.”

  “Stop calling me that,” she whispers into the phone. “Can’t you take an Uber?”

  “Uber? Seems like the least you could do would be to pick me up . . . considering you almost killed me.”

  This time she doesn’t try to hide the long sigh she lets out. “Fine. I’ll be there in an hour.” She disconnects the call and a smile pulls at the corners of my mouth.

  * * *

  “Looks like this ankle will be able to be cast in about two days. Keep it elevated and iced. The swelling should continue to decrease prior to casting. We’ll call in some pain meds to your pharmacy—”

  “Don’t.” I stop the doctor right there. “Don’t like the way they make me feel. I’ll be fine with ice and some Tylenol.” He nods in understanding as he adjusts the last Velcro band on my splint.

  “Transport is here to take you downstairs. Do you have a ride coming or do we need make medical transportation arrangements?”

  “Got a ride,” I say, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The medical transport employee pushes a wheelchair up, and I hobble over to it on my good leg before dropping into the seat. I see the silver BMW parked outside the large glass sliding doors, hazard lights flashing. Elle sits in the driver’s seat, playing with her long hair that’s been pulled up into a messy bun on top of her head. Aviator glasses hide the beautiful brown eyes that stole my heart the second I saw them.

  “Right here,” I tell the transport as he pushes me up to the car door. Elle doesn’t bother to get out to help, she just unlocks the door and offers me a tight smile.