Read Phoenix Falling for Free Online Page A

hair, he said, "Think of what waiting will add to the sexual tension in the movie."
    She erupted into slightly hysterical laughter, torn between intense frustration and deep relief that matters would go no further tonight. She wasn't ready for what she sensed lay ahead. "That's diabolical—but you're right. Very well, Kenzie, we have a hot date for when this movie is over."
    He raised her hand and kissed her fingers tenderly. "And, I hope, some warm and friendly ones before then."
    That was when she lost her heart to him. But it was a long time before she admitted that, even to herself.
    * * *
    The phone on her stomach rang, jarring her back to the present. Putting the past where it belonged, Rainey began the next phase of work. She would create a movie, and with it a new direction for her life.

 
     
     
    Chapter 4

     
    Kenzie entered his trailer and flopped onto the bed, bone tired after rising at an obscene hour to shoot several scenes with a costar who had to be elsewhere in the afternoon. He'd be glad when filming ended; by this time, cast and crew were heartily sick of each other. Not to mention the fact that it had been difficult to play a lighthearted rogue while in the midst of a divorce. But he'd soon be working with Rainey again.
    On the verge of dozing off, he made a mental note to call his English friend and mentor, Charles Winfield. They chatted regularly, but he'd been so busy lately that by the time he thought of calling, it was too late to place a call to London. Today would be a good time....
    Rinnnnnng!
    The phone jerked him awake. Yawning, he lifted the handset without opening his eyes. Hearing his manager's greeting, he said, "Go away, Seth. The star's brain has quit for the day."
    Undeterred, Seth said, "Sorry to wake you, but I just finished reading the screenplay of The Centurion ."
    The tone jerked Kenzie into wakefulness. "What did you think of it?" He hadn't had the time or energy to read the script yet himself, but surely Rainey wouldn't have taken revenge by persuading him to do a bad movie. That would rebound disastrously on her own career, and besides, Rainey was never petty.
    "It's a terrific script," Seth said. "I had no idea Rainey could write so well. But Jesus, you really want to do this movie?"
    "What are your objections?"
    "John Randall isn't exactly a heroic figure. If this flick gets made and more than ten people see it, it's going to do strange things to your image."
    Stonewalling with the skill of long practice, Kenzie said, "Sorry you feel that way, but I've given my word and signed the contracts."
    "Contracts can be broken."
    "But not my word. Good-bye, Seth."
    He hung up, feeling a chill of apprehension. He hadn't wanted to admit to his manager that he'd been so careless as not to have read the screenplay himself. Besides not having the energy, he trusted Rainey's professional judgment. When they had been together, her advice on which scripts to choose and which to refuse had been impeccable. She wouldn't be passionate about making this movie if the material was weak.
    So why had The Centurion upset Seth? It was time to dig the screenplay out of his briefcase, and actually read the damned thing.
    * * *
    Tires squealing, Kenzie slammed his Ferrari to a stop in front of Rainey's canyon cottage. He stalked to the door and hit the doorbell. After the opening chords of Beethoven's fifth symphony rang inside, Rainey opened the door, wariness in her eyes. "What an unexpected pleasure. Just passing by?"
    He swept past her into the living room. "I can't do your movie, Rainey."
    She spun to face him, eyes wide with shock. "But you promised! Why are you having second thoughts?"
    He hesitated, wondering how to explain himself without saying too much. "I just read the screenplay."
    "Today? You've had it for three days. There was plenty of time to read it before signing the contract."
    "I was busy, and I took your word for it that the script was good."
    Her face tightened. "Now you've read it