Bound by Dreams (Cauld Ane Series, #5) Read online

  “Nothing. I’m just so glad you’re home.” Rose checked her watch. “And only seventeen minutes late this time.”

  “Oh, you are so funny.”

  “So I’ve been told,” Rose said. “I have missed you! Losing Grace was a tough one, but I’m glad you’re back to take her place.”

  “Oooh, I rate next to the great Grace Wilson... I mean, MacMillan.” Charlotte giggled. “Why is it people see us as interchangeable?”

  “Probably because there was never a time when you two weren’t together. At least before you deserted us for fame and fortune.”

  “Yeah, neither fame nor fortune was achieved, I’m afraid,” Charlotte complained. “I’ve come back with my tail between my legs.”

  Rose laughed again. “Right. Because everyone looks at you and sees someone who often admits defeat.”

  Charlotte grinned. “It’s a very badly kept secret.”

  Their server arrived and took their order, which gave Charlotte a chance to take in the surroundings. “You know, sometimes I forget how much I missed this place. There’s just nowhere like the ’Couve.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t miss the rain,” Rose said.

  “Yes, you would,” Charlotte countered. “The alternative is dead grass and concrete buildings, which are both ugly to look at and impossible to sit comfortably on. I’ll take good ol’ Vancouver any day.”

  “Maybe you’re right.” Rose sipped her drink. “Have you heard from Grace?”

  “We talked last night. I had to complain about my date and then had to talk her down off the ledge about her new-found fame. She’s freaking out because her duet with Max has gone off the charts and now everyone wants more from them. You know her, she’s not used to the attention.”

  “It’s a great song. Of course people want more.” Rose sighed. “I can’t believe she’s married to Maximilian MacMillan. He’s just so... so... gorgeous.”

  “Meh,” Charlotte quipped. “I’ve always had a thing for his brother.”

  “Of course you have. Drummers are your ‘thing.’”

  Charlotte rolled her eyes. “I’m not very good at hiding my likes and dislikes, am I?”

  “That’s an understatement.”

  “How’s your job?”

  “Good. Lots of volunteers this year.”

  “Awesome,” Charlotte said. “You and your love for people. I don’t think I’ll ever get it.”

  Rose laughed. “No, I don’t suppose you would.”

  Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just that you’re the most reluctant extrovert I know. You hate people, but you love to perform in front of them.” Rose cocked her head. “Weird.”

  Charlotte giggled. “Okay, you’ve got me there. Look, I may have a deep dislike for people, but I quite like persons, so as long as I have an ample amount of time to recharge every day, I can pretend to be an extrovert on occasion.”

  “Yes, I suppose you can.” Rose smiled. “How’s the online dating thing going?”

  Charlotte groaned. “About as bad as you’d think.”

  “I can’t imagine being brave enough to try,” Rose said.

  “Bravery isn’t really the right word... stupidity and desperation are probably closer to the truth.”

  “Was last night one of your online men?”

  “Yeah. He was okay,” Charlotte said. “Not nearly as good looking as his picture. Total Portland hipster dude. Not my scene. In a band, but has no life outside of it. No job, makes about a hundred bucks a week ‘gigging.’ He sleeps on friends’ couches until he wears out his welcome and then moves on to the next place. I had to pay for my drinks in the end because he realized he’d ‘forgotten’ his wallet.”

  “Seriously?” Rose wrinkled her nose.

  “Yep. He miraculously had a few bucks in cash that just covered his bill, so I am glad I didn’t have to pay for his as well.” Charlotte frowned. “But I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of a square in his back pocket, so...”

  “What a jerk.” Rose shook her head. “I had thought about doing the online thing, but now I’m not so sure.”

  “Go with that. It’s just not worth it. Last week, I got an e-mail from a guy who looks like Alfred E. Newman, no joke, and it just said ‘hi.’ Nothing else. Just ‘hi.’”

  “Weird,” Rose said.

  “And another from someone quoting Shakespeare. We e-mailed back and forth, and every line was from a Shakespeare play. No real conversation, just lines from whichever play worked in context. When he said he wanted to be my Romeo to his Juliet, I blocked him.”

  “I’d have blocked him too. What a weirdo,” Rose commiserated. “Did he remember how that play ends?”

  “What if that was the plan? Unfortunately for him, suicide just isn’t my thing.” Charlotte shuddered. “I pulled my online account down, but have one last date next Friday, so we’ll see. Although, he’s a friend of one of my actress friends, so I’m hoping he’ll be less of a... well, never mind.”

  “You must tell me all about it. I’m living vicariously through you, you know.”

  “Ew, I don’t know why,” Charlotte said. “Why don’t you join me?”

  “On your date?”

  “Yes. Well, sort of. I’m meeting the guy at Top Hat ‘n’ Tails. Paul and Davis are playing.”

  “Oh, I heard. I can’t believe Paul Herman’s going to finally play.”

  “I know! It’s like an Eagles reunion or something.”

  “Actually, that might be fun,” Rose said. “I’ll call Kris and see if she wants to go. We can watch out for you and hear some good music.”

  “That would be awesome.” Charlotte took a sip of her drink. “Maybe I should cancel and just go out with you guys.”

  Rose laughed. “And make us miss out on watching you squirm? No way.”

  “I hate dating,” Charlotte said. “I really wish there was only one person destined for us. Someone you never had to guess with. You’d just know and be done with it. There would be such a sense of security in it.”

  “I didn’t take you for a romantic.”

  “Yeah, me neither, but lately, I feel like there’s something more for me, you know? I just wish I could figure out what the ‘something’ is, but it’s illusive.”

  “Charlie, you are one of the most resourceful people on earth. If anyone can figure it out, you can.”

  She smiled. “Thanks, Rose. This is why I keep you around. You always know the right things to say.”

  “I’m a sage,” Rose quipped. “We should figure out a time for a girls’ night. Just you and me.”

  “Oooh, I’d love that.”

  The rest of lunch passed a little too quickly for Charlotte, but with plans to meet up again in two weeks, she felt a bit more like she was settling back into life again.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Charlotte had to make a mad dash for her phone, grabbing it just in time. “Hello?”

  “Charlotte?”

  “Hi, Trudy. Yes, it’s me. Sorry, had to run for the phone.”

  Trudy Samuels was her Portland agent, and was quite a bit more on the ball than her previous one. “No worries. How are you?”

  “I’m well,” Charlotte said. “How are you?”

  “I’m great, thanks. Ah, I have a loaded question.”

  Charlotte chuckled. “Shoot.”

  “The Working Title folks would like you to read for that part we discussed. Today, if you’re available. Actually, are you able to be in the Pearl at noon?”

  “I think I can move a few things around.” Charlotte grimaced at her reflection in the mirror. “Sure, yes, I can make it. Just tell me where.”

  “Excellent. I’ll text you the details. I feel really good about this one, Charlie. I think you’re going to nail it.”

  Charlotte took a deep breath. “I hope so, Trudy. I’m running out of options.”

  “Don’t sweat it, sweetie. You got this.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Okay, call
me later if you can... or Monday, and let me know how it goes. And of course, if I hear anything before we talk, I’ll let you know.”

  Charlotte smiled. “Thanks, Trudy. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

  “It’s my pleasure. Talk to you soon. ’Bye.”

  Trudy hung up and Charlotte headed to her closet.

  “Charlie!” Vandi called.

  “In here,” Charlotte called back, and grabbed her nicest pair of jeans, knee-high boots, and a dark-blue, cotton wrap-around top that tied at the hip. It accented her eyes and showed off her shape without being too revealing.

  “Where are you going?”

  “My audition was moved up,” Charlotte said as she laid everything on the bed. “What’s up?”

  Vandi flopped onto Charlotte’s bed. “Nothing.”

  “What, babe?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Quick, because I have to jump in the shower.”

  Vandi sighed... then sighed again. “Nikolai hates me.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because he’s totally ignoring me.”

  Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Are you really pursuing this guy?”

  “Yeah,” Vandi said, cocking her head. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “Because he’s twenty-two. Twenty-two, Van. That’s six years older than you.”

  “Please.” Vandi waved her hand dismissively. “He’s young for his age, and you know I’m totally mature for mine.”

  Charlotte frowned at her sister as she sat down beside her. “Sissy, this isn’t a good idea. He’s a man... he may not act like one, and that makes you think he’s young at heart or whatever, but men who have any kind of decency don’t go after high school girls, especially sophomores.”

  “Now you sound like Annie.”

  Annie Marshall was Vandi’s closest friend, and usually somewhat of a guiding light in the chaotic world of Vandi Whitmore.

  “Well, Annie’s smart, Van. She obviously sees through him.”

  “No,” Vandi retorted. “She’s just upset because Nikolai doesn’t think she’s pretty, or very fun.”

  The truth was, Annie was stunning. Dark-red hair, and green eyes that lit up a porcelain complexion, and the cutest smattering of freckles across her nose, making her appear more Celtic princess, less American teenager. Charlotte knew the girl would be a knockout when she grew up.

  “I’m sorry, Vandi.” Charlotte sighed. “Can we shelve this conversation for a bit? I really do need to get ready.”

  “Fine.” Vandi stood and nodded. “Good luck.”

  “Thanks, babe.” Charlotte closed her bedroom door and headed to the bathroom for a record-setting shower.

  Once dressed, she checked her phone and smiled at the address Trudy had sent. Just around the corner from her favorite restaurant. She decided a to-go order would be the perfect end to a successful audition... that is, if it was successful.

  Climbing into her car, Charlotte found her favorite Fallen Crown CD and slipped it into the player before pulling out of her neighborhood and heading down I-5 into the Pearl District. Thrilled with the current weather, she smiled. Overcast with the promise of rain, but still dry, which meant Charlotte’s very careful hairstyle wouldn’t frizz out of control.

  She found the building on Kearney and parked in the lot across from the address. Grabbing her headshots and purse, she climbed from the car, fixed her appearance as best as she could using the car window, and then headed to the small, non-descript office. The interior wasn’t much more impressive than the exterior, but did house a small waiting area with two other women who looked a bit like her and one man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties. He smiled at Charlotte, and she couldn’t help but smile back as she made her way to the receptionist.

  “Hi, hon,” the matronly woman said with a smile. “You here for the audition?”

  Charlotte nodded and handed the woman a headshot. “I’m Charlotte Whitmore.”

  “You can hold on to that.” The woman handed her a script and an information sheet to fill out attached to a clipboard. “Just have a seat and fill this out while you wait. Someone will call you when it’s your turn, and you can hand them the sheet and your headshot. Familiarize yourself with the script as much as you can. The lines you need to know are highlighted in pink. You’ll be reading with one of the gentlemen also auditioning. Their lines are in green.”

  Charlotte took her photo and the paperwork and smiled. “Thanks.”

  “Good luck.”

  Charlotte turned and made her way back to where the others waited. She took the seat across from Mr. Handsome and went about filling out her information sheet. Once finished, she focused on the script.

  “Charlotte Whitmore.”

  Charlotte glanced up and forced a smile. She’d only managed to get through two pages of dialogue before her name was called. She gathered her belongings and followed the young woman down the hall, passing another good-looking man on his way out, and through a door into a small office. The woman left her and Charlotte closed the door. Two women and one man sat facing her at a long table.

  “Charlotte Whitmore?” the older woman on her left asked.

  “Yes,” Charlotte replied, handing her the clipboard with headshot and information attached. She held on to the script as she set her purse on the floor.

  “Thank you. I’m Sue, this is Marty, and down at the end is Dawn.”

  Charlotte smiled and nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

  “We’re going to have you read with Alec Donovan.” She glanced at the door. “And here he is now.”

  Charlotte’s heart raced a little as the hottie from the waiting area strolled into the room. He was taller than he looked from his seated position, well over six feet, and muscular. Shaggy blond hair, blue eyes, and a mouth that would probably kiss quite efficiently. Full bottom lip, thinner top lip.

  She shook her head. She needed to stop looking at his mouth.

  He smiled and reached out his hand. “I’m Alec.”

  She shook his hand and smiled back. “Charlotte. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “The pleasure’s mine,” he said, his voice low and deep. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing his hold.

  She felt heat creep up her cheeks as she forced herself to face the casting agents.

  “Do either of you have a problem with kissing scenes?” Dawn asked.

  “No,” they answered in unison.

  “Read from page three, please,” Marty instructed, and Charlotte flipped the page.

  * * *

  One hour and two remarkably thorough kisses later, Charlotte exited the audition room, her palm flat on her chest to calm her racing heart, and headed to her car. She’d been right. Alec could kiss.

  Even though Dawn had asked if she had any issues with kissing, Charlotte had been taken aback when Marty had asked her and Alec to kiss in the audition. She’d never been asked to do so before, but Alec put her at ease and was more than respectful when the kiss was required. She had to admit, she wasn’t complaining... she could kiss him all day.

  “Charlotte!”

  She turned to see Alec jogging toward her.

  “Wait up a sec,” he called.

  She bit her lip. He moved like an athlete. Quarterback maybe? Sexy, definitely.

  He grinned as he slowed and closed the distance between them. “Hey.”

  “Hi,” she replied.

  “Um, that was a really great read. You’re really good.”

  “Thanks. So are you.”

  “Want to grab a late lunch?” He glanced down Kearney. “Not sure if you like Serratto, but it’s close and the food’s incredible.”

  “Ah...” she stalled. “I’m not sure. I mean, I love Serratto, I’m just not sure if I have time for lunch.”

  He frowned. “Hmm. Do you have a husband?”

  “What? No,” she said, a little emphatically.

  “Boyfriend?”

  She shook her head. “Ah, no.”


  He raised an eyebrow. “Kid you have to pick up from school?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Sick aunt you need to rush home to?”

  She chuckled. “No. No one I know is sick at present.”

  “Then have lunch with me. I promise if you hate me, you can leave anytime.”

  “I don’t know you. You could be a serial killer.”

  “I could be. You’re right.” He grinned. “Come on, we’ve already kissed,” he joked. “That’s the worst part of a first date, anyway.”

  She tilted her head. “You’re assuming I kiss on the first date.”

  “Touché.” He smiled again. “How about it? I’m starving, and I’d really like to get to know you.”

  As she stared at his mouth for the umpteenth time, she couldn’t think of a good reason not to have lunch with him. He was cute, obviously confident, and he was a stellar kisser. She’d be an idiot to turn down the invitation, especially since all she had to look forward to was listening to Vandi and her Nikolai problems.

  She smiled. “That actually sounds really nice.”

  He waved his hand toward the restaurant and nodded. “After you.”

  Charlotte turned away from the parking lot and headed toward Serratto. Alec walked on the outside of the sidewalk, and at one point touched her arm gently to warn her of the uneven pavement.

  Arriving at the restaurant, Alec opened the door for her and then followed her to the table, holding her chair until she was seated before he took his own.

  The waiter handed them their menus and then left them alone. Charlotte noted they still had their wild boar on the menu, so she laid the paper down and focused on Alec.

  “You know what you want?” he asked as he continued to look at his menu.

  “Yes. I’m a bit of a bore.” She tried not to giggle at her inadvertent pun. “I tend to stick to the things I like and rarely stray.”

  He smiled. “What are you getting?”

  “The wild boar.”

  “Ooh, that is good. Now I’m not sure what to do.” He set his menu down. “How about I get the steak and we can share?”

  “If you can pry the food from my plate without losing a finger, you’re welcome to a bite.”

  Alec laughed. “Feisty. I like it.”