Secrets Uncovered Read online

  A hot one-night stand could lead to a once-in-a-lifetime chance at love.

  Women in Hollywood, Book 3

  As the producer of one of TV’s highest-rated shows, Kem Phillips has a knack for creating the perfect leading man. But love in real life? No thanks. She has no interest in repeating her mother’s mistakes.

  Thank goodness the star of her newest project is discreet. No one knows about the one-night stand they indulged in at her best friend’s wedding. He’s also a gentleman who always seems to be there when she’s in a jam.

  Brent McKenzie has had his share of memorable moments, but that night with Kem is as fresh and hot in his mind as if it was yesterday. He’d love to be the man who comes to her rescue in all possible ways—if she’d let him.

  When an emergency call sends Kem racing home to Louisiana, she goes against her better judgment and accepts Brent’s offer to go with her. Yet as everything she thought was true about her past crumbles, is his emotional support something solid to lean on…or a crutch she dare not trust?

  Warning: Contains not-safe-for-prime-time sex scenes, an actor who is a real-life hero, and a woman who needs a little convincing that dreams can come true.

  Secrets Uncovered

  Shelia M. Goss

  Acknowledgements

  These last few months have been filled with personal challenges but I thank God for granting me peace of mind.

  I want to dedicate this book to my grandmother, NE Hogan (1922-2015), who was a phenomenal woman of God. I also want to thank my parents, Lloyd (1947-1996) and Exie, and my two brothers, Lloyd F. (Jerry) and John, for their unwavering love and support.

  Thanks Latoya Smith. Thanks to you I was able to get back to my first love, romance stories.

  I want to thank a few of the writers who came before me for paving the way and always being willing to give back: Francine Craft, Lynn Emery, Bettye Griffin, Donna Hill, Evelyn Palfrey, Pat O’Gorge Walker and Alice Wootson.

  To those authors who left a lasting impact on my life. They’ve received their angel wings but I will never forget them: Leslie Esdaile (LA Banks), Gwynne Forster, Monica Jackson, Francis Ray and Dee Stewart (Miranda Parker).

  A special shout out to: Live, Love, Laugh & Books, BRAB, Kem Beckham, Char Blocker, Donya Bush, Cyndi Dean, Emilianna Garcia, Michelle Jones, Toni Jones, Renee Jones-Mays, Christina Lee, Alfreda McMillan and Pamela M. Rice. You ladies rock!

  To the readers who have followed me through twenty plus books regardless of the genre.

  To everyone that’s had a positive impact on my life, I thank you. ____________(fill in your name). I appreciate you all.

  Shelia M. Goss

  Chapter One

  Kem Phillips felt the cool summer breeze on her back coming from the ocean behind her on Laguna Beach. She smiled as she watched one of her best friends, Charlotte, marry the love of her life, R&B sensation Sean Maxwell.

  Doves were released into the air as the happy couple walked along the sandy beach past their guests as husband and wife. Kem and her other best friend Mona Johnson followed behind them. Suddenly, the spiked heel of Kem’s light bronze glitter Jimmy Choo sandals got stuck in the sand. Despite much effort, she couldn’t stop herself from falling but out of nowhere, a pair of strong hands caught her before she could hit the ground. She looked into a familiar face.

  “I got you,” the six-foot-one actor, Brent McKenzie, said.

  “Thank you,” Kem responded. She pretended not to be embarrassed while trying to regain her composure.

  She continued down the pathway to where the other members of the wedding party now stood.

  The happy bride hugged Kem. “Thank you for being my maid of honor. I wouldn’t have gotten through these last few weeks without you,” Charlotte said.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you weren’t a bridezilla or you and I would have had some problems.”

  They both laughed.

  “Can I get some love too?” Mona walked near them and asked.

  Charlotte extended her arms. “Mona, you know I appreciate you too.”

  The wedding photographer approached them. “Ladies, I hate to interrupt, but I need to get more pictures.”

  Charlotte looked at him and then at Mona and Kem. “We are paying him a lot of money so let’s get our money’s worth.” She looked at him. “Where do you want me?”

  “I want more of you and the groom alone but for now, let’s get your maid of honor and bridesmaid in a few with you and the groom,” he responded.

  Everyone agreed Charlotte made a beautiful bride in her designer Angela Dean, wedding dress. The white fitted sleeveless mermaid wedding dress with a hand-beaded neckline made Charlotte look like a queen. Kem, wearing an A-line pink princess scoop knee-length dress by the same designer, posed for the pictures as instructed.

  Afterwards, they went inside the five-star hotel for the reception. It was like a who’s who of Hollywood with all the celebrity guests in attendance. As the head writer and producer of one of the hottest shows on network television, Kem knew most of them.

  Thirty-year-old Kem experienced a bout of loneliness as she watched the happy couples around her. Charlotte had experienced love at first sight and now held the title of Mrs. Sean Maxwell. Close-by, Mona danced with her fiancé, movie producer Terrance Beckham. They were set to marry in the winter. Though she wouldn’t be surprised, with Mona’s impatience, if they married before then.

  Kem surprised herself with the feeling of loneliness because over the years she’d been able to keep those types of emotions at bay. She learned at an early age that relationships were difficult and falling in love wasn’t a part of Kem’s personal goals. At eight years old, Kem witnessed her mother’s emotional turmoil when her dad left them to fend for themselves.

  Love.

  She would leave that to her friends. In the meantime, the TV shows she produced were enough to keep her busy.

  “Is this seat taken?” Brent asked, interrupting her thoughts.

  The twenty-nine-year-old actor, Brent, starred in one of her shows. Women loved him and men wanted to be him. Kem admired him from afar.

  Kem smiled. “No. Have a seat.”

  “You look beautiful,” Brent stated.

  Kem blushed. “Thank you. You’re looking good too but you don’t need me to tell you that.”

  “It sounds good coming from you.” His brown eyes twinkled.

  Kem was in an awkward position. Her and Brent saw each other all the time at the studio but there were usually other people around. They rarely spoke one on one.

  Johnny Gill got behind the microphone and sang one of his love ballads. The dance floor filled with couples.

  Brent leaned close to Kem. “Can I have this dance?”

  “Are you sure? There are plenty of available women here who would love to dance with you.”

  “That may be, but there’s only one woman I want to dance with and Kem, that’s you.”

  Kem’s heart beat rapidly. Brent stood and extended his hand. Kem placed her hand in his and got up and followed him to the dance floor. He pulled her close to his body and they slow danced. When Johnny Gill began to sing “Can’t Keep My Hands Off You,” Kem thought Brent would want to end the dance, but instead, he held her close and sang along in her ear.

  Soon, Kem found herself melting and getting caught up in the moment.

  Brent had admired Kem from afar but up until now he’d kept his distance. When he’d seen her sitting at the table by herself, he couldn’t resist and took it as a sign it was time for him to make his move. As the creator of the show he starred on, they’d been aro
und each other for the past two years ago, but rarely did they get a chance to talk one on one.

  Though the song ended, he didn’t want the night to end. “What are you doing after you leave here?” he asked as they walked off the dance floor.

  “Nothing. Probably retire these shoes for life.” She’d taken them off and they now dangled from her hand.

  “The night’s still young. Why don’t you join me for a nightcap?” Brent held his breath waiting for her response.

  Kem looked away and he glanced in the same direction. Besides the bride and groom, he noticed another couple standing next to them.

  “I won’t lie, I was going to say no, but on second thought, a nightcap sounds good.” Kem turned and faced him.

  “My limo’s outside. I’m ready when you are.”

  “Come on, let’s say good-bye to the bride and groom.”

  Brent followed Kem across the room.

  “Two of my favorite people,” Charlotte said. Charlotte had signed Brent as a client to her talent management firm several years ago.

  “Congratulations again,” Brent said.

  He shook Sean’s hand then Charlotte gave him a hug.

  “So what’s going on here?” Charlotte looked at him and then at Kem.

  Kem interrupted her. “Nothing. We’re about to leave for a nightcap. You two enjoy your honeymoon.”

  “We’ll send you pictures,” Charlotte said.

  Sean wrapped his arm around Charlotte’s waist. “No she won’t because she’s going to be too busy doing you know what,” Sean teased.

  They all laughed.

  Less than fifteen minutes later, Kem sat exactly where Brent wanted her, next to him in the back of his limousine.

  Chapter Two

  Kem held on to Brent’s hand as he led her inside his two-story, newly renovated home located in the heart of Baldwin Hills. It looked nothing like the bachelor pad she’d imagined him having. Instead, it looked as if it could have been featured in an edition of Architecture Design with its Mediterranean style and high ceilings.

  “You have a beautiful home,” Kem acknowledged as he led her down the long hallway.

  “Thank you. It took some work, but I finally got it fixed up the way I want it.” Brent opened the door, exposing a huge den. He flipped a switch on the wall and the room lit up showcasing a bar on the right with barstools around it and a huge couch expanding over most of it. A large projector-style television screen extended from the wall on the opposite side of the room.

  Brent walked behind the bar. “I make a good mojito.”

  Kem smiled. “I’ll have one of those.”

  Kem watched Brent remove some limes from the small refrigerator and retrieve the rum and other items he needed to make the drink from underneath the cabinet. He put it in a container, shook it up and poured the mojito into two glasses.

  “Why don’t we go sit on the couch?” Brent asked.

  “Sure. I’m following your lead,” Kem responded. She got off the barstool and picked up her drink.

  Brent held his drink in one hand and a black remote in the other. He hit a few buttons on the remote and sounds of Anthony Hamilton filled the room from the surround sound speakers.

  Brent motioned for Kem to sit down. She took a seat and began to sip her drink. Brent did the same.

  Being in close proximity to Brent increased Kem’s body temperature. She took a huge gulp of her drink hoping to cool off.

  Brent placed his glass down. “I think you need to relax a little more.”

  “I’m fine,” Kem responded.

  Brent ignored her. He got down on bended knee and removed the shoe from her left foot. He massaged it. “How do you like that?”

  Kem leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “Don’t stop. It feels good.”

  He removed the shoe from her right foot and repeated the process.

  “You may have missed your calling because you give a great foot massage,” Kem joked. She opened her eyes and looked downward. She wasn’t expecting to see the fire in the eyes that stared back at her.

  Brent stopped massaging her feet. He took the glass she held and placed it on the table behind him. Brent went back to massaging her feet then began planting kisses on her ankle and worked his way up her thighs, while using his hands to push her dress over her hips.

  Kem could have stopped him but she didn’t want to. He removed her black-laced thong and continued to kiss between her thighs. She moaned with pleasure the moment his lips touched her in her most private place. His mouth made love to her in a way that she’d never experienced.

  “Ooh Brent,” she moaned over and over.

  The more she moaned, the more skilled he got with his mouth. Her legs trembled and locked around his neck as she climaxed against his tongue.

  He eased from between her legs and without saying a word, he stood and gathered Kem in his arms and carried her to his bedroom.

  Kem wasn’t used to giving up control but with Brent it came natural. He placed her on the floor beside his king-size bed. He unzipped her dress and it fell to the floor revealing her perky thirty-eight double D breasts.

  Brent’s mouth devoured her full lips. He eased his tongue inside her mouth and their moans filled the room. Kem used her hands to unbuckle his pants.

  She fell back on the bed as Brent stepped out of his pants and got on top of her but not without cupping one of her breasts with his hand. He sucked on her nipples causing her to get wetter and wetter.

  Brent stopped and removed a condom from his nightstand. Kem took the condom from him and with their eyes locked, she placed the condom on his long stiff manhood.

  He eased inside of her and Kem bit her bottom lip. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he went deeper and deeper inside her.

  Brent felt like he’d come home the moment he entered Kem. He couldn’t control himself as she matched his thrusts stroke for stroke. When her legs trembled, he lost it and they climaxed together in each other’s arms.

  Instead of being exhausted, he was energized and they continued making love throughout the night. Neither seemed to get enough of the other. Brent wanted to make this a night Kem would never forget. He used her body as a canvas and made love to it as if he were painting a masterpiece until they were both exhausted and fell asleep.

  The sun shining through the thin white curtains woke Brent up. Kem remained asleep. Her arms were wrapped around his waist. He gently brushed her hair from over her eyes and stopped himself from kissing her luscious lips. She stirred, squeezing him tight.

  He couldn’t resist. He kissed her inviting lips.

  “Good morning,” he said.

  “Good morning. What time is it?” Kem asked.

  “It’s only eight o’clock.”

  “Oh my goodness. I hadn’t planned on spending the night.”

  Brent brushed his hand over her arm. “Neither one of us did. But it happened and I enjoyed it.”

  “I need to find my cell phone so I can call a cab.” Kem held the sheet over her chest.

  “No need to do that. I’ll take you home when you’re ready.”

  “I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

  “Kem, are you serious? Come on. We just had a wonderful night together.”

  Kem got out of the bed and picked up her dress. “I agree, but I don’t want you to feel obligated to me because of what happened.”

  Brent didn’t know what to make of Kem’s actions. “Let’s do this. I’ll cook us some breakfast and then I’ll drive you home.”

  “A cab will do.”

  “So does that mean you’ll at least stay for breakfast?” Brent pouted.

  “Sure. But after breakfast, I’m out of here. Where’s your bathroom so I can freshen up?”

  Brent escorted her to the master bathroom. He held the door open
as she walked past him inside. “Everything you need should be in the cabinet.”

  “Thanks,” she responded, right before closing the door.

  Chapter Three

  Kem removed a fluffy blue towel from the cabinet as well as the plastic wrapper from around a new bar of soap and washed her face and private parts.

  She couldn’t stop thinking about Brent and how he made her feel. She found herself getting moist all over again. She splashed some water on her face to snap herself out of it then wiped her face with a dry towel. She located a new toothbrush and brushed her teeth before exiting the bathroom.

  Brent was nowhere in sight. She left his room and went downstairs. She called out his name a few times.

  She heard him responding in the distance, “I’m in the kitchen.”

  Kem followed the sound of his voice. Brent had washed up as well. He now wore a pair of jeans and a T-shirt that seemed to accent every one of his muscles.

  “Is it hot in here or is it just me?” Kem blurted.

  “I can turn the air on if you need me to,” an unexpected female voice responded from behind her.

  Kem turned around and came face-to-face with an elderly woman dressed in a navy blue dress, wearing an apron.

  Brent spoke out first. “Kem, this is my Aunt Edna. Aunt Edna, this is the woman I was telling you about.”

  Kem blushed with embarrassment. Did his aunt live here? Had she heard them last night? There were so many questions running through her head. Kem could only imagine what his Aunt Edna was thinking, especially since it was in the morning and Kem still wore evening attire. Kem extended her hand.

  “We hug in this house,” Aunt Edna said, right before embracing Kem.

  “Breakfast is ready. If I had known my nephew had company, I would have cooked more.”

  “Aunt Edna, I told you this was fine,” Brent responded.

  “I’ll leave you two alone. It’s nice meeting you, Kem.”

  “Nice meeting you too,” Kem responded as she remained standing in the same spot.