Chapter 18: Too Many Temptations

In West Hollywood, in Winona Ryder's bedroom, Arthur walked in after taking a shower and saw Winona Ryder leaning against the headboard, reading a book. Her white silk nightgown was somewhat revealing.

"Come here, Arthur," Winona Ryder patted the bedhead and casually put down the book.

Arthur smiled, lay down beside her, and asked, "Is there something you want to tell me?"

"Do you know Tom Cruise?" Winona Ryder asked.

Arthur shook his head, "No, I don't. The woman we met at the restaurant tonight named Nicole Kidman is a newcomer from Australia trying to make it in Hollywood. I ran into her when I went to Paramount for an audition for Days of Thunder. Nicole was auditioning for a role at that time too."

"Judging by the current situation, not only did she get the lead female role, but she also has Tom Cruise wrapped around her finger!"

Winona Ryder pulled Arthur's arm around her shoulder and nestled into his embrace, saying somewhat helplessly, "There are too many temptations in Hollywood!"

Naturally, Winona Ryder understood that the relationship between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman was not ordinary after the events that night.

Although Tom Cruise was still married at the time, what did it matter?

"That's just how Hollywood is," Arthur understood these things well. "Not to mention that's Tom Cruise; even other people with some status can be quite casual with women."

"Don't worry too much about it, get some rest. You just came back from filming in Tampa," Arthur said as he kissed Winona Ryder.

"Mm," Winona Ryder responded to Arthur's kiss while taking off his bathrobe, feeling his athletic body.

"Arthur, what role did you audition for in Days of Thunder, and did you get rejected?" Winona Ryder asked as she felt a shift in her chest.

"Oh, it was just a small role, a minor character with a few appearances," Arthur replied, kissing Winona Ryder's neck and rubbing her chest.

"You already played a supporting role in Edward Scissorhands; you got rejected for this small role?"

"Edward Scissorhands hasn't been released yet, has it?" Arthur chuckled, "Besides, Days of Thunder doesn't have much of a plot; it's purely a film to showcase Tom Cruise's charm. That $60 million production--who knows if it can even break even?"

"Hey, is it because of Nicole that you don't think much of Tom Cruise's movie..."

"Ouch," Before Winona Ryder could finish, Arthur bit her chest lightly.

"Dear, you ask too many questions!" Arthur immediately blocked Winona Ryder's mouth with his own.

Soon, Arthur was lying on top of a now unclothed Winona Ryder, and the bedroom was filled with sounds of passion...

***

After spending a few carefree days in Los Angeles with Winona Ryder, Arthur finally received a call from his agent, Tracy Jacobs.

Nora Ephron praised Arthur's script for Sleepless in Seattle, saying clearly that this was exactly what she was looking for!

"Alright, got it. I'll come to New York for the discussion as soon as possible," Arthur said, hanging up the phone with a sigh of relief, feeling like he had taken the first step.

"Dear, is it good news? Ms. Jacobs even called my house," Winona Ryder said as she approached and hugged Arthur's waist.

Arthur placed his hands on Winona Ryder's shoulders and explained, "Tracy spoke with Nora Ephron in New York. She's very satisfied with the script and plans to make Sleepless in Seattle her directorial debut."

"They want me to come over to help persuade Castle Rock Entertainment to invest in this project!"

"Oh, do you have confidence?" Winona Ryder was evidently happy for Arthur.

"Of course," Arthur's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Castle Rock Entertainment, founded two years ago, is run by experienced producers and directors. Their first film was When Harry Met Sally... Sleepless in Seattle, with its strong script, is better than When Harry Met Sally... Castle Rock won't miss out on this opportunity."

"Plus, Castle Rock has a distribution contract with Columbia TriStar. When Harry Met Sally... did well enough to get Columbia TriStar to greenlight another film of this type."

As for the discussions between Japan's Sony Group and the Coca-Cola Company about acquiring Columbia Pictures, that wasn't something Arthur - a small fry - needed to worry about.

"When are you going to New York then?" Winona Ryder was clearly reluctant to see him go.

"As soon as possible. I'm planning to fly to New York tomorrow," Arthur didn't want to waste any time.

"It's the end of August now. Who knows when we'll see each other again," Winona Ryder also had to go to shoot Mermaids and Night on Earth, and neither was in California!

"It's okay; it's not like we'll always be busy," Arthur said, kissing Winona Ryder on the cheek, "I'll always come back."

"Here's the key to my house," Winona Ryder handed the key to Arthur, "If you don't want to go home, just stay here instead. It's quieter than Northridge, and you can rest better. I'm often away shooting films these days and don't come home much. If I come back and find you here unexpectedly, I'll be very happy!"

"You--" Arthur chuckled, accepting the key and hugging Winona Ryder tightly, "When we have time, I'll take you to Petaluma in Sonoma County for a few days. Didn't you say the scenery there is beautiful?"

"Yes, the tall redwood trees, and we can run around in the woods and ride bikes," Winona Ryder said, who didn't have many friends and deeply appreciated Arthur's care and listening.

"Kissing and chatting on the grassy shores of Lake Lutz in Florida was such a memorable and wonderful time for me," said Winona Ryder, resting her head on Arthur's chest for a moment and then sternly added, "No bringing any women into my house!"

"Oh," Arthur said, half-laughing, "How could I do such a thing? You're always overthinking. If you think too much, it will lead to depression."

Winona Ryder looked at the handsome man before her and couldn't help but smile, "Arthur, but this is Hollywood. If you succeed in the future, there will be many temptations!"

"For now, I'm still at the bottom," Arthur lifted Winona Ryder's chin, "Are you thinking too far ahead?"

"Mmm..." Winona Ryder hugged Arthur's neck and kissed him passionately!

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.