Win A Date With Karl Urban 9

Win A Date With Karl Urban

Part 9

Posted: November 2004
Title: Win a Date with Karl Urban
Author: Estella Greenleaf

*****

Karl was exhausted. He didn't want to lose Orli; yet, after a night of being as charming as humanly possible to 'regain' the young beauty's affections, he couldn't help but feel he had already lost the one thing he enjoyed most about the youth's company: the freedom of not having to pretend to be Mr. Perfect.

This was all Dave's fault. Karl wanted nothing more than some privacy to scream at his treacherous manager; but he had an image to maintain in front of his boyfriend. He had no choice but to be civil until he dropped Orli and Viggo off at their respective homes.

The explosion of Karl's frustration occured precisely 20 seconds after he was alone with Dave. "How could you do this to me? I thought you understand. I LOVE Orli!"

Dave was hoping his client wouldn't suspect his involvement as a matchmaker for Viggo and Orli. He had always known he might lose his right to be by Karl's side if the day went badly. But he had risked it all the same, partly out of professional pride, and partly because he had hoped that his client would come to him for comfort if Orli were to choose Viggo.

Judging by the movie star's tone, Dave knew he had nothing more left to loose; he would go on the aggressive. "No, you don't. You just love the idea of being in love with someone like him, someone young and sweet, and expects nothing from you."

Glaring at his manager, Karl growled, "Don't you dare presume to tell me how I feel and don't feel? You don't know the first thing about love; all you care about is your money and your reputation."

Reaching out to touch his agitated client's arms, the manager spoke softly. "I know more than you think, Karl. Let me ask you something: can you tell me how many different smiles Orli has?"

When Karl looked at him puzzled, Dave continued, "No? But Viggo can. He told me last night that Orli has five different smiles, one when he's being polite, one when he's uncomfortable, one when he's excited, one when he's truly happy, and one when he's joking around. You can't love someone you don't know, Karl; and that's why I chose to help Viggo."

"I don't want to hear your excuses!" Dave's explanation had made the actor felt worse. It was as if the manager had sided with Viggo because he found Karl lacking. "Who cares how many smiles Orli has? You're my manager; you're supposed to be on my side."

Dave knew it was 'now or never'. If he didn't confess his ulterior motives now, he'd never had another chance to confess his feelings for Karl again. It was time to be honest. "I won't lie and say I did this all for you. I..."

Karl couldn't bear to hear anymore. He didn't want to hear his manager say everything was for profit. Dave had already done enough damage by siding with Viggo. Flinging the blond's hand off his arm, he said icily, "You're fired! I don't ever want to see you again!"

Without sparing his ex-manager another glance, the actor marched back to his rooms. He would have Orli's love, no matter what happened. Viggo might have stolen his manager's support; there was no way he'd allow the artist to steal his boyfriend as well. If Viggo wanted 'a fight', Karl would be happy to give the man one.

*****

Karl's mission was a success. Exercising his gift of persuasion to the fullest, he managed to whisk his gorgeous boyfriend away for breakfast at his motel room before the youth went to work. Though his original plan was to take things slowly with Orli, he knew now that he needed to stake a claim as soon as possible. This morning, he would seduce the youth with everything that he was.

It wasn't quite as enjoyable as it used to be, making out with the exquisite youth. It felt like work now, having to calculate every caress to maximally arouse Orli. He knew he'd have to make it extremely good for the young man to coax the prudent Orli into bed so early in their relationship.

A loud knock on the door interrupted Karl's seduction scheme. If it were Dave or Viggo, the actor was certain that blood *will* flow... Reluctantly, he relinquished his hold on his beautiful Orli to get the door. To his surprise, he found his agent grinning at him. "Sean, what are you doing here?"

"I couldn't get you or Dave on the phone; so I came in person to deliver the good news. Ann Lee wants you to be his male lead in An Assassin's Tale. The first script meeting is Friday," said the agent with a grin, knowing how much his client wanted the part.

Karl hugged his agent before pumping his fist into the air in triumph. He couldn't believe he had beaten Colin, Jude and Ewan for the part. This film would cement his place in Hollywood as a serious dramatic actor, not just a piece of eye candy. "You're the best, Sean!"

"Well, I can't take all the credit, Karl. Dave did a fair share of the convincing too. How about we fly back to LA tonight and book a table at the Ritz to celebrate."

The mention of his manager's name reminded Karl of what his 'mission' was today. He couldn't fly back to LA now; that would mean leaving Orli here 'alone' with Viggo. He *had* to stay, even if it pained him to lose the role in Ann Lee's movie. Turning to face the young man who was sitting awkwardly on the bed, he said, "I can't do this movie, Sean. I'm staying here with Orli."

"You've got to be kidding me! Do you have any idea what a great opportunity this is?" asked Sean incredulously, unable to believe his usually self-centered client would give up the role of a lifetime to be with a small town boy.

"Yes, but Orli makes me happy. I'm not going to give up what we have for money," announced Karl as he took his boyfriend's hand to his lips for a soft kiss.

"I don't want your career to suffer because of me, Karl," said the youth softly, realizing now that the right thing to do was to let the actor go.

Suddenly, Karl realized there was a better alternative to staying in Rockbottom to be with his boyfriend. He could convince the youth to go to LA with him! Unless that pest of an artist followed them to LA, he would have Orli all to himself!

Holding the young beauty's chocolate eyes with a pleading look, the movie star said, "Then come with me, Orli. You want to be an actor, right? I know a lot of acting coaches who will be glad to work with you in LA."

"If I make it as an actor, I want it to be on my strength, not because I'm your boyfriend. I can't go with you to LA."

"But I love you!" protested the actor vehemently, not wanting to admit defeat. He knew that Orli staying in Rockbottom was synonymous with choosing to be with Viggo.

"I love you too, Karl; but I barely know you. And as much as I adore you, I can't leave my entire life behind with someone I've just met," said Orli as he held his idol's hands, feeling more confident by the minute that this was truly want his heart desired.

The reason Orli cited for not going to LA reminded Karl of his arguments with Dave from the night before. Though it didn't sit well with his scruples to resort to trickery, he was determined not to let Viggo win the youth's love. Thanks to his gift for remembering lines, he knew exactly what to say. "I know we've just met, but I feel like I've known you forever. I know you have five different smiles and there isn't a single one that doesn't mesmerize me."

"Different smiles?" asked Orli, interest piqued.

Karl nodded and continued, "Yeah, your smile is different depending on how you're feeling. You have one when you're being polite, one when you are uncomfortable, one when you are excited, one when you're truly happy, and one when you are joking around. I love you, Orli, everything about you. All I'm asking for is the chance to be with you and discover more little details to love."

Karl was certain he had just given the performance of his life; he was certain no actor could do a more convincing job of being a romantic, lovesick 'Prince Charming'. All he could do now was wait for the 'verdict'.

"That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me," whispered Orli as he felt his heart melt at his boyfriend's statement. How could he let Karl go, knowing the man loved him this much?

"Does that mean you'll come with me?" asked the movie star with a hopeful smile.

Part of Orli was still reluctant; part of him still thought that going to LA would be a mistake; that he should stay here with Viggo. But one look into Karl's misty eyes, and he couldn't find the heart to say no. Not trusting his voice, he nodded.

Karl let out a sigh of relief before wrappping his boyfriend in a tight embrace. "That's great, Orli. I promise you won't regret it."

*****

previous | Chapter Index | next

If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to: Estella Greenleaf