Page 18 of Country Winds (King Creek Cowboys #9)
E llie adjusted her name badge, which had been dropped off with Tucker’s at her townhouse yesterday.
Her heels clicked on the floor, and she self-consciously brushed down her knee-length royal-blue dress as Tucker held the door open for her, into the Phoenix Convention Center.
Her belly fluttered from nerves as he took her hand.
She’d never done anything like this, and she found the newness of it exciting.
They paused to have their badges checked before continuing. It was before general attendees would be let in, but their badges allowed them early entry. They moved on and looked at the convention map, finding the Zephyr Game Labs’ booth location.
Before coming, Ellie researched the con and discovered that attendees paid guest voice actors for their autographs.
She would have been happy to do it at no charge and thrilled to have someone who wanted her signature.
However, when she talked with Doug, the Zephyr VP, he told her that’s what attendees expected and that she shouldn’t short-sell her value.
“I can’t believe the game debuted at number one, with sales off the charts.” She looked up at Tucker. “Doug said the bigwigs at the company believe my voice is a driving factor. He thinks I have a big career ahead in voice acting roles for games and animation.”
Tucker squeezed her hand. “I’m proud of you, Ellie. You’ve accomplished a lot.”
His warm, sexy smile made her feel gooey inside. They’d spent every opportunity together between their work commitments during the past two weeks since their trip to Sonoita and passionate night at the B&B.
She had a hard time taking her eyes off her tall, sexy cowboy, who wore a chocolate-brown Stetson, blue western shirt, Wranglers, and brown boots.
He exuded confidence and vitality, even when completely out of his element, which he was.
She appreciated that he was willing to come with her even though it was completely new and alien to him.
“Did I tell you that the subscribers to my ‘Tips and Tricks for Great Social Media Presence’ YouTube channel have nearly doubled since the game came out?” Ellie shook her head. “A jump like that happening from voicework on a video game never occurred to me.”
Tucker looked thoughtful. “That’s quite the bump.”
“It may involve more business than I’d ever be able to keep up with.” Ellie blew out her breath. “Tanner’s suggestion to sell the business is now something I should consider.”
They reached Zephyr’s booth, which was staffed by two young women and a young man.
Merchandise filled the table and nearby racks.
A banner with Zephyr Game Labs was draped behind the tables, and signs peppered the booth.
The most significant sign was a graphic for Myth Hunter , with the Nyx Cox character front and center.
Ellie approached one of the young women, whose nametag read Desi, at the front table. Ellie held out her hand. “Hi, Desi. I’m Ellie McLeod. I was told to check in here.”
The girl, wearing a nose ring and vivid pink hair, brightened and took the offered hand. “It’s awesome to meet you, Ellie.” She stood. “I’ve been playing Myth Hunter ever since it came out. You have the most kick-ass voice for Nyx.”
“Thank you.” Ellie smiled. “I haven’t played the game yet, but I plan to.”
“You’ll love it.” Desi looked past her. “I take it you’re with Ellie?”
“I’m her bodyguard.” Tucker held out his hand. “Tucker Rawlings.”
“He’s kidding.” Ellie laughed. “I’m not in the big leagues.”
Desi dimpled at Tucker as she took his hand. “She will be. And as pretty as she is, she might need you to beat off all the young geeks.”
Tucker raised a brow, and Ellie laughed.
Desi escorted Ellie to a small table to the left of the main table. A life-sized cutout of Nyx was a few feet behind the chair where Ellie would be sitting. On the table, a sign read, “ Meet Ellie McLeod, the voice of Myth Hunter’s Nyx Cox.”
Below that sign was another, listing prices for autographs, from signing personal items as well as on Myth Hunter merchandise, and a cost for selfies. Ellie couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to pay for her autograph, much less a selfie.
Desi brought a small machine that took credit cards. “Doug said you probably wouldn’t be set up yet to accept direct payments, so we’re providing this device for today. In the future, you’ll want to get something for the conventions.” She then handed Ellie a banker’s zippered case. “For any cash.”
Overwhelmed, Ellie mentally shook her head, but thanked Desi.
“Oh, let me grab a couple of water bottles for you and Tucker.” The girl looked at Tucker and pointed to three folded chairs leaning against a wall. “Feel free to take one of the chairs while you ‘guard’ Ellie.”
Tucker touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you, kindly.”
Desi left and returned with two bottles with Zephyr Game Labs labels. “There’s a cooler with more on the other side of the table.” She glanced at her watch. “Doors are opening in ten minutes. Get ready for a crazy day.”
“Ellie.” A male voice she recognized as Doug’s came from outside the booth. She looked up to see a geeky young man approaching her. He held out his hand. “It’s great to meet you in person finally.”
She shook his hand. “Doug, I’d like you to meet my friend, Tucker Rawlings.” She turned to Tucker. “This is Doug Eisenhower, the VP of Zephyr Game Labs.”
After the men shook hands and greeted each other, Doug turned to Ellie. “We’re so glad you’re here for our first game expo featuring Myth Hunter . Rave review after rave review have been coming out for your acting skills—you’re the perfect Nyx Cox.”
“Thank you.” Ellie smiled. “It was a fun project. I appreciate you bringing me onto the team.”
“We’re working on Myth Hunter II and want you to reprise your role.” Doug’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Nyx Cox wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Ellie felt excitement swelling inside her. I appreciate you inviting me here today. I'm not so sure about anyone wanting my autograph, but I’m game.”
“Don’t you worry about that.” Doug brushed aside her doubts. “Game fans are rabid.” He looked over her shoulder. “I see people starting to enter the main doors. Ready. Set. Go.” He flashed her a smile and turned away.
Ellie sat behind the small table while Tucker grabbed a folding chair. Rather than sitting by Ellie, he sat behind her. “I’m going to stay out of your way.”
She was about to tell him she’d like him to join her, but she saw a young man making a beeline straight for her. He pulled a Pop! vinyl Nyx Cox figurine out of his backpack and handed it to her. “Please sign this, Ms. McLeod.”
“Call me Ellie, please.” She took the figurine as the boy placed cash on the tabletop. She hadn’t known there would be Myth Hunter characters in the Pop! line. “I’m going to have to get myself one of these.”
The boy looked nervous. “Can I get a selfie, too?”
“Of course.” She gave him a big smile and got to her feet. He put more cash on the table, then hurried to her and took their selfie beside the life-sized Nyx cutout with his smartphone.
“You have the most amazing voice.” He shoved his phone in his pocket. “Do you do any other games?”
Ellie shook her head. “ Myth Hunter is my first. I’ve done anime and other work.”
He awkwardly thanked her and left. Ellie’s jaw nearly dropped when she saw that there was now a line of people ten-deep waiting for her autograph and selfies.
The four hours Ellie was scheduled to sign blew by, and she stayed later because there was still a line.
She met some great young men and women, as well as a lot of kids.
There were a few young men who made her feel uncomfortable because they told her how hot they thought she sounded as Nyx Cox, and that she was just as hot in person.
She managed to overcome the awkward moments and thought she did well overall. Some kids were painfully shy, and she did her best to make them feel comfortable with her, making some of them smile.
Desi cut off the line at one point. “Our next voice actor will be here shortly, so we need to get ready for him.”
“Great.” Ellie stood and stretched. “I’m exhausted.”
Desi took the cash out of the pouch and handed it to Ellie. “It's all yours. Corporate will cut a check for the credit card payments.”
Ellie took the cash, surprised that she didn’t have to split it with the company. She slipped it into her purse. “Thank you.”
“Stay for the awards.” Desi grinned and handed Ellie the day’s program. “You, my lady, are up for a newcomer award.”
Ellie’s eyes widened as she took the folded sheet. “I am?”
“Yep.” Desi glanced at her watch. “Gives you a couple of hours to walk around before the presentations start. You’re probably hungry, so you can grab a bite and take in some sights.”
Ellie turned to face Tucker. “Are you up for hanging around a little longer?”
“To see if you win an award?” Tucker smiled. “For you, I’d wait all night.”
Tucker held Ellie’s hand as they walked through the convention center. It amazed him that many adults and kids wore costumes of their favorite game characters, superheroes, villains, and even furry creatures.
He felt like a fish out of water in an alien landscape, but he didn’t mind. He enjoyed being with Ellie and watching her dive into something new. She made it look easy—how she talked with fans, engaged them, and made them feel at ease with her. She had a natural sparkle that drew people in.
However, a few of the men, young and older, had set him on edge.
They had become almost stalker-like, and he’d seen Ellie's discomfort in those situations. He’d moved just behind her the few times she had faced men who leered and spoke suggestively to her.
The men had backed off as soon as they saw the hard look on his face.