Page 37 of Second Act

“Since we have tomorrow morning off,” Meryl said, her voice a low purr, “I thought we might do some sightseeing. I’ve never been to Boston before. Will you show me the sights?”

If he’d been uninterested in Meryl’s advances before, he found them downright distasteful now. Not her fault, though. “My apologies, but I need to get some extra sleep. Makeup complained about the circles under my eyes this morning.”

“Ah, that just adds to the dangerous edge of Julian Best,” Meryl said, tracing his cheekbone lightly with her fingertip. “All those ghosts haunting him.”

He forced himself not to jerk away from her touch. “Chris O’Toole grew up in Boston. He’d be happy to tour the city with you.” Chris played the villain’s evil but conflicted sidekick in the movie.

“Really?” Meryl was too subtle to pout, but he caught the fleeting look of frustration that crossed her face. “I didn’t know that about Chris. He’ll make a downright fascinating tour guide.” She flicked a lock of auburn hair over her shoulder. “I hear he’s gotten the lead in that psychological thriller Bryan’s making next.”

“You sound surprised,” Hugh said.

She made a wry face. “He’s not exactly leading man material, is he?”

“Chris is very talented, and that’s what matters to Bryan.”

“You can’t really believe that,” she said. “It takes a lot more than talent to succeed in this business.”

“He’s got discipline and drive, too,” Hugh said.

“But he’s not tough,” she said. “Not like the two of us.”

He wasn’t sure he wanted to be part of Meryl’s club.

“I’ll see you in New York,” Hugh said, giving her a little bow of dismissal.

“I meant that as a compliment, baby,” she said, standing on tiptoe to brush her lips against his cheek before she made her exit, the door clicking shut behind her.

Without conscious thought, he swiped at his cheek with the back of his hand, as though Jessica would be able to see some residue from Meryl’s kiss.

What made his gesture even more ridiculous was that Jessica might not want to see him at all.