Page 10 of The Publicist
“Caleb, you need to take a chill pill. I’mnotyour girl. I’m the hired help.” I’m schooling my tone, but I really want to smack him over the side of the head. “I’m also not interested in him. Now, get your head in the game and go give the performance of a lifetime. I know you have it in you. I’ve seen your movies.” I give him a reassuring smile. “Can you cry on demand?” I tease.
“Not on demand, why?” I notice his muscles loosen as he relaxes.
“I’m teasing you. I really don’t care either way.”
He laughs, and the tension is gone between us. “Can I get a kiss for good luck?” He smirks, and I smack his chest lightly.
“No. You owe me a date before you get anything, and that includes a kiss.”
He brushes his lips against my ear, causing my body to erupt in goosebumps. He whispers, “I could steal another one. You wouldn’t make a scene here; too much at stake.”
I turn my head so my lips are against his ear and whisper back, “You steal another one, and I’ll hit you with a sexual harassment suit so fast, your head will spin.”
He stands up tall, his eyes shimmering, with a huge smile plastered to his face.He’s enjoying the cat and mouse game too much; why am I playing along?“No, you won’t. You’re enjoying this dance we’re doing just as much as I am. You want to see how far it goes and how far I’ll take it. Watch out, Quinn, I always get what I want, how I want it.” He bends again, this time not as close. “And what I really want is to figure out what makes you moan.”
He moves away and begins his walk through the row of reporters, answering the same questions over and over as if our exchange of words never happened.Why is this evening so important to you? What can we expect from the newest movie? Are the rumors true about you and Elena Conners?He answers every question with ease and enthusiasm. I walk a few paces behind him, making sure he keeps it moving. When we are out of earshot of the reporters, he turns and smiles at me.
“How’d I do?”
“You did fine. Just make it through the speech and I’ll consider the night a success.”
His grin changes to one of mischief. “Do I get a reward if it’s a success?”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “I’ll give you a pat on the back or a high five with a statement of a job well done.”
“How about a kiss?”
“Kisses lead to fucking, and I won’t do that.Also, you’re on a trial run tonight, remember? If I don’t like what I see, you don’t get a dateora kiss.”
“We’ll see.” He takes my hand and walks me to the bar. “I’ll have a Macallan, neat, three fingers.” He turns to me, waiting for me to give my order.
“I’ll have a glass of champagne, please.” I turn my attention to Caleb. “This better be liquid courage for the speech because I’m cutting you off if you can’t behave.”
He feigns shock. “I wouldneverembarrass myself by getting wasted, especially after I’ve been told not to.”
I roll my eyes, knowing he’s being an ass, and look at the bartender as he deposits our drinks in front of us. We each thank him, and Caleb throws down some tip money. I take a sip of the bubbly drink and allow a small smile to grace my lips. It’s fruity, dry, and the bubbles add a nice oomph. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the good stuff.
“All right, so over there,” I point to a small gathering of people, “we have Governor Michael Rosenbaum and his wife, Annabelle, and Selectman Robert Levy, and his wife, Sophie. They all belong to the same country club. They use these events to rub shoulders with the famous and to help their careers. My understanding is their wives are big supporters of the social events of the season.”
“So, basically, bored housewives?” He lifts his drink to his lips, and I watch the amber liquid caress his upper lip. I dart my tongue out and lick my own, wishing my tongue was there instead of the drink.Get it together, girl. You have a job, and you are a badass!His attention is on me, waiting for my response, and he smiles as if he knows what I’m thinking.
“Oh, um, yeah. That pretty much sums them up. Watch out, I bet the wives are going to fawn over you. The big, strong, younger man with looks to kill and all that.” He lets out a hearty laugh, and I take a small sip of my drink to keep the butterflies down. “Over there,” I point out another group, “is the organizer, Betty Ferguson, and her husband, Harold. It looks like they have their grandchildren here tonight.”
We watch as a small group of elegantly dressed children run up and give them hugs. One of the older kids spots Caleb then turns back to her grandparents and starts a mini freak out. She keeps looking in our direction, pointing and giggling. “It wouldn’t hurt if you made your way over to pose for a picture with her and strike up a conversation. That way, you can also speak with Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson.” I give him a small nudge, and he reluctantly moves toward them. I follow a few paces behind and admire his ass as he walks in front of me.
Chapter 10
Ugh!The last thing I want to do is spend time talking with a girl half my age who is going to be a giggling mess!I know I have to play nice, but I was hoping to have a few drinks in me before I had to do this shit. I compose myself and tap the girl on the shoulder. She turns to face me, and I’m sure she is going to faint on the spot.
“Hi there, I saw you looking over and thought I’d come over and say hello. I’m Caleb Evanstan, and you are?” I ask with a panty dropping grin.
She giggles and drops her eyes to the floor, her nerves taking over. “I’m Kathryn Ferguson. It’s so nice to meet you.” She giggles again, and I restrain myself from rolling my eyes.What’s with girls anyway? Why are they always giggling around guys?“It’s so nice you were able to come out tonight and join us for this special event. I’m honored to be the guest speaker tonight.” I look toward Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, who are both smiling happily.Oh yeah, I’m laying it on thick tonight.
“I’m so happy you were able to come, too. Would, um,” she hesitates, “would I be able to get a picture with you?” She holds her phone up, and I nod my head.
“Quinn, would you mind taking a photo of this lovely young lady and myself?” I turn toward her, and she takes the phone from Kathryn’s outstretched hand. I place my arm around the girl’s waist and smile nicely at the camera. Quinn takes the picture and hands the phone back to the girl.
“Thank you so much, Caleb!” I notice she is shaking a little as she takes the phone back.