Page 35 of The Publicist
She rakes her eyes over my naked form, and I grow semi-hard under her gaze.Damn dick, down boy!She purses her lips and says, “I’m fine.” The most dreaded words to come from a woman’s mouth.I’m. Fine.In no way does that mean she’s fine. That means she’s pissed at me, and lucky for me, I already know the reason why. “You need to be downstairs in forty-five minutes if you want to make your flight.”
She walks out of the room, and I hear the door click closed softly behind her. I may have just ruined my chances with the one girl who has made me feel anything since Cassandra.
Chapter 31
Caleb ison his way to the airport, and I’m in my room trying to get some work done. The events of the morning are on replay in my mind, and after trying to concentrate on anything but his gorgeous face and killer body, I give up on work and decide some time at the pool is well earned. I get into my mint and navy tankini and grab everything I will need to soak up the sun—sunglasses, sunscreen,Keep Her Safebook, and a bottle of water.
I set up in a prime spot to catch some rays, and I tune the world out. I’m so engrossed in the story, I don’t even notice when Elena sits next to me.
“Are you picturing Caleb as you read that?” She giggles and motions toward the cover of the book.
Yes. I laugh and shake my head. “No, the man I envision is twenty times hotter and more dominant.” She doesn’t need to know Caleb haunts my dreams lately. He is the only one I can see playing Antonio Donato.
“Shame, I think he makes a good Antonio.” She shrugs her shoulders and flips open a magazine, letting the sun bronze her beautiful olive skin. I’m still in my cover-up, trying to not turn into a lobster. The sun and I are not friends. I turn red, peel, and then fade back to pale again. There is no such thing as a tan for me. “Where is the man of the hour anyway?” she asks.
“On his way to Hollywood for a premiere tonight. He’ll be back tomorrow afternoon.”
“Why are you not with him?” She peers over her sunglasses at me, raising her eyebrow in question.
I put my book down to give her my full attention. “Why would I be?”
“You’re his girlfriend. The better question is why aren’t you there? You are supposed to be there supporting him and making public appearances.”
“Yes, but he doesn’t need me there. He knows to behave. He’ll be fine, Elena.”
“He may notneedyou there, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’twantyou there.” She smiles at me and continues. “Listen, I know you don’t want to cross the two streams, but he is so taken with you. You know that, right? I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time. I consider you a friend, but if you break him again, I have no problem coming after you, Quinn. It would make him so happy to have you there by his side.”
She’s right, and I know she’s right. I can’t help the way I feel when I’m with Caleb. I know it’s more than just sex with him; I can tell by the way he looks at me, and by how his face lights up when he sees me. Doesn’t hurt that the sex is great, too.
“I have nothing to wear, and I don’t have a flight.” The excuse is lame, even to me. Elena’s eyes light up, and I see the gears turning in her head.
“You make it seem as if that is an actual problem. I can get you on a flight and into a dress with makeup and hair done, no problem. The premiere is at five-thirty, right?” I nod. “Great, meet me in the lobby in one hour and be ready with an overnight bag. You’re my project for the day.” She gets up and walks off with a newfound bounce to her step.
“Elena, don’t you have filming today or something?”Please, let her have pressing matters to attend to.
“Nope, and just for that, I’m coming with you. I don’t trust you will show up to the premiere to knock his socks off.”
I go to respond, but she is already out of earshot.What did I do?I head back to my room and pack for my impromptu weekend getaway. I consider texting Caleb but decide it will be better to surprise him. After I finish packing my stuff, I go to the lobby to wait for Elena. A text comes in from Caleb, and I can’t help but smile.
Caleb:Hope you are having a good time lounging by the pool. Don’t forget about me while I’m stuck going to a boring premiere.
I laugh, imagining a movie premiere is anythingbutboring. I respond and laugh as I’m typing the words.
Me:New phone, who dis?
I pocket my phone as Elena approaches me with Bradley in tow.That’s strange.
“Bradley was leaving today, too, so we are hitching a ride with him. The studio asked him last minute to go to the premiere tonight, and they’re sending a private jet for us,” Elena explains.
“Hi, Bradley, it’s nice to see you again. Thanks for allowing us to crash your ride.”
“Oh, it’s no problem. Elena called me up looking for help, and I was able to provide it.” He smiles down at her, and I watch the brief interlude. “Does Caleb know you’re coming?”
“Nope. No clue.”
“Well, let’s not spoil the fun for him then, huh?” He smiles, and the three of us leave the hotel for the waiting vehicle.
The plane touches down at LAX, and we are escorted to a waiting vehicle on the tarmac.This is so much nicer than having to go through airport security.Wish I could travel like this all the time.