Page 5 of The Publicist
“Only when I’m curious. What are you reading?”
She doesn’t bother looking at me. “I’m searching for you on different social media outlets, so I can get press out that you’re a decent human being. Those fans probably posted videos and photos on Instagram or Twitter, so I’m searching your name to see what pops up. I’m going to contact TMZ and give them the scoop.”
“I hate TMZ. The shit they say about me isn’t true.” She locks eyes with me and gives me a look as if she doesn’t believe a word I said. “Fine. Mostly not true.”
Shrugging, she says, “Yeah, they can be scumbags. However, they are an easy outlet for spreading any celebrity gossip, and a lot of people subscribe to their channels and watch their show.” She turns her phone in my direction, clicks on a video, and it begins playing. Leaning closer, I watch with her; it’s a video of me smiling and laughing with the fans moments ago. The girl turns the phone back on her. “Oh my god! I can’t believe I got to meet Caleb Evanstan! He is so amazing!” The video ends, and she pulls the phone back.
“You make the fans happy when they get a chance to see you. They’re grateful when you take a few moments out of your busy schedule for them.” She smiles at me, and I can’t help it. I reach forward, cup her face, and kiss her.
Chapter 5
He placeshis hands on my face, and his lips come crashing down on mine. I have no time to react—my brain in a fog. I stare at him in shock, but the kiss isn’t unpleasant. Far from it. His lips are soft and full, his hands are a little rough and calloused on my cheeks, and his stubble tickles my chin. He pulls back a moment later and is looking into my eyes. His dark brown eyes take on the appearance of melted chocolate, and I lick my lips involuntarily.
The elevator arrives on our floor, and I all but run out of there, needing to put some distance between us.
“Wait, Quinn,” he calls after me. His hand meets my forearm, stopping me from getting too far. Pulling out of his grasp, I look up at him, waiting for an explanation. “I’m sorry.” He reaches forward to place his hand on my cheek, and I swat at it.
“I accept your apology. Meet me out here at a quarter after four tonight. You’re going to interact with your fans again before the gala. Expect a crowd. Word is getting out where you’re staying.” My tone is void of emotion as I let myself into my room, leaving him standing there alone.
What the fuck just happened?I stand on my tiptoes and look through the peephole, watching him retreat back to his room. I lean against the door and take a deep breath, my index and middle fingers tracing my bottom lip, committing the feel of his lips to memory. I need a distraction; I pull up my contacts and click on Thad’s name. He picks up on the third ring but doesn’t say anything.
“Cat got your tongue, Thad?” I snip.
“What’s got your panties in a twist, Quinn? I said I’m sorry for not telling you about the full length of the contract.” I can picture him rubbing his hands down his face as he speaks, or rolling his eyes at me.
“You never said sorry. You said I’d thank you one day. What thefuck,Thad?” I whisper-yell into the phone. “I can’t do this for a couple of months. I have other clients that need me, who I already have obligations to.”
“You can still work on those clients if you want; you just need to make Caleb a priority.” His tone changes, and he sounds as if he is smiling. “Howisour man of the hour? Has he pissed you off yet? Or better yet, have you pissedhimoff yet?”
“Oh, I’m sure it’s mutual hate between us. We’ve butted heads a few times already, and it’s only ten-thirty.”It’s a half-lie. I’m extremely attracted to him.
“Quinn, I know I don’t have to tell you this, but don’t fuck it up, huh?”
“Have I ever?”
“No.”
“Good. You still owe me that sorry; don’t think I forgot. A nice way to redeem yourself would be with a pair of black Louboutins, size seven.” I am pushing my luck and I know it, but the worst he can say is no.
“Would you accept flowers?”
“No.”
He sighs heavily. “I’ll have them delivered to your room with the dresses. Bye, Quinn.” He disconnects the call before I can say bye, but I’m smiling nevertheless. I can play that man like a fiddle when I dig my heels in, and I am enjoying every minute of it.
I sit on the bed and pull my laptop out. I need more information on Elena Conners. If she is rumored to be with Caleb, I need to make sure she won’t do anything to jeopardize my agenda. Elena is playing Sofia Donato inKeep her Safe.She’s playing Caleb’s younger sister who falls in love with the rival mobster, Zach Petrov. Overall, she seems like a nice girl, except for the pictures of her partying with Caleb. She may be just as bad of an influence on him.
A knock on my door pulls my attention, and I get up to answer it. Looking through the peephole, I see a delivery man and open the door.
“Delivery for Quinn Harrison.” A man pulling a rack with several dresses in sheer bags waits for me to respond.
“Yeah, that’s me, come in. You can put the rack over there.” I point to the corner of the room. He hands me the slip to sign and holds out his hand for a tip.Of course, Thad wouldn’t tip the guy in advance. Everyone wants a handout in Hollywood.I dig through my purse, hand him a five-dollar bill, and all but push him out of the room.
I look at the dresses and let out a giddy squeal. I feel like a princess at this moment, dresses picked just for me. I open all the bags to admire the fronts of them. Some of the bodices have lace, some have beadwork, and others are plain. The one thing that all have in common is they look like they are going to show off a fair amount of cleavage.Fuck.Normally, I’d be about flaunting what I have; I’m not insecure about how I look. After the stolen kiss with Caleb though, I don’t want to give him any ideas.
The first dress has a plunging neckline and plunging back. Without a bra on, I look like an old lady. I make a face and take it off. The next dress has a halter top with a large gap in between. I look ridiculous and move on to the next one. The third dress is an emerald green, A-line dress with a sweetheart neckline, a lace bodice, and a chiffon bottom. It’s beautiful and it hangs around my curves perfectly. Turning to the side, I admire my backside and pull my hair up on my head.Damn. I look good!
Another knock.Must be the shoes!I can picture them matching perfectly. I open the door to find Caleb there instead. His mouth drops open at the sight of me.