Page 8 of The Publicist
Me:Yay for you. Do you want a medal?
His response comes not even a minute later.
Caleb:I’ll settle for Netflix and chill. ;)
I roll my eyes again and put my phone down; that text doesn’t even warrant a response. The driver pulls up at the salon, and I’m greeted by the owner, Seth, when I walk inside. He's been a godsend through the years, especially for guiding the lost puppies. He never ceases to amaze me.
“Quinn, you are looking lovely today. Are you sure you need my services?” His accent is barely noticeable, but I know he isn’t from America originally. He places his hands on my shoulders and gives me air kisses.
“Yeah, yeah. No need to butter me up. I’m payingyou,remember?” I chuckle as he smiles warmly at me.
“You’re my favorite and you know it. Wish more of these prissy girls around here were like you. Come in, I know we don’t have a lot of time. What are you wearing tonight?” I show him a picture of the dress I took standing in the mirror, and he smiles. “I have just the updo, and the girls will give you a beautiful bronze, smoky eye to really accentuate your eyes.
I sit, have a glass of wine handed to me, and they are off, pampering me. I have people attacking my hair, my face, and my nails. I try my hardest to relax, but every time I close my eyes, even just for a moment, I see images of Caleb.God, I need to get laid!The team is done in record time, and I barely even recognize myself. My hair is swept into a loose bun with a few curls falling from it. My nails are painted a light pink color, and I have on fake lashes and ruby red lipstick to accentuate my full lips. I admire the handiwork in the mirror and smile wide.
“Seth, you know how to work your magic. Thank you so much for this; you and your team did amazing as always.” I lean in and give him a side kiss on the cheek and look at the time on the wall.Shit, I’m running late! It’s already three-forty, and it’s going to take me at least twenty minutes to get back to the hotel. “Gotta go, wish me luck!” I wave goodbye and get into the car, willing the drive to be fast.
As we pull up to the front, I glance at the clock and see it’s five past four. I’m flustered and all but run through the lobby. Thankfully, the elevator is waiting on the bottom floor. Hitting the button for floor seven, I wait impatiently for it to ascend to my floor, and push my way out of the slowly opening doors as I hear the familiar ding. Unlocking the door, I strip as quickly as I can, changing into my strapless bra and matching lace panties. I pull the dress off the hanger and throw it over my head when I hear a knock at the door.He’s early. Guess I’m teaching him something then.Holding my unzipped dress up around me, I open the door and gaze upon the most beautiful sight. Caleb is standing in front of me in a black three-piece suit, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. He even has a small tie clip that is the same color as my dress.
“Wow,” I breath out, my dress sliding down a little. I pull it back into place and take a few steps back into the room, being careful to not step on it.
He takes a few steps forward and allows the door to swing shut and click in place. “Wow yourself. You clean up nicely, Quinn. Ready?” He bends his arm at the elbow to allow me to take hold.
“Not quite. You’re early, and my appointment ran a little late. Can you zip me up?” I turn so my back is toward him and glance over my right shoulder. I watch him step hesitantly toward me and take the zipper between his fingers, slowly pulling it up to the top of the dress. He places his hands on my shoulders and turns me around slowly. My breathing is ragged from the close proximity, and I lean forward a minuscule amount, just enough to be able to smell him better. My eyelashes flutter over the tops of my cheeks, and my lips part ever so slightly.
“Fuck,” he whispers. I open my eyes and look into his. His pupils are lust blown, and his chest heaves. I realize what’s going on and take a step back to collect my thoughts. I grab my new shoes and put them on, wobbling a little on the small heel.
“Come on, you’ve got fans waiting for you, and I’ve got a job to do.” I try to brush past him, and he grabs my arm at the elbow.
Chapter 8
I’m so fucked.I want to tear her out of that dress and pin her down to my bed, let her know what a real man feels like. I want to ruin her for everyone else, and I want her to crave me like I’m craving her. This is insane! I’ve known this woman for less than twelve hours, and I’ve already had to takeanothershower thinking about her. Now, she’s standing here in a beautiful dress and red painted lips. All I can think about is what she would look like on her knees in the damn heels she got, with her pouty lips wrapped around my cock.
I watch as her expression changes to lust and she closes her eyes. “Fuck,” quietly falls past my lips and the trance is broken. She walks away and puts on her heels, adding another four inches to her frame, and I want to die. I don’t think she knowsjusthow much she’s turning me on.
“Come on, you’ve got fans waiting for you, and I’ve got a job to do.” She does her best to push past me, but I grab her elbow to stop her. She looks at me with her big green eyes and then back down to my hand on her arm. It’s a silent question, one I can’t answer, so I grab her hand and link it with mine as I lead her into the hallway. I’m trying to be a gentleman and can feel her pulse racing under my touch.
“I was taught to be a gentleman, and one always escorts a lady to a formal event.”
“Caleb, you do know this isn’t a date, right?” Her tone is sarcastic, but I let it slide.
“It’s whatever I want it to be.”
“No. It’s not. I’m working tonight. Think of me as your shadow for the evening. I will be there with you, watching your every move, but I’m going to try to not interfere. Do your job and let me do mine.”
“Are you sure you aren’t my babysitter for the evening? I feel like that’s what you’ve been hired to be.” I'm irritated and horny—a bad combination.
I know the reason Steve set this up is to have someone keep an eye on me. He spun it as trying to get me in a better light, but I think the studio wants to protect their investment. A lot is riding on these next two movies, and the studio wants their cut of the profits. If they drop me for bad behavior, they won’t be able to recuperate the costs.
She shrugs. “Think of me however you want.”
Not a good combination of words, little one.My mind drifts, and I smile with the vivid images in my head.
As if she can read my thoughts, she pulls me down to whisper in my ear, “If you keep thinking whatever you’re thinking, you’re going to need new pants.” I look down, seeing I’m straining against my black slacks, and clear my throat.
“It’s not polite to stare, babysitter.”
“If you’re going to give me a nickname, can we make it something fun? Princess? Kitten?” I look over and she’s smirking. “Mistress?”She’s fucking with me now.She’s saying stuff just to provoke me. I won’t give her the satisfaction of using the name I know she would actually prefer,Mistress. I imagine she likes to take charge in the bedroom, have the guy begging.