Page 9 of The Publicist
“You’re playing a dangerous game,Princess.”
The elevator doors open, and she rushes out as quickly as she can. The material of her dress flows gracefully behind her as she exits the hotel with me trailing behind.
“I’m going to wait by the car. Make rounds, but when I wave you over, it’s time to leave. We don’t want to be late to the gala tonight. Understand?”
I salute her and brush past so I can meet with the fans. Quinn is right; there are a lot more people here now than this morning, but there is also more security, which I’m grateful for. I’ve had a few fans become over-zealous at past events, and it’s uncomfortable fast. As before, I smile, pose for pictures, and sign everything under the sun that gets shoved under my nose—with the exception of a photo of me drunk and passed out. I stare at the picture and look up to the fan who is holding it. Quinn must sense my hesitation because she walks over and tugs my arm gently.
“We have to go, Mr. Evanstan. We don’t want you to be late.” I nod my head and say goodbye and thank you as she directs me to the waiting car. She slides in first, and I get in and close the door as soon as she’s over far enough. “Where was the picture from?”
I knew she had to have seen it.“From a night I don’t want to remember. How the hell did she have the picture?”
“Fans will dig up the worst photos of you. I’m sure teenage girls have photos of you from high school saved on their phones, or printed and put in an album where they have hearts around it with your name in the middle.”
I scrunch my face. “Really? Girls do that shit?”
She laughs and covers her mouth. “Yes. Girls are crazy and they do that. I’m sure, if you look on Tumblr, you will find a lot of porn stories that involve you. Fans have active imaginations and you are their muse.”
“So, how do I becomeyourmuse?” I cock my eyebrow, attempting to read her response.
“Caleb, what game are you playing? All the sexual innuendos, the kiss, the soft touches. What is all of it? I’m not going to fuck you so you can get rid of me, and I’m not going to fuck you so you can have a curvy girl as a notch under your belt.”
“Quinn, I’ve known you for less than twelve hours, and you are the only person I’ve met that is immune to my charm.” I tilt my head to the side and study her. “Why is that?”
“I’m immune to your charm because you lack any. You’re a pretty boy, I’ll give you that much, but you feel entitled and that you are a god among men. You’re just like the rest of us humans though, and I won’t put you on a pedestal.”
“Do you have any idea how hot it is to be challenged like this? Most people roll over when I ask them to because I’m famous, but you...” I motion toward her but don’t complete my sentence. She looks annoyed and crosses her arms, turning her head to look out the window. “It’s extremely hot to be challenged, to not have someone take my shit. You remind me of my ex.”
She turns to look at me and narrows her eyes. “That’s not a compliment, considering you dumped her.”
I hang my head in defeat. I don’t want to tell her the real reason; it’s easier to let her think I was too busy for a girlfriend. My break-up with Cassandra is what prompted me to start partying and drinking. She refused to talk to me, then changed her number and moved away. That’s when I turned into the bad boy with a bad reputation.
“If I can promise I’ll listen to you as my publicist, and clean up my act, will you let me have one date? Just give me a chance.”
“Define date?”
She really is trying to bust my balls.I smile, certain I’m winning her over. “A date consists of going out somewhere, having some dinner and maybe a movie or some sort of extracurricular activity. I will be the perfect gentleman for the evening. I’ll even hold the door open for you. Scout’s honor.” I draw an X over my heart and watch her expression soften. The cogs are turning in her head, probably trying to figure out how to make this work in her favor.
“Tonight’s a trial run. If I like what I see, I’ll give you that date.” I smile victoriously. “But, Caleb, I won’t fuck you.” And just like that, my smile is gone.
Chapter 9
Why didI give him hope? Why didn’t I tell him I don’t mix business and pleasure?His expression changes from smug to surprise in a flash, and I give myself a virtual pat on the back. He’s still expecting me to kneel at his feet and worship him, but I refuse. That’s not who I am. We arrive at the gala, and it may as well be a red carpet event. Reporters and paparazzi are everywhere, along with hundreds of spectators behind roped off areas. This event was supposed to be small. I did not expect so many people to be stationed outside. The driver opens the door, and Caleb steps out first—his long, lean legs hitting the ground silently. I move toward the door, and he turns and offers me his hand. I look into his eyes and mouth ‘thank you’, accepting it.
He slides his hand along my waist, and we wait for our direction from the organizer; Caleb is expected to stop for brief interviews with the reporters before heading inside. This is my first time being at something this extravagant, and I welcome the support his arm provides. Even if it is crossing the business versus pleasure line. I’m not sure I’d be able to walk as I look around at everything. The lights flash, people call for his attention, and the handful of other actors in attendance all meld together in bright chaos.
Caleb walks us over to someone and slaps him on the back to get his attention. “Tait, I didn’t think you were suckered into this, too. What are you doing here?” Tait Flanigan, Caleb’s co-star from theUnderground Royaltyseries, turns and gives us a warm smile.
“Hey, man, how’s it going?” Tait pats him on the back and gives him a warm smile. “Who’s your date?” His Irish lilt is lyrical through his sultry voice, and his green eyes lock with mine. I feel heat rush to my exposed chest and cheeks under his gaze.What the fuck is wrong with me?I don’t normally blush around people, but here I am, turning into a tomato.
“I’m not his date. Hi, Tait, my name is Quinn Harrison. I’m his publicist.” I extend my hand, and he grasps it gently, bringing my fingers to his lips and brushing a kiss along them. I stifle the schoolgirl giggle trying to erupt from deep within and gently pull my hand back.
“Well, Quinn, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You look ravishing in that color. It makes your eyes pop.” I lower my head and gaze up at him through my lashes. I hear a quiet growl and glance over at Caleb. His features are stoic, but I don’t miss the vein popping in his neck or how his grip on my waist gets tighter, pulling me a fraction closer to him. It hits me suddenly.He’s jealous of Tait... over me!That’s rich, coming from a man who can get whomever he wants, whenever he wants. I ease the tension that’s rolling off him in waves by turning my body into his and placing my hand on his shoulder.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Tait. I’m sure we will see more of each other on the next movie set, but for now, I need to get this one through the interviews and into the gala. Please, excuse us.” I give Caleb a small shove, and we step away. I stop walking when we are out of earshot, and he stops with me, turning his body so he stands directly in front of me, shielding me from the cameras.
“What thefuckwas that?”
“Did you see the way he was looking at you? You were like a piece of meat, and you were fawning all over him.” The muscles in his arms flex as he spits the words past his lips.