Page 25 of The Starlet
There’s a knock on my door, and Bradley gets up. He pulls on his running shorts and opens the door, looks around, and then closes it.
“No one was there.” He shrugs and pulls me to a standing position. “How about we shower and get some food? Then, we can relax for the day before leaving for set.”
I nod as my phone rings with a message.
Quinn:Hey, I’m coming in tomorrow. Sorry I haven’t really been in touch a lot. I thought it best to keep my distance. How’s he doing?”
I giggle-shriek and sit on the edge of the bed with my phone, a smile plastered on my face. Finally, someone who can make Caleb happy again.
Me:He’s being a pill, but I know he’s going to be thrilled to see you. Just go easy on him. He feels horrible for what happened.
Quinn:Me too. We both said some stupid things. Can’t wait to see you.
Me:I can’t wait to see you. Let me know when you get in!
I put my phone down and jump up to my feet. Bradley just stares at me, waiting for me to explain why I’m suddenly so happy. “Quinn comes in tomorrow. That means I’ll be off Caleb babysitting duty, and I get to see her!”
“Oh, nice. I’m sure Caleb will be thrilled. Does he know yet?”
I shrug, not sure if she told him. I bet she wants it to be a surprise. I’ll have to tell him when I see him tomorrow though. There’s no way I can keep this from him. Plus, I really want to see his face when he finds out. I know how he feels about her. Watching his face light up when I tell him is going to make me so happy inside.
I get up and we take a shower. I would love to say it’s fast, but that’s a lie. We stay under the water until it runs cold and he’s given me another orgasm. The more time I spend with this man, the more I can see myself truly happy with him in all aspects. He’s intelligent, driven, and makes me feel like I’m the only woman in the world. It’s a nice change from some of my past mistakes. You know what they say though. You have to kiss a lot of toads to find your prince. I just hope he lives up to my expectations.
Chapter 16
I’m sittingin the bar, waiting for Elena and Jimmy to come down. Today was incredible. Hollywood’s sweetheart is so much more than I expected. I knew she was smart, funny, and easygoing, but being with her last night gave me a whole new perspective. She’s so much more than meets the eye.
The fact that she’s been brave enough for this long is impressive. Most people would have hired security as soon as they found out someone was stalking them. She doesn’t want someone worrying about her. That’s what she needs though. She needs someone who will be there through all of it. I hope she sees me as that man. I keep my head down and stare at the tumbler of liquid in front of me.
She pulls out the seat next to me and slides into it. “Buy a girl a drink?”
I glance over at her and smirk, then motion for the bartender. “Whatever the lady wants.” She gives her order, and when he places the wine glass in front of her, I look around for Jimmy. Worry laces my voice. “Elena, where’s Jimmy?”She promised she wouldn’t be alone.
She lays her petite hand on my forearm. Her cold fingers send a chill through me.Although, after our trysts, I’m not sure it’s actually the temperature of her hand.“He said he needed to use the bathroom. We saw you sitting here waiting, and I told him I would come straight over. I promise I haven’t been alone outside of my room.”
“Sorry,” I murmur. “I worry.”
“I know. I promised you I wouldn’t be alone, and I intend to keep that promise.” She lowers her voice and leans into me. “Jimmy and I were going to change rooms, but I told him I’d bunk with you for the last month. I just hope he’s not a gossip queen. We don’t need the crew knowing what’s going on.”
Jimmy walks into the bar and takes a seat in the corner, facing us. I nod toward him, and he reciprocates. Elena gives a wave to someone, and I turn to see who. Tait and some girl walk into the hotel. He waves back, and the girl frowns as they wait for the elevator. I wonder if this is one of his many girls. I’ve heard the rumors but have tried to stay as far from gossip as I can. I face Elena once more to carry on an easy conversation as we finish our drinks.
Chloe and Cristina notice us sitting down, chatting, and walk over to join us.
“I just got a text. It looks like they changed the schedule a little bit. The journalist and photographer fromStanmagazine are here,” Chloe says.
“Oh, I thought we were going to set to do this shoot?”
She shrugs. “Guess they changed their minds. They’re setting up in the ballroom down the hall.”
“What am I wearing?” Elena asks, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth.Please, don’t let her wear the short dress. I don’t think I can handle seeing her in that damn thing again.
“I don’t know, let me ask.” Chloe clicks away on her phone and answers a minute later. “They want you to wear the white and blue dress you wore in the scene when Antonio hands you over to Zach.”
She visibly relaxes next to me. “Okay.”
“Bradley, they want you in the charcoal gray suit.”
Hair and makeup come barreling through the front doors of the hotel with everything they need. We follow the parade of people into a private room in the back, following their instructions as we get ready. I’ve never been interviewed for a large magazine, so I’m excited for this. Elena seems indifferent about the whole thing.