Playing Me

by Jenny Lynn

  “Aren’t you supposed to not be acting like a pig?”

  “I don’t know, aren’t you supposed to be dressed like this is a date and not like you’re about to try and sell me a timeshare in Florida?”

  “I thought this was a nice outfit,” she squirmed a bit in her chair. “And actually, I’m from Florida.”

  “Get out of here,” I laughed. “Let me guess. Working class parents, you’re too nice to be an only child. You moved to the big city to chase your dreams but feel guilty for leaving your family behind. Am I close?”

  “As opposed to, what, only child son of a wealthy investment banker. Went to private schools and started a band with his friends then bankrolled your first album yourself, probably with your trust fund.”

  “No need to get defensive because I figured you out Corinne. And all that stuff about me anyone can find out by looking me up, which means you researched me.”

  “I wanted to know more about my fake boyfriend.”

  I shot her a look. “Hey, keep it down about that.”

  A waitress came back with our champagne and poured us each a glass. When we were alone I reached across the table to tap mine against hers. “Smile. Have a drink. Loosen up a bit so it looks like we’re actually on a date and not closing a business merger.”

  She opened her menu and started to scan the page. “What’s good here?”

  “I’m having the burger.”

  “Champagne and a burger?” she looked up at me, then smiled the first genuine smile she had all night. “Actually I like the sound of that. I’ll have the same.”

  I was impressed. Usually when I went out with a girl they ordered a salad then pushed the scraggly leaves around on their plates with a fork while I ate. Corinne wasn’t going to be that kind of date. She was comfortable with herself, and I found that incredibly sexy. The waitress came back and we both ordered the burger with fries.

  “So was I right?” I asked her.

  “About what?” she took a drink of champagne, looking at me over the glass.

  “About you, about your life in Florida and why you moved here.”

  “Yeah, you were. Am I a complete cliche?”

  “No,” I lied. “I’m just really good at reading people. So tell me about it. We’re supposed to be getting to know each other.”

  “My mom is a maid, my sister Beth is an accountant back in Florida. I’ve been into music as long as I can remember, and figured moving to New York would give me more opportunities to play.”

  “What about your father?”

  Corinne cleared her throat then toyed with the stem of her champagne glass. Something was clearly wrong, maybe he ran out on them? Maybe he was a deadbeat, or just a pure asshole like my dad was? After an awkward silence she finally spoke without making eye contact with me

  “He died.”

  She looked wounded, and in that moment I wanted to touch her. Not to screw her, but to comfort her. To let her know I could relate. It felt strange, I didn’t relate to most women.

  “My mom died when I was younger,” I told her. She lifted her soft eyes and met mine.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  “I’m sorry for you too. Look, let’s talk about something else. This is a bit heavy.”

  “Okay,” she nodded.

  “Other than music and dead parents, what else do we have in common? What do you do for fun Corinne?” Her champagne glass was getting empty, I topped us both up trying to switch the mood.

  “I draw, portraits mostly. And I bake,” she said. “Cakes, cookies, anything I can decorate with icing. What about you?”

  “I read.” She looked at me then gestured for me to continue. “Anything really. Thrillers, sci-fi, comics, biographies. It helps give me inspiration. I’m also getting into photography.”

  I flagged down a waitress, she came over and stood beside me expectantly. “Could you get me a pen?” I asked. She nodded and walked away, Corinne was watching me with a curious expression, then the waitress came back and handed me what I asked for. I unfolded my napkin then handed it with the pen over to Corinne.

  “What’s this for?”

  “Draw me something,” I asked. “Before our food gets here.”

  “You want me to ruin the restaurant’s napkin? I can’t do that.”

  “It’s just a napkin, they won’t care, and I’ll tip extra. I want to see what you can do. I’ll keep asking until you say yes, I can be really persistent.”

  Corinne glanced around the room then sighed, spreading the napkin in front of her and smoothing it with her hands. “I’m used to paper,” she said as she touched the pen to the fabric.

  She glanced up at me, then she started to work. She was focused on what she was doing, making lines then shading areas in. I didn’t expect her to take me seriously, but I was starting to think Corinne didn’t do anything half-assed. She threw all of herself into everything she did. Whenever she lifted her eyes to mine I was watching her while the sounds of conversations around the restaurant provided background noise.

  I drank my champagne and watched her work, biting her lower lip while she sketched. Seeing her so focused was a massive turn on. I wanted to grab her and drag her into the washrooms, take her up against a cold tile wall. We’d be done dinner soon, then I could suggest we finish the evening at my place. The fact that we’re dating may be fake, but I was betting I could make her scream my name real loud.

  “Done.” Corinne picked up her napkin and held it out to me along with the pen. I cocked my head then took it from her, shaking it out and blinking with surprise. She had sketched my face, and done a pretty decent job of it too despite it being pen on fabric. She was really talented, and for more than just her music.

  “This is really impressive, Corinne.”

  “It’s a rush job on a napkin,” she shrugged as she picked up her champagne and took a drink. I folded the napkin and placed it inside my jacket pocket.

  “I’m keeping this,” I told her.

  The waitress came back and dropped off our burgers. I watched as she picked hers up and took a bite, she closed her eyes and let out a little moan. That small sound of pleasure made my cock twitch, I couldn’t wait to sink into her.

  “This is the best burger I’ve ever had,” she told me.

  As I ate I watched her and smiled. This was only going to end one way, I had known it since the very second I first saw her and it was still true now. I was going to fuck this girl, hard, over and over again. Girls throwing themselves at me was starting to get boring. This was something new, this was a challenge. And it was a game I was more than willing to play with Corinne as the prize.

  Chapter Eight

  Corinne

  It’s easy to forget that underneath the money, the glamor and the fame we all have our personal quirks and our hidden scars. Celebrities really are just like us. Archer seemed somewhat normal over dinner, approachable even, although he still was cocky and sure of himself in everything he did. I didn’t know Archer’s mother had died, but then again I didn’t know too many details about his personal life other than what was available online and I had managed to miss the part about his mom. I was relieved he didn’t probe me about my father, losing him wasn’t something I liked to talk about with those closest to me let alone a man who was basically a stranger. A man I was contractually obligated to seem like I’m dating.

  After I drew Archer a sketch on a white linen tablecloth we ate our burgers in relative silence. Maybe I should have drawn something other than his portrait but I didn’t know what else to draw when he asked, and since he was sitting across from me it was an easy option. Okay, I’ll admit it, it also gave me a reason to look at him closely. He had incredible features, no wonder he was a star. He was without a doubt masculine, with a strong jaw and straight nose, but there was also a softness about his features that made him model gorgeous. He was talented, but the fact that he was as handsome as he was just added to his sex appeal. I had to admit I found his sensual, broodin
g quality appealing, slowly pulling me in. That voice, those eyes, those lips and that body. It was a package that was easy for his manager to sell.

  I was aware people were watching us and a few diners pointed their phone cameras our way. I felt good about my outfit when I decided on it earlier, but after Archer’s reaction I was starting to second guess my somewhat conservative choice. The worst part was, because of the non-disclosure agreement, I didn’t tell Nancy who I was going out with as I got ready. She seemed hurt, I usually told her everything, but I knew as soon as I started to spill the details I wouldn’t be able to stop and I’d tell my best friend everything even though I wasn’t supposed to.

  When I searched online the photos I saw of Archer out with women had them draped on him, scantily dressed. I scanned through images before coming out tonight, being firm in my resolve that I was not going to be like one of those women. I didn’t want to give off that kind of impression, just another pretty toy of Archer’s, so I went in a different direction with my blouse and slacks. But even without a short dress on Archer was shooting me glances from across the table that, despite knowing what a womanizing dog he was, made an excited shiver run through me. There was something in his eyes that pulled me in and whispered that it would feel so good to give in. To feel his arms grip me and hold me in place as he kissed me, rough and deep. It was a dangerous feeling that made me even more sure I needed to keep this strictly platonic, aside from the show we put on for the cameras. Archer’s voice snapped me from my trance.

  “Craving anything else?”

  “Um, I’m pretty full,” I told him as I bit into my last french fry.

  “They make the best caramel brownies here. I’ll get one and share it with you.”

  He ordered when the waitress cleared away our empty plates. Archer poured the last of the champagne into our glasses.

  “Should I order another bottle?”

  I shook my head. “I think I’ve hit my limit.”

  Archer grinned at me, raising an eyebrow. “I think it would be fun to explore your limits Corinne.” My cheeks flushed and I laughed nervously, taking another sip of champagne. This wasn’t a real date, this was all manufactured. I knew that. But then why was there a fluttering in my stomach? A brownie was dropped off and Archer scooped up a bite, holding it across the table to me.

  “Open,” he said with a wicked smile. I blinked, aware a few people had turned and were watching us whispering. I was about to object, I could feed myself, when Archer lowered his voice. “This is a date, remember Corinne? So stop being difficult and open that beautiful mouth of yours.”

  My jaw dropped open, from his command or from shock I wasn’t sure, and he slipped the spoon past my lips. I let the soft chocolate and creamy caramel melt on my tongue. He was right, it was delicious. I watched as he used the same spoon to scoop up another piece, placing it in his mouth as he looked at me, then smiled.

  “It’s good right?” he asked. I nodded, feeling a bit lightheaded. Whether it was from the attention we were attracting or the bottle of champagne I couldn’t tell. Likely it was a combination of both. He offered me another scoop and I didn’t argue this time. We shared the dessert, the same spoon going from my lips to his, until we were done.

  “I’m sorry,” came a voice from beside our table. I noticed a teenage girl looking at us hopefully. “I don’t want to bother you, but I’m such a huge fan Archer. Could I please have an autograph?”

  “Sure.”

  The girl held out a pen and a piece of paper which Archer scribbled his name for her. She lingered a moment, then added. “Could I also take a selfie with you?” He hesitated, then nodded finally. She scurried over, bent down, aimed her camera and took a photo. “I hope you have a nice night,” she told us both, then rushed over to the table where her parents were waiting for her.

  “That was really nice of you,” I told him.

  “Just a warning, your world is about to get a lot smaller. The price for being able to make art for a living is your privacy.”

  “I don’t think I’m going to have flocks of teenage girls swooning over me the way they do for you,” I laughed.

  “There’s only one girl I’m interested in impressing right now.”

  Another compliment. Was he genuinely flirting with me, or was this all part of the act? It was getting harder to figure out, this was all so confusing. I polished off my champagne as Archer asked for the bill. When I offered to pay half he looked at me as if I had grown a second head and said no. As we walked out together he placed his hand on my lower back, guiding me past tables of curious onlookers, into the street where Archer flagged down a taxi and opened the door. There were flashes as two new cameras had joined the original paparazzi camped outside so I was eager to slip into the car and out of sight. What I wasn’t expecting was for Archer to jump in beside me and give the driver an address.

  “What are you doing?” I gasped as we pulled away into traffic.

  “They’re expecting us to leave together. Come back to my place, we can talk a bit more.”

  “Actually, it will be two stops,” I told the driver. “I’m going to 47 Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn.”

  “My place is closer,” Archer leaned over and whispered in my ear.

  “Which is why we can drop you off first,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “I’m sorry Archer, I’m just not…”

  He brushed a finger slowly along my arm. “You’re attracted to me. I can feel the chemistry between us. You’re telling me you don’t want to do anything about it?”

  “I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize my chance at a music career, and this is supposed to stay strictly business.”

  His finger found its way to my neck, brushing the hair over my shoulder, and my breath caught in my throat. My mind was telling me one thing, but my body was responding to him in another way entirely.

  “Okay,” Archer said finally, sitting back in his chair. I blinked. He was giving up so easily, that wasn’t what I was expecting.

  “Okay?” I echoed.

  He turned his head from against the seat, his eyes staring into mine. “When you finally kiss me Corinne, and make no mistake, we are going to kiss, I want you to want it just as badly as I do.”

  “You’re really confident for a man who was just told no.”

  “No isn’t the end, it’s a challenge. You’re closing the door but I’m waiting on the other side, and we both know I have the key.” Archer shifted in his seat, closer to me, close enough to touch but he didn’t. “Look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t want me to close my lips over yours Corinne.” When I opened my mouth but couldn’t speak a smug look of satisfaction spread across his face. The taxi slowed at the curb and Archer stepped out, winking at me.

  “Have a nice night. By the way I programmed my number into your phone while you were in the bathroom.” He shut the door then handed the driver a stack of cash through the front window. “Get her home safe,” he added. The man nodded, pocketed the cash and we pulled back out into traffic.

  I watched Archer’s retreating back as he disappeared into his building, wondering to myself what I had gotten myself into.

  ***

  Back at home, as soon as I turned the lock I saw Nancy jump from couch and rush over to me, a wide-eyed expression on her face.

  “Seriously Corinne, seriously?”

  I closed the door and twisted my face in confusion. “Um, hi Nancy. What’s up?”

  She crossed her arms. “How was your date?”

  “It was fine,” I started to walk to the kitchen for a glass of water, suddenly thirsty. She followed me, staring into the back of my head.

  “Just a perfectly normal, casual first date. Nothing worth mentioning.”

  “No,” I sighed. “Nancy why are you acting so weird?”

  “I don’t know, ever since my best friend lies to me about going on a date with a celebrity?” Suddenly she thrust her arm out revealing her phone screen. On it was a picture of me with Archer, be
ing spoon-fed a piece of chocolate brownie.

  “I can explain,” I started to say while Nancy stared at me as if I was an alien.

  “How did this happen? How could you not tell me! I thought you were on a date with Tyler.”

  “It’s… complicated. Wait, why did you bring up Tyler?”

  Nancy gestured to our table where a bunch of pale pink flowers were placed in the middle. I walked over and picked up the card.

  Most guys would bring you flowers on a date, but I decided to send you flowers and ask for a date. Will you have coffee with me tomorrow Corinne?

  “Does Tyler even know who he’s up against?” Nancy asked over my shoulder.

  My heart lurched in my chest. I liked Tyler and felt like this could really be the start of something special. But how was I supposed to go on a date with him when I was supposed to be fixing Archer’s bad boy image and getting my career started at the same time? This really was complicated. My phone started to buzz, I jumped then answered.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey Corinne, it’s Tyler.”

  I dropped the card and clutched the phone against my cheek. “Tyler. Hi. Um, I got your flowers. They’re beautiful.”

  “Did it work? Can I take you out tomorrow?”

  “I’d really like that, but the thing is- I don’t know if I can date right now. I’m sorry Tyler.”

  There was silence on the line, I bit my lip.

  “Well, then how about two musicians talking over coffee. You drink coffee, so do I. Why don’t we do it together.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut. He was so sweet, I really wanted to say yes. When I opened my eyes Nancy was watching me with her eyebrows raised so high they were hidden behind her bangs.

  “Okay. Where should I meet you?”

  “How about Red Rooster in Brooklyn at noon?”

  “That works for me. See you then Tyler.”

  “Looking forward to it. Goodnight Corinne.”

  “Night.”

  I hung up while Nancy disappeared in the kitchen, coming back with two glasses full of white wine. She shoved one into my hand then pointed at the couch.