by Sienna Grant
“Do I get coffee?”
“Do I look like your damn maid?”
“Can’t you meet her? Tell her all about me, what a brilliant actor I am, what I need from her and I can go back to sleep.”
She tapped her index finger against her bottom lip and rolled her eyes upwards, a frown creasing her brow.
“Erm…” her face screwed up making it look like she’s thinking on my request until her eyes locked with mine again.
“No. Get. Up.”
Shoving the pillow away I rolled to the edge of the bed.
“For God’s sake, would you please get some boxers on.”
“Hey, this is my room; you don’t want to look — then leave.”
My dick hung between my legs; he was obviously still feeling the effects of the alcohol too because usually a woman standing there shouting at me, gets me harder than a jackhammer tearing up the concrete.
“I’m going.”
Spinning away from me, Nikki tugged the door behind her so hard, it slammed shut.
“Fuck.”
The sound reverberated through my head and made my brain ache. My hand cradled the side of my head, while I looked for my jeans. I located them exactly where I slung them off last night in my pissed-up state, in a pile on the floor. Reaching over, I grabbed them and pulled them on. Standing up to my full height, I pulled them over my hips, tucked my dick away and fastened just a couple of the buttons. With a shaky step, one in front of the other, I made my way through my bedroom and out into the suite. Nikki was sitting at the dining table with her laptop open and her phone to her ear.
“No coffee?”
My throat was dry, I sounded like I’d swallowed a shitload of gravel. I cleared it and Nikki lifted her hand above her head and flicked me the middle finger. Sighing at her response, I turned around and walked over to the cafetière, pouring myself a cup. Leaving it black, I added two sachets of sugar, stirred it up and lifted the cup to my lips. The strong aroma filtered up my nose and, just like that, it began to clear my senses a little. I’ll be honest though; it wouldn't be enough, not knowing I had to have this meeting. What if this woman was some kind of dragon? Or what if she was some stuck-up bitch…? Ugh the thoughts were endless. Nikki’s phone hit the table making a loud thud.
“Could you be a little quieter?”
She swivelled on her chair and faced me.
“I was surprised not to see a bed hogger this morning.”
I cringed and felt my nose screwing up.
“Fuck that. I don’t need a clinger. Made it out of there, pretty quick.”
“You mean the girl that was nearly sucking your face off in the club? You left her there?”
“Yeah. Is that so surprising?”
I lifted an eyebrow as I waited on her answer, Nikki knew everything there was to know about me. She was always in the background. She was more of my best friend than my PA. It was her idea to employ a PR person. She said I had a bad image. Fuck that, my image landed me a lot of roles and a lot of admirers. I may only be twenty-five but I had mums throwing themselves at me. When she didn’t answer my question, I decided to change direction.
“So, what’s this chicks name?”
“Okay…” she held a finger up halting the conversation, “she’s not a chick, or a bird, or a piece of stuff. She’s here to help your image. Which means you behave and basically — you do as she says.”
“I’ll try.”
Nikki pushed out her chair and stood, her gaze locked on mine as her eyes narrowed back to slits and she stalked towards me.
Oh, shit. She meant business.
“No Roman, you will. If you don’t, you are in big trouble. The agency has said if they don’t see something positive, they will terminate the contract.”
“They can’t do that.”
“It’s written in your contract, Roman. You need to sort your shit out, or they will terminate it and it will cost you money. They want you to make them lots of money and that won’t happen if you keep being a twat. So, pull your head in and drink up because in...” lifting her wrist she looked at her watch, “...half an hour a Miss Paisley Kennedy, will be coming here to introduce herself to you.”
“You’re loving this…”
I could see her thinking on my words and in less than a second she nodded.
“Yes, I am.”
My gaze flicked to Nikki’s as I lifted my cup to take a drink. Like a lightbulb switching on in my head, I repeated the name in my head and wondered why it sounded so familiar. Scratching my head, I frowned and gulped down the rest of my coffee.
“So, maybe you should go take a shower. Seeing you like that may scare her away.”
“Hmm, another coffee first.” I shrugged.
Did I mention that I didn’t want some fucking woman telling me how to behave, I already had Nikki and we’d been working together for so long, she was like family — which was why she got away with talking to me the way she did. So, honestly, this PR woman could take me however she found me. Like I even gave a fuck.
I lifted the phone handset for reception and ordered room service. A full plated English breakfast, toast, the works, including orange juice, to be brought up to my suite. Pouring another coffee, I lounged back on the settee and made good on my second cup, until my breakfast arrived. With a huff, Nikki walked away, finally giving my ears a rest, and went back to the table to her laptop.
After I’d tucked into my breakfast and had another boatload of coffee, I began to feel more human; at least more than I had when Nikki had first woken me. Nikki left the suite to go down and meet my new PR agent and I hit the shower. I turned the dial to as hot as it would go and stepped under the spray. After standing there for a few minutes, the steam cleared the last of my hangover and the water ran over me. Once I’d washed myself, I stepped out and dressed in some denim jeans and a casual white shirt and rolled the sleeves up to my elbows. Swiping my hand over the condensation on the bathroom mirror, I looked at the scruff that was currently sitting around my face. Deciding that I liked it, I brushed my teeth, I couldn’t wait to get the rancid taste of alcohol from my mouth. Drinking Jack wasn’t a good aftertaste.
As voices filtered into the suite, I quickly rinsed some water around my mouth, spat it into the sink and left the bathroom. Knowing my shirt was wide open, I looked down and grabbed both halves as Nikki called me. It was then I looked up and saw her. Dark brown hair, green eyes, a cute little button nose and the pinkest lips I’ve ever seen. My gaze travelled downwards, the straight skirt she was wearing clung to her curves. My mouth watered as I looked down further and saw the heels she was wearing.
What is it with women and heels at work? Do they not realise that all men have fantasies of them digging into our back?
I dragged my hungry gaze back up and locked eyes with her.
Chapter Three
Travelling through the centre of London was a bitch. I probably would’ve been better getting the tube from where I lived but I didn’t fancy rubbing shoulders with sweaty people. Being shoved around like a rag doll didn’t light my fire and I didn’t need the stress — not today. Today I needed to be refreshed, stress free. I didn’t need Roman Dean to see I was harassed. If he’s anything like he was at school, he’d have picked up on that like a leech would to a bleeding wound.
I found a spot in the hotel car park and got out, brushing down my pencil skirt and straightening my jacket, before grabbing my bag from the passenger seat. My phone vibrated with a message and knowing I had a little time, I checked it.
Lesley: Knock him dead. Take no shit.
That’s about all the motivational crap I was gonna get. I soaked it up like a sponge and locked my car, before walking around to the entrance of the hotel. When I’d told Lesley about who I was meeting, she’d been a little shocked and fell off the bed.
“As in Roman Dean — the actor. Roman Dean who we went to school with?” While nodding, I smirked. “As in Roman Dean, the biggest dick of our year?”
‘The very same one.”
“Fucking gorgeous though. He was then; he’s even better now. I wouldn’t kick him out of bed.”
“That doesn’t help.”
“Pais, you’re beautiful. You could take the sail out of his wings.”
“I’m not dating him Les, but I do have to work for him. This is gonna be fucking awful.”
Fucking awful… I reiterated to myself again.
No. I was a grown up now, he was not going to manipulate me with his looks or make me feel like I was fifteen again. I was stronger. I was older.
I. Could. Do. This.
I stood at the entrance of the hotel and sucked in a deep breath and slowly blew it back out. I straightened my back and flattened my hand on the door pushing it open and stepped through. The lobby was huge with a reception desk that stretched along the back wall. My head tipped back to look at the beautiful, vaulted ceilings with the stunning markings and the gorgeous crystal chandeliers that hung down. The place was definitely one of elegance. I looked around me in the lobby, people were walking through like it was your standard budget hotel, not the palatial building it was. To say I felt out of place was an understatement.
Straightening my back and holding my head up high, I put one step in front of the other and carefully walked to the desk. The marble floor gleamed and it was just my luck that I’d go arse over tit and fall flat on my face. Once I’d reached my destination, I placed my forearms down on top of the mahogany expanse and smiled.
“Hi. I have a meeting with someone today and I’ve parked in the hotel car park, do you need my car registration?”
“What is the name of the person you’re meeting with?” The receptionist asked.
“Nicola Wilson.”
“Yes. I have it right here. If you’d like to take a seat, I’ll give her a call.”
She passed me a post-it note and I wrote down my registration number. Handing it over to her, I smiled and thanked her before taking a seat on the comfy leather couch that lay along a wall. I sat on the edge and placed my bag down. Pulling out my ID badge, I placed the lanyard around my neck. I had no idea what this Nicola looked like and I was assuming she had no idea about me either. Today was going to be a long day. The only thing I could see in my mind's eye right now, was Roman Dean, and he did not need to be there. I needed to be shot of him for just a little longer.
At that, a petite woman strode into the lobby, her heels clacking on the marble. The pretty red-headed woman in a business suit made her way to the reception desk. When she glanced back over her shoulder, I guessed it was me she was looking for. I sat up and sent a polite smile and waited. She came towards me, her hand stretched out in front of her. I stood and took it politely.
“You must be Paisley.” She smiled widely. “I’m Nikki. Roman Dean’s PA. Let’s sit, I’ll grab us some coffees, and we can chat quickly before going upstairs. You drink coffee, I assume?”
“Oh yeah, only like vampires need blood.”
A wide grin spread across her mouth and she shook her head.
“You’re gonna fit right in. I’ll be back. Give me one second.”
I relaxed back into the couch. I felt a little calmer as I waited patiently. She smiled on her return and took the bucket seat opposite me.
“So, Paisley. Just a few things to go through. We’ve had to have a legal non-disclosure agreement drawn up. Obviously Roman is an actor and it just covers all involved. Um, he’s a little…” she sighs, “How can I put it? He tends to look at everything as a joke. In basic terms, he’s a pain in the backside but I’ve been his PA for years. The agency assigned me when they first signed him. I’ve watched him grow, physically not mentally.”
That earned her a smile. I remembered how childish he could be at school, but I thought that was all boys. Plus, being surrounded by his posse made him worse. Dragging myself back to now, I tuned back into Nikki.
“Isn’t that all males.” I added, “I don't think they ever grow up.”
A waitress brought our coffees over and placed them down along with sugar sachets and a small jug of milk.
“Can I get anything else for you both?”
“No, thank you.” We said at the same time. With a smile, she picked up her tray and left us.
“I’ll be honest, it’ll be nice to have another woman around. It gets a bit much fighting with testosterone all the time.”
“I can imagine. Most of our office is male, there’s a very small percentage of females, so I was quite taken aback to get this assignment. Can I ask a question though…?”
“Of course, you can,” Nikki replied, stirring sugar into her coffee.
“Why our office? It’s small for a start. We don’t have the clientele that the others have.” I had to ask, just to quell my own thoughts.
“That’s why we picked you. Having a big firm would draw attention to him and believe me, he doesn’t need any more of that.” Her eyes rolled for good measure. I had my answer and that was enough.
Picking up my cup, I took a sip and let the caffeine batter my senses. It was strong too, just how I liked it.
“So, are you ready?” She stood up and waited for me to grab my bag before she led the way toward the lifts. “He should have finished his breakfast now and caffeinated up enough to actually speak and not grunt.”
A chuckle broke from me, I couldn’t help it.
“Shouldn’t you be telling me how lovely he is, that his persona isn’t really the person he is?”
She stopped dead and turned back.
“I could… but I’m a terrible liar.”
Sharing a laugh together, we stepped into the lift and rode it all the way up to the suites.
Chapter Four
The door to the suite opened as I walk back into the room. Nikki shouted my name as she led a brunette into the room.
“Ahh, Roman, this is Paisley Kennedy.”
Rolling my sleeves up, I headed over to shake her hand. I wasn’t sure if she felt the same as me, but I’ve never felt a tingle when I’ve shaken any woman’s hand before. I don’t feel tingles, even when I’m eight inches deep inside a woman.
“You okay?” I smirked as she stared at me as I rubbed my fingers around my chin.
“I... I’m fine. Hi.” Her gaze flitted over my face, not concentrating on any feature as her breathing picked up a beat.
My eyes rolled of their own accord. I was so over the effect I had on women and Paisley seemed to be no different. I turned away from her and walked back to the couch, before lowering myself down, I stretched my arm along the back of it and waited for her to join me.
“So, I’m not sure what you’ve been told but this is not my idea. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have a fucking PR agent. It’s bullshit.”
She placed her stupidly oversized bag on the floor by the side of her and sat down on the edge of the sofa.
“Well, Mr Dean, I’m sure whoever arranged this is doing it for your own good.”
I watched as the colour rose into her cheeks. The tension in her jaw increased, and I knew she was dying to say more.
“I’m sure… would you like coffee, Miss Kennedy?”
“No, I’m fine, thank you.”
“Do you not drink coffee?”
“It’s actually one of the major staples of my diet but I’m all coffee’d out for now, thank you.”
Paisley Kennedy. I fucking know that name, but I can’t place her. How did I know her? I hoped she wasn’t a one-night stand… but then I’m sure I’d remember her.
I continued to stare at her, I couldn’t stop. She must’ve thought I was some kind of weirdo. I nodded and grinned.
“So, Paisley. That’s different…”
I grabbed another cup and sat back down. I stared at her for a bit longer. I struggled to remember where I knew her name from. There couldn’t be that many Paisley’s in London.
“Do I know you? Because your name is very familiar to me.”
She fidgeted with the fol
der in her lap, and the corners of the suit jacket she wore.
“I doubt it… So, Mr Dean…”
“Roman…” I cut in. I hated being called Mr. Dean, all my staff call me Roman, and she won’t be any different.
“Roman,” her lips rolled around the two syllables in my name. I sighed heavily. “Shall we get down to business?”
I smiled because I was all out of business mode and I just wanted to know about her.
“How old are you, Paisley?”
“Erm, d... does that matter?” She stuttered but she found some balls from somewhere. “I’m old enough to do this job, if that’s what you’re thinking?”
“No, no. I was just wondering. Like I said, I’ve heard your name before.”
“I’ve worked in journalism since leaving college, maybe that’s it.”
“Hmm, maybe.”
Pulling my phone out, I quickly tapped out a message to my pal asking him if he knew her.
“So,” I asked as I slipped my phone back into my pocket and turned my eyes back to her, “Did Nik give you the agreement?”
“She told me about it, but I haven’t signed anything yet.”
“Alright, so let's get a few things ironed out first. You’re my PR agent, nothing more. You’re there to keep the shit from my door and the wolves away. Wherever I go, you follow. Press conferences...”
“I’m not your roadie either.” She interjected, adding some spark. “I’ll be in the background and if I’m not here, I’ll be just a call away.” My eyebrows rose slightly. “My job comes first every time. I’m dedicated and I’m loyal…”
“Ah, my own pet.” I smirked as the skin around her eyes crinkled and not with amusement either. “Okay, I think we’re done here. Nik!” I shouted out into the suite.
She tottered in from the bathroom.
“It’s over to you, I’m done here.”
I saw the tic in Nikki’s jaw, I threw her a wink as I turned back to Paisley and reached out my hand, waiting for her to shake it.
“Welcome to the party. Anything you need to know; Nikki will fill you in.”
Paisley pushed to her feet and took my hand as my phone went off in my pocket. Nikki came over and I took that as my cue to leave. While they chatted and went over the finer details, I went to my room and lay on my bed for a bit. The niggle in my forehead had come back and I knew I needed painkillers. Throwing my hands behind me, I joined my fingers and cradled my head as I laid back on my pillows and remembered I had a text message.