Ah, the author had a specific picture of Flynn in her head which was going to be an issue. It always was when a book was being made into a movie. Somebody wasn’t going to like the casting no matter what.
“Give me his words,” Nate urged, leaning closer to her, his pulse speeding up with excitement. There was nothing he loved more than bringing a character to life, giving them a heart, soul, and breath. Flynn had been calling to him since the moment he’d read that first book. “Give me a chance to speak as Flynn and I swear that you will see that I can embody his true essence. By the time I’m done, when you close your eyes you will see my face when you think of him.”
Her brows shot up. “That would be an accomplishment. You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
Only when it came to acting but that wasn’t a subject he was going to discuss with her.
“I’m sure of this. Give me a chance, Paige, and you’ll never regret it. Together we can bring him to a whole new audience.”
Sighing, she shook her head and stood, putting distance between them, and his heart sank. She was going to say no. “Listen, I know you’re a good actor. I’ve seen your movies and I’ve enjoyed your performances. You’re very talented.”
But… she didn’t want him. Her expression said it all.
“And if the contract for this movie ever gets signed I hope you audition because you seem to have a great deal of passion for the role.”
Hold on. Maybe his hopes weren’t dead after all. Could she be persuaded?
“But I’m not looking for a fake relationship in my life. Frankly, I have enough problems between trying to get this movie made, dealing with the schedule of appearances they’ve set me up with, writing books fast enough for my readers, and the long list of other things I need to deal with but can’t remember. My assistant Carrie would be able to tell you but right now I’m drawing a blank. Dealing with a man, even one that isn’t my real boyfriend, just sounds like too much work.”
He couldn’t let this go. It was everything he’d wanted and hoped for. “I can help you with some of that. Not all of it, of course, but some of it. I can be the shoulder you lean on when walking down a red carpet. I can be the hand you hold when you need your name in the papers. We can help each other, Paige. Together we can get that movie made.”
He could see the wheels turning in her head. She was thinking about it. There was a part of her that wanted the film deal so badly she was willing to do anything. But he could also see the fear in her eyes, the self-doubt. She was scared and because of that she was standing in place, frozen in position, instead of moving forward.
Rubbing her temple, she closed her eyes for a long moment. “And that’s tempting. I’m scared about the next year, Nate, I won’t lie. To do this I have to go so far out of my comfort zone I may never find my way back. I don’t even know if I’m capable of this but I don’t think a relationship for publicity is the answer.”
“Is it me?” he heard himself asking. This was his insecurity talking. “Do you not like me?”
Smiling, she shook her head. “Not at all. You seem like a really nice guy. Much nicer than your character Kai in those Thunder movies, if you don’t mind me saying that. He can be a little scary sometimes.”
Those words were literally something he’d never heard. She liked him more than Kai. Normally it was the other way round.
“But you don’t think it’s a good idea?”
His fingers tightened on the arm of his chair, frustration making his voice tight. He’d been so sure he could convince her. That she’d be thrilled with the offer and gladly take him up on it.
“I’m no actress, Nate. In fact, I’d soon go broke playing poker. Lying is not a skill I possess. I’d fail at this and then drag you down with me. We’d be the laughingstock of Hollywood. Believe me when I say I’m doing this for you.” She came closer and laid her hand on his shoulder, the heat from her palm penetrating his sweater and warming his skin. “I meant what I said about the part though. If you want it, you should go for it. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader when the time comes. Anyone with that kind of passion should have a chance.”
Sadly, he gazed at her. She’d made her decision, that was crystal clear. It was hard to give up though. All the things he’d been hoping for and planning on were slowly melting. Defeat was not in his nature when it came to his career.
“Is there anything I can say or do to change your mind?”
“I’m afraid not but please let me say thank you for thinking that the public would believe you and me. It’s the nicest compliment I’ve had in years.”
“I’d be a lucky man to have a woman such as you.”
Laughing, she pushed at his shoulder playfully. “You and your British charm. I’m not falling for it. Now I really should be going. Thank you for the offer but I just don’t think I could pull it off.”
He stood and led her to the door of the suite but he couldn’t let her go without one more plea. “I understand you don’t think this is a good idea but I beg you, please think more about it. There are so many benefits to both of us and I’d be honored to walk you down your first red carpet, Ms. Mitchell.”
She made a soft groan but her lips were turned up in a smile. There was a part of her that wanted to say yes. She lacked the self-confidence to see the decision through.
“Okay, I’ll think more about it but I don’t think I’m going to change my mind. You’ve got persistence, I’ll give you that.”
“Just like Flynn.”
“He also knows when to give up.”
He leaned down closer to her ear, his voice soft. “I do as well, and I think this is not one of those times.”
He heard her laughter trailing behind her as she strode down the hall. Paige Mitchell was lovely, charming, smart, and exactly what he needed. If only she’d say yes, they could make good things happen for both of them in their careers. She had the ambition but she also had the fear.
So far fear was winning, but not by much.
* * *
Panic crawled up the back of Paige’s neck and her chest tightened painfully, making it hard to catch her breath. She was wearing a brand-new designer dress and shoes, her hair and makeup done by a professional, and now she was sitting in a limousine waiting in the car line to be dropped off at the red carpet.
She was expected to walk down that red carpet and have her picture taken by dozens of paparazzi, maybe even do a few interviews. Knowing this all week, she’d given herself multiple pep talks and she’d thought she had this under control. Not so.
Her palms damp, she clutched the tiny black velvet purse as it if was a lifeline. In a way it was because it gave her something to do with her hands.
“You’re going to be okay,” Carrie said, her tone as calming as possible. If anyone understood what Paige was going through it was her best friend. Carrie had walked her through multiple occasions like this, although not all of them were this public. Sometimes she simply became overwhelmed with all the expectations her private life and career placed on her and she needed to retreat for a few hours to be by herself.
“Eventually,” Paige agreed, her throat tight. “But I’m scared as hell. There are so many fucking people out there. I can see the flash of the cameras from here.”
Reaching for the switch, Carrie rolled up the car window. “Does that help? How about doing some deep breathing exercises? Or some imaging? Think happy thoughts about puppies and chocolate.”
Those things usually helped but Paige was too far gone. Every muscle in her body had frozen into place and she couldn’t move when the limo slid to a halt and the car door opened. Helen stuck her head in and smiled.
“Are you ready? It looks like a good crowd.”
Paige’s legs were shaking and she had to press her high heels to the floor of the vehicle to keep them steady. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Carrie leaned over Paige, her gaze darting around the crowd waiting outside. “She’s a little panicked. She just
needs a minute.”
Patting her arm, Helen tried to look sympathetic but Paige could tell the older woman was slightly agitated. “I wish I could give that to you, honey, but there is a long line of limos behind you. Let’s get you out of the car and then we’ll deal with the red carpet.”
Paige wanted to move but she wasn’t having an easy time of it. Her limbs didn’t want to cooperate and she feared she was going to lose the contents of her stomach at any moment.
Tears burned the back of her eyes. She hated being this scared but the screaming crowd and the flashing bulbs were freaking her out. “I can’t. It’s too much. Everybody will be looking at me.”
She couldn’t do this. Helen would fire her as a client, and her dream of making the movie would die.
She’d barely begun and she’d already failed.
CHAPTER SIX
Nate had just finished an interview with a cable entertainment network when he spied Helen Bailey out of the corner of his eye. With a reputation for being unflappable, he was surprised to see the woman looking more than a little upset, her hands wringing together. A pretty redhead climbed out of the limousine Helen was standing next to and both females seemed to be speaking to an occupant of the vehicle, wearing concerned expressions while they were doing it.
Paige? Could it be? She hadn’t mentioned coming to the movie premiere tonight but then neither had he. If that was Paige in that limousine, her publicist and friend were having a hell of a time getting her out of the car.
He wouldn’t lie and say he wasn’t disappointed after their meeting earlier in the day. He’d been counting on that role, and on the opportunity to direct as well. He needed to build a resume behind the camera as his leading man days were numbered. Acting was a tough business and the industry was always looking for the next big thing, preferably younger and more handsome… with a full, luxurious head of hair. That was something Nate wasn’t sure he was going to be able to boast for much longer.
Not letting himself think too much about his actions, he strode back down the red carpet to the limousine. He might be able to help and not because he’d get something in return. His mother had raised him to be a goddamn gentleman and every now and then he tried to act like it.
“Helen, is everything alright?”
The publicist turned around and looked relieved to see him. “Nate, I’m afraid Paige has panicked a little.” She glanced at the parade of limousines waiting behind them. “But I’ve got to get her out of the car.”
He’d only met her today but it was worth a shot. Nodding to Helen, he stuck his head into the limo expecting to see Paige in tears or worse. He was surprised to see her looking rather calm, which immediately made him more wary. She was keeping her emotions all tightly bound up. Bad move.
“Paige, darling, it’s Nate. You have to get out of the limo. There are people waiting.”
Her gaze darted to the flashing lights that she could see from her vantage point and she shook her head. “I don’t think I can do this.”
“Of course you can,” he assured her, his tone as soothing as he could get it. He was a stage trained actor, after all, and this was a test of those abilities. “I’ll tell you what. Let me help you out of the car and you can hold my hand. I know a way into the theatre that skips all the cameras and fuss.”
He had her attention. Her eyes had widened but she’d moved closer to him, sitting on the edge of the seat. “You do? Can I do that?”
“Absolutely. You don’t have to walk the carpet unless you want to. But the movie is supposed to be really good. You don’t want to miss it, love.” Then he held out his hand and smiled as encouragingly as he could. “Come with me. We can get popcorn if you like.”
He held his arm there in midair as her gaze darted from him to the lights, then back. He held his breath as she thought through her options, none of them very good. Just when he was about to give up, she tentatively reached out her hand and placed it in his.
Quickly, before she could change her mind, he closed his fingers around it, noticing how small it was in comparison to his own. The palm was damp with nerves but that didn’t matter now. He needed to get her out of this limo.
Helping her from the vehicle, he admired her graceful moves even when under so much stress and fear. Her black cocktail dress with the silver beaded neckline set off her pale blonde hair. Tonight she was taller than their first meeting courtesy of sky high silver heels that matched her jewelry. Paige Mitchell cleaned up quite nicely.
With his left hand holding hers and an arm around her waist, he led her away from the crowds and cameras to an area where the families and publicists usually hung out while the celebrities walked the carpet. When they were safely behind a large pillar, he stopped to let Paige catch her breath. So far she’d been acquiescent but he wasn’t going to press his luck.
“See? It’s quite private back here. No photographers.”
Helen and the other young woman were giving him the most grateful looks he’d seen in ages. The redhead stuck out her hand and smiled widely.
“I’m Carrie, by the way. I’m Paige’s business manager, assistant, and friend, for want of better descriptions. Thank you so much for your help.”
“I was happy to do it.” Nate inclined his head but his attention was still on Paige, who was looking much better as the color returned to her cheeks. “How are you feeling, love? The fresh air helping?”
Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “I’m better, thank you. Helen and Carrie, can you give me a minute with Mr. Mason?”
The two women bustled over to a group of publicists leaving Nate alone with Paige, who was looking at him curiously, her brows knitted together.
“Why did you do that?”
Her quiet question wasn’t what he’d expected. He’d thought she might thank him again privately before heading off with her friends to watch the film.
“First, please call me Nate. As for what I did… I did it because it looked like you needed it. Are you alright now?”
“I am,” she confirmed. “But I guess I’m just surprised. I turned down your proposition today and you still helped me.”
She must have a really low opinion of him, or maybe it was all actors.
“One doesn’t have anything to do with the other. My mum would be very disappointed in me if I didn’t give you a hand.”
Paige didn’t say anything for a minute, simply studying him as if memorizing his features.
“Thank you. Did you say something about popcorn?”
His grin widening, he laughed at the unexpected query. She was quite unpredictable.
“I did.” He held out his arm so she could take his elbow. “Shall I lead the way, my princess?”
She was smiling as well and she was breathtakingly lovely when she did. It reminded him that she hadn’t smiled much before in his company.
“Lead on, Nate. I suddenly have a craving for popcorn and Sno-Caps.”
Once again he felt the crushing disappointment he’d experienced when she’d turned him down. He genuinely liked her as a person and they could help each other. He could raise her profile and hold her hand down all those red carpets. They could make this work if only she’d give him the chance. He opened his mouth to make one more desperate plea but quickly snapped it shut. She’d turned him down already and his ego couldn’t take the bruising of her doing it again.
He had to face the reality that sometimes, no matter how famous, he wasn’t going to get everything he wanted. No matter how much he needed it.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Paige threw the covers back and sat up in bed. It was hard to sleep in hotel rooms and harder still when her mind was whirling, her thoughts too numerous and varied to let her rest. The movie premiere had been as horrible as she’d predicted but then had turned rather pleasant. Nate Mason had somehow managed to pry her out of the limousine and get her to her seat without a zombie apocalypse starting.
He’d been…nice. And comforting. A strong arm she could lean on w
hen she was overwhelmed. She hadn’t seen much of him after the movie began; he’d been seated far away from herself in the Hollywood star section while she’d been in the “minor celebrity and no one knows who the hell you are” section but once or twice she thought she’d felt his gaze on her when she wasn’t looking.
Because she’d felt so badly about her panic, she’d even attended the after-party with Helen and Carrie where her publicist introduced her to a few movers and shakers in the film industry. Paige called on all the charm she possessed to be friendly and entertaining, hopefully gaining the attention of a few powerful producers while also watching Nate from the corner of her eye.
A man who was not only used to being the center of attention, he clearly reveled in it. A circle of pretty and giggling women had formed around him, just like at the coffee shop that morning and he’d danced with each female one by one. The hard partying man who flirted and charmed every woman in the place was in stark contrast to the gentle and encouraging man who had talked her out of the car.
Even Helen had been smiling by the end of the evening. Paige later apologized and the older woman had been kind but blunt. If she wanted control of the movie she was going to have to learn to play the game. If she didn’t think she could do that, they could part ways. No hard feelings. Helen had urged Paige to take a few days to think it over.
She wanted it so badly. Flynn brought to life was a dream she wasn’t willing to give up on. Not yet anyway. Her agent had assured her they were close but Paige had some work to do with her public relations.
Swinging her legs down to the floor, she stuffed them in a pair of slippers while she reached for her bright pink hoodie she’d thrown on the chair next to the bed. Slipping it over her head, she padded out to the living room and pulled a bottle of water from the small refrigerator.
Nate. She couldn’t stop thinking about him. How he’d helped her. For no other reason than he was a gentleman. He hadn’t done it because she had something he wanted. He hadn’t pleaded with her to sign the contract, hadn’t listed all the reasons she should. He’d just been there when she really needed him. It said a great deal about the man that he was.
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