Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 188(@300wpm)
“I want to make a documentary about Paul,” I say.
“That’s very vague,” she replies.
I smirk. “Why do you think I came to the expert? I need help.”
“And you think this will save the business?” she says with an edge to her voice.
“The truth is, I was going to come here either way,” I snap. I can’t let her think I’m only in this for the PR angle. “But I needed an excuse, something to tell the board. Now that I’m here, I think it could be a good idea after all.”
“But you would’ve been here anyway?”
I lean forward, looking into her eyes, not where I want to look, which is at her body. The pink fabric of her bra visible beneath the material of her top attracts me, making me so damn hungry I almost leap right over the coffee table and pull her into my arms. “Yes, without a doubt.”
She nods as though that is important to her. She needs to believe I’m not some cold, calculating billionaire.
“I can get footage of Paul’s journey,” she says. “I can help edit, but I think it would be good to get your perspective, too.”
“My assistant agrees,” I tell her. “I tried filming last night, but I felt like an ass talking into the camera.”
“Would it be easier talking to me?” she says. “You could forget the camera’s there. I could interview you. I was even thinking we could do it while walking on the beach. The imagery would be moving and fit the theme. Or do you think it would be too manipulative?”
“In what way?” I ask.
“The beach, the scenery… It might be like we’re trying to make the audience feel a certain way.”
I consider this for a moment. “What do your instincts tell you?”
“I’m not the billionaire CEO.”
“A man doesn’t get to my position by always forcing his opinion through,” I tell her. “A man gets here by listening to the smart people around him and, occasionally, being a complete stubborn ass.”
When she laughs, I almost break, walk around the table, pull her to her feet, wrap my arms around her, and own her.
“We could give it a try, anyway,” she says. “I guess the only issue is if you’re recognized.”
I wave a hand. “The worst that can happen is they aim a camera at us. It’s all people have these days. Take those paparazzi bastards, for example. The second it got tough, they turned the cameras on me. Not one man in that group would’ve stood man-to-man to answer for what they did to that girl. Not a single damn one.”
She looks at me with so much emotion. I wish I could reach inside her mind, stir her thoughts, and pluck them like petals. Knowing me and my big hands, I wouldn’t pluck. I’d uproot the whole plant. I’d cause mayhem. I’d ruin everything.
The front door opens, and Riley, the nurse, walks in. “Morning, sir,” she says to me, nodding.
“Morning,” I reply.
Sophie stands. “Shall we get going while the light is good?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Sophie
He got so fierce and protective when he talked about saving the girl from the paparazzi. It made me think what an incredible boyfriend he’d make. Or maybe even more than a boyfriend. That’s why I wanted to get out as quickly as possible. The beach is public and always has a few people on it. There’s no chance of us losing our cool here.
Well, I’ve already lost my cool. I lost it the second I opened the door and saw his eyes flit to my chest. Warmth tingled across my boobs as if telling me to do something reckless. Pull my top down, show him the goods, and let him lead the way. Show me how to please him. Let him show me how he can return the favor.
Now, I carry my camera down the beach, judging the shot. He walks opposite me, barefoot, his sleeves rolled up. The sunlight dances in the silver of his hair. Fourteen-year-old me would freak if I could tell her what we’re doing. A chance to record Kaleb Kennison and ask him any questions I like? Sign me up!
“Be careful,” he says, reaching out for me.
We almost touch. I almost let him, but I know it would shatter my resolve. Instead, I walk to the side, narrowly avoiding the sign with the tide times on it.
“Thanks,” I say.
“You need to be more careful,” he comments, “but I guess you’re too much of an artist.”
I roll my eyes, but there’s a smile on my lips. Every gesture feels like a betrayal. Every gesture makes me feel like the lowest of the low. I shouldn’t be grinning like this. I shouldn’t be so pleased when he offers me attention. It’s like I always dreamed, putting on a show for Kaleb, twirling in my prom dress in front of Gwen. “Do you think he’ll like it?”