Page 4 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“Darn straight,” he agreed.

“We’ll see soon enough where my dad’s loyalties lie. I’m not going to do another film after this one. He’ll most likely go back to ignoring me once he realizes I’m serious about getting my degree.”

Of course, Gage had already told his famous father about his intent to start that firm of his own, but the man never gave it any merit.

They were nearing the resort now, and Gage took a moment to admire the structure of the massive building. The online photos hadn’t done it justice. Thomas Dean Billam, thearchitectural designer, had done some great work throughout the country, but this had to be one of his best.

“So,” Christian said with a nudge to Gage’s arm. “You requested a woman as your surf instructor, eh?”

Gage’s face turned hot. “My acting coach says it’s best that way. In the film, my character falls in love with some surfer girl who’s competing in the same tournament. He says this way, I’ll be able to study the woman as well as the sport.”

Christian stopped walking a few feet shy of the entrance, his shoulders seeming to stiffen. The drastic shift caused Gage to think back on what he’d just said.

“Listen,” Christian said, glancing down at his feet. “Carly’s…”

“She’s what? Is she hot?”

A spark of mischief lit Christian’s eyes, countering the nonchalant shrug of one shoulder. “She’s a second-grade school teacher.”

Gage grinned. “Which is another way of sayingyes.”

But his friend didn’t flinch. “That’s not what I was going to say. Carly’s been through a lot. You can’t come in here and mess with her head just so you can get the part.”

“Whoa, whoa,” Gage said, circling his buddy to look him in the face. Anger boomed hot in his chest as Christian glanced up to meet his gaze. “First of all, I’ve alreadygot the part.Second, you know me better than that. I’m not some playboy.”

His friend only shrugged and stepped around him. “I know, man. It’s just, you move from one chick to the next pretty quick, that’s all.”

Gage propped his foot against the door so Christian wouldn’t open it yet. “Dude, you make it sound like I’m leading them on or something. I’ve never fallen in love. That’s not my fault.”

Christian rolled his eyes. “You and me both know what it’s like to have women throwing themselves at us. So forgive me if I’m not worried aboutyourend of things.”

“Fine. At least I don’t take advantage of the fact,” Gage said. “Unlike most guys, I’ve neverclaimedto be in love.”

Christian’s shoulders dropped. He nodded, took a few steps back and turned to face the beach. “You’re right.”

Dang straight he was right. “Besides, my dad would flip out if I started dating her. He keeps warning me that I need to stay single so I can sell more tickets.”

“Being married hasn’t hurt your father’s career,” Christian said. “In fact, it’s probably only helped him. He’s kind of like Swayze that way.”

“True,” Gage agreed. “But he made my mom wait forever. Think he was purposely holding out so he could earn the title of Hollywood’s Most Eligible Bachelor.”

Christian chuckled under his breath. “Probably just wants to make sure his son earns the title too.”

Gage couldn’t help but shoot his buddy a surprised look. “Dude, he actually really did say that. He’s all stoked about the idea of being the only father and son team to earn that title.”

Gage thought about what it would be like if he really gained such a title, and cringed at the very idea. Sure it would feed his ego, but that came at a price. “I feel like it’d be even harder to find the right woman if I stayed in the Hollywood game for long,” Gage said. “Already, I feel like I attract all the wrong women. Having Mark Craven as a father is hardly an advantage in the dating world.” The truth of it was evident in the review of Gage’s dating life. A stream of women who seemed to have one-track minds, all set on meeting Mark Craven. “You know what I mean. How do you know if a woman actually likes you foryou?”

Christian shrugged. “I figure I’m good-looking enough that it’s a toss up between my body and my fame.” His friend’s words were casual, but his lips pursed as his gaze moved back to the crashing waves.

Something was bothering him, Gage realized. The guy’s sunglasses reflected the view like two framed pieces of art, but it wasn’t enough to hide the conflicted crease in his brow.

“What’s up, man?” Gage asked. “Something’s bugging you.”

Christian cleared his throat and spun around. “It’s nothing.”

It obviously wasn’tnothingbut Gage wasn’t the pry-it-out-of-them type. If Christian had something more to say he could say it.

“Think Carly’s probably in the staff lounge,” his friend muttered.