He held up his hands. “Hey, you started it.”
“What?” Her voice was an octave higher, and she shoved a finger into his chest. “I did no such thing. You were talking about Jason and—” She stopped herself when she realized they were drawing the attention of others in the room—and Bruce, who had shown up at some point, in a different suit than this morning.
She cleared her throat and took a step back. “Look, I’m sorry if I offended you. Just now and, ah, earlier today.”
Fox’s eyebrows shot up so high they nearly flew off his face. “Did you seriously just apologize?”
“And are you seriously this mean to everyone?”
He wasn’t, but something about her brought out the teasing schoolboy in him. “Hey, I am who I am. No hiding behind a fake persona just for attention.”
Her cheeks turned a bright crimson. “That’s not what actors do. They bring characters to life, whether it’s on stage or in front of the camera. I love getting to do that. It has nothing to do with attention.”
Fox snorted again. “An actor who hates attention. That’s a new one.”
“I never said I hated it. Just that’s not what I love most about what I do.” She looked at him closely. “What do you love about your job?”
Ugh, had she somehow talked to Eli and decided to gang up on him tonight? Why did everyone want him to love his job?
He shrugged. “It’s a job. I like the money it pays me.”
And that it has nothing to do with my old life.
“And that’s what you’ve always wanted to do? Work on boat motors?”
“Actually, I hate the water.” Why was he telling her this? It must be those deep blue eyes. It was like they were staring into his soul. He glanced around the room for someone to save him, but everyone was involved in their own conversations.
She crossed her arms. “Interesting. Sounds like I’m not the only one hiding behind a fake persona. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”
This woman was infuriating. How was it possible for her to be so attractive yet so repellent at the same time?
“Wow, feeling a lot of tension here.”
Fox cringed as he heard Bruce behind him.
The producer placed a hand on Fox’s shoulder, and he tried not to back away. “This is great, the bride’s team versus the groom's team, exactly what we want.”
Sienna smiled at Bruce, a slightly different one than she’d given Jason. This one was more desperate. “Whatever you need, just let me know. I’m actually an actor in New York.”
“Oh, right, I think one of the production assistants mentioned that.” Bruce frowned as he looked her up and down. “Well, stick close to this guy, you’re a dream to film together. I couldn’t write better tension if I tried—not that reality TV is ever scripted.” He chuckled and gave them a wink before walking over to Jason.
Fox turned to Sienna. “No.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I didn’t even say anything.”
“I can see it written all over your face. I’m not playing into whatever he has planned. I’m here for Audrey and Eli.”
“So am I.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Don’t even try to pull the ‘I love them more’ card. You’ll lose.”
“Just stay away from me when filming. I’m not here to be a star. Don’t drag me into something I don’t want.”
She pursed her lips, looking furious, and flounced off to where Audrey was standing with her mom. Fox breathed a sigh of relief. The further away he could stay from her over the next week and a half, the better.
“Alright, alright, the time has come.” Everyone stopped their chatting and turned to where Jason was standing at the head of the room. “It’s time to meet our team leads. These two will be in charge of strategy and coordination of their team’s attempts in each challenge. It’s a big role, so I hope the bride and groom have chosen wisely.”
Ugh, Fox had forgotten all about this part thanks to his bickering with Sienna.
“Will the team lead for the groom’s team please come forward.”
