I getout of there before I do something stupid. As attracted as I am to Maggie, I can’t cross that line. Touching her is a slippery slope. It’s one thing to think about touching her, but actually doing it could cause me to wobble, and if I’m not careful, I’ll fall.
Repeated exposure to her naked body should cause me to become immune to it, instead, it’s like studying a piece of fine art. Every time, something new grabs my attention. The way her collarbone slopes in. The way her hair grows in on top of her long neck in two different directions. The way her skin always reacts to my touch.
I push the thoughts aside, focusing on the fact that she was being followed.
We’re no closer to figuring out what’s happening with the factory, if anything we’re further away. If somebody has been watching me for weeks that means I was late to the party. I can’t be everywhere. I can’t make sure the factory is thriving and keep up with the movies and the guest appearances and press tours. Next month, I leave for Asia to promote my new movie. I have no idea how I’ll deal with all of this.
I’m so lost in thought that I don’t see the photographer until it’s too late. We collide and the camera falls to the ground in a jostle of flailing hands.
“Damn.” The photographer curses too late to grab it.
“Sorry. Dammit, sorry.” I pick up the camera. “It looks okay—”
As I stand to hand the camera back to the stranger, my vision swims and I stumble.
“Woah, woah. You okay?” The man loaded with equipment steadies my arm.
“I’m okay.”
“You sure? You’re really pale.”
I blink a few times as a flash goes off in my face. Not his. A different camera. Not sure how they found me but I’m plenty far away from the restroom that Maggie will be able to get away safely.
“I’m okay. How’s the camera?”
He looks it over. “It’s fine. Maybe you should eat.”
“I will.” I brush him off, not meaning to be gruff but not wanting all these people in my face. “Thank you.” I pat him lightly on the shoulder.
He calls out as I walk away, “Picture for my trouble?”
“Make sure you check outDartango.” I smile down the anger and stand for the camera, wishing for my hat.
“Thanks, man, we sure will. You’re great. Thank you.”
A few blocks later I walk into a decent deli and order a grilled chicken breast and steamed veggies. My hunger has surpassed a safe level. All these hours with the personal trainers catch up.
The cashier is young and pretty and says, “On the house,” before I can pay. I’m about to reach for a tip when my phone rings. My smiling mother distracts me enough that I step away with my food, forgetting entirely about the cute cashier and the tip. I hover in a quiet corner to take the call.
“Hello?”
“Hey, honey.”
“Hey, Ma.” I pinch the area between my eyes. It’s not good. She has that same tone as the last call.
“How ya doin’ baby? How’s the press tour? Is that what you’re doing now?”
“Ma. You’re stalling.”
“I was just asking.” She lets out a very mom-like sigh.
“I’m fine.” I wait a beat. “Are you okay, Mom?”
“Well, there’s been bad news. Listen. I don’t have a ton of time. Your brother and father didn’t want you to know—”
“Why don’t they want me to know?”
“They worry about your health. We all do. But it’s your company, you should be informed.”
