“Well?”
He stared at the capable junior agent. “What?”
“Are the rumors true?”
Frowning, he considered the question. Skye had suggested a generic response to anyone who asked, but he didn’t want to lie to Vonda, so he simply said, “Maybe.”
“Wow.”
“Listen, Vonda, I know you’re just trying to help but I don’t really want to talk about it.”
She nodded. “That’s fair. How’s your mother?”
“She’s well. Bossy.”
Before he left Michigan, he’d stopped by his mom’s house to make sure she was alright. She’d made good progress since she’d started physical therapy, but had a long road ahead of her. Of course, she’d grilled him about Paige and the news. And he’d given her the safe answer—that he had everything under control. Normally, he would have been confident in his answer. This time he wasn’t so sure. There were many variables that couldn’t be controlled, like his feelings for Paige. He’d fallen for her—hard and fast.
“Did the security work out?” Vonda asked.
“Yes, thank you.”
Vonda ran down a list of client tasks she had to complete for the day. He gave her a few pointers on how to tackle them, and she left him alone.
Losing himself in work, he answered several emails, made a few calls, and reviewed three new contracts. Before he knew it, it was lunchtime. Andrew stared at his phone. Although he was tempted to call Paige, he didn’t because he knew she was traveling today. They’d had a heated discussion about security going forward. She’d agreed to travel with two bodyguards, so he’d contacted her security team to arrange it. Two of her favorite guards had flown to Michigan so they could travel with her, which made him feel better. She’d also chosen to charter a plane so she could avoid the paps.
According to her itinerary, she’d be in the air within the hour. He decided to send her a quick text: Miss you.
Seconds later her reply came through: More.
Andrew smiled, and fired off a response: Maybe I’ll sneak into your bedroom tonight and give you more.
His phone buzzed a moment later.
Paige: I’ll be waiting. Miss you, too.
Andrew’s hand hovered over the keyboard, tempted to tell her more. But the first time he told he loved her would be in person. Because, yep, he was definitely in love with Paige Mills. He’d probably always been a little in love with her. And it was time he confessed.
He stood and walked over to the window. Peering out at Wilshire Boulevard, he pondered his next move. The biggest question he’d asked himself was would he be able to continue working for Paige as her agent. It had been done before, no doubt. He’d known several agents who’d dated their clients, and it had never worked out well.
Although he’d never dated one of his clients before Paige, he’d gone out with several actresses and learned early on that it was never a good idea. It was a lesson he’d told every mentee he worked with—stay away from the industry people. And he’d learned that after several crazy personal experiences. Inevitably, those relationships had ended in hurt feelings and hard feelings.
Paige made him want to throw out all of his rules to be with her. She’d always had that effect on him, from their first meeting to last night. He’d denied the connection for a long time. Yet, when she’d married Julius, his jealousy had gotten the best of him and he couldn’t take it. Andrew’s asshole-ish behavior had almost destroyed their working and personal relationship. But he’d never regret his decision to drop everything and go to her.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Andrew called for the person to come in. Bishop Lang entered the office.
“What’s up, bruh?” Bishop gave him a dap. “How long have you been back?”
Bishop worked in the legal department for the agency. He’d been instrumental in the development of Pure Talent Audio. He was also a close friend.
“Got back last night.” Andrew grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge he kept in his office. He offered Bishop one, then tossed a bottle toward him. “Been busy trying to catch up on work.”
“How’s Mama Connie?”
Andrew told his friend about the accident and subsequent surgery. “She told me to tell you that she wants to see some honorary grandkids soon.”
Bishop chuckled. “She’s hilarious.” A few years ago, Bishop had met and married Paityn Young, who was Jax’s goddaughter. “Tell her we’re trying.”
“You know Mom. She’s always talking about babies.”
