Page 43 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 9

Boone

“Thank you, Boone.” Kelly smiles, reaching for my hand. “We’ll finalize the scouting trip and be in touch.”

I take it, returning her smile. “Sounds good. I look forward to showing your team around Cherry Grove.”

“I’ll have the contract sent over by messenger.” She tilts her head, glancing at her papers.

I stand, grabbing my satchel from the floor. “I’ll be waiting. Thank you.” I nod to the others sitting at the table.

Kelly stands, drawing my eyes to her. “Let me show you out.”

“Sure.” I plaster on my fake grin, waving her in front of me. “After you.”

Kelly Taylor is the assistant to the chief executive officer for scouting at Pacific Pictures. She’s been known to hit on every single man who walks through her doors, but I’ve been lucky enough to escape her clutches.

Apparently, my luck has ran out.

I hold the door for the both of us, allowing her to go first. “May I?”

“Thank you.” She winks, running her hand down my tie. “I’ll just straighten that for you.”

I nod. “I appreciate it.” I follow her to the lobby, crossing my fingers that I’ll dodge the bullet once more.

“So, I hear you’re a very eligible bachelor.” She cozies up next to me, pressuring me to take a step back.

“Did you?” My brows raise. “I can’t imagine who would tell you such lies.”

Her smile fades. “It’s not true?”

“I’m happily committed to someone.” I peer over her, trying to plan my escape route.

She frowns. “I was told you were unattached.”

“They were mistaken. I’m taken.”

She cocks her head, studying me. “You don’t have a ring, and the person who mentioned you, never said a word.”

“Well, they’re wrong.” I move away from her, just in time to see the world’s biggest asshole walk through the door. “Who told you I was single?”

“Hatch!” The talking prick saunters right up to my face, and I could spit in his. “How in the hell are you?”

“Thorton.” I grind my jaw, staving my carnal need to punch this fucker every time I encounter him. California is a huge place, Hollywood is big, but here he is, again. He’s like a bad case of the clap. Just when you think you’ve gotten rid of him, he shows back up.

He leans in, hugging Kelly. “Look at you, gorgeous.”

“Reed Thorton, such a sight for sore eyes.” She kisses him. “So good to see you.”

“Don’t let me interrupt.” He smirks at me. “You two go on with your little pow wow here.”

“We were just finishing up. You can have her.” I narrow my eyes at him. Fucker.

“After all these years, you still sore over that little issue we had?” He chuckles, taking a peek at Kelly. I’m sure hoping to make me look bad, or worse, hoping I’ll screw up and punch him.

“Not at all.” I fake punch his shoulder. “I kicked your ass then, and I can do it again.” I turn to Kelly, taking her hand and kissing it. “You have a great day.”

Kelly’s face lights up at my manly threat, swooning as I release her hand. “I’ll be in touch,” she says breathlessly, earning her an eye roll as I walk away.