Page 103 of False Promises

“Ohmygod, it’s Carter Hills,” a woman exclaimed behind me. “He looks hotter in person. And much taller.”

“I wouldn’t mind him taking me to his hotel tonight,” another replied.

“Do you think he does threesomes?” the first one asked. “We could share him. Oh, he glanced my way. Do you think I have a chance?”

“Nah. I heard he’s pretty hard to impress,” a third voice chimed in. “He always goes back home alone. He’s a loner or something. Maybe he’s gay. There are so many rumors surrounding him. Once, I heard a story about his having depression after his brother got shot in the Middle East and never came back home. Carter went ballistic and had to do a stint in jail. And when he got out, he had to raise a child after his ex-bandmate got knocked up by a roadie. If I were you, I would stay away from him. He may be hot and loaded, but he’s not worth the risk. Too much drama going on with him.”

Their conversation piqued my interest.

I had heard all kinds of rumors about the man, but the last time I checked, none of them were true. Except for the one where he was raising another man’s baby.

If he was really here, perhaps I could get him to notice me.

Turning my back to the mingling crowd, I adjusted my breasts in my dress and added another coat of lipstick.

I was well aware of my assets. And I wished they were enough to catch Mr. Bachelor’s attention.

All night, I studied him. Talking and laughing with strangers.

He didn’t look at ease here.

Once the mandatory socializing portion of the night was over, I retreated to a lone high table on the outskirts of the room.

I put on my best damsel-in-distress face and waited.

Soon Carter Hills turned my way, and I offered him a timid smile.

Those women earlier were right. The man looked hotter in real life. Even his uneasiness made him more attractive.

On his arm, I would shine like the princess I was. And it would turn me into the queen I deserved to be.

With careful steps, he walked toward me, holding a glass of red wine in one hand and water in the other.

Showtime, I told myself.

“Are you here by yourself?” he asked as an introduction. Okay, from up close, he looked insanely sexy. His eyes sparkled in the low light.

Maybe it would be easier to catfish him than I thought. Would he go for the bait, or would I have to up my game?

He placed the wineglass on the table before me, and I flashed him a smile I knew not a lot of people could resist.

He held out his hand, and I met it for a handshake. “Hey, I’m Carter. You looked lonely just now, and I thought you might enjoy some company.” Ohmygod, he looked adorable. Clearly, he wasn’t the flirting type. I could use it to my advantage.

I raised my glass in his direction. “Thanks for this. I’m Savannah. Savannah Prince.”

“Are you here on business? Or are you here with the crew?”

I wasn’t a household name in Hollywood. Not yet. So, I could still use it to act all innocent.

I cleared my throat, trying to look impressed by the crowd surrounding us. “I might star in Wesley’s next movie. I’m here because he asked me to come and mingle with people. I’m not an A-list actress, so it requires more work to get my name out there. I want the role so bad I’d do just about anything. But I’ve socialized all night, and now I’m done. It’s quite intimidating.”

“I can empathize. I’m here because I need to be. This isn’t my scene. I’d prefer being home right now than having to smile at all these people and pretend I’m interested in this Hollywood circus.”

“Right? I can totally relate.” I sipped on my wine. “I’ve never seen you around. Are you an actor?”

I should receive an award for just this performance.

“No.”