AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll be there.”
The blonde slides in front of me, offering a coy smile as she extends her hand. “Hello, Paxton. We’ve never officially met,” she coos at me. “I’m Natasha. I’m the publicist—”
I reach out, taking her hand in mine because that’s what a gentleman does.
Her full, injected lips part, and she inhales, exhaling a choppy breath.
Is she flirting with me?
My eyebrow lifts, waiting for her to say something more, and when she doesn’t, I decide it’s best to run along. The last thing I need is a complication while I’m stuck here.
Now on my list of no-go flings—publicists on movie sets.
“Hi, Natasha. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Lies. I had no idea who she was. My best guess was the publicist by deduction only. I have a reputation for being the nice guy, and I’ll maintain that no matter how awkward the situation.
She pushes her chest out, showcasing her ample breasts, and I have to bite down on my tongue not to laugh.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have someone I need to speak to.”
Not really, but I’ll say whatever I have to in order to evade more passes.
“See ya around?” I say, brandishing my signature smile.
Her eyelashes flutter, and she bites her lower lip.
Dear God. This woman is thirsty.
I quickly turn and spot Mallory again. My eyes narrow as I take in the scene.
Teagan is animatedly talking, her arms flailing around. From here, she looks like a deranged chicken trying to fly.
What is happening? Brad better not have caused this.
That’s when I notice the script on the table in front of Mallory. Her mouth moves, and I realize she’s running lines with Teagan.
Thank God.
For a second, I thought I was witnessing one of Teagan’s notorious meltdowns. That would not have been a good start to the morning.
“Mallory Reynolds?” Natasha says, and I turn to look over my shoulder.
“So it would appear.”
I try really hard to keep the animosity from my voice but fail miserably. Nobody needs to know my feelings toward Mallory. This is business, and when it comes to this set, I will be professional in front of every person on this island, save for my nemesis.
“Don’t bother talking to her. I hear she’s a bitch.”
I stare at the woman for a moment too long, and based on her crooked smile, it appears she might’ve misconstrued that as me being interested. Which I’m not.
“That’s funny. I’ve never heard that about her.”
Which is true. Nobody has ever said a negative thing about Mallory. In fact, until recently, she flew under the radar in a way most people of her status wouldn’t.
“Well, when Daddy owns the most successful talent agency in Hollywood, I guess it’s no surprise that you can land your nobody client a major movie picture.”
Her words are no different from my thoughts, but for some reason, as they leave her fake lips, my blood boils.
My reaction is puzzling, but I push away the thought and keep my face neutral.
“She doesn’t work for him. Mallory’s a solo act.”
She scoffs. “For now, but everybody knows that’s temporary.” Her hatred for Mallory is evident by her sour tone.
I lift my brow, wondering how this woman knows so much about the Reynolds family. She’s a publicist. Sure, we all work in Hollywood, but she has a completely different role to play, and it would suit her well to butter up to the rising agent.
“Is that so?”
She rolls her eyes, and for a publicist, I’m not at all impressed with her behavior. “Yep, Daddy Dearest told me himself.”
Well, I guess my first opinion of Mallory was correct. What’s their endgame? Send her out to underhandedly steal clients to funnel to dear old dad before she joins forces? It wouldn’t be a new strategy for Reynolds.
I thought maybe I was wrong about Mallory for a second, but I should’ve known to always trust my gut. It rarely leads me astray. The confirmation is all I need to steer clear and keep Brad far away.
“Nice talking to you, but I need to get to my client.”
She offers a wide, toothy smile. “I’ll be here all day . . . and night.”
Subtly isn’t her forte.
I nod before turning in the opposite direction of both Mallory and Natasha, moving toward Brad like my feet are on fire. The women on this island are batshit crazy. They both likely want to fuck me in one way or another. I typically prefer Natasha’s method, but in this case? Pass.
By the time I reach Brad, he’s already standing, hands on his hips, glaring at me as if I’m late.
“You coming to the meeting?” he asks, cocking his head in the direction of where we’re supposed to be discussing the issues on set. “Or were you planning to get your dick sucked by blondie over there?”
I rub at my temples, not ready to deal with him today.
