AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What an asshole. I can’t wait to call Chris and tell her all about this prick… and the three sexy billionaires I’m going to be filming with for the next month.
CHAPTER 3
Forrest
I’d never admit it aloud to anyone, but filming this reality series was the absolute bane of my existence. I had no interest in doing the TV show whatsoever, but I’d lost a bet fair and square with the co-star of my last film, Harry Winters.
That’s what tequila and egos will do at a casino table in Vegas.
Harry made the bet at his friend's suggestion, who is also a producer of the show. And so, I ultimately agreed to do this ridiculous job with about four dozen stipulations added to my contract.
The primary one, of course, was that I wouldn’t be rejected, and that I would turn down the nobody actress that they picked for the female star of the show. So all I really had to do was show up, pretend to be interested in theHeartbreaker,andthenbreak up with the woman before filming wrapped up.
But there were other caveats, too, including a ridiculous sum of money attached. The producers were happy to give me what I wanted, as long as I agreed to do the show and boost the ratings.
But now that I’m here, I wish that the month of filming was already over and done. I hate it, and day one hasn’t even finished yet.
Well, I hate everything except for Stella Crestwood, who has made the day more pleasant than I thought it would be. She isn’t what I expected in the female costar, who I envisioned as much more irritating, and certainly not as pretty.
I find myself watching her behind the cameraman now in the closed soundstage, perched on a wooden stool, her dark eyes inquisitive as she waits for me to finish filming my personal introduction. She’s already done hers, taking almost half a dozen takes to manage five lines.
“You ready, Forrest?” Jessie asks from behind the camera, tapping her foot impatiently.
I exhale, but before I nod, I see Stella lean forward, watching me with her wide, doe-like eyes. After we film our intros, we’re done for the day, and I can finally get the hell out of the too-crowded studio. It’s been a whirlwind, as first days tend to be, but it’s almost over.
Stella appears a lot less nervous now that she’s not the one in front of the lens, her long fingers twirling at the edges of her chestnut strands with interest. She’s taking mental notes, watching me for tips. I know that look.
“Forrest?” Jessie presses again, and I cast my eyes back toward her. “Please, stick to the script,” she reminds me, and I smirk lightly.
“I’ll try,” I quip, but I’m lying. I’ll do what I want.
“Go ahead.”
The cameraman holds up his hands and counts down from five with his fingers until he’s down to one, and I hold back my exhilaration.
“I’m Forrest, and I’m twenty-eight, never married, no kids,” I begin, reciting the words I had read the night before as delivered to my mansion in West Hollywood. “You may have seen me in a couple of films, but tonight, I’m acting in my most challenging role ever. I’m here to win the heart of Stella Crestwood.”
The cameraman stops filming, and Jessie beams with pride. “One take. Perfect!” she coos as I rise from my spot.
“Are we done for today?” I yawn. “I could use a nap.”
“Yes, but keep your phone on,” she warns me. “We’re moving to the filming location soon.”
“Any idea where that’s going to be?” I grab my blazer from the back of the chair and sling it over my shoulder.
“It’s a surprise,” Jessie says, appearing worried, like I might have a diva moment.
“Fine.” I head toward the nearest exit, and to my surprise, Stella joins my side.
“You’re really good,” she tells me, hurrying to keep up. “You did it in one take. I’m embarrassed about how many times it took me to get it right.”
I slow down to allow her to keep stride, inhaling the exotic scent of her perfume—something fruity.Mango and… peach? Pineapple?Whatever it is, I like it a lot.
“When you’ve been at it as long as I have, regurgitating lines kind of becomes second nature,” I state.
She grimaces lightly. “I’ve been at it a while, too.”
A spark of sympathy springs through me, but I don’t push the issue of her acting history. I know this story too well. Girl is homecoming queen. Girl moves to Hollywood. Girl thinks she’s going to strike it rich the minute she walks into town. Girl gets horribly disappointed. Now Girl does a reality television program.
