Page 15 of Under My Skin

Her eyes got as big as dinner plates. “You…you’re serious? That’s…I didn’t expect that.”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Shouldn’t a publicist have known things like what causes her clients were passionate about?

“Yeah, I am,” I said, forcing myself to keep it professional. “Two of my best friends are survivors, and they’re the strongest women I know. I’d love to get involved with an organization that helps people like them.”

Vicki looked like she was mulling something over in her head for about ten seconds before a smile crossed her face.

“It’s great that you have something you’re so passionate about. And I actually think it’s a good PR move for you too, because it’ll show that you respect women.”

“Great,” I said. “Are there any organizations you recommend, or do you want me to do some research and find one on my own?”

“Oh, I’ve got a few I can get you in touch with. But there’s one problem. If you’re going to do this, I think we need to show that you’re turning over a new leaf in your personal life too. Are you…well, is there someone you’d want to take to some functions with you? Maybe go out on some dates with outside of just the functions so it doesn’t seem like it’s just for the publicity?”

It took me a few seconds to realize what she was saying. And then it was all I could do not to laugh out loud.

This woman was actually trying to tell me that I needed to find a fake girlfriend to flaunt in front of the press in order to show the public that I respected women. But wasn’t pretending to date some chick as a publicity stunt just as bad as doing the no-strings-attached thing? I didn’t really see how putting on a show for the press was respectinganyone.

Not to mention, this seemed like a horrible idea on so many levels. All it would take was one little thing going wrong, and the whole façade would completely unravel and I’d end up with even more egg on my face than I had now.

“Wait. You…you want me to find a fake girlfriend? Are you serious?”

“I mean…yeah. Does it really sound so horrible?”

“And what happens if the press finds out it’s all for show?”

Again, it looked like she was lost in thought. After several long beats, I swore I could actuallyseea lightbulb turning on over her head as she gasped and huge grin spread across her face.

“I know! I’ll do it!” she exclaimed.

For just a second, the wiring in my brain short-circuited. And then the laughter I’d been trying so desperately to hold in bubbled up to the surface and I started guffawing, doubling over in the chair and barely able to catch a breath.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“You’ve…gotta be…kidding me,” I wheezed, slapping my knee as I tried to get my laughter under control.

“Why not? You knowIwon’t tell anyone.”

When I finally looked at her, I could have sworn she actually looked a little upset.

“Vicki, we havezerochemistry,” I pointed out, still chuckling. “No one would buy it.”

And I would rather walk barefoot across hot coals thanevershare breathing space with you outside of this office.

Standing up, she walked around to sit on the front of her desk, then ran a red-manicured nail down my arm with what I guessed was supposed to be a seductive smile…but it just made her look more like the snake she was. I jerked away from her touch, and a flash of something that almost looked like pain or disappointment came across her face. But before I could identifythe emotion, it was gone and the Cheshire Cat smile was back again.

“We just need to let them take some pictures of us, baby,” she purred. “I’m sure we can pull it off for that long.”

What the actual fuck was she playing at?

This wasn’t the first time Vicki had tried to come on to me, but she’d never been this aggressive about it before. I’d tried letting her down gently, but obviously she wasn’t getting the hint.

“Donotcall me ‘baby,’” I growled, narrowing my eyes at her. “And the answer is absolutely, unequivocallyno. I’mnotdating someone I work with, pretend or otherwise. Plus, what happens if we’re spotted out and about when it’s not staged? If someone figures out we’re just faking it for the cameras, that’ll make the situation worse.”

She let out a quiet sigh, looking like I’d just run over her puppy. “I guess you’re right. Well, I have a friend who works with several young actresses. I suppose I could get in touch with him and see if the two of us can find someone to accompany you to public events. You don’t have to confirm or deny anything with the press. Just tell them you’re spending time together and seeing what happens.”

Nope. No fucking way was I going to go on dates with some random celebrity just to put on a show for the press. I hated that idea almost as much as I hated the thought of going out with Vicki. In the year I’d been playing pro football, I’d met my fair share of actors and musicians, and from what I’d seen, most of them were high-maintenance assholes.

I sort of got where Vicki was coming from, and honestly, I didn’t mind finding a girl to start spending time with and bringing to public functions. Maybe a college student who I could help out with tuition and living expenses in exchange forgoing on a few dates. Hell, who knew? Maybe I’d actually end up liking the girl and it could turn into a real friendship.

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