Page 25 of The Movie Star and the Spy

Cheyenne closed her eyes, opened them to a world gone blurry. So much of her wanted to say yes; so much wanted to say no. “I’ll think about it.”

She didn’t know who was more surprised by her answer. “I’ll take it,” he returned immediately. “And leave before you change your mind.” The connection ended with a click.

She squeezed the phone until a faint cracking sounded. For a sliver of a second, the past engulfed her, the pain, the heartache, the endless disappointments, but then she forced herself to the present. Her choice deserved deep contemplation, but not now, and certainly not here. She grasped the cool metal handle and opened the door.

A second later, her name was shouted, “Hey Destiny!”

Cheyenne turned at the bubbly voice of Jessica Cole. She forced her voice to a normal octave. “Hi Jess. How’s it going?”

“Great. I was surprised to see someone else parked out here. My agent says walking is a great way to keep in shape, so I always park far.”

Cheyenne smiled. It was a great excuse. “Same here.”

They fell into step next to each other, the conversation turning to neutral, benign and comfortable matters. Jess toldher about her small-town roots, a rural origin with more wildlife than people. She was sweet, kind and a little naïve. Cheyenne would keep close watch on her, especially with the danger no one knew existed.

“So did you hear?” The bubbly woman was even more animated than usual, practically – no, literally – bouncing up and down with excitement. “I got your old role. I’m the new body double!”

“That’s great.” Yet Cheyenne’s heart plummeted to the pavement. What the hell was the matter with her? Itshould’vebeen great. It trulywasgreat. Jess was a kind woman who deserved a better role.

Yet why did it feel like her stiletto had just stabbed her heart?

She should forget about the body double thing. She needed to focus on her mission. Right now she should be questioning Jess in case one of the men had approached her. Although the criminals instructed the women to remain silent, the victims didn’t always comply. That’s how they’d gotten the tip thatSpy Heatwould be the next target.

Yet when she opened her mouth, something else entirely emerged, “I assume you’re going to practice with Julian.” She clamped her mouth shut. Of course, they were going to practice. As long as it wasn’t her, it didn’t matter.

“Nope.”

Cheyenne started, ignoring the feeling that was definitely not relief. “Why not?” At the girl’s surprised gaze, she lowered her voice. “I’m just curious.”

Jess shrugged happily. “Julian said we didn’t need to practice. Especially since there aren’t any scenes where he takes off all my clothes.”

Cheyenne nearly tripped on a fallen branch. “There aren’t?”

“Not anymore,” she confirmed. “Julian, the director and Zachary – you know, that really hot actor – talked, and they tookthem out. They said it would leave something to the imagination. They still need the body double, though, because even partial nudity is banned in the lead actress’ contract.”

“It makes sense.” Only Julian had seemed perfectly happy to expose her, at least for a little while. “Congratulations on the role. On the subject of hot actors, have you noticed all the hunky extras?”

Jess’ giant hoop earrings bobbed with her grinning nod. “Each is more gorgeous than the next.”

“Aren’t they?” Cheyenne gushed. “Have you talked to anyone in particular? I’m a big fan of networking.

Jess stopped to wave hello to another actor, then skipped to catch up to Cheyenne. “No one except Julian about a modeling contract.”

“Let me know if anyone mentions any opportunities,” Cheyenne waved her hand in feigned nonchalance. “I’m always on the lookout for exciting roles.”

“Sure thing.” They greeted more cast members as they reached the convention center, a masterpiece of architecture and artistry that soared twenty stories high. With a glass exterior that gleamed in the early morning sunlight, the massive building was a work of art, all sharp angles and lush curves, like a three-dimensional model from high school geometry. Staircases rose this way and that, creating a maze of optical illusions to make M.C. Escher proud.

They walked through the VIP entrance, where actors, authors and others personalities converged on a red-carpeted path. Cheyenne slowly pivoted, tallying the suspects, when a commotion sounded from behind.

“Look who’s there!” a woman squealed.

“Is that Julian Starcroft!?” another asked.

“OH WOW, IT IS!!!”

Even in a crowd of celebrities, Julian stood out. When he emerged from the mass, surrounded by bodyguards, assistants, handlers, executives and endless fans, she froze. He was handsome in everyday clothes, stunning in the rugged outfits he wore on set, but in a skintight black costume he wasdevastating. The futuristic costume outlined massive muscles, powerful legs and his long, lean torso. It matched his black hair perfectly, and his eyes shone like icy blue topazes. He strode in power-filled movements, the ruler of his domain, dressed like a nightscape hero.

She couldn’t look away, but to be fair, neither could anyone else. The people parted as he walked, surrounded by assistants. Then he stopped…

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