Page 36 of 7 Dirty Lies

“That’s not hischoice.”

Ted’s voice came booming through the room.“And now for our leading lady and gentleman.Scott Kaine attended Julliard before his first big break inThe Secrets We Keepalongside Callum Jones.He earned his first Academy Award nomination last year for his role inGreen Grass Grows.Scott enjoys playing games with the paparazzi, golf, and pranking his on-screen love interests.”He shot me a look.“Sorry,Princess.”

The crowd titteredatthat.

Scott stood and waved, laughing off the jokes of the guys who’d worked with him in the past.I liked Scott.We’d met a few times over the years and he was always one of the good guys.He enjoyed his job, he respected the crew, and he wasn’t a jerk.Plus he was incredibly hot.It always helped when the guy you were fake falling in love with was at least fun tolookat.

“And now for ourleadinglady.”

I blushed as the entire room turned my direction.It was a lot of eyeballs to have on you at once.Especially when I realized Colt was among the eyeballs that had turnedmyway.

I didn’t stare at him, but I could see him out of the corner ofmyeye.

Hell, I could feel him.My skin tingled and the hair on the back of my neck stood up, begging for his hand to smooth itbackdown.

“Miss Lily Lawrence is my best friend so you’ll have to indulge me for a moment as I sing her praises.We go way back and she’s literally saved my life so that I can stand here today writing yourpaychecks.”

The crowd laughed again but I wanted to crawl under the table and hide.Ted was doing this on purpose.He knew Colt was there and he was taking this chance to makemycase.

Except I didn’t want him todothat.

“The granddaughter of the grand dame herself, Vivian Hope, Lily has trained under the biggest names in the business, naturally.She received her bachelor’s degree in theater from Yale University.Her last four pictures have gone on to win box office and critical success—meaning she’s the one who’s going to get us all those Oscars.She is the kindest, sweetest, smartest actress I have ever met.I would have said woman, but Charley would have killed me.They’re both pretty fantastic,” he rushedtoadd.”

I refused to look at Colt as Ted prattled on, but Charley had no such qualms.“My god, I don’t think that man could smolder any more with an actual fire.He can’t take his eyesoffyou.”

I batted her away.“Stop.You’re nothelping.”

She really wasn’t.She was making me so damn nervous I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stand up when Ted eventuallyshutup.

“As you all probably know the last two years have been hard for Lily, but she’s weathered it like the true woman she is, with grace, poise, and a work ethic that puts everyone else to shame.”He paused and cleared his throat, which made my heart completely stop beating.I knew what happened when Ted did that.He said big and uncomfortable things.“Many years ago when we were both too young to understand how cruel life can be, Lily was there to save me.She refused to let me go.She got me the help I needed, paying for it herself.When there was no one left in my life, she was the one who stood beside me and walked through fire to make sure I survived.That’s the kind of woman she is and I can guarantee youThe Price of Loveis in good handswithher.”

He clapped and so did everyone else.I forced myself up to wave even though I really wanted to run away and hide.These weren’t the kind of stories either of us shared.They were private.Theywere—

I jumped as Charley put her hand on mine and squeezed, drawing my attention down to her.“Thankyou.”

And I realized Ted had started talking about that day because of her.Charley changed him and finally made it all right for him tomoveon.

The only problem was that I hadn’t gotten that memo and I wasn’t particularly happy to have people witnessing my meltdown.I stole a glance toward the kitchen and caughtColt’sgaze.

If he’d been smoldering it wasgonenow.

Oh no.Now he had a look I knew on his face.That possessive, angry, frustrated lookwasback.

“And now for our host,” Ted continued.“The Landry Ranch has been kind enough to allow us to film here where the story was first inspired.Tonight we’re eating as the guest of Mr.Colt Landry, the current CEO of The Landry Corporation, the company that owns the ranch and winery we’ll be filming on, as well as the infamous Landry Museum of Art and Music.Mr.Landry took control of the company at the tender age of eighteen and has been continuing the family legacy by heading up new endowments tothearts.”

The crowd clapped and hollered withthatnews.

Colt looked at his feet, shoving his hands in his pockets.I knew that move.He did that when he wasnervous.

“Mr.Colt Landry.”Ted held out his hands and Colt begrudgingly stood up straight, waving with a forced smile, before he strode over to shakeTed’shand.

“Welcome to Landry Ranch,” he said simply, looking over the crowd.“This home has been in my family since the end of the Civil War and I’m honored to have the legacy preserved inThe PriceofLove.”

He stopped on me, locking his gaze with mine.I held my breath as I waited for what hesaidnext.

“I’m sure you’ve all read the script so you already know what the price is.It’s pain.”He looked away.“Joe and Walt were inspired by my parent’s story and their words mean a lot to me.I can’t wait to see what you all do with it.”He gave another little wave and lefttheroom.

“Ijust thoughtit would help if he knew more!”Ted followed me through the halls as Istormedaway.

---