Page 104 of Collateral Damage
Logically, I get what he’s saying. This is juicy drama—the kind needed to make the show a success. But I’m also not a cast member for a reason. And yes, the cast have guests they bring into episodes, but I never signed up for that.
I’m a producer.
A Laurence.
I have a reputation to uphold.
I’m trying to get a promotion at work, for fuck’s sake. My family has been in the media eye this past year when we never asked to be.
This isn’t something I want to do.
“She’s not doing it,” Cooper says.
Perry frowns. “But it’s my job to?—”
“Your job is to make the show great, not exploit Sybil any more than you already have. Find another way.”
Perry gives me a pleading look, but Cooper is firm, and honestly, I’m grateful for it. My heart flutters for him in this moment but also for the one we shared upstairs, my feelings for him growing.
“I’m sorry, Perry. You’ll have to find a way to edit me out of this.”
“But—”
Cooper grabs my hand and pulls me from the mudroom, back upstairs, and for a second, I think he’s taking me to finishwhat we started, but instead, he takes me into the screening room.
Pointing at the editor, he practically growls his instructions. “You will deleteanyfootage you have of Sybil andanymention of her name. Do it, or you’ll be out of a job.”
The guy’s eyes widen, and he nods. I stand there frozen in the doorway, mouth open like a dead fish. I don’t think anyone has stood up for me the way Cooper just did.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
“You don’t have to thank me, Valentine,” he says. “It never should’ve happened.”
Then he speaks up again, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. “If I hear of anyone talking shit about this or gossiping, they’re done. Do you understand?”
They nod, and Ricki strides in, looking like she’s about to blow, but she doesn’t argue with Cooper.
Perry is the boss, but Cooper and I are the money. The fact is, I didn’t consent to being on camera or airing my personal life.
Ricki catches the stricken look on my face and gives me a little smile. “You don’t have to worry, Sybil. We’ll take care of it.”
Perry pouts for the rest of the evening, but nobody says a word to me. Fortunately, Benton is able to win Gloria over. Their fight will get watered down for the episode, and I know Perry is not happy about that.
Luckily for us, Gloria and Benton aren’t the only ones makingTop of the Worldinteresting. Audra and Justin have a new flirtation going, plus Dane’s cheating ex-boyfriend has been begging for forgiveness, and Sloan isn’t having it.
The night wraps late, and I head to my car, exhausted but fulfilled, my body lighter and looser than it’s been in ages. This was one of the most eventful evenings of my life, and I’m glad it’s over. I can’t wait to crawl into my bed and sleep…afteranalyzing what happened upstairs with Cooper, of course.
Cooper’s waiting next to my car, and I approach with hesitation, not quite sure how to handle this. If I’m honest, I loved what has evolved between us, and I want to explore more, but I’m scared. I don’t want to lose him again. Not even for what will probably be the best sex of my life if that oral is anything to go by.
I’m a logical person, and logic tells me to stay friends.
My heart? It’s screaming to go for it. To kiss him again. To let this thing between us become something bigger. For once, I might let my heart win out.
“Hey,” he says. “Some night, huh?”
His eyes flick down my body, lingering on the hem of the dress shirt, and a flush of heat washes over me.
“Yeah.” My voice sounds breathy and wanting—an outward reflection of everything inside.
