Page 78 of Off Script
A look of disdain flashes across his face. He isn't used to being told no. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, Sutton. Fuck that.”
“Thad,” I thunder, grabbing his arm as he turns to leave. Standing, I hiss in his ear, “Think about it, dipshit. The studio will crucify you if you get tangled up with Willa now and ruin the publicity plan.” I couldn’t give two shits about screwing up the publicity plan, but I don’t want Willa to get caught in Thad’s crosshairs.
He wrenches out of my grip and stalks off like an overgrown man-child who just got his toy taken away.
Of course, he makes a beeline for Willa. That asshole. He’s clearly pulling out his charm for her because Willa throws back her head and laughs loudly at whatever he’s saying. Tossing an arm casually over her shoulder, Thad pulls Willa to the bar for another drink. Knowing my eyes are on them, Thad sneers my way.
Pissed, I crush my empty beer can and toss it into the trash, watching them as they flirt.
Carlisle appears at my side looking uneasy. “Everything okay, Ben?You seem mad.”
The last thing I want to do is upset Carlisle. I scrub a hand over my face and shake off my anger and worry. “Totally fine," I lie. "Just work stress.”
27
Carlisle
Tonight is the LA premiere ofCaptain Commander. I stand to the side as Ben’s stylist, Brooke, dresses Ben in a Tom Ford suit, tugging and tucking his shirt into place under his jacket, smoothing his lapels, and running a lint roller over his jacket and pants.
I wish it were my hands running over the planes of his muscular body.
Ben looks handsome every day, but he looks especially so tonight. His tailored clothing hugs his broad shoulders and clearly defined pecs before tapering at his trim waist. As delectable as he looks wearing his suit, I can’t wait to peel it off him later.
When the hair and make-up people pack up and leave the house, I stand in front of Ben, swiping a wayward lock of dark hair from his forehead. “Such a pretty face,” I murmur, brushing my lips lightly across his. “I’ve never kissed a guy who wears make-up before,” I tease, my eyes alight with mischief.
“It’s just some powder, not real make-up,” he scoffs, adjusting his shirtsleeves under his jacket for the third time, the only outward sign betraying his nerves.
Ben is anxious, both about the event itself and about my reaction to Willa accompanying him. It sucks watching him get ready for a date with another woman, but I can’t change it. I can only acceptthe situation and pray that these next few weeks pass as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Ben’s publicist, Becky, appears in the doorway of Ben’s bedroom beckoning him to follow her. “Sorry to interrupt.” She sounds anything but sorry. “The limo’s here. It’s showtime, Ben.”
“Ok, I’ll be down in a minute,” Ben replies, nodding at her. “Give us a minute.” I hear the swish of Becky’s long, black dress as she exits the room.
“I don’t think she likes me very much,” I say softly and without malice, although Becky’s dismissive attitude towards me today has irked me. I guess I can’t fault her for disliking me. In light of the Ben-Willa fauxmance, my presence in Ben’s life does make Becky’s job harder.
“Most days, I don’t think she likes me very much either. Pretty sure she only likes Willa,” Ben responds.
Curious, I ask, “Why does she only like Willa?”
“They’re good friends,” he explains. “But I don’t want to talk about them.” Standing in front of me, he gently grips my face in his big hands. “If I could, I’d have you on my arm tonight. You know that, right? I’d be so proud, so happy to have you with me.”
Chewing the inside of my cheek, I nod, never tearing my gaze away from his kaleidoscope eyes. They're a jumble of gorgeous greens, browns, and golds, and I could stare at them for hours. “I know.”
He pulls me into him, his heat searing me. His lips move to my ear. “It’s you that I’ll be thinking of all night.” Sliding his hand down to my ass, he roughly pulls my hips to meet his, but when his lips descend upon mine, his kiss is gentle and tender.
Ben’s hand finds mine and places it over his chest. “My heart beats for you, babe.” Tipping my chin up, he gazes at me with such intensityit feels like I’m staring into the sun. It’s blinding and painful, yet I can’t tear my eyes away from him.
After Ben and his entourage leave for the premiere, Joanna finds me sitting on Ben’s bed. She hands me a creamy square envelope.
“What's this?” I ask, taking it from her outstretched hand.
“Open it and find out,” she singsongs.
Eagerly, I slip my finger under the flap of the envelope and remove the thick stationery card.
Dearest Carlisle,
I want our last night together to be special, so I rented a suite at the Ritz Carlton. Until I'm able to join you there, know that I'll be missing you. But even when we're apart, you're always in my heart.
