Page 10 of Dirty News
“Sure, I would. Right after we get this video done, I’ll make the call. For the record, I think you’d make the best anchor for the morning news. You’ve got this great look, fresh and sharp.” She sighed then shook her head. “Duke’s sexy as hell. I’m not saying he wouldn’t make a great anchor, but damn that’s a lot of sexy so early in the morning, don’t yathink?”
I had to laugh and agree, “Yeah, way too much for thatearly.”
Nina and I were getting along great. After finishing the cards, we headed back to the room I’d left Duke and the camera crew in. Duke was sitting there, chatting with the guys and Ashton, regaling them with tales of football that only dudes would laughat.
Nina pointed out a great place to do the video. “I think behind that desk over there would be the prime spot, don’tyou?”
She had a good eye, I had to admit that. “The blue backdrop of those curtains would pair well with my dress.” So, we headed over there, and the men finally seemed to noticeus.
“You want us to set up over there, Lila?” the cameramanasked.
I nodded and watched as Duke sauntered my way. “Just so you know, Lila, the cameraman is Ty, the sound man is Joe, and the assistant producer is Steve. Our produceris…”
“Ashton Lange,” I jumped in. “I met him outside the door you made me wait behind while you made your video. Did you finally get that done,Duke?”
He chuckled. “Yeah, we got it done.” Then he took a seat. Right in a spot where I’d have to see his handsome face while I made myvideo.
“Will you be staying for my video, Duke?” I turned away from him to get into place behind thedesk.
“Would you mind if I stayed?” His voice was deep, sultry, andteasing.
My knees went weak and my palms began to sweat. But I wasn’t about to let him think he was making me nervous just by watching me. I was a professional, after all. “No, stay if you want to. I’d love to have an audience, no matter how small. It’s great practice, you know. Oh, you don’t know because you made meleave.”
“I had to,” he confessed. “That lilac scent you’re sporting got to me. I thought I was about to sneeze.” I turned around just in time to catch him winking at Ty, the cameraguy.
“I see.” I knew better than that. He’d already asked me about that, and he hadn’t looked as if he was about to sneeze atall.
“I’ve got to be honest—I can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with, Lila.” He leaned back in the office chair, getting all comfy as he eyedme.
I wasn’t about to let him get under my skin. I realized that was exactly what he was doing. Or trying to do. I should’ve known he wasn’t against playing dirty. Anything to win the game, just like every other jock I’d evermet.
Could I be thatcallous?
Only time wouldtell.
With Nina in place holding the cards, the cameraman ready, the sound guy holding the boom mic, and the assistant producer standing just in front of Ashton, who was overlooking the whole thing, I knew it was time toshine.
Nina was quick to give her advice. “Lila, I think we should do a read through before actually recordinganything.”
Ashton complimented her, “Great thinking, Nina. Let’s dothat.”
Duke looked back at Ashton. “I could’ve used your advice on myvideo.”
“I bet you could’ve,” Ashton joked, then mock-punched Duke in the arm. “Should’veasked.”
“Didn’t think about it.” Duke looked back at me. “Looks like you’ve got the upper hand on this one, Lila. Better make itgreat.”
“Thanks for not putting the pressure on me, Duke.” I tried to laugh it off, but he really did have me feeling as if I was under a magnifyingglass.
“No problem.” Duke’s smile was wide, as if he knew I’d screw it allup.
Only he didn’t know I’d already been doing my own little fake newscasts for twelve years running. Sure, it was just in front of my family, but it was a hell of a lot more than he’d ever done. Being a football player didn’t mean you knew how to speak in front ofpeople.
Nina gave me a nod, and I proceeded to read the cards out loud, “Welcome to WOLF, your newest source for news and entertainment. I’m Lila Banks, and I’ll be your host each and every weekday morning to help you get your day started. I’m looking forward to visiting with you, reading your posts online, and learning what it is you want to know about or tell me about. I’m here for you, to help you find out what’s happening in your neighborhood, your schools, and your beautiful, very busy city. I know you and I will be great friends. If you pass me on the street, don’t you dare hesitate to say hello. I’ll be sure to say it right back to you if you do. You can tell everyone that you’ve got a new friend in the business, and that her name is Lila Banks. So, sit back and get ready to hear all about what’s happened while you’ve been sleeping. There’s so much to tell youabout.”
Nina smiled at me. “That wasgreat!”
Ashton clapped. “Loved it! Now let’s recordthat.”
