Page 55 of Worth the Scandal
“Tell me again how you convinced Ted to let me borrow you for the weekend?” I ask, stepping into the sleek black uber waiting outside Sydney Airport.
Shell grins like she just successfully robbed a bank. “I told him it was a once-in-a-career opportunity to be a professional PA in stilettos and then batted my lashes. He said—and I quote—‘If she gets arrested in Sydney, I’m not bailing her out. You two are trouble together.’”
“Charming, he won’t have to bail us out we are on our best behaviour.” I nudge her arm with a smirk and take a glance at her outfit—white power suit, effortless blowout, heels I wouldn’t survive five minutes in. “Okay, Shell. You’re officially giving City girl energy.”
She fake-adjusts her non-existent lapel. “Scarlett, I was born to slay in Syd.”
We’re here for the launch weekend of Justin Moore’s season—my NBL client whose dream is to go full NBA. Tall, smooth, ridiculously attractive. Also: not my type. Which is lucky, because the man flirts like that’s his job and not dribbling a ball to throw in a hoop. My type is a brown haired 6’2 fullback who’s been texting me back nonstop since we saw each other less than 48 hours ago. A man who looks exceptional dry and just as delicious sopping wet from a hose fight with Ted. One whoworships me like I’m the reason the sun rises. This is the first time I’ve ever wished that a business trip was quick and easy. I’m a sucker for Asher Kingston.
* * *
I’m treating Shell whilst we are in Sydney and that means staying at the best hotel in town and dining at the best restaurants. Little does she know I’ve already spoken to Ted and told him to start looking for a new PA because this one I’m stealing as my own and very first official employee of Maroon Management. I say official because Jen’s been unofficially helping me out whilst I’ve been in Dawson’s Ridge the last month. Jen is an unstoppable force when it comes to getting shit done, she’s got this don’t fuck with me attitude that scares people into doing what she wants. Shell’s approach is a little more playful and gels so well with the clientele we have—AKA athletes. The car pulls up to the valet of the W hotel, a dome shaped hotel that sits right on the edge of the Sydney harbour, the views are immaculate, and the inside pool and dining here is unmatched. Shell’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. “Get out of town is this where we are staying?” She gawks her mouth open just a touch as she oohs at the hotel before her.
“Yep, nothing but the best when you roll with Maroon babe.”
We make our way through the double glass doors and check in with a gorgeous young blonde at the reception desk, she hands over our keycards and we head to the elevator to head up to our room. I’ve booked Shell and I a suite, it’s stunning and it’s nothing short of what she deserves and of course what I deserve too.
As we flank open the door we are greeted with stunning views of all Sydney has to offer, oh and a bottle of champagne and anote on the table near the window. Shell saunters over to the bottle and note, and there really is a little spring in her step. It cracks open this warm fuzzy feeling inside me, I love seeing people happy and enjoying the things I organise, I guess that’s another reason I’m good at this job—the satisfaction of landing brand deals and major contracts really does give me so much serotonin. I’m putting my bag down when she giggles “who the hell is “j” and why is he flirting with us via hotel card?” Huh figures Mr flirt has upped his game. I snatch the card from Shell’s hands, and she raises a brow to me, with a slight smirk on her face.
It would be my pleasure to wine and dine a gorgeous woman tonight. But women? You spoil me Scar. See you tonight at 7 x – J
“Ah that would be the client we are here to see and see how I used the word client. He likes to think he’s going to be more, but he is way too cocky for his own good.” I laugh tossing the card on the table and passing Shell the champagne. “Will you do the honour? We are celebrating…”
Shell eyes me pointedly “we are? Get fucked don’t tell me Asher proposed or something,”
“Omg Shell calm down we aren’t even dating, or we are I don’t know but, nonowe are celebrating Maroon Managements newest Talent Manager…”
She squeals, literally squeals in excitement. “Don’t fuck with me Scar, are you serious?”
“Deadly, I’ve sorted it all with Ted too, you’ll finish out the season with him and the Ridgebacks then you’re all mine, that’s of course if you want to be!”
“Shut up, this is all I want.” she waves her arms gesturing around the hotel and tips the champagne to her mouth takingone giant swig. She screws her face up “geez not even the price tag makes it taste better huh?”
“Nope, you’ve just gotta fake it til you make it”
And with that we FaceTime Jen to invite her to dinner too, because the more the merrier. Especially where Justin Moore is concerned.
Later that night—Dinner Event, George Street Sydney
“I’m not saying you should dump football boy,” Justin says, swirling his whiskey as he leans in. “But if you do, just know I’m available Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
I roll my eyes and sip my martini. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re magnetic,” he counters.
“You walk into a room and people shift.”
Shell leans over to Jen and mutters,
“Do all your clients want to sleep with her?”
Jen snorts.
“It’s like watching the Bachelor. Agent Edition, you get used to it.”
“I can’t blame them though if I wasn’t straight, I’d be after Scarlett Walker myself.” she adds with a cheeky smile and a kiss to my cheek.
“I can hear you and It’s not like that,” I say, glaring.
