“What are these?” I demand.
“Nothing.”
“You have a stalker,” I realize aloud.
“It’s nothing to worry about. Hollywood’s full of crazies.”
“Hunter—”
Before I can get another word out, he wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me in, cutting me off with a bruising kiss. I stumble back, surprised, my hip meeting the edge of his desk. Hunter moves quickly, lifting me up to set me on the surface before cupping my face in his big hands. His commanding tongue teases my lips apart, exploring the inside of my mouth like it’s a new world to stake claim.
I smile against his mouth, clinging to his shirt like a lifeline. Any concerns I had about his little red envelopes melt away the second he groans, his stiff arousal pressing against the inside of my thigh. When Hunter finally pulls back, I have a chance to breathe.
“Did you miss me that much?” I tease.
“It was a long fucking meeting.”
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“How do you feel about coming to a party with me tonight? Porter’s invited us. Says it’s going to be a big thing. Figured you might like some time away from the studio.”
“As your plus one, or as your assistant?”
“Yes.”
I laugh. “That’s not an answer.”
“A little of column A, a little of column B,” he says. “It’s a party to celebrate finding our Juliet.” His whole face brightens. “We can finally get the ball rolling now that we have her.”
“Who did you choose?” I ask. A part of me hopes it isn’t Annabeth. I don’t know if I have the strength to deal with her every day for the duration of the shoot.
“Her name’s Lilianna Eschette. She’s perfect for the role.”
I breathe a quiet sigh of relief.Better luck next time, Mom.“I’m glad to hear it,” I tell him.
“We’re just waiting on confirmation from her agent. She has first refusal, so here’s hoping she doesn’t turn the role down.”
“Why would she do that? Getting to be a part of this project would be huge for her.”
Hunter shrugs. “Things happen. Nothing’s set in stone until a contract is signed.”
“Then don’t you think the party’s a bit premature?”
“Do you want to go to a party in Malibu or not?” he asks dryly.
I’ve never been much of a party girl, but the chance to live it up at some fancy pants party near the beach is too good of an opportunity to pass up. Plus, it might be nice to spend some time with Hunter away from the office. I can’t imagine him letting loose. It’s too out of character. I’d pay good money to see what Hunter’s truly like off the clock.
“I better go home and change,” I tell him. “Maybe I’ll break out Taylor’s flamingo outfit again.”
Hunter smirks. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
Chapter 17
Tip #17: When in doubt, don’t be afraid to show some skin.
EDEN
“Absolutely not,” Taylor says. “There’s no greater fashion sin than being an outfit repeater.”