The morning drags by with me wishing I could walk away from reception to reread the pamphlet in the privacy of the staff room.

As I carry out my tasks, checking in guests and handing them their room keys, doubts start to set in. My earlier excitement moves out of reach. What was I thinking to even consider auditioning for the part of an extra in a movie? What qualifications do I really have? In my quest to find myself and more meaning in my life, I had done one or two acting courses for fun, but nothing major. I have no experience to speak of. On the other hand I cannot imagine anyone else in Mistport being any more qualified. Why can’t I be one of the three people that are chosen? I’ve played many roles in my twenty-six years. Acting wouldn’t be too hard, would it?

“Excuse me, are you listening to me?” An old woman with a stooped back and thick eyebrows leans forward on the counter, her face tight.

I push my thoughts to the back of my mind to return to later. “Yes, sorry. What was that?”

“I was saying that our room is ready for cleaning now.” Spittle escapes from her mouth.

“Sure.” I lift the phone from its cradle. “I’ll send someone up right now.” As I dial, I’m relieved that today I don’t have to do any cleaning. No picking up used condoms and other disgusting items from floors. Maybe if I do a good job, Heidi will keep me at reception permanently.

Without bothering to thank me, the woman simply walks away, her lips in a straight line which makes them almost non-existent.

“Daniella,” I say when one of my cleaning colleagues picks up.

“Hey, Emma, I heard you’re at the front desk with all the celebrities.” She doesn’t try to disguise the envy from her voice. “I can’t believe Heidi chose you to fill in for Cora. What did you bribe her with?” The sound of her shrill laugh gets on my nerves.

“Room 203 needs cleaning.” I choose to ignore her scathing remark. I know everyone around here talks about me behind my back. I know they all think I’m a joke. One day I’ll prove them wrong.

“Oh, okay,” she says in surprise. “I’ll get right to it.”

At 10:00 a.m., the lobby is quiet and no one comes up to reception with requests or complaints, and the phone stays silent. I sit back and pull out the pamphlet. This time, I read the requirements. My heart shrinks a little. They do need someone with some kind of acting experience.

I take a deep breath and push back my tense shoulders. But what do I have to lose by auditioning anyway? The worst thing they can say is no.

I turn the pamphlet over in my hand. My head snaps back in surprise and utter delight. This is not any old movie. It’s based on a top novel, Ragged Waves by Dax Pierce, a bestselling author-turned-movie star. And he will be starring in the movie.

Dax happens to be a major crush of mine. He must be the man who was escorted into the elevator earlier.

No way in hell will I let this opportunity pass me by. Nothing will keep me from going to that audition. I will meet Dax Pierce in person.

It states on the pamphlet that successful candidates will be required to put aside two days for the filming.

My stomach clenches. Heidi would go nuts if I miss two full days of work after being here for only two weeks. I can’t even call in sick since this is a small town and the shooting of Ragged Waves will be the talk of town. Someone will see me.

I need to come up with a plan. I push the pamphlet back into my pocket and reach for a tabloid magazine, flipping through it, but not reading the words.

The ding of the elevator makes me look up. I hold my breath, hoping for Dax Pierce to step out. I’m disappointed when a newly married couple steps out. They’re occupying the only honeymoon suite in the hotel. They look so happy together in their own little bubble.

I blow out a sigh. I can’t even remember the last time I was interested in a man, not that I ever allow myself to fall in love with anyone. Every time things got serious with a guy, I pulled away. It must be the fear of falling in love with someone in this town and getting stuck here forever. I want to fly in an airplane, to see the world, to go on exciting adventures. I don’t want to fall in love with some guy whose idea of happiness is settling down in Mistport.

My gaze travels around the lobby. I’m not the only person waiting for Dax Pierce to show up. I spot several reporters dotting the area, sitting on couches, pretending to read newspapers, wearing dark glasses and caps. They’re so obvious, like in the movies. Hollywood has come to town and, like me, they don’t want to miss the opportunity to see a big star in person.

My gaze travels to the clock above the elevator, watching the hands tick by.

Every time the phone rings, I hope it’s Dax Pierce’s suite calling. It never is. I pull out the pamphlet several more times, rereading it. At one point, Heidi almost caught me, but I shoved the paper back into my pocket before she saw it. She doesn’t need to know yet that I’m interested. I guess I still need to convince myself that it’s the right move.

Heidi had walked away with a perplexed expression on her face that gave me the impression that she knew I was up to something. But at least she complimented me on a job well done.

Finally, the phone rings again and even before I answer it, I sense with my entire body that it’s the call I’ve been waiting all morning for. It’s almost as though the ring tone tells me the secret before I hear the voice on the other end of the line.

Mr. Sparks is the caller and he happens to be Dax Pierce’s manager.

“Emma Stanton speaking, how may I help you?” It won’t hurt for them to know who I am.

“Is this reception? I’m calling from Mr. Pierce’s suite.” Mr. Sparks sounds confused.

“Yes, yes, it is.” I place a hand on my glowing cheek. “Can I help you with anything?”

“Mr. Pierce needs more towels brought to his bathroom as soon as possible.”

“Of course, sir. I’ll send someone over as soon as possible.”

Mr. Sparks ends the call before I can say anything more. After hanging up, I stare at the elevator for a moment. A nagging thought crawls into my mind. What if I took up the towels myself instead of sending someone else? This could be my chance to come into close contact with Dax Pierce. Meeting him in person could help my chances at the audition. If he happens to be present, he might remember me.

I push my chair back and rise to my feet. It’s a good thing I’m not the kind of person to waste too much time thinking things through.

Before I can change my mind, I run to the laundry room. Luckily there’s no one in there and the only sound is that of humming washing machines.

Breathing in the warm smell of detergent, fabric softener, and cleaning products, I grab an armful of clean towels and run back out to the elevators. I have to be quick before Heidi shows up at reception to find me gone. Although, just in case, I have already rehearsed what I’d say to her. If I get caught. I’d simply say that no one was available to take up the towels, and Mr. Pierce needed them urgently.

By the time I reach my destination on the second floor, sweat is trickling down my spine. I stop for a moment before ringing the bell, forcing my heart to pull itself together. I’m finding it hard to believe that Dax Pierce is on the other side of the door.

Before I get the chance to ring the bell, the door is pulled open. Mr. Sparks, a man with thick white hair and a matching beard, is suddenly standing in front of me. His eyebrows are drawn, as though he’s deep in thought. Was he watching me through the keyhole? Did he notice how nervous I was?

I straighten my spine and clear my throat. “I brought you the towels, sir.”

“Great.” To my surprise, he gestures for me to enter. I thought he would take the towels and ask me to leave. My knees like pudding, I step into the room.

For a moment I’m disappointed that I don’t see Dax Pierce anywhere. But that doesn’t mean he’s not inside the suite. It’s very spacious and he could be in the bedroom. But what if he doesn’t come out in time for us to meet? The chances of me coming into contact with him downstairs are slim given that he will probably be surrounded by his team.

“Where should I put them?” I make a move to hand the towels to Mr. Sparks, but he steps back, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He pushes one between his parted lips.

“Bathroom.” His words are muffled by the cigarette in his mouth.

I nod and move away, headed for the bathroom. When I reach the door, I hear the sound of rushing water. Someone is obviously taking a shower and I can’t enter. But what if it’s Dax Pierce? The thought of him on the other side of the door, naked, stokes a gentle fire within me. But I can’t enter, can I?

“What are you waiting for? Go inside.” I turn to find Mr. Sparks now seated at a desk covered in papers. Could he be reading the movie scripts?

I turn back to the bathroom door. Maybe Dax Pierce is not taking a shower at all. He could be brushing his teeth for all I know and I just happen to have a dirty mind. I reach for the doorknob and twist. If Mr. Sparks wants me to go in, I will. The customer is king, after all.

I glance at Mr. Sparks again, in case he hadn’t meant what he just said. “Are you sure?”

“Take the towels inside,” he repeats, looking bored.

That’s all the permission I needed. I push the door open and a cloud of steam hits me in the face, mingled with expensive pine and leather cologne. The scent is intoxicating.

Holding my breath, I poke my head around the door, into the steam, my entire body vibrating with an energy it has never experienced before. Because of the sheer size of the bathroom, I don’t see the person occupying the room immediately.

My pulse racing out of control, I sweep the closest surfaces with my gaze, looking for a space to put the towels. As much as I would like to catch sight of Dax Pierce’s naked body, I’m not sure I’d be able to handle it. My panties are already melting before I even get a chance to talk to him.

Before I can make a decision about what to do, the door is opened wider and Dax Pierce himself appears before me in all his glory. Well, not all his glory. He has a towel wrapped around his waist. My gaze sweeps across his body, taking in the slabs of muscle, the drops of water glistening on his smooth skin. I read that he’s in his early forties, but he looks much younger.

My hands are begging me to reach out and touch him.

It’s a struggle not to stare at the faint line of hair traveling from the edge of the towel to his belly button. He is the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. And I can totally understand why most women in Hollywood are going crazy about him, even with his infamous reputation with the ladies.

“Hello.” He gives me a crooked grin, running a hand through his dark, damp hair. His amber eyes with specks of gold floating in them are captivating. “How are you?”

“I—fine. I’m fine, thank you.” I lift my gaze to his eyes, taken aback by the fact he would talk to a hotel employee, let alone ask how she’s doing.

My gaze travels down his face, past the chiseled features and lands on the towels in my hands. “Towels,” I say, my mouth dry. “You asked for some.” I’m trying really hard to keep my voice from shaking, but it’s kind of deceiving me right now.

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you.” As he takes the towels from my hands, my senses spin out of control. I feel almost dizzy from his touch. The brush of our hands is brief, but the effect left behind is intense.

As I take a step back and turn to walk away, he says something to me, but it’s hard to catch the words through the rush in my ears.

“Sorry.” I wet my lips and look back. “Did you say something?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I did.” He’s looking at me in a way that makes it feel as though we are equals. “I was wondering if you’re auditioning to be an extra in Ragged Waves.”

It takes a moment for me to realize what he’s saying to me. When his words sink into my mind, warmth heats up my chest. This has to be a sign. He wants me to audition.

“I’m just asking because you have the pamphlet in your back pocket.”

“Oh.” My cheeks burn with embarrassment. I reach behind me and push the pamphlet deeper into my pocket. It wasn’t a sign after all, and I don’t know whether to be disappointed or excited. The fact that he noticed the ad in my back pocket means he was looking at my ass. Instead of feeling offended, I choose to feel flattered. But I’m also nervous that this big star is checking me out.

I shrug. “I don’t know if I will. I have to work.”

“But it’s only two days. If you’re really interested, surely you can take two days off work.” He leans against the doorframe and gives me a look that reaches right through me. “Just a couple of hours of shooting and you can return to your job. You might be what the producers are looking for.”

“I don’t know.” I shift from one foot to the other. “I have to think about it.”

“You better be quick,” Mr. Sparks says from the desk. “There are quite a few interested people already.”

“Okay.” I force a smile, looking back at Dax Pierce. “I will. I’ll give it some thought... ummm fast.” What’s happening to me? I hate that I sound like some desperate fan.

Dax nods with a silent smile. “Thank you for bringing up the towels.”

I nod back and hurry across the suite. I’m trying hard to feel unaffected by him, but my legs knock against each other as I walk.

Outside the suite, the air is cooler, unaffected by Dax Pierce’s presence. I can feel my skin cooling, the breeze erasing the sweat. I lean against the wall next to the door, bent forward, catching my breath as though I had been submerged underwater. Adrenaline rejuvenates my body as I head to the elevators. I have never taken drugs in my life, but I have a feeling this is how it feels to be high.

I make it back to reception without being caught and I’m relieved not to find Heidi waiting for me.

I crash into my chair, still unable to believe that both Dax Pierce and his manager encouraged me to audition without even asking if I have experience. If I don’t do this, I know I’ll regret it.

As soon as lunch break comes around, someone else comes to replace me at reception, and I rush to Heidi’s office, where she’s eating canned peaches from a white bowl. Despite the fact that there are no plants in the room, Heidi’s office always smells like a field of daisies.

Heidi peers at me through her thick lashes. Pieces of her hair dance in the air, teased by the gust of air coming from her fan. “Everything all right with you?”

I sink into one of the chairs on top of a red seat cushion, my heart still racing as it had two hours ago, inside Dax Pierce’s suite.

“Yes.” I chew a corner of my lip. “But I need to talk to you about something. Do you have a moment?”

“Sure, what’s going on? Something wrong?”

I shake my head. “The Neon Production Company is looking for extras...from Mistport.” I pull the pamphlet from my pocket and place it on her organized desk.

“So I heard. I’m the one who put the pamphlets at reception.” Heidi places her bowl on the desk next to a glass of water and a metal cup filled with pens and a green highlighter.

“I’m thinking of auditioning. They need three people.”

“Are you serious? You don’t have time. You’re working. You do remember that you’re still on probation, right?” She leans back and folds her arms. “And I’m sure you’re aware that I gave you this job as a favor to your sister. You wouldn’t want to mess up your chance of working here permanently.”

“I know.” I bring my hands together. “And I’m very grateful. But I could really use the money they will be paying.”

“Would you rather make more money short-term or have a stable job to provide for you long-term?”

I lean back, pressure building inside my chest, disappointment clouding my mind. “I want a stable job, but—” I don’t finish my sentence. I was about to tell her that Dax Pierce and his manager encouraged me, but then I would have to reveal that I went to their suite, leaving the reception area unattended. “Heidi, I know this is last notice. But I only need two days. Two days and then I’ll be back. I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Emma Stanton, since I’ve known you as a child, you’ve never done anything that someone else wants. You know it. I know it. The whole town knows it. And that’s why your life is a mess. Your mother would have been devastated to see you like this.” She throws her hands into the air and lets them fall again. “I guess I knew this was coming. It’s impossible for you to keep a job. Let me just tell you one thing. If you choose to go to that audition, putting your job on the line, don’t bother coming back.”

I shoot to my feet and turn to leave before I say something I might regret. But before I reach the door, I turn around so fast I knock over a metal wastebasket.

Everybody considers me to be a failure, but what if this is the right thing for me? What if for the first time in my life I actually do something right? Yes, I want the job, but this is also a great opportunity. If anything else, I need the money to help Christa pay off some of the mounting debts the cancer left behind.

I gather up all the courage within me and meet Heidi’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Heidi, but I need to do this.”

Her laughter mixes with the sound of cars whizzing by outside her window. “Let me get this straight. You’re choosing to go against my wishes? You want to audition for a part you might not even get? Fine. Go ahead.” She pushes aside a stapler and her fingertips start to drum the surface of the table. “But I meant what I said. The job will not be here waiting for you. You don’t deserve it anyway.”

“Fine,” I retort. “In that case, I guess I have to quit.” I pause to let the words sink in. “It’s not as if I’m appreciated here.” With that, I turn my back on her and walk out.