The week passes in a blur and I cannot believe today is Friday already, and tomorrow is the gala! Every day at work Eloise keeps us extremely busy planning phone, Skype, or face to face interviews with the men from our Most Influential issue.
I sit in on all of them, witnessing first hand, Eloise’s poise and professionalism. She keeps perfectly composed while schmoozing with some of the most famous and not to mention, gorgeous, men in the world. This is a skill I have yet to acquire; turning into a clumsy, stuttering mess every time a young stud enters the room.
Put me in a room full of country stars, I don’t even break a sweat. Put me in a room full of hot A-List movie stars, and I can barely form a sentence.
This week Envy finally revealed their Top 100 list to the employees at the magazine, and today is the shoot with the #1 Influential Man: Kayden Knox. Eloise will be doing a face to face interview with him this afternoon.
Reagan was beaming from ear to ear when he found out we would be doing a cover shoot instead of using a photo from a publicist like many others chose to do. Only a handful of the men who made the list came to L.A. for professional photo shoots.
I sit at my desk and nervously pick at my lunch, worrying about my trying afternoon. Kayden Knox is a billionaire oil tycoon and business entrepreneur. He runs a chain of five star hotels owned by his father, and he has a successful chain of nightclubs in cities like Houston, L.A., Las Vegas, Miami and NYC.
He’s even guest starred on hit TV shows, and I’ve even seen YouTube videos of Kayden singing. Not only is he completely gorgeous and filthy rich, but he can sing. I don’t think there is anything he can’t do.
I had spent the morning on Google, attempting to learn everything there was to know about him before the interview. However, I didn’t get much done because I couldn’t tear myself away from admiring the gallery of photos, this man was beyond gorgeous.
He has to be about six foot three and nothing but solid muscle; I swear one of his biceps has to be as big as my head. He has the most intense emerald green eyes I have ever seen, very strong jaw line, and narrow nose. There isn’t an inch on him that isn’t perfect; everything about Kayden Knox screams sex.
I hear the click clack of stilettos on tile floor as Eloise approaches my desk. She is wearing solid black dress slacks, a bright red sleeveless button up blouse, and leopard print heels. She always looks like she just stepped off the runway when she was at work.
I take a quick sip of my water to wash down my chicken salad, and greet her with a smile, “Good afternoon, Eloise.”
“Good, you’re finished with your lunch. Kayden Knox’s plane landed earlier than expected, so he wants to move his interview up. I’ve already talked to Reagan, and he has all of his gear ready over at the location for the shoot. He said that once we’re finished, you should escort Kayden to Greystone Park and Mansion.” She declares, smiling back at me.
“Okay. I’ll freshen up and meet you in your office.” I throw my salad in the trash can under my desk, grab my purse and head straight for the ladies room.
I cannot meet Kayden Knox with salad breath.
I walk to Eloise’s office and take a seat by the window, gazing down on a busy street below.
My stomach is churning with a mixture of excitement and nerves, and I contemplate turning around and running.
I give myself a good talking to; I know this is a great experience for when I’m editing my own magazine. A few moments later, Eloise returns to the office, sits at her desk and gets her laptop ready for the interview.
“They should be here any moment; the front desk has called my cell to let me know they are in the lobby. Do you want to come over by my desk?” Eloise asks, motioning to a chair near her.
“If you think I should, I don’t want to be in your way. I appreciate you letting me sit in on all of these interviews. It’s fascinating to watch the way you fire off the questions so matter-of-factly. I don’t know how you don’t get nervous.” Standing, I walk over to sit down next to her.
“Oh, my dear, dear Savannah,” She says, shaking her head. “I get nervous…believe me, I do.” She laughs. “I just try to remember that this is a business, and I’m here to do the job; not ask for autographs and become doe-eyed as soon as an attractive gentleman walks into my office…No matter how rich and famous he may be.”
“Well, you’re doing a fantastic job being professional; I’d never have known you were nervous in a million years.” I’m smoothing my skirt across my lap, praying I’ll keep my lunch down, when I look up and lock eyes with Kayden Knox.
“Holy shit!” I mutter and slap my hand over my mouth.
Oh, my God, did I just say that out loud?
I quickly glance over at Eloise, and she doesn’t seem fazed. At least she didn’t hear my embarrassing slip of the tongue. I turn my head to look back at Kayden standing in the doorway. He smiles at me. Great, he heard me…of course. I quickly stand up beside Eloise as she extends her hand to Kayden. I hold my hands together in front of me and continue to smile goofily at him.
“Nice to meet you Kayden,” she greets him cheerfully, “We are so appreciative you were able to clear your schedule to come and do this interview face to face.”
Shaking her hand, he reveals a mega-watt smile. Wow, I could look at that all day!
"It was no trouble at all. I am honored to be named The Most Influential Man of 2012, so flying into do a photo shoot and interview in person is the least I can do, Ms. Fisher."
“Please, call me Eloise, Mrs. Fisher is my mother-in-law. This is my assistant editor, Savannah Livingston. I imagine you know her parents; I’ve heard you’re a huge fan.” Eloise says, as she rests her hand on my forearm.
“Hi…” I manage to squeak out.
This is going from bad to worse; I suck at this - suck very, very badly, and I’m regretting my decision not to observe the interview from a safe haven at the back of the room.
I glance up at Kayden, and I do mean up. He seems even taller in person, and if possible he’s even more attractive than his photos.
“Yes, I am a fan of Maverick and Paisley’s music. I had the honor of meeting them a few years ago at a charity event in Memphis. You’re very lucky to have such wonderful parents, Savannah.” He says, as he reaches out to shake my hand.
The electricity that shoots through my hand and throughout my entire body is overwhelming; I’m convinced I’m going to pass out on the spot.
I need to get a grip; this interview is crucial to the magazine’s issue. I cannot screw this up. I just need to remember this is a normal person and like Eloise said; we’re here to do a job. Who am I kidding? He isn’t just a normal person…he’s the sexiest man on the freakin’ planet, with enough money to buy the whole country if he wanted to.
Thankfully, I don’t have to speak to him during the interview. I only have to observe…that’s it.
“Thanks, my parents will be thrilled to learn you’re such a huge fan. They love your hotels. They stay at the one you have in Hawaii every time they vacation there.” I mentally congratulate myself on managing an entire sentence without embarrassing myself.
“That’s great to hear, next time they’ll be staying, let me know, and I’ll make sure they receive complimentary spa passes.”
He flashes me a quick smile again before sitting down in front of Eloise and me. She shoots off a list of questions, and he responds to each with short, predictable answers.
If I didn’t know better, I would assume he anticipated each and every question and had an answer planned for each one. He’s probably been asked the same thing thousands of times before this.
“You’ve appeared in numerous movies and television shows; do you plan on making a career out of acting?” Was her first question.
He responds quickly, “No, I like my life the way it is now. I do some acting here and there, but it’s not something I wish to pursue professionally.”
“You are known for your charity work, is there any one charity that’s extra special to you? If so, why?” She shoots her second question fast.
“I think they’re all important in their own way, but if I had to choose one that’s special to me, it would be the Melody Knox Foundation. It’s the foundation I started in honor of my sister who passed away from leukemia at the young age of ten.” As he says this, I can’t help but notice the sadness in his eyes, though it disappears in seconds.
“How are things with your love life? All your fans are dying to know if you’re still an eligible bachelor, or have you sadly been taken off the market?” I see a small smile pass Eloise’s lips as she asks this question.
“I am very single. I’m only twenty-six, so I’m just living life, taking it as it comes to me.” He replies, ever aloof.
“Looking for love or enjoying being a bachelor?” She asks, typing away on her laptop.
I can’t help but gaze at him as he speaks; he’s hypnotizing. I’m watching him so intently that I quickly dart my eyes towards the windows when he decides to look my way.
“Single and not looking. I’ve done the whole relationship thing, and it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I’m enjoying the freedom that comes from casual dating.”
Of course Mr. “amazingly hot and filthy-rich” enjoys being a playboy. Typical rich male would rather hook up with a different woman every night, than settle down with only one.
Eloise quickly types away on her laptop, keeping up the momentum of the questions, “So, when you’re not working on building your empire, what do you do to let loose and have fun? Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy doing with your free time?”
I don’t know how Eloise can keep her composure while looking into Kayden’s eyes as she asks him these questions. They’re like volcanoes, full of explosive heat, which practically melts you in your seat.
“Well, I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do my friends, and I go four-wheeling a lot. I enjoy hunting, fishing and riding my horses at my house in Sugar Land. On the weekends, I try to visit my various nightclubs; more for observing than partying. It allows me to see how my nightclubs are being run from a customer’s point of view.”
Clearing his throat, he adjusts himself in the chair, still keeping his gaze locked on mine. I need to get a grip; I have a boyfriend. Kayden Knox is the ultimate womanizer, and there’s no way he is even the slightest bit interested in me anyway.
“Would you like a bottle of water Kayden?” Eloise asks standing and taking quick strides to her mini fridge.
“Yes, please. Thank you, ma'am,” he replies with a thick, Southern drawl.
Eloise hands him the water and returns to her desk. She situates herself back in front of her laptop to continue the interview.
“We’ve seen numerous YouTube videos of you performing at a few of your nightclubs. Are you planning on pursuing a career in music, or is that just another one of your many hobbies?” Eloise asks.
“I only perform for fun. I have no desire to enter the crazy circus they call the music industry.” He replies nonchalantly.
She asks a few more questions before wrapping up the interview. We give him the address for the photo shoot, and head over to Greystone Park. Kayden offers to let me ride with him, but I insist on driving myself so I can head straight home afterward.
We’ve completely lucked out weather wise; it’s a warm, breezy day in Beverly Hills, and when I arrive at Greystone, Reagan is already in the parking lot with Kayden. I quickly park my car and head over to them.
“Glad you could finally join us, Savannah.” Reagan teases.
“Hey! I drove as fast as I could in this crazy ass traffic,” I say, smacking him playfully on the arm.
“Well, now that the queen has arrived, can we start this photo shoot? I don’t think Kayden wants to spend the entire afternoon slumming it with the likes of us.” With that, Reagan motions towards the first spot he’ll be shooting.
“You two are close friends I take it?” Kayden asks while letting out the sexiest, melodic laugh.
“Yes. Savannah Livingston is my partner in crime at Envy.” Reagan winks at me, checking over his camera and lighting.
Kayden is a natural, taking little instruction as he poses for Reagan. We shoot in various places around the mansion, and as I watch the last few angles against the Los Angeles skyline, I know Eloise will be thrilled with the results. Kayden looks breathtakingly handsome; there’s no doubt about that.
Decked in a pair of worn blue jeans, tight fitted black t-shirt, and cowboy boots, Kayden is the sexiest cowboy I’ve ever laid eyes on. His smile is absolutely mesmerizing; immediately taking my breath away when he flashes smile, after smile for the camera.
His dark, sun kissed skin reminds fans of his Southern heritage; well, that and the odd shot where he chooses to don his black cowboy hat. I really do have the best job; being allowed to sit back in the sun, and enjoy this.
“I think we have enough here for Eloise to work with,” Reagan says, reaching out to shake Kayden’s hand. “Thanks again for doing the shoot Kayden, we got some great shots. Eloise will contact you soon so you can pick which ones you want us to use in the issue.”
“Thank you, this place was perfect. I look forward to seein’ how everythin’ came out.” Kayden shakes Reagan’s hand, and then turns toward me.
My heart beats rapidly in my chest, so loud I swear everyone can hear it. No one has ever affected me like he has, and I’m a little taken aback by it. He reaches out for my hand, and I quickly shake it trying to pull away, but he’s holding it firmly as he talks to me.
“Savannah, it has been a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seein’ you again when everyone flies into Houston for the party.” Finally letting go of my hand, he smiles at me once more, before walking toward his rental car. He climbs into the back and disappears. It actually pains me a little watching the car vanish in the distance. I was in so much shock I couldn’t even manage to utter a “goodbye” before he left.
“Holy shit, Savannah! Kayden Knox wants you. He didn’t take his eyes off you the entire shoot!” Reagan screams at me as soon as the car was out of view. “I cannot believe this! America’s Most Influential Man wants in your panties! I cannot wait to tell Brooklyn this; she is going to FREAK OUT!” He says, with a devilish grin on his face.
“You’re imagining things Reagan; there is no way that man has any interest in me, and anyway, I have a wonderful boyfriend who I love very much. I don’t plan on being another notch on that guy’s belt. He doesn’t do the ‘relationship-thing’. He made that very clear in his interview this afternoon.”
“I just sent Brooklyn a text about the shoot and Mr. ‘Tall, dark, and into you’,” Reagan says, smiling a mischievous, unguarded, all-teeth-showing grin.
“Oh. My. God! Reagan, are you trying to drive me insane? You know how Brooklyn is. She’s going to drive me nuts asking me a hundred questions now about Kayden. She already despises Logan, and now you’re just adding fuel to the Brooklyn Bennett Fire.” I yell with frustration, rolling my eyes at him.
“Oh, stop the dramatics, it isn’t that bad. Admit it, you noticed it too, it wasn’t just me. He’d be an idiot not to notice how smoking hot you are.”
“You’re delusional Reagan. I’m nowhere near as pretty as the models and actresses and whoever else he’s dated. He is way out of my league. He was probably staring at me the whole time, trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with me.” I mutter, and slam his trunk shut. “I could barely form a sentence the entire time I was around him; I looked like a stuttering idiot!”
“No, you worry too much. I’ll see you tomorrow; I’m picking Brooklyn up around eight o’clock. Smile, Savannah. The world’s hottest guy wants you; he wants you really bad!” He says, jumping into the driver seat of his black BMW M6 Convertible.
“You’re such an ass! You’re lucky I love you so much, or I’d have to ruin that pretty face of yours.” I spit at him.
“I know you can’t resist my charm.” He winks at me, and blows me a kiss, then speeds off down the road.
I’ve been sitting in my car for ten minutes trying to absorb everything that Reagan said. Dissecting every moment of today, from the minute Kayden walked into Eloise’s office to when he said goodbye.
This is insane. I need to get a grip, drive home, and forget about this entire day. I decide to send Eloise a quick text before I head home, letting her know how the photo shoot went.
Me:
Shoot went fantastic! Reagan worked his magic with the camera and got some really great photos. Kayden seemed very pleased with everything, said he looks forward to seeing us all at the party in Houston for the magazine.
I don’t wait for her to respond. My nerves have subsided, and the five bites of Caesar salad at lunch are doing nothing to satisfy me; I’m starving.
Since I’m already in Beverly Hills, I decide to stop by my parent’s house. We canceled our weekly dinner tonight because of all the work both Logan and I had going on, but I imagine they’ve still made a ton of food.