CHAPTER FIVE
Nate had shocked Paige. That was clear from the way she was looking at him, which wasn’t exactly a compliment. She didn’t have to say it out loud but obviously she’d never pictured him in the role. Her gaze was a little glassy and she blinked a few times as if turning his words over in her mind before replying. He needed this and her. He only hoped she didn’t know just how much power she held in her hands.
“You want to be Flynn,” she echoed. “Really? Why?”
He’d rehearsed this part until he could recite it in his sleep. “He’s a fascinating character. Part past, present, but also future. He’s heroic but not overtly so. He’s quiet, loyal, and uses his intellect as much as he uses his muscles. I also believe that you’ve only scratched the surface of who he truly is and that there are layers to be peeled back with every book and hopefully movie. I’d like to be a part of that, Paige. I’d like to bring his persona to the big screen. Your character come to life.”
Frowning, she didn’t seem to like what he had to say. “But you’re not him.”
He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to say to that. Of course he wasn’t actually Flynn, just as he wasn’t actually Kai.
“Give me a chance and I can become him for the cameras. I don’t know how you’ve pictured him–”
“Not you,” she broke in, still frowning. “He has reddish gold hair and it’s longer. You’re also a little taller.”
Ah, the author had a specific picture of Flynn in her head which was going to be an issue. It always was when a book was being made into a movie. Somebody wasn’t going to like the casting no matter what.
“Give me his words,” Nate urged, leaning closer to her, his pulse speeding up with excitement. There was nothing he loved more than bringing a character to life, giving them a heart, soul, and breath. Flynn had been calling to him since the moment he’d read that first book. “Give me a chance to speak as Flynn and I swear that you will see that I can embody his true essence. By the time I’m done, when you close your eyes you will see my face when you think of him.”
Her brows shot up. “That would be an accomplishment. You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
Only when it came to acting but that wasn’t a subject he was going to discuss with her.
“I’m sure of this. Give me a chance, Paige, and you’ll never regret it. Together we can bring him to a whole new audience.”
Sighing, she shook her head and stood, putting distance between them, and his heart sank. She was going to say no. “Listen, I know you’re a good actor. I’ve seen your movies and I’ve enjoyed your performances. You’re very talented.”
But… she didn’t want him. Her expression said it all.
“And if the contract for this movie ever gets signed I hope you audition because you seem to have a great deal of passion for the role.”
Hold on. Maybe his hopes weren’t dead after all. Could she be persuaded?
“But I’m not looking for a fake relationship in my life. Frankly, I have enough problems between trying to get this movie made, dealing with the schedule of appearances they’ve set me up with, writing books fast enough for my readers, and the long list of other things I need to deal with but can’t remember. My assistant Carrie would be able to tell you but right now I’m drawing a blank. Dealing with a man, even one that isn’t my real boyfriend, just sounds like too much work.”
He couldn’t let this go. It was everything he’d wanted and hoped for. “I can help you with some of that. Not all of it, of course, but some of it. I can be the shoulder you lean on when walking down a red carpet. I can be the hand you hold when you need your name in the papers. We can help each other, Paige. Together we can get that movie made.”
He could see the wheels turning in her head. She was thinking about it. There was a part of her that wanted the film deal so badly she was willing to do anything. But he could also see the fear in her eyes, the self-doubt. She was scared and because of that she was standing in place, frozen in position, instead of moving forward.
Rubbing her temple, she closed her eyes for a long moment. “And that’s tempting. I’m scared about the next year, Nate, I won’t lie. To do this I have to go so far out of my comfort zone I may never find my way back. I don’t even know if I’m capable of this but I don’t think a relationship for publicity is the answer.”
“Is it me?” he heard himself asking. This was his insecurity talking. “Do you not like me?”
Smiling, she shook her head. “Not at all. You seem like a really nice guy. Much nicer than your character Kai in those Thunder movies, if you don’t mind me saying that. He can be a little scary sometimes.”
Those words were literally something he’d never heard. She liked him more than Kai. Normally it was the other way round.
“But you don’t think it’s a good idea?”
His fingers tightened on the arm of his chair, frustration making his voice tight. He’d been so sure he could convince her. That she’d be thrilled with the offer and gladly take him up on it.
“I’m no actress, Nate. In fact, I’d soon go broke playing poker. Lying is not a skill I possess. I’d fail at this and then drag you down with me. We’d be the laughingstock of Hollywood. Believe me when I say I’m doing this for you.” She came closer and laid her hand on his shoulder, the heat from her palm penetrating his sweater and warming his skin. “I meant what I said about the part though. If you want it, you should go for it. I’ll be your biggest cheerleader when the time comes. Anyone with that kind of passion should have a chance.”
Sadly, he gazed at her. She’d made her decision, that was crystal clear. It was hard to give up though. All the things he’d been hoping for and planning on were slowly melting. Defeat was not in his nature when it came to his career.
“Is there anything I can say or do to change your mind?”
“I’m afraid not but please let me say thank you for thinking that the public would believe you and me. It’s the nicest compliment I’ve had in years.”
“I’d be a lucky man to have a woman such as you.”
Laughing, she pushed at his shoulder playfully. “You and your British charm. I’m not falling for it. Now I really should be going. Thank you for the offer but I just don’t think I could pull it off.”
He stood and led her to the door of the suite but he couldn’t let her go without one more plea. “I understand you don’t think this is a good idea but I beg you, please think more about it. There are so many benefits to both of us and I’d be honored to walk you down your first red carpet, Ms. Mitchell.”
She made a soft groan but her lips were turned up in a smile. There was a part of her that wanted to say yes. She lacked the self-confidence to see the decision through.
“Okay, I’ll think more about it but I don’t think I’m going to change my mind. You’ve got persistence, I’ll give you that.”
“Just like Flynn.”
“He also knows when to give up.”
He leaned down closer to her ear, his voice soft. “I do as well, and I think this is not one of those times.”
He heard her laughter trailing behind her as she strode down the hall. Paige Mitchell was lovely, charming, smart, and exactly what he needed. If only she’d say yes, they could make good things happen for both of them in their careers. She had the ambition but she also had the fear.
So far fear was winning, but not by much.
* * *
Panic crawled up the back of Paige’s neck and her chest tightened painfully, making it hard to catch her breath. She was wearing a brand-new designer dress and shoes, her hair and makeup done by a professional, and now she was sitting in a limousine waiting in the car line to be dropped off at the red carpet.
She was expected to walk down that red carpet and have her picture taken by dozens of paparazzi, maybe even do a few interviews. Knowing this all week, she’d given herself multiple pep talks and she’d thought she had this under control. Not so.
Her palms damp, she clutched the tiny black velvet purse as it if was a lifeline. In a way it was because it gave her something to do with her hands.
“You’re going to be okay,” Carrie said, her tone as calming as possible. If anyone understood what Paige was going through it was her best friend. Carrie had walked her through multiple occasions like this, although not all of them were this public. Sometimes she simply became overwhelmed with all the expectations her private life and career placed on her and she needed to retreat for a few hours to be by herself.
“Eventually,” Paige agreed, her throat tight. “But I’m scared as hell. There are so many fucking people out there. I can see the flash of the cameras from here.”
Reaching for the switch, Carrie rolled up the car window. “Does that help? How about doing some deep breathing exercises? Or some imaging? Think happy thoughts about puppies and chocolate.”
Those things usually helped but Paige was too far gone. Every muscle in her body had frozen into place and she couldn’t move when the limo slid to a halt and the car door opened. Helen stuck her head in and smiled.
“Are you ready? It looks like a good crowd.”
Paige’s legs were shaking and she had to press her high heels to the floor of the vehicle to keep them steady. “I don’t think I can do this.”
Carrie leaned over Paige, her gaze darting around the crowd waiting outside. “She’s a little panicked. She just needs a minute.”
Patting her arm, Helen tried to look sympathetic but Paige could tell the older woman was slightly agitated. “I wish I could give that to you, honey, but there is a long line of limos behind you. Let’s get you out of the car and then we’ll deal with the red carpet.”
Paige wanted to move but she wasn’t having an easy time of it. Her limbs didn’t want to cooperate and she feared she was going to lose the contents of her stomach at any moment.
Tears burned the back of her eyes. She hated being this scared but the screaming crowd and the flashing bulbs were freaking her out. “I can’t. It’s too much. Everybody will be looking at me.”
She couldn’t do this. Helen would fire her as a client, and her dream of making the movie would die.
She’d barely begun and she’d already failed.