CHAPTER SIX
Nate had just finished an interview with a cable entertainment network when he spied Helen Bailey out of the corner of his eye. With a reputation for being unflappable, he was surprised to see the woman looking more than a little upset, her hands wringing together. A pretty redhead climbed out of the limousine Helen was standing next to and both females seemed to be speaking to an occupant of the vehicle, wearing concerned expressions while they were doing it.
Paige? Could it be? She hadn’t mentioned coming to the movie premiere tonight but then neither had he. If that was Paige in that limousine, her publicist and friend were having a hell of a time getting her out of the car.
He wouldn’t lie and say he wasn’t disappointed after their meeting earlier in the day. He’d been counting on that role, and on the opportunity to direct as well. He needed to build a resume behind the camera as his leading man days were numbered. Acting was a tough business and the industry was always looking for the next big thing, preferably younger and more handsome… with a full, luxurious head of hair. That was something Nate wasn’t sure he was going to be able to boast for much longer.
Not letting himself think too much about his actions, he strode back down the red carpet to the limousine. He might be able to help and not because he’d get something in return. His mother had raised him to be a goddamn gentleman and every now and then he tried to act like it.
“Helen, is everything alright?”
The publicist turned around and looked relieved to see him. “Nate, I’m afraid Paige has panicked a little.” She glanced at the parade of limousines waiting behind them. “But I’ve got to get her out of the car.”
He’d only met her today but it was worth a shot. Nodding to Helen, he stuck his head into the limo expecting to see Paige in tears or worse. He was surprised to see her looking rather calm, which immediately made him more wary. She was keeping her emotions all tightly bound up. Bad move.
“Paige, darling, it’s Nate. You have to get out of the limo. There are people waiting.”
Her gaze darted to the flashing lights that she could see from her vantage point and she shook her head. “I don’t think I can do this.”
“Of course you can,” he assured her, his tone as soothing as he could get it. He was a stage trained actor, after all, and this was a test of those abilities. “I’ll tell you what. Let me help you out of the car and you can hold my hand. I know a way into the theatre that skips all the cameras and fuss.”
He had her attention. Her eyes had widened but she’d moved closer to him, sitting on the edge of the seat. “You do? Can I do that?”
“Absolutely. You don’t have to walk the carpet unless you want to. But the movie is supposed to be really good. You don’t want to miss it, love.” Then he held out his hand and smiled as encouragingly as he could. “Come with me. We can get popcorn if you like.”
He held his arm there in midair as her gaze darted from him to the lights, then back. He held his breath as she thought through her options, none of them very good. Just when he was about to give up, she tentatively reached out her hand and placed it in his.
Quickly, before she could change her mind, he closed his fingers around it, noticing how small it was in comparison to his own. The palm was damp with nerves but that didn’t matter now. He needed to get her out of this limo.
Helping her from the vehicle, he admired her graceful moves even when under so much stress and fear. Her black cocktail dress with the silver beaded neckline set off her pale blonde hair. Tonight she was taller than their first meeting courtesy of sky high silver heels that matched her jewelry. Paige Mitchell cleaned up quite nicely.
With his left hand holding hers and an arm around her waist, he led her away from the crowds and cameras to an area where the families and publicists usually hung out while the celebrities walked the carpet. When they were safely behind a large pillar, he stopped to let Paige catch her breath. So far she’d been acquiescent but he wasn’t going to press his luck.
“See? It’s quite private back here. No photographers.”
Helen and the other young woman were giving him the most grateful looks he’d seen in ages. The redhead stuck out her hand and smiled widely.
“I’m Carrie, by the way. I’m Paige’s business manager, assistant, and friend, for want of better descriptions. Thank you so much for your help.”
“I was happy to do it.” Nate inclined his head but his attention was still on Paige, who was looking much better as the color returned to her cheeks. “How are you feeling, love? The fresh air helping?”
Taking a deep breath, she nodded. “I’m better, thank you. Helen and Carrie, can you give me a minute with Mr. Mason?”
The two women bustled over to a group of publicists leaving Nate alone with Paige, who was looking at him curiously, her brows knitted together.
“Why did you do that?”
Her quiet question wasn’t what he’d expected. He’d thought she might thank him again privately before heading off with her friends to watch the film.
“First, please call me Nate. As for what I did… I did it because it looked like you needed it. Are you alright now?”
“I am,” she confirmed. “But I guess I’m just surprised. I turned down your proposition today and you still helped me.”
She must have a really low opinion of him, or maybe it was all actors.
“One doesn’t have anything to do with the other. My mum would be very disappointed in me if I didn’t give you a hand.”
Paige didn’t say anything for a minute, simply studying him as if memorizing his features.
“Thank you. Did you say something about popcorn?”
His grin widening, he laughed at the unexpected query. She was quite unpredictable.
“I did.” He held out his arm so she could take his elbow. “Shall I lead the way, my princess?”
She was smiling as well and she was breathtakingly lovely when she did. It reminded him that she hadn’t smiled much before in his company.
“Lead on, Nate. I suddenly have a craving for popcorn and Sno-Caps.”
Once again he felt the crushing disappointment he’d experienced when she’d turned him down. He genuinely liked her as a person and they could help each other. He could raise her profile and hold her hand down all those red carpets. They could make this work if only she’d give him the chance. He opened his mouth to make one more desperate plea but quickly snapped it shut. She’d turned him down already and his ego couldn’t take the bruising of her doing it again.
He had to face the reality that sometimes, no matter how famous, he wasn’t going to get everything he wanted. No matter how much he needed it.