His eyebrows danced up. “You’ve got a very wholesome look.”
That comment made me stiffen because it was a veryindustrything to say. I sent Ruslan another bit of side-eye that he ignored. “Thank you.”
The woman with him whispered something in his ear, and I realized she looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her. She turned and I caught her profile. All at once it hit me. She was Rebecca Solace, and the star of one of the top shows streaming right now. I almost swallowed my tongue. She normally wore a lot of costumes on her show because the character she played was an assassin; the dress had thrown me off.
“So, the reason I decided to put in an appearance tonight, aside from your company—” Ruslan gestured at Miguel with his glass and the other man laughed. “—is because Augustine is interested in acting. I thought I would introduce him to you. Miguel owns Startech Productions. They did—”
“Seven of the ten biggest grossing films in the US last year. Yeah, I know.” I blew out a long breath.
Miguel chuckled. “I like your look and Ruslan is a good friend of mine. Ruslan, have your people send your handsome friend’s info to my people.”
Rebecca leaned forward. “He would be perfect for the next season ofAssassin Agents. They said they were going to give Ellie a sidekick, someone who is all nerdy and does computer stuff. Can you act at all, honey? Sometimes less is more.” Rebecca smiled at me, and I was walking on a cloud.
“I’ve done theater.”
“Oh, I love theater. Come here!” She patted the couch at her side, and I nearly fainted. Ruslan gave me a tiny nudge, and I went to sit next to her, and he took a seat on my other side.
“Excuse me while I try to get my head together. I was going to take an early night tonight, and then somehow I was convinced to go out on the town instead.” I smiled at her, hoping she caught the sincerity in my words.
She leaned forward so she could give Ruslan a long look. “I don’t blame you.” She patted my shoulder and giggled until she snorted, and I knew right then and there we could be best friends.
“I’ve seen you around. How is it to be a model?” she asked with a sigh. “I love acting, but I always wanted to model. I really love it when we’re taking photos for all the post-production hype.”
I bounced in my seat. “Opposite for me! It’s okay. I would love to act one day.”
She laughed, and we were off conversing. Ruslan leaned around me and started a conversation with Miguel, and not long later he slid a beer into my hand. I stared at the glass, then him.
“Thank you.”
He grinned, and my heart warmed a little.
“Oh, he’s a keeper,” Rebecca said with a smile. She leaned in. “I’ve been with Miguel for about three years, and Ruslan usually just brings men in for a turn around the floor, so everyone can see them and envy his good luck, then leaves. You’re the first one I’ve ever seen him get drinks for.”
My cheeks scorched. What was I supposed to do with information like that?
“We don’t have to tell all my secrets tonight,” Ruslan said with a wink in her direction, but there was a bit of gruffness in his tone.
She laughed and fell back against the couch.
“But I want to know your secrets,” I said.
An expression I couldn’t quite pin down rippled across Ruslan’s face, and he picked up my free hand to cradle it between both of his. “Sometimes things are hidden for a reason.”
Rebecca smacked my arm, and I almost spilled my beer on her. “That reminds me of the cheesy dialogue from my show.” She started in on a story about how she’d pushed back against some bad lines, and one thing led to another, and about two hours later I was yawning into my hand because the conversation just didn’t stop flowing.
“Are you ready to go? Maybe we should stay at my apartment in the city rather than head to Southampton,” Ruslan murmured in my ear. The heat from his breath warmed my stomach.
“Uh, I guess. Yes, that would be okay.”
“Oh, it’s been great meeting you.” Rebecca gave me a hug and giggled while Ruslan play-scowled at her, but I wasn’t entirely sure he was pretending.
Miguel offered his hand, and we shook again. “Auggie, you seem like a great guy. I’d like to see you in some projects in the future. I know Ruslan has you tied up for a bit, but we’ll talk. I always have things going on.”
“Good night,” Ruslan said, and I was grateful because I’d been raised in the Midwest and never had learned how to quickly and easily leave a long conversation. He stood and drew me along with him at his side. I smiled and waved again as we headed out.
“Did you like my surprise?” Ruslan asked as we stepped into the elevator. I’d been too nervous to notice on the ride in, but even the light overhead had more splash than in a normal building, surrounded by beveled glass that made the burnished gold interior glow brighter than it might have otherwise.
“Did I like your surprise? Hmm.” I hadn’t had time to process everything that had happened yet, but I leaned against him, my insides a riot of emotion—excited, happy, and maybe a little scared.
