“That sucks. What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s ancient and it needs a new alternator, or a battery. I’m not mechanical.” Nor could she afford to fix it.
“If you want me to look at it, I can. I have a knack for cars.” He flashed a charming smile, one thumb hooked in the belt loop of his jeans. The worn material hugged his thighs, the blue t-shirt tight against his massive chest.
“Thank you.” Her pulse picked up at his nearness, and she glanced down at her watch. Yes, Erik was attractive and yes, she was attracted to him, but nothing would ever happen between them. “Thanks.”
“I especially like that lip color. What’s it called?” His gaze drifted to her mouth, the teasing light in his eyes more pronounced.
She clutched the tube in her palm. “It’s just a red.”
Tilting his head, he lifted her hand with his finger. “Says here, it’s Kissable Red.”
Fighting a blush, she forced herself not to swallow at the seductive drawl. “No, that’s a misprint. It’s called Behave Yourself.”
“I’m always on my best behavior.”
Up close, she could see the flecks of black in his ice-blue eyes. They pulled her in and she rocked back on her heels, regretting the action. “Best or baddest?”
“Yes, I’m a badass.” His smile increased, his mouth crooking at one corner. Full lips were enhanced by his beard.
If she kissed him, would it be soft to the touch or stiff and scratchy against her skin? Her nipples peaked, the blood shooting straight between her legs. Stay focused. A natural flirt, he had a way of distracting her like nobody else could. It was scary and maddening at the same time.
“I’m glad you finally noticed.” He placed his hand over his heart, the veins that threaded his arms stood out. Masculinity oozed from his cut frame, every inch of him close enough to touch.
Boy, she really needed to get laid. And not by Erik.
“And there is our star,” Darius said. He approached where they stood, his charcoal suit fitted him to perfection. White teeth flashing, he lifted his hand and fist-bumped Erik’s. Deep brown eyes moved to Belle. “And who is this?”
Belle held out her hand. “Belle Kenney, Erik’s agent. It is nice to meet you at last.” She’d talked to him once on the phone for a brief few minutes—a brief few, unforgettable minutes. It wasn’t every day she met a man of his accomplishments. Writer, director, producer, the man was up and coming in the entertainment industry.
He took her outstretched hand and cocked his head, interest in his stare. “Yes, it’s great to meet you in person as well.”
A rush of pleasure brought heat to her neck. She felt like a high schooler when her crush noticed her. “I have to admit, I’m a fan. Of the show. I’m a fan of the show.” Great Belle, way to ramble. She heard Erik’s quiet grunt, whether it was from amusement or disgust, she couldn’t tell. Ignoring the man standing close enough to her side that she could feel the heat from his body, she focused on Darius. “With Erik on the show, it’ll be your best season yet.”
“I am sure it will be.” Darius’s smile increased and he squeezed the hand he still held.
Reason told her to break the contact. The fan in her screamed no. Lucky for her, the professional took over. She withdrew her hand and prayed that the flush racing up her neck wasn’t visible.
Darius pulled out two badges from his suit pocket and handed one to her. “You’ll need to have these with you at all times. The set is safe but we do have some rather diehard fans who try to sneak on set to meet the bachelor. Mostly, they’re harmless but you never can be too careful.”
“Not to worry. Erik is a badass by his own admission.” She slipped the lanyard over her neck and adjusted her hair back. No matter her personal feelings—or lack thereof—he was her client and it was her job to talk him up.
Darius nodded. “It’s one of the reasons that this season’s show is projected to have the highest ratings yet. Once we announced Erik, the phone lines went crazy. We have a ton of new sponsors, and thanks to you, two national sponsors.” Darius’s warm chuckle sounded. He skirted the reception desk and strode down a wide hallway.
“It was easy with a client like Erik.” She’d worked her ass off to get them at such short notice. It was one benefit of being at the reception desk, she had created a huge contact list from every sponsor and she wasn’t afraid to use it. “I predict by the time he chooses the right woman, they’ll be a few more sponsors willing to step forward.”
“I have to admit, we were in real danger of being cancelled,” Darius said.
“I was wondering why there were only eight contestants, down from the usual twelve and the fact that we’re not staying in a hotel,” Belle said, arms crossed, lips downturned in contemplation. “It makes sense if you’re strapped for cash.”
“With the ratings up and the new infusion of money from those sponsors, it’ll be the engagement of the century. Well, at least through the summer,” Darius said, a gleam of appreciation in his eyes. “The more money the show rakes in, the higher Erik’s commission.”
Erik offered a non-committal shrug. He’d said that he had no intention of going through with any wedding. To him, it was a PR stunt. And from what Darius just said, he was of a like mind. Granted, the contestants never stayed together past the holidays. Like in real life. At least in her reality.
Erik walked on her left side, Darius on her right. Being between the two men had the oddest effect on her. Polished and sophisticated, Darius was the type of man she had aspired to date. He was over six-feet but Erik dwarfed him in height and bulk. It didn’t detract from his attractiveness. If Darius asked her out, would she say yes? Like that was going to happen. Every season, he was exposed to countless beautiful women. While she wasn’t unfortunate looking, she’d never felt comfortable in her own skin. Being in foster care wasn’t conducive to a high level of self-esteem. That’s why she insisted on taking care of her brother after their grandfather died the previous Christmas. She couldn’t let him be put into the system the way she had been. Until she landed at Gram’s place, she had bounced around in the system for six months. She’d do whatever it took to spare J.J. the same fate.
Erik’s arm brushed hers for a nanosecond yet it sent tendrils of awareness throughout her body. The physical contact added to her jumbled emotions. To be a good agent, she had to tuck away her personal feelings and represent his best interests. And in doing so, she’d be protecting her own.
