I checked my clothes for stains or strategic buttons that had come undone.
Bright lights turned on, and I pasted a smile of my own on my face, hopefully looking natural.
The hour passed quickly, and after fumbling through my first few answers, I found my groove and the rest flowed.
When the lights turned off, leaving black spots in my vision, I sagged against the back of my chair. “That’s it?”
Pascal nodded. “That’s it.”
The silence that fell, only broken by the sound of the cameraman and assistant moving equipment around, was oppressive. I rushed to collect my apron and the papers I’d thrown on the floor when I first sat down. “Okay, well, that wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
He got up when I did and came around the desk. “You did well. If you need anything, my door is always open.”
He’d been talking to my boobs during the whole interview, so there was no way I’d ever be caught by myself in his office.
“Thanks for the offer. I’ll be sure to let you know if I ever need anything.”
I rushed out of the room, closing the door behind me with a sigh.
“Everything okay?” Grayson’s smooth voice washed over me, and I turned.
“Of course. What are you still doing here?”
“I thought we could talk.”
I stumbled back, tripping over my own feet. Before I could embarrass myself, he jumped forward and saved me from falling over.
His hand on my arm burned through my clothes, and I took a choked inhale. The attraction that had existed between us since I was sixteen years old roared back to life, and I doubted I could ignore it again like I had.
I stood frozen, needing to make a choice.
Move away and lose the warmth of his arm, or stay and stare at him like I currently was?
Tough choice.
I scraped up the remains of my self-control and stepped back. His hand dropped from my arm, and I shivered at the loss.
Dear Lord, I need to get a grip.
I waved at him, backing up again. “Well, thanks. Good catch. Cheerio.”
And there goes my dignified exit. “Cheerio”? Really?
Grayson took a step forward. “Let me walk you out.”
“That’s okay. I know the way.” I turned on my heel and ran out of there like my butt was on fire. I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder on my way out. Grayson’s eyes were on me, and they burned golden, brighter than I’d ever seen them.
Guess he’s still angry.
Three
“Let’s make a toast.” Mae lifted her glass. “To making this the most popular show television has ever seen.”
We all clinked glasses, though I couldn’t help but think it would be impossible to top Tyra Banks’s temper tantrums and catapult our show to the top.
I took a sip of my red wine, the fruity merlot an indulgence I didn’t allow myself often. Especially not when I had to get up at five in the morning as was required of all contestants.
It was all twelve-hour workdays from now on, with one day off per week. That we only got if we weren’t behind with filming. Since it wasn’t much different from what I was doing at home, I didn’t mind.
