“That will come after the photo.”
“This is my studio, Fellbaum. And we’re under a tight deadline.”
“Ah.” Mr. Fellbaum tapped the papers. “But these two are under contract to take whatever photos I deem necessary,whenI deem them necessary.”
Papa’s lips thinned, but he didn’t protest as he grabbed the script off his desk and said, “I want you two in costume ready to go by ten. Not a minute later.”
Mr. Fellbaum smiled and then closed the office door behind him and Papa, leaving Spencer and me alone.
“I know you hate me,” Spencer said as he leaned against Papa’s desk and rubbed his face.
“I don’t hate you.”
“I wouldn’t blame you if you did. I can’t say that I like myself very much right now, either.”
“You’re the only person who can change that.”
“You don’t think I’ve tried?”
“Stop trying and start doing, Mr. Hayes. Therein lies your problem.”
He scoffed. “It’s that easy staying on the straight and narrow?”
“We all have choices to make. There’s nothing special aboutyour life that makes it any harder. You probably have things a lot easier than most.”
A corner of his mouth came up as he regarded me, as if seeing me for the first time. “You’re not intimidated by me, are you?”
I frowned. “Why would I be?”
“Because I’m famous and handsome anddangerous.” He said the last word in a lower tone and lifted his eyebrow playfully, though I could see pain behind his gaze.
“Don’t flatter yourself, Spencer Hayes. You’re simply a man trying to figure out life like the rest of us. You might be a little handsomer than most, but that doesn’t mean I’m intimidated by you.”
“So you think I’m handsome?”
I wanted to roll my eyes after walking into that trap. Instead, I lowered my arms. “Are you ready to start this thing?”
He stuck out his hand. “I am if you are.”
I shook his hand, aware of his large grasp and the way my heart galloped faster at the feel of his skin against mine. I pulled away quickly but tried to cover my reaction by saying, “I suppose I should wish you a happy birthday.”
His laugh was full of derision. “Some kind of birthday this is shaping up to be.”
With a sigh, I let my face soften. This might not be my idea of fun, but we didn’t have to make it harder on ourselves. “I hope it turns around for you.”
He studied me for a moment, then his defenses seemed to come down. “It’s starting to look better.”
I didn’t like the way he was looking at me, so I said, “We never finished our conversation aboutGold Rush!last night.”
“Gold Rush!? What is that?”
I stared at him, trying to read his response. Was he teasing me? If so, it wasn’t funny. “You don’t remember playing Cole Goodman inGold Rush!?”
“I may forget some important things from time to time, but I remember every movie I’ve ever been in.” He frowned. “Are you feeling well, Miss Bennett?”
“Of course I’m feeling well. I feel just fine. You were nominated for best actor inGold Rush!last night.”
“Perhaps it was you sampling the flask, because I was nominated for my portrayal of Wyatt Earp inDeadwood.”
