Present
UNFORTUNATE TIMING PUT ME OUT of the country on location filming for longer than I had wanted. Making it back to my little doe-eyed beauty was stalled even longer when I had to deal with some issues that had arisen back in LA. Add to that the obligations I had for press junkets for my next film’s release, and then I was finally able to come back to New York City.
Just as determined as I was the day I left.
Only this time, I have to deal with rumors floating around me that could potentially fuck up my chances with my doe. Stupid rumors I’m powerless to do anything about until it’s safe. Christ, when will I learn? One phone call two months ago was all it took for me to forget reporters are everywhere. They see everything.
“Did you get me the appointment?” I demand before shifting my phone to my other ear.
“Yeah, Kane. Not sure I understand your motivation in approaching the Logan Agency, but your appointment is set. You do realize that the cast has been set for Impenetrable? Extras were cast a long time ago. Hell, you’re in final stages of production, Kane. You don’t need anyone else. And … why the hell are you off on a scouting mission when you pay people to do that for you?”
I move around my penthouse apartment to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city and mentally remind myself why I don’t want to kill my best friend and overall confidant in all aspects of my life.
“Seriously, Mia?”
“Okay, I mean, I kind of understand your plan, but I don’t think I can see what the end game is here? We both know this fa?ade of finding models to act as extras is a bunch of bullshit. So, tell me. After you get in, how will you get the girl?”
I laugh. Leave it to Mia to see right through me. We’ve been close since high school drama class and that hasn’t changed since we both hit the big screen running. Most of the media assume that because of our closeness, we’re hiding a relationship, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. Mia and I will never have anything past friendship. We tried it, briefly, and thankfully, it didn’t ruin our friendship.
“I figured I would handle it like I do most things in my life, Mia. Wing it.”
Her lyrical laughter comes through the line, causing me to smile. “Yeah, Mr. Big Badass … not sure this is one of those times. From what I hear, Dominic Logan is a real hard ass. If you aren’t genuine in your interest, he’s going to see right through you.”
“You would be right, but lucky for me, he has a lot to gain here. From all the research I’ve done on the Logan Agency in the past six months, it’s a dying company. He’s overextended himself and his money, and fortunately for me, he’s grasping at straws to stay afloat. He’s lost more than fifty percent of his models this year alone when they refused to renew their contract. His lead photographer is leaving the agency, and there are rumors that more under his command are planning their exit as well. Best I can tell, I’m his savior.”
Turning from my view, I move from my sunken living room and into the kitchen to grab a package of Tim Tams from my stockpile in the butler’s pantry. They’ve become one of my biggest weaknesses since I discovered them while on location in Australia a few years back.
“How are you feeling? Mia, we really need to talk about things now that I finally have this plan of mine coming to fruition.”
She lets out a deep sigh. “Yeah, I know. Just not now. When you come back to California, maybe. When you figure out if there is even anything between you and this chick, sure. But no need to rock the boat right now.”
Grabbing one of the Tim Tams, I take a bite, swallowing half of the small cookie. I could polish off a few packages in one sitting. Those damn things are addictive.
“You’re eating those nasty cookie biscuit things, aren’t you?” Mia asks in my ear, letting me know the subject is closed. I don’t like it, but I’ll give her that play. She’s under enough stress; the last thing she needs is for me to add more to it.
“Nasty? You’re insane,” I huff around a mouthful.
“Yeah … they are. They melt in your mouth, Kane. That just isn’t natural.”
“That’s the best part,” I quip, knowing my favorite snack grosses her out.
“Anyway, Logan Agency … the girl—the mystery girl behind this ridiculous quest. You have told me next to nothing about her, Kane. That isn’t like you.”
And there’s a reason for that. “Nothing to tell, Mia. I don’t want to jinx anything.” Which isn’t a complete lie. I don’t want to jinx anything, but I also don’t want Mia to shoot this down before I even have a chance to explore it. I’m not a person driven by lust anymore; I’m a man who knows a real solid connection when it smacks you in the face. “I felt it, Mia.” I sigh. “I felt that zap. That feeling of being kicked right in the chest. All it took was for her eyes to meet mine.”