“Hi,” Sukii says as she walks into my office with an iced coffee. “I made you something.”
“I love you.” I take it and stand up from my desk, noting the creak in my hips and knees from sitting far too long.
“You got here at five again this morning? You’re back to fourteen-hour days. Things not going well with Lori?” She sips her iced coffee and leans against my small desk.
I don’t know how to answer the question so I change the subject back to something safe, “I’ve used these fourteen hours productively. I messaged Liam’s agent, Mia, and organized a meeting for the press junket. She agrees we need a full game plan, so I’ll arrive a few hours early at the location where the junket is taking place. I’ve organized my flights to LA tomorrow and taken care of a driver. And I’ve figured out which clients Laura will have to take over for me.”
“Is she still pissed at you?”
“Kinda. I hoped she would come around to it all. Especially since I saved her ass, but whatever.”
“You saved her and Liam. He isn’t typecast as a bad boy, so the public persona needs to match the roles he plays.”
“Yup.” I take a long sip and sigh.
“You nervous about being his rep or are you cool with it?”
“Nervous.” I don’t bother lying. “As hell.”
“I would be too. I’d be freaking out.” She sips and nods. “And speaking of celebrities, it’s cool you’re avoiding asking me about him. I’ll just skip the bullshit and tell you how things are with Cap. I think I love him. We haven’t been apart once since the wedding. Not one night.” She beams and I want to be happy but the news of his divorce just broke. God knows where his head is or if he’s using her to avoid dealing.
“Hello, Jenny.” Stan pops his head in my office with Liam-friggin’-Farringdon right behind him.
I almost spit my drink but manage to stay cool. “Hello.” I stand tall and put the coffee down.
“You guys want an iced coffee?” Sukii asks as she saunters to the door as if this isn’t a big deal that our boss has caught us sitting around talking about guys like college girls.
“I’d love one, Sukii. Vanilla, thanks,” Stan orders for only himself and Liam doesn’t say anything.
“Mr. Levisohn, what a surprise.” I act as though I don’t recognize Liam, giving Stan a chance to introduce us properly.
“This is Liam Farringdon. Liam, this is my secret weapon, Jenny Snowdon. She’s a wizard.”
When I don’t say anything because my mind is a whirling dervish, Liam does, “Nice to meet you, Miss Snowdon.” He cracks something resembling a half grin and bats his long, inky thick lashes.
Whew, he’s hot in person.
Why do guys always have the good lashes?
Why am I still not talking?
I force myself to speak, “Likewise, Mr. Farringdon. Are you in New York on your way to LA for the junket?”
“I am.” His Irish accent is delightful. “I came to meet ya, and thank ya for helping me out of that sticky situation. I just got a call about a new role, and I heard it was you who made sure my name was at the top of their list.” He’s all smiles and manners, and I’m pretty sure this is going awesome.
“Oh, no problem. My pleasure.” That’s a lie.
“Jenny, I asked Liam to sit down and have a chat before the junket tomorrow. But it’s not a great day for me. Do you mind taking Mr. Farringdon to dinner for me? I have a reservation already and the car’s waiting downstairs.” Stan’s new life purpose is to abruptly put me in intense spots.
“Of course not.” I force a smile across my lips, though I’d made plans with Lori to have dinner. “I’m starving anyway.”
“You guys have a great meal.” Stan touches my arm. “I’ll get Sukii to email you the details of what I wanted discussed so you have the notes for reference.” He winks and walks away, leaving me alone with a complete stranger.
“So.” I clear my throat and shoulder my purse. “Dinner?”
“Do you mind if we just drive and talk? I’m in a bit of a rush to get to LA and ready myself for the junket.” Liam places a hand on my arm.
“Of course, no problem.” God, I love the accent. “In fact, we don’t have to drive at all. We can ride the elevator to the top floor and sit in a window, have a chat and no one will see us. It’s the private work area.” I point to the ceiling as though he can see what I’m talking about.
His lips lift, flashing those perfect white teeth. “A quiet place no one will see us?” His bright-blue eyes narrow. “No one will take pictures of us? I’ve had enough publicity.”
“I promise.” I almost roll my eyes but fight it. “It takes a lot to impress the people who work here. We’ve met the Dalai Lama.” And now I’m bragging and name dropping. This is amazing. “He was humble,” the word slips out before I think, and I realize it’s like a shot at him. Am I saying Liam isn’t humble? Why is this happening? Why can’t I be cool?
“Humble?” He laughs. “Are ya mocking me by suggesting I’m not humble?”
“No.” Oh my God.
“You are. That's cheeky.” He chuckles as we stroll into the elevator.
“Genuinely, I wasn’t. I was just saying he is.”
“Mmmhmm.”
Well, now that that’s cleared up.
I need to staple my lips shut.
I press the button for the floor below the penthouse, our own quiet private work area. It’s the sort of place someone like Liam would want to sit. Rarely is anyone there. And if there are people, they’ll be wearing headphones and be too geeky to recognize the celebrities we work for.
“So,” Liam says, leaning and smiling, and I have a bad
