Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85838 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
“I have a good feeling. Want to know why?”
“Sure.”
I lean in to share the secret. “I have this hotshot new agent.”
That earns me another smile. And hell, do I want to win those from him all night long. His smiles make my chest all warm. They make me want more and more of them.
But Maddox’s gaze drifts to Gunnar.
Oh, shit. I forgot my buddy.
Gunnar points to me. “Hey, there. I’m his chopped liver.”
Maddox stretches out a hand. “Gunnar Ford. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Maddox LeGrande with CTM.”
Gunnar raises a brow, clearly appreciating that Maddox recognizes him. “Nice to meet you too. Zane says good things about you.”
“Glad to hear that. I’m lucky to work with him. And I’m sure Josh Summers at Premiere considers himself lucky to work with you, Gunnar. You’re having a great season.”
My friend snaps an I’m impressed look my way. “Whoa. Your new agent knows everything,” he says.
Maddox laughs, like it’s no big deal. “Just part of the job to know who reps who. Let me get you men a drink. If you’d like one?”
“I’m game,” I say.
“Me too,” Gunnar chimes in.
“Where’s your friend? Did Bryan come along?”
Maddox waves in the direction of the pool. Moonlight glitters off the still water. In the corner, the golden-haired guy from earlier is sitting on a chaise lounge right next to a very familiar face.
Holy shit. I smack Maddox’s arm. “That’s Sebastian Lowe.”
Maddox smiles. “Yep. That is indeed the Oscar winner.”
“I thought his agent was throwing this party. I didn’t know he’d be here. Wait. Is Bryan his agent?”
Maddox shakes his head. “No. Bryan’s not an agent. He used to play ball though. Had a good run for a few years. Injury curtailed his career though.”
“Like Gage,” I say, wincing in sympathy.
“Exactly. He’s a home contractor now and loves it. But he coached for a while and has a great eye.”
“And he’s friends with Sebastian?”
“I suppose,” Maddox says, in a way that makes it clear that’s all he’ll say.
No big deal. It’s not my place to pry about Bryan and Sebastian. But it is my pleasure to gawk at the movie star. “That dude is badass. You know that one where he played the drug lord? Fucking love him,” I say.
“He’s the total package,” Gunnar seconds. Then he gestures to another rock star celeb who starred in the sexy TV show Unfinished Business. “There’s Ellie Snow. She’s hilarious, but I heard she’s doing more writing these days.”
Maddox smiles, a little proudly. “She is. She’s working some deals for TV shows she’s created.”
The actress is chatting with a handsome guy I don’t recognize, but she catches Maddox’s eye and waves.
He waves back, then says to me, “She’s a good friend. But I’ll catch up with her later. And while you stargaze, I’ll get some drinks,” Maddox says.
As soon as he heads off to the bar, Gunnar turns to me, eyebrows dancing. “You didn’t mention your agent is a smoke show.”
I smile like a cocky asshole. “My new agent is a smoke show.” Then I pause to recalibrate, because I’ve got nothing to be cocky about. “And completely off-limits.”
Here at this rooftop party after dark, with the low thump of music, the mingling of bodies, and a possible deal close at hand, I desperately need the reminder.
A little later, Gunnar runs into a buddy of his on the San Diego Devils, a burly guy who’s one of the toughest backstops in the league.
“Gonna grab a few words with Trace,” he says, then nods toward the guy.
I join them for a minute. “Looking forward to beating you in the division this year,” I say, introducing myself in our native language—smack talk.
“You’ll eat your words, Archer.”
“Bet they’ll taste good,” I say.
Gunnar rolls his eyes my way, then turns to Trace. “Did you ever get that new boat you were eyeing?”
“Nah. Gotta wait till I get some contract shit sorted out. But my agent’s been MIA too often,” Trace says, a little irked.
I smile privately. Mine’s not MIA. Mine’s easy to reach, and I love that.
“That’s no good,” Gunnar says. “If you switch and want an intro to Josh, hit me up.”
“Thanks, man,” the catcher says.
As they chat more about boats and agents, I say goodbye, then steal some time with Maddox. His mind must be in the same place, since I walk over to him right as he’s walking away from Sebastian and Bryan.
“Want a drink?” he asks.
“I do.”
Maddox heads to the bar, and I follow him. After he tips the bartender, Maddox hands me my drink, and then we move away from the sparkly crowd, heading toward a corner of the patio.
Now’s my chance to snag some deets. I feel like I’ve been waiting all week for them when it’s only been a few hours. “So, what’s next with Bespoke?” I ask as we stop at the rooftop’s edge, overlooking the city of angels. “I’m dying to know.”