“Yes, very much.”
“Did you eat alone?”
“Yes.”
“Fine then. Well, now that I know you’re back, I must be off.”
With that, Marshall, the most frustrating man in the world, was back out the door. How quaint of the boss to check on his employee and make sure she was working hard. And once again, the roller coaster of thoughts about Marshall was back in motion.
By the time night came that evening I was exhausted on every level imaginable. The prospectus had taken a lot of energy and organization, but it was half way done. I’d also determined that I was not going to be the one who sat around, wallowing in pity any longer. It may not be easy, but I was going to go out there and meet a guy—the right guy. Obviously I attracted the wrong guys all too much and it was maybe time to consider some guys that I’d automatically ruled out for one reason or another. Everyone deserves a chance, right? I know that I’d given Marshall another chance, and another, if he wanted it.
Chapter 15
I’d never been so relieved to get back home to LA and away from Marshall Kent for at least a portion of my day. Yes, my work days were still going to be long, but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about which part of Marshall was lying next to me in bed—the sexy hunk or the cold business man.
After I stop into the office to settle the billing matters for the project with the accountant, I made my way to the studios, ready for a full day’s worth of work and to put together the remainder of the prospectus. I’d be able to proof read it that night and present it to Marshall. It could very well be the end of my need there too and I had mixed emotions about it. On a professional level it would be the loss of a good client and on a personal level it would be good riddance to my latest heartache.
The next few days Marshall kept his distance unless we had to discuss business. That was fine by me. He’d given me additional tasks to do though, showing me that my work with him was not done yet. I couldn’t help but notice that every time we did talk business there was still a part of me that responded to him so intensely on a physical level. His perfect body was scorched into my mind and I longed to feel it. If I had confidence that I could keep my emotional distance, I would have just invited the idea of being fuck buddies, but that wasn’t possible for me. I knew it and I wasn’t going to be fooled again.
After a stress reducing shopping spree one day, I wore my latest find to work. It was a form-fitting dress that showed off my trimmed but curvy figure, perfect for the beautiful LA day that was in store. I pulled up and began walking into the office and ran into one of the newest actors that Foothill Studios had signed, Tyler Jackson. He was a good looking guy with deep brown eyes, full lips, and that type of messy hair that looks absolutely perfect. I casually said “hi” and that started a conversation.
“So, are you Mr. Kent’s secretary?” he asked.
“No, not at all. I’m working with him on some projects. I’m an attorney.”
“Not an aspiring actress?”
“Nope. Not too good at acting,” I replied. I could sense Tyler’s eyes scanning my entire body and it was all the affirmation I needed that the new dress was indeed one that could draw some attention.
“Do you get to take lunch?” Tyler asked, his eyes looking first at my face and then my breasts.
“Of course.”
“Would you be interested in going across the street to have lunch with me today?”
“That sounds great. Why don’t you meet me at the restaurant at 12:30 if that works?”
“I will. Until then, Becca.”
Tyler walked away and I paused to look at him for a moment. He had some serious swagger and was such a good looking guy, it was no longer he was Hollywood’s next biggest leading man. It’d be fun to have a flirty lunch with him. I turned back around to walk into the office and caught a glimpse of Marshall staring at me from out a window on the second floor. Instinctually I looked down at my watch, wondering if I was on the verge of being late. I wasn’t. He was just being…well, Marshall.
Lunch came soon enough and this meal at the restaurant was definitely better than the interview lunch with Marshall had been, despite it landing me the job. Tyler was waiting there with a table reserved by the time I got there.
I soon found myself relaxing and joking with Tyler at lunch. His personality was charming, funny, and so down-to-earth. Really, it was just fun. Tyler’s attention and great sense of humor was so appealing to me, making me feel like he wasn’t much of a player. He could have played anyone he liked too; there was no doubt about it. We were laughing away and enjoying ourselves.
I’d seen Marshall walk in to the restaurant too, along with a few men in suits that I didn’t know who they were. I had smiled and nodded at him, then got back to my lunch date with Tyler or whatever it was called.
Time must have slipped away from me because I saw Marshall walk past me and he had an angry look on his face, not bothering to hide it. I was a very dedicated person when it came to my work and productivity so it bothered me that he did that, but I didn’t have much of a choice besides ending my lunch date, which I wouldn’t have minded carrying on with.
“Tyler, I’m afraid that I’d better get back to work. I have a lot to do and you’ve had me laughing so much that I’ve lost track of time.”
“Lucky me,” Tyler said. He reached into his pocket and handed me his card. “I’m hoping you’ll call me. I’d love to see you again, perhaps after hours when you don’t have to get back to work.”
“That would be fantastic,” I said. “Here’s my card too. You’re certainly welcomed to call too.”
“Are we going to play one of those wait three days and try to act cooler games?” he asked, laughing lightly.
“I hope not. I cannot stand those games, plus I never win them,” I said. I might as well be honest. I’ve certainly got nothing to lose.
“Me either. Why don’t we just say Saturday night…dinner and some dancing.” Tyler looked at me calmly, staring into my eyes as if he was trying to gauge what I was thinking.
“That sounds great. We can coordinate later in the week then,” I said.
“Sounds good,” he said. Tyler stood up and leaned in, kissing my cheek. Then he put his hand on my shoulder and said, “Have a great day, Becca.”
“You too. Thanks for lunch and the laughs too.”