“Not that I’d mind, believe me.” Her cheek rubbed against his back and she all but purred. “Unfortunately, I’m famished and I only have a little time before I have to get home, get dressed, and get to the library for my shift.”
Rory frowned. “Honey, you don’t have to work at the library anymore. I happen to know what Christian and I are paying you, remember?” Tension suddenly gripped him. “Unless you’ve changed your mind about the show—”
“Of course not! Oh, my God!” Her arms tightened around him. “God, no. Are you crazy? Opportunity of a lifetime. I am beyond excited.”
Relief washed over him. “Okay, good. I just didn’t want anything that happened last night or this morning to—”
“It’s not that at all, Rory. In fact, Christian and I had a conversation about this and the job being two very separate enterprises.”
“Enterprises. Sounds like something he’d say.”
“Yeah, I kind of rolled my eyes at the term as well. But he does have a point. And, Rory…”
Her arms slipped away. He groaned in protest. Turned to her.
She said, “We all have to agree that there will be zero weirdness amongst us if this doesn’t work.”
“This being the three of us.”
“Yes. And the same goes for the show. If it doesn’t launch the way you and Christian are so convinced it will, I don’t want it to affect us personally.”
Rory set aside his spatula and cupped her face in his hands. “Zero weirdness, I promise. But don’t go planning for imminent failure for either enterprise. These are one-day-at-a-time endeavors. Lots of intricate nuances to consider and wade through. Both take an open mind, a thick skin, and some creativity. Okay?” He kissed her forehead.
“Okay.” She flashed her pearly whites again. “I hear you.”
“Good. Now, about the library—”
“Rory.” She stepped out of his reach. “I haven’t signed the contract yet and that means I have no check in hand. Still need to make ends meet, you know? So after breakfast and a wardrobe change, I’m going to work at the library.”
“Fine. I know better than to argue with you. But at least give your notice to the gelato stand. I’m concerned about you being so easily accessible when news starts to break of your involvement with the show. I don’t want you getting swarmed in Central Park.”
“That’s a good point. I’m only there ten hours a week, anyway. No biggie to bow out.”
“You do realize Christian is planning press releases and promo to get a buzz going about the show? Your name and face are going to be everywhere, babe. People will recognize you on the street. Even follow you into the bathroom from time to time.” He shuddered.
That’d been a bizarre reality to accept the first few times it’d happened to him. Especially since it’d been female fans following him into the john. And they hadn’t stopped talking, either. So he’d whipped it out and figured as long as they weren’t snapping photos it wasn’t an issue. If they were offended, they only had themselves to blame. Unfortunately, none of them had been. So perhaps not the best strategy to employ …
Bayli said, “No worries. I’ve had a stalker or two in my time. I can handle it.”
“That’s good to hear,” came another female voice.
Rory’s head snapped up and he shot a look over Bayli’s head toward Lily Madison as she strutted through the apartment. He fought the scowl. She was a bit too pretentious and overly done up in that Dynasty way for his liking. But she was efficient and took good care of business affairs. Too bad she was a woman willing to do whatever necessary to get her hooks into Christian.
Bayli quickly tugged Christian’s shirt around her body, wrapping her arms about her waist to secure the material, and turned to the unexpected intruder.
Rory said, “Doesn’t the doorman typically announce you?”
“Not when Christian knows I’m on my way over. I have paperwork for him to sign.” She held up a slim dark-brown leather portfolio. “Besides, he doesn’t usually have company so early in the morning. That I’m aware of.” Her smile was a tight, forced one as her gaze landed on Bayli.
“We also have business with Christian,” Rory simply said.
“So it would appear.” Lily seemed to take a few moments to get her bearings. Then she squared her shoulders and said, “I’m Lily Madison. Christian’s assistant.”
“Oh, how nice to meet you,” Bayli said congenially. “Bayli Styles.”
“Bayli Styles.” Lily’s eyes widened as she said the name. “The plot thickens.”
“I’m sorry?” Bayli spared a glance at Rory, who merely shrugged.