A-Hole to A-List (PR Girls & Instalove 1)

“I can’t tell you the exact details yet.”

My pencil tapped against the pad as I stared at him, waiting. He met my stare, unflinching.

After an uncomfortable moment where I couldn’t stop my eyes from dropping to those luscious lips, I blurted, “Well, can you tell me what business you’re in?”

“Computer processors specifically designed to improve the rendering of first-person shooter video games,” he said, as if he were reading it from a brochure, “But it will make nearly all games better.”

A tiny laugh bubbled out of me. “Well, I wasn’t expecting that.”

“You assumed I was a stockbroker or something?” he smirked.

“No offense, you don’t look like the video game type.”

He leaned toward me slightly, as I caught a faint whisper of a warm, forest scent. “In this strange world, we often have to be all sorts of different types,” he said quietly. “We often surprise ourselves. Don’t you think so?”

The way he looked into my eyes was strange. Too intense. It was thrilling and disturbing at the same time.

“I don’t know,” I finally stammered. “But if you want me to help you, I’m going to need to know where to start.”

Andrew shook his head, staring at the ceiling, then he eventually nodded. “I’m going to have to trust you, I guess, Jenna. That doesn’t come easily to me.”

“You came to this

PR firm needing assistance,” I said. “Let us help you.”

“Only you,” he said, nodding sternly. “Nobody else on this account.”

“All right, sure.” It would be strange not being able to bounce ideas off my colleagues, but I’d manage.

“Okay. We’re one of the sponsors of the Lightspeed Games huge season launch event next Wednesday. There are over a dozen sponsors, so that doesn’t really make us stand out. There will be a ton of industry people there, but I need to get into the VIP area to speak directly with FlashFleaze and SnakeRunzz. If I can just get them to actually try our system, I know they’ll come on board as spokespeople.”

“Hmm.” I sat back, nodding. I didn’t know much about professional gaming, but I’d heard of FlashFleaze and SnakeRunzz. They were the two most prominent names in that world right now. “I heard those guys didn’t speak to each other. Some sort of rivalry, right?”

“Yes. Which is why I need to speak with them both about this new system. I need at least one or the other to personally recommend us, and hopefully make an endorsement deal.”

“Can’t you just book a meeting with them?”

Andrew snorted. “I wish. These guys don’t work like that. They’re surrounded by their entourage of buddies and social media managers. A flock of people who think it’s their job to keep anyone uncool away.”

It was tough not to smirk at the thought of this tall, broad-shouldered man being denied entry anywhere. But this particular crowd would never allow a corporate type in their midst. Andrew wasn’t uncool, exactly, he was just too authoritative to be edgy. He was “the man” that the cool kids rebelled against.

“They don’t take meetings,” he continued. “FlashFleaze goes with the flow and thinks that the world is random chaos, so if he runs into people, it’s a sign from the cosmos or whatever. SnakeRunzz is slightly paranoid and doesn’t talk to people unless he thinks it’s important, and it’s in an exclusive environment.”

“It sounds like you’re a bit paranoid as well,” I said, “if you can’t even tell me what you really do.”

He actually smiled broadly at that. “The last of the legal paperwork is being signed at the lawyers’ offices right now. I’ll be able to get you some information tomorrow.”

I made a note, then we exchanged cards. “I’ll look into Lightspeed Games and do a little research. I’ll see who is running their event and if I can pull any strings. In the meantime, I’ll try to find a way to get you noticed in that circle in a positive way before next week.”

“I’ll see if Terry has any ideas as well. When he’s not totally immersed in a project, he’s aware of that scene.”

“Who’s Terry?”

Andrew’s eyes crinkled adorably when he gave a genuine smile. “That’s my little brother. He’s a computer, engineering, and tech wizard. But he’s sensitive, and a bit...quirky. So it’s best to keep him away from strangers.”

“Got it.” I made a note to see if there was anything I could find about him online. Andrew’s deep chuckle made me glance up.

“Terry’s not online anywhere, except with extensive code names that only he could remember. He’s even more into tight security than I am.”