Escorting the Actress (The Escort Collection 2)

"Fo

r about two seconds, which is all it's gonna take to fire you," the assistant quipped.

We went into his office, and Lucas shook his head at Lowell. "Jenny told me everything. That was fucking unbelievable. You have royally fucked me. You know you're fired, right?"

Lowell dealt him a tight smile too. "Actually, Lucas, I quit. I don't think this movie supports a healthy body type, and I no longer want to be associated with it."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" He stood, red and livid.

"Nope. And that's the interview I'm giving tomorrow. No need to send Jenny. You're no longer affiliated with my brand."

She tossed her hair, and I followed her out. Lucas didn't even have the chance to speak. We walked back through the office, and his assistant was sitting at her desk, clearly stunned. She must have been listening in.

Lowell smiled at her again, but this time it was genuine. "See ya, Cristina. He's all yours. Good luck with that."

* * *

A new Mercedes SUV was parked outside Lo's house when we got back.

"I've never seen that one before. It doesn't look like one of the photographer's cars." I glanced at Lowell.

"I don't recognize it either," she said.

We smiled, held hands, and kissed for the photographers on our way in. Katie was back, scowling at us. I winked at her and blew her a kiss. She frowned sourly, but I no longer cared.

That was a nice feeling.

Lowell grabbed my hand and checked her watch. "It's almost time. Are you ready?"

I nodded and pulled her to me after we went through the door. "I'm only ready because you've given me the strength to be ready."

"Nah," she said, beaming at me. "We were already both strong. We just gave each other another really good reason to be."

I kissed her forehead and wrapped her in my arms. "Thank you for being my reason."

Shirley interrupted us. "We've got company."

I raised my eyebrow at her.

"More company," she insisted.

We followed her into the living room. Seated on the couch next to Caroline Barton was my father.

"Hey, Dad," I said, surprised and wary. "Are you here to yell at me like Lowell's mom?"

He stood and shook my hand, a gesture that stunned me. "No, son. I came out to show my support." He nodded at Lowell. "I'd like to rescind our previous conversation, if that's okay with you. I was… pretty upset."

"Okay," Lowell said, wary as well.

"Congratulations on your engagement," he told her. "I know you'll make my son very happy."

"Th-thank you, Pierce. Isn't that nice, Kyle?" She elbowed me.

I opened my mouth then closed it. I just looked at my dad. "Do you mean it?"

"I do actually." He dropped back down into his seat next to Caroline.

I blew out a deep breath. "But… do you know we taped a major interview that's gonna premiere tonight?"