The keys clinkedinto the other man’s palms like he did this all the time.
She rolled her shoulders to pretend she still wasn’t star-struck at the valet, though this time the actor’s name wasn’t on the tip of her tongue and she couldn’t remember her name. He’d played a doctor on TV ten years ago, but Matt acted like he knew the guy so she smiled as they passed.
They went inside, Matt’s hand on herlower back, as he guided her through the crowd to a gray-haired gentleman with a tan a little too dark for it to be natural. Matt held her chair for her and she settled into the seat, then he took the one next to her. The man they were meeting said, “I wish my best client didn’t try to ruin his career with risk-taking.”
“Hello.” She offered her hand to shake his, and Matt introduced them.“Andy, this is Ashley.”
“Hello, beautiful.” He kissed her knuckles instead.
For an older man, Andy clearly charmed people which must be how he worked well as an agent. She pulled her chair closer. “Hi.”
The waiter handed them menus. Andy ignored the interruption and said, “Glad you can both be here today. Matt, I have great offers.”
Matt waited until they were aloneand asked, “What?”
Andy glistened like he had some sort of eye drop he needed to wipe. She stared, fascinated. Did all Hollywood agents have the charm of actors on TV? He said, “First, we have what you wanted.”
“The franchise?” Matt held her chair at their table by the window.
Yeah! She squeezed his hand. He had what he wanted. Perfect. Ashley couldn’t be happier for him.
“You’ll be the spy the world loves. I knocked it down to four movies with three more optioned depending on box office sales.”
Matt’s knee brushed against hers under the table. “Great. I can’t wait to read the first script.”
The waiter returned and she ordered a chicken salad made with olives. Once it was just the three of them again, Andy said, “Speaking of scripts. I thinkI have one for you that could be an Oscar winner I want to talk to you about.”
Interesting.
Her ears perked as she waited. Matt stilled and asked, “What script?”
“It’s a modern day Godfather meets Beauty and the Beast.” His chest puffed out.
Without meaning to, Ashley broke in and said, “In the Godfather the romance ends with his lies.”
Andy nodded at her. “True,but in this story the romance saves the CEO banker from the biggest mistake that could get him arrested in Wall Street Scandals.”
CEO banker. Like Matt’s father.
Her lips thinned—she knew how much he didn’t want to be that man, not even to pretend.
Matt said, “Romances don’t win Oscars.”
Andy folded his hands on the table. “The part seems to be written for you. I wantedyou to read the script.”
Matt met her gaze. She nodded at him and hoped he’d at least think about changing his stance on the matter. His father was dead. He was not that man.
Matt tugged his ear and then asked, “A banker?”
“Yes.”
Matt ran his hands through his longer hair and looked into her eyes. “Ashley, do you think I should?”
Boy band photographers wishedtheir clients gave them that stare for the cameras. Ashley’s heart warmed as she said, “Yes. I think it’s time.”
“Then I’ll read it.” Matt squeezed her hand.
Andy gave her a high five like they’d tag-teamed this together, when she wouldn’t do such a thing. “I knew I liked your girl.”
