Free B009R9RGU2 EBOK by Alison Sweeney Page B

around in the middle of Darren’s recitation and draws me up beside him. “Thanks for the walk-through, Darren. We’ll see you in the green room, then?” I watch Darren’s face fall before he recovers, and now the three of us are walking toward the wall of press gathered at the edge of the red carpet. Obviously, I’m not the only one susceptible to fantasies when escorting Billy Fox. The Texan is a walking heartbreak.
    “See you inside, then. Thanks, Sophie.” Darren kisses both our cheeks and then disappears into the crowd.
    “Okay, are you ready?” I give him a once-over to make sure he’s camera-ready (it’s a good habit—you don’t want your talent stepping in front of a hundred cameras with a ketchup stain on the tie or an open fly) and approve him with a mental thumbs-up.
    “As ready as always.” Okay, so he’s clearly not lacking in confidence, but that slight twang completely mitigates any hint of unattractive arrogance. Billy seems good-natured about running the gauntlet of international paparazzi and press. But as I guide him through the reporters with their camera crews and audio recorders, I see a different side of Billy. He’s as polite and charming as always, but even more polished.
    Billy definitely wins points with me as he smoothly handles each reporter with grace and skill, from answering questions about the hospital’s charity—he’s obviously done his homework—to subtly evading questions about his personal life.
    ”Billy Fox, man about town,” a practiced female correspondent in a low-cut, sparkly evening gown says. “What brings you here tonight?”
    “I’m here to support the amazing work the hospital does. I can’t say enough about the work they do, not just for the children, but their families as well. When the hospital asked me to participate tonight, I couldn’t say no… I am thrilled to support this hospital, and I encourage everyone watching to check out their website and, if you can, give a little something for a really worthy cause.” Billy knew the statistics and supplied gossip-hungry reporters with enough personal stories, mixed in with the hospital’s talking points I’d sent over to him earlier, to be sure they’d make it on air.
    I found myself watching Billy in interview after interview put a different spin on each story, giving people a fresh, personalized version, with the same unflagging amount of charm as when we started. One thing’s clear. He’s an undeniable pro at delivering exactly what you might wish.
    “Billy, thank you so much for your time,” says the last reporter. That’s my cue to pull Billy away from the press line and get him situated inside.
    “Thank you, Shandra. Mitch.” I wave to the producer on his cell phone behind the camera guy and then lead Billy through the behind-the-scenes crew to the green room. I flash our credentials, and we’re in.
    “Damn, there is a lot of press here tonight. That’s it, though?” And then seeing the stern expression on my face, Billy immediately adds, “I mean… I could do more, I just…”
    “No. I’m kidding. You did so great out there, I wondered if you’re even human.”
    “Not human, huh?” Billy chuckled. Why did I try to tease him?
    “I mean, you never seemed tired or unsure of yourself. I was just thinking you’re the perfect client, and then you had to ruin everything by being normal!” Always go for the joke when you’re about to totally embarrass yourself.
    “What exactly is ‘normal’ in your world, Sophie?” Billy stands next to me, and the moment has become unexpectedly intimate. Or maybe I’m just paranoid.
    “Well, my life is the
opposite
of normal. Just ask my boyfriend.” Okay, okay, I know that wasn’t the subtlest move in history. I panicked. A gorgeous movie star with I-want-to-run-my-fingers-through-it golden hair and a lanky cowboy frame flirts with you and see if you stay all calm and cool.
    But Billy just lifts up the edges of his ridiculously