Free The Casual Rule by A.C. Netzel

on Wiki later.
    Marcello goes back to the business at hand, having Ben stand, sit, look this way, look that way. Ben is a pretty good sport about it. Many of our authors give Marcello a hard time about having their picture taken over and over again. I know it’s boring and time consuming, but you can’t have a cover without the photo. These days, authoring a book is so much more than simply writing it.
    I walk back to the corner of the room, leaning on the wall. I cross my arms with one eye on Ben and the other on the brooding brunette. She’s doing the same.
    Bitchy girl games…always fun after a long day at work.
    When Marcello finishes, Ben jumps off the barstool and walks over to me. His lapdog friend quickly sidles herself next to him, possessively grabbing hold of his arm.
    I’m secretly rolling my eyes. I get it…You want me to think he’s yours. Funny thing is he doesn’t seem to be the slightest bit interested in you.
    “Julia, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Ben says, smiling cordially.
    “Vivian asked me to pass by and check out the shoot since it was on my way home. And Marcello is a friend of mine. I visit him when I can.” I’m also a big fan of lusting after you.
    The brunette not so subtly clears her throat. Relax honey, you’ll get your turn.
    “Oh, Julia. This is my friend Camille. Camille, this is Julia. Julia is one of the editors of my book.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she lies.
    Camille? More like Cam-eel. The slimy way she slithered up next to Ben in her snakelike fashion, moving side to side going after her prey. I know immediately that she hates me. I can tell. She’s a woman hater. It’s written all over her face. I remember reading somewhere that Moray eels are one of the main predators of other Moray eels. Yes, this girl would definitely take down another woman; especially one she thinks is on the hunt for the man she just attached herself to.
    “Camille, it’s very nice to meet you too,” I lie right back. I turn my face away from her and look at Ben. “Well, it looks like everything here is under control. I guess I’ll be going. Good to see you Ben. Camille.” I nod and walk over to Marcello who’s moving the studio lights back to the corner of the room.
    “Hey Marcello. I’m going to take off. Don’t forget to email the photos when they’re ready.”
    “Will do, Julia.” He glances over at Ben and Cam-eel. “She’s pathetic, isn’t she? So clingy. It’s obvious he has no interest in her at all,” he whispers.
    See…that’s what I thought too!
    “I don’t know Marcello. It’s none of my business. Give my love to Peter. You both should drop by the apartment sometime. Allie would love to see you.”
    “Maybe Allie will pose for me?” He raises a brow.
    “Is there even a doubt?” We both laugh.
    Marcello kisses my cheek and I turn to leave, taking one last quick peek at Ben.
    “Julia, can you wait a minute?” Ben calls out. He whispers something to Cam-eel. She smiles and nods, but I can tell that smile is as fake as most of the breasts in Hollywood. He politely hugs her and kisses her cheek. Her lips are pressed tight as she grabs her Louis Vuitton handbag off the floor. The room echoes with the clicks of her high heels against the wooden floorboards as she walks right past me, barely acknowledging my existence.
    Friendly girl. I hope she trips.
    Ben walks over to me and smiles. “Can I walk you home?”
    “Ah, I guess so. Sure.”
    “Okay, I’ll grab my jacket and we’ll go.” He walks across the room, leaving me alone with Marcello. Marcello looks at me with a sly grin, gently nudging me with his shoulder. I shrug, wide eyed.
    “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. I want details tomorrow,” Marcello whispers in my ear.
    “Oh, shut up.” I playfully punch his arm but I can’t hide my smile.
    Ben walks back with his black leather jacket on, looking hot as usual. “Ready to go?” he asks.
    “Yes. I’ll talk to you soon