Free Stage Left (Bright Lights Billionaire #1) by Ali Parker Page B

something up and live behind that made-up persona just to survive. I'm scared that Ethan has started to do that."
    I tilted my head to the side and studied her a little. "You really care about him, don't you? I mean, not just as a meal ticket, but as a brother or friend or lover."
    She smirked. "Is that your way of asking if we're sleeping together?"
    "No. I would have just asked. I'm embarrassingly straight forward. I can't seem to help but be direct, even when it's detrimental." I laughed and picked up my mixed drink, lifting it in the air and smiling at her. "To new beginnings, even if we never get one. Someone's getting it."
    She laughed and hit my glass. "I think you have one coming, kiddo. You've got a great story, a good cause to push you forward and passion. It's the thing that will drive you to be better than the best."
    "I'm not sure that's who I want to be, but I'm willing to show up for the audition whenever it is." I leaned back. "It's another love scene, right?"
    "Yeah, but this one is long and far more intimate. Ethan actually hates them, but we figured if we were going to do another action movie, that we'll be filming two to three sex scenes that force him to make like he's having sex with his co-star. They are the hardest scenes to pull off."
    "I know." I tapped the table and pursed my lips, thinking through whether I wanted another scene with Ethan's hands on me. I wasn't sure it was such a good idea, but it was just acting. Just play making. Nothing real or sustaining. No commitment.
    I needed to find Jace and have him take me to his bed the night before going to see Ethan again. That would at least chill me out. I was far too sexual to just show up and go through the motions with him without wanting to push things past the casual working relationship. Not that a guy like him would ever want a simple girl like me, but one could dream.
    "So we'll do another one and then make our final decision. Should you get the part, we'll give you a week to think things through."
    "And would you guys consider letting me have a long conversation with Ethan? I want to pick his brain and make sure we would be compatible as co-workers. He's a little more crude than I expected, and where that doesn't bother me too much, I want to understand what I'm getting into." I picked up my glass and took a drink, enjoying the burn of the liquor as it raced down my chest.
    "You're not like anyone I've ever met. Most women would jump at the chance to breathe Ethan's air, but something tells me that you're going to give him a run for his money, and honey, he's got loads of it." She laughed.
    I smirked. "I'm just practical. I want the part, don't get me wrong, but I can't chase a dream that's too hazy to make out. I want to understand it better and make a good decision should the offer come up."
    "Then we'll have you meet with Ethan either way." She thanked the server as the girl set the sushi platter down. "One more thing."
    "Sure." I picked up my chopsticks and started to pull a few items onto my plate.
    "Darren isn't doing you any good. Consider letting me pick you up to be agented by me whether this offer goes through or not. I have time for one more strong actor on my list. I'd like that to be you." She lifted her eyebrow at me. "Just consider it."
    "Okay. I can do that, but if we decide to work together, I have one request."
    "Sure, anything."
    "You tell him." I laughed, teasing her as her face fell.
    "Never mind! You're not that great."

Chapter 10
    Ethan
     
     
    I'd talked myself out of texting Riley a million times by Saturday morning. I laid in my bed, watching shadows move across the open window and wishing like hell I had someone next to me. Where it would have been nice to look over and see the pretty girl from my dreams, I was willing to take just about any warm body. Just someone to hold and have hold me.
    I rolled over to my stomach and let out a long sigh as I pulled my phone toward me and pulled up her picture.
    "Text her.