The Love Resort Read Online Free Page B

press will be given false stories, we need to keep them off the scent, and then, at the last minute, correct details will be leaked.’
    ‘Is that necessary?’ Todd paled. The publicist was following her orders, he knew that, but the way she was talking about them, it left him feeling as if he were nothing more than a commodity. Which, he admitted to himself, was exactly what he was to the studio bosses.
    ‘It is. We need coverage. Then there’s the honeymoon.’
    ‘No one said anything about a honeymoon.’ Todd trembled.
    ‘But what a wonderful idea,’ Katie added, licking her lips.
    ‘They decided at the last minute. Otherwise it looks suspicious. So, here’s what you’re going to do. We did some research; we wanted something that would give you the romantic image we’re trying to project. So, you’ll spend two weeks—’
    ‘Two weeks?’ Todd’s eyes were wide with horror.
    ‘Yes, two weeks. At The Love Resort.’
    The silence was all-consuming.
    Todd didn’t know what to think. The agreement he’d signed mentioned a marriage but not a honeymoon. He weighed up the chances of objecting but he looked around the table at the happiness shining on the faces of the moneymen, the people who would really benefit from this wedding, and knew that he wouldn’t be able to get out of it now. So, he, Katie and The Love Resort it would be then.
    A fake wedding, a fake honeymoon, and a fake bridegroom. He was losing his pride, his honour, and he was deceiving people who paid to see him in films. He didn’t feel great about himself, but he told himself that it was temporary. As soon as he directed his film, made it a success, then he’d face the world with his truth and be able to stop living a lie. The problem was that the idea of coming out to the world terrified him almost as much as it terrified the Studio. He was going to have to add ‘coward’ to his ever-growing list of negative traits.
    He snuck a look at his wife-to-be, who had furrowed her brow (how with all the Botox she was rumoured to have had, he had no idea), and seemed to be trying to look thoughtful. He resisted the urge to laugh; he wasn’t sure if Katie even knew how to think.
    ‘The Love Resort sounds real tacky,’ Katie said. ‘Why can’t we stay on a deserted island. Of course, a luxury deserted island. You know, somewhere where we’re alone. Apart from the staff.’
    ‘The resort is owned by Anne-Marie Langdale, the famous novelist,’ Harriet explained, ignoring Katie’s comments. ‘It’s exclusive, and it’s romantic. You guys will prove how genuine your love is by staying at The Love Resort. Perfect. It’s for couples only; it’ll probably be full of honeymooners. You’ll be in luxury accommodation and we will have you flown over there by private jet.’
    ‘Really? Private jet?’ Katie crossed her legs, showing another flash of her underwear. The men in the room were all turning red. Todd looked away.
    ‘Yes, Katie, and I’ve been assured that you will have your own private swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and your own cook, so that although you will be expected to be seen around the resort sometimes, most of the time you will have all the privacy that you crave. Well, as long as the publicity is done.’
    ‘Oh, well, maybe I’ll consider it.’
    ‘No, Katie, you won’t consider it, because it’s already been decided.’
    ‘So, here are the plans.’ Harriet stood up in the large room. Twenty of the top studio executives stared at her. She turned to Todd and Katie. Katie was flicking her over-highlighted hair, Todd looked and felt as if he was about to be beheaded; he refused to meet Harriet’s eyes. She cleared her throat. ‘The wedding will take place as soon as possible, fitting in with all schedules. It’ll be held at Bernie’s house, which he has kindly lent for the occasion.’
    ‘My pleasure.’ Bernie Chester was the head of the Studio and one of the most powerful men in Hollywood.
    ‘So, Bernie is also giving