Player in Paradise Read Online Free Page B

you think I’m letting you disappear with some stripper-looking chicks while you’re under my watch then you’ve got me all wrong.”
    He frowns. “Am I really paying you to keep me away from hot girls? When did I sign that contract?”
    “You’ll thank me one day. In fact, I expect you to remember my name for your Academy Award acceptance speech.”
    “I like the sound of that.” He grins like a giddy school boy as we enter the elevator. The ride up to the 20 th floor is an awkward mix of silence and fidgeting. I try not to stare at his reflection on the mirrored wall, but it’s nearly impossible. He lets me out first and follows me down the hall.
    “Have a good night, Olivia,” he says, leaning in close. Crap, what is he doing? I can’t kiss him. He’s drunk and it’s against the rules and I just can’t. It takes every fiber of moral strength to back up and lean to the side, resulting in an awkward half hug.
    “ You too.” I look away quickly, grab my keycard out of my purse, and unlock the door.
    My heart pounds as I rush into my room. What just happened? Should I be flattered or disgusted? Is he just a typical pig or does he like me? Do I even want him to like me?
    After I wipe off my makeup and brush my teeth, I hear voices coming from Austin’s room. I’m not usually a nosy person, but I chalk up this slight invasion of privacy to being a good employee.
    It sounds like Austin yelling. “No fucking way. I’m not doing it.”
    “Well, we already bought the ring,” another voice says. She sounds li ke an older woman. I move closer to the door.
    “Think about it, we’ll be o n every magazine cover, gossip blog and entertainment news show. I bet we can even get a TV special out of it. Think of how much money you’ll make,” a younger voice says.
    “You’re insane,” he responds. “Seriously, you are both bat shit crazy if you think I’m going along with this.”
    “Come on, Austin. My movie didn’t do as well as expected. I need this. Please,” she begs.
    Then it clicks; it’s none other than Cassidy Evans, and it sounds like she’s pleading for a marriage proposal. Did Priscilla put her up to this or did she come up with this grand scheme on her own? My shock turns to rage as I hear Austin continue to reject her plans. It’s one thing to fake date, but a sham engagement is on a whole other level. 
    “Just think about it,” she says. 
    He won’t agree to it…I think…I hope. Although Priscilla would probably love it; publicity for her clients is pretty much the only thing she really cares about, and this news would definitely cause a tidal wave of it.

Chapter Six
     
    “I’m impressed!” I yell to Austin as he meets me in the lobby right on time. He’s wearing black and white checkered board shorts and a white t-shirt. His signature aviators are perched on top of his head.
    “Couldn’t sleep,” he responds.
    I’m pretty sure I know what was keeping him up all night, but I don’t bring it up. “The time change can mess with your sleep schedule for sure.”
    He nods and runs a hand through his naturally highlighted locks. “So what do I have to do with the devil today?”
    I try not to smile, but I do agree that she is the devil after listening to her scheme last night. “Surfing lesson.”
    “I already know how to surf.”
    “Well, pretend you don’t. It will look cuter if you’re both falling off your boards and helping each other out.”
    “Is there a way to make drowning her look cute?”
    “Stop it,” I respond, playfully slapping his arm. Just grazing those muscles makes my stomach flip.
    “I’ll play along, but only if I can teach you how to surf later,” he says.
    “Uh uh, no bueno.”
    “Why not?”
    “Because you’re supposed to be on a romantic vacation with your girlfriend, which last time I checked doesn’t usually involve other girls.”
    “How about when we get back to LA?”
    I freeze, unable to think a coherent thought. Is he asking me