Her dark eyes caught his gaze, and she winked. “Hello, Angus. Still as yummy as last time.”
“Don’t talk to me.”
She gave an exaggerated pout. “Aww, is that any way to be?”
Angus ignored the comment and stared out the one-way glass. His throat constricted. He’d never been the weepy type, but Clara had broken him. She’d used his love for her by turning it into a weapon against him. He clenched his jaw to hold the emotions at bay.
“Leave him alone, Clara.”
“Oh, Finn, I’ve missed you too.” Her voice was silky sweet.
Barb looked at them and flashed a nervous smile before leaving the room. Through the window, Angus saw her enter the waiting room and greet the first candidate, a tall, busty woman from the Midwest.
“Hi, I’m Meadow Moon.”
Angus shook his head. “Stage name. No.” The show was plenty fake without picking a woman who wouldn’t even use her real name. While he was determined to stay away from stage names, he was also determined to pick three women he had no interest in whatsoever. The idea of being in a relationship with anyone made him sick to his stomach. Giving someone else the opportunity to use him didn’t sit well with him at all.
Barb asked a few more questions. “Well, it was lovely to meet you, Ms. Moon. If you’re selected, we’ll give you a call. You should be hearing from us within the next couple of weeks.”
Meadow smiled brightly as she gathered her purse and walked out of the room.
Clara strolled to a chair and sat, crossing her legs. “Meadow Moon. I don’t know who her agent is, but that name is not built for A-list status.”
Ignoring the comment, Angus slouched farther into the chair. He should have listened to his family. To Barb. The little angel on his shoulder screaming for mercy as he signed his name on that piece of paper. Two more years with this woman. She’d brought him to his knees. How much more miserable would he be in two years? Did he love acting enough to continue?
As the interviews progressed, Angus tried to focus on the candidates. None of them really piqued his interest. They were pretty and well-dressed. Most were educated. All were flirty, their gazes occasionally darting to the window. But most appeared to be more fascinated with the prospect of being on TV than in who they’d be spending time with. He reminded himself that he wasn’t looking for a match anyway.
“You aren’t listening,” Finn whispered.
“You take over. Okay?” Angus had already begrudgingly picked two of the women who seemed friendly, even though he had no interest in them, but his patience was growing thin. He hated even thinking about all these women and whether they were safe or not.
“Sure, bud.”
Angus rested his chin in his hand and let his vision blur. He knew his image needed a fresh coat of paint, but he hated the idea of a reality show.
Finn and Barb had worked hard to get it set up for him. All his other so-called friends had dropped like flies as soon as his movie roles dried up. He’d been the highest-paid leading man only two years ago.
Clara. The catalyst that had changed his life and taken away everything he’d worked for. Angus pushed the thoughts away.
The show would start in September, which was a little over a month away, and he’d approach it like all the other roles he played. Reality television was about to get Angus’s best performance.
Chapter 3
“Hello, Ms. Cooper. My name is Barbara Freeman, but you can call me Barb. I’ll be interviewing you.” Barb invited Penelope into her office and waved a hand toward the chair across from hers.
Penelope smiled and took a seat. “Okay. Is Angus going to be here?”
“No. If you’re selected, he’ll see you when filming starts.”
“Oh.” At least that was one thing that went in her favor.
“So, how have you liked LA so far?”
“Uh, well, it’s been six years since I’ve been in traffic like that. The ride from the airport to the hotel was terrifying. By the time the car stopped, I was grateful to be alive.”
“Oh, was the driver bad?”
Penelope shook her head. “No, he was great. It was the other people whizzing by and whipping in and out of traffic that made me think it would be safer to walk.”
Barb laughed. “Yes, we do have some fast drivers.”
“I’d say so.”
“Other than that?”
Penelope shrugged. “It’s pretty. I’ve never stayed in a hotel so nice. The pool is amazing.”
“That’s good.” Barb grinned. “I have to ask…when I spoke to you on the phone, you said you don’t want to be on the show, and yet, here you are. Why did you audition if you weren’t interested?”
“Promise me my sister and I won’t get in trouble.”
Barb eyed her a moment. “All right.”
Penelope fidgeted with her fingers. “Uh, well, see…I have an identical twin sister, Paige. She thought I needed more fun in my life and auditioned as me. She signed the contract to be on the show. I really don’t want her in trouble, though.”
Barb was quiet long enough that it made Penelope nervous. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that, then.”
Penelope relaxed. “Thank you.”
“So, tell me about yourself.”
“Uh, what do you want to know?” She wanted nothing more than to botch the interview, but she couldn’t bring herself to lie.
“Did you go to college?”
“I have an accounting degree from Florida State.”
Barbara looked down at the clipboard she was holding. “And you live in Destin, Florida, right?”
“Yes, born and raised there.”
“And you’re a dog groomer instead of an accountant? How did that come about?”
Penelope took a deep breath. How in the world did she explain that? “Well, I worked for an accounting firm in San Diego for a couple years, but I got tired of it.” That was partially true. She paused, her heart aching from thinking about it. It was a portion of her life Paige had no idea about. “I got burned out being an accountant, so I moved back to Destin and started working with a dog groomer. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make a career of it.”
Barb nodded. “Have you ever been involved with anyone?”
She swallowed hard. “Yes, but I’d appreciate if that wasn’t made public. I don’t like lying, and no one knows about it.”
“No one?”
Penelope shook her head. “I was really awkward in high school, so I didn’t get asked out much. Not that I didn’t like guys. It just wasn’t mutual. Then in college, I had a scholarship. In order to keep it, I had to maintain my grades. I didn’t have time to date.”
Barb tilted her head and squinted as if she couldn’t believe it. “So, that’s the only one? Can you tell me what happened?”
The question made her pulse quicken as she fought back painful memories. Tom… “I’d rather not.”
“Okay.” Barb’s pen scratched across the paper as she made notes. “May I ask when this was?”
She sighed. “Right out of college. I was young and stupid and thought my happiness depended on someone else.”
Barb nodded. “All right, what else can you tell me about yourself?”
Penelope wiped her sweaty palms down her skirt. “Uh, I love Errol Flynn movies. Sometimes, I think I was born in the wrong time period. Things were simple back then, or at least it seems so. I like eighties music.” She bit her lip and looked down. “To be honest, I don’t think I’m a good fit for Angus. I’m a simple person and love simple things. Flashy dresses, high heels, and public displays don’t appeal to me.”
“Is that your impression of Angus?”
“Yes. I mean, I don’t know him personally, but that’s the face he presents to the world. And the only reason I know that is because of the magazines in the grocery store that I can’t avoid as I check out.”
Barb nodded as she seemed to mull over the words. “You don’t think there might be a
reason behind it?”
“That doesn’t give him the right to treat people badly. Or tear up hotels or spit at people.”
“I agree.” Barb nodded and wrote a few more notes. “Okay. Describe your perfect date.”
Penelope grinned. “April 25th. You know, not too hot or too cold. I’d just need a light sweater.”
Barb slapped a hand over her mouth as she laughed. “Miss Congeniality, nice. Loved that movie.”
“It’s one of my favorite movies, if you’re talking this century.”
“Do I get a real answer now?”
“My favorite date is the one where we can sit and talk. Getting to know someone is exciting and fun, and you can’t do that in a club or a movie theater.” Penelope picked at the hem of her blouse. San Diego… “The best date I ever had…” Her first date with Tom. The memory twisted the tiny knives buried her in heart. “We sat on a patio. The weather was perfect, and there was a breeze. The smell of the salt from the ocean would blow in, and it was like I was sailing on land. He was so interesting and funny. I’m a sucker for a great smile, and he had one that would just…” She looked up.
“Go on.”
Penelope shook her head as tears clouded her vision. The worst two years of her life. If she couldn’t tell Paige, she certainly couldn’t tell a stranger.
“That romance must have really beaten you up.” Barb’s intense stare made Penelope shift in her seat.
“I…it’s over, and I’m fine. I’m happy being single. I love my life and where I’m at. Dwelling on the past does nothing but stifle the future.”
“Decent insight for someone so young.”
“I’m thirty-two. I’m not that young.”
Barb cocked an eyebrow. “Darling, anyone below my age bracket is young.”
Penelope snorted.
“On the application, you said you’re diabetic.”
“Yeah, I mostly control it with diet, and I take insulin at night.”
“Are there any accommodations you need?”
Uh…“I don’t think it’s going to matter, but I’d need a fridge to keep my insulin in.”
“Can you take time from your business if you stay the entire twelve weeks?”
“If that happens, which it won’t, my business will be fine. I have an excellent staff.”
Barb ignored the first part of her statement. “Are you comfortable living in a house with three other women?”
Penelope blinked. “I’ve put up with my sister. I guess I would be.”
“How about with being under the same roof as Angus MacLachlan?”
What did it matter? She was purposefully tanking this interview. “I’d be fine.”
“You’ll be staying in Montana. Each of you will have your own room, but you will be sharing the rest of the house.”
Like she cared. “Angus MacLachlan is going to take one look at me and send me home.”
Barb smirked. “Oh, I doubt that, darling.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
Barb threw her head back and laughed. When she stopped, a smile lingered as she leveled her gaze at Penelope. “I like you. You’ve made it through. I have a few more forms for you to sign: medical, liability…that sort of thing. I’ll see you when shooting begins in September.”
“September?”
“Snow in Montana is romantic.”
“And cold and wet,” Penelope countered.
Barb stood. “Penelope, it’s been a delight to speak with you. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay and have a safe flight home.”
What had just happened?
Taken aback, Penelope got to her feet, suppressing the flood of mixed emotions at the realization that she’d failed to get out of the contest. She was in, and thanks to Paige―again―she couldn’t get out now.
Penelope looked at Barb. “Uh, thanks, I think.”
Chapter 4
Finn sat on the edge of the bed as Angus paced in his bedroom in the Montana lodge.
“Why did I agree to do this? It’s stupid. I’m not even interested in dating, much less proposing marriage in twelve weeks.” Angus rubbed the back of his neck.
It was nearly sunset, and filming would begin soon.
“I know, but if you want your career back, you’re going to have to convince the public that you aren’t a nasty, horrible human being. You’re lucky you’re getting this shot at redemption,” Finn said.
Angus raked a hand through his hair, and his shoulders sagged. “I know. I just…” His broken heart had fueled his anger, and it had bled into every aspect of his life. Now, he wasn’t simply starting from scratch…when he started, no one hated him.
Finn exhaled. “Listen, I know it was bad, but these women aren’t Clara. I’m not saying you have to fall in love, but you can be charming and funny. I know, because I’ve been the one they ignore while you do your charm thing.”
Angus groaned. “Okay.” He knew Finn was right, but the idea of pretending to like a woman, any woman, made him cringe. A year wasn’t nearly long enough to get over what Clara put him through and was still putting him through. At least Barb wasn’t going to make him propose.
Finn smacked his shoulder. “Thatta boy. Get that flashy smile on and keep it there.”
Angus rested his hand on the knob while he got his thoughts in order. This show was going to help. He needed to put everything else on the back burner.
He took a deep breath, smiling as he opened the door and made his way to the kitchen off the great room. The host, Vincent Milan, would be introducing him any second.
“And here is our bachelor, Angus MacLachlan,” Vincent announced.
Angus maintained his smile as he stepped inside the great room. With a quick glance, he noted three women standing in a row on one side of the room. For a split second, his smile faltered as he wondered where the fourth woman might be. Had she quit? Barb had picked her. Maybe his ex-manager had a change of heart.
One of the women Angus had picked, Zora Kline, gave him a small wave and winked. Great. He hoped she was just playing it up for the show.
“Hey, Angus!” Vincent shook his hand as Angus stopped next to him.
“Hi, Vincent.”
“Well, this is it. Are you looking forward to finding Miss Right?”
“Absolutely.”
Vincent smiled at the camera and then returned his attention to Angus. “So, the past year…it was a little rough on you.”
Angus nodded. “I let fame go to my head and, as a result, made some bad choices. I’d offer up an excuse if I had one, but I don’t. Just pure stupidity on my part.”
“Well, how about we get on with the introductions?”
“You bet.”
Vincent nodded toward the ladies standing to the side, and Zora sashayed over. He’d picked her for eye candy. Dark hair that hung just at her shoulders with fringy bangs, dark eyes, and creamy skin. Her personality, on the other hand, wasn’t his cup of tea at all. She seemed pushy and fame-driven. It would be easy to maintain his distance from her, but she’d be pleasing to the eyes, at least. “This is Zora Kline. She’s a hospice nurse hailing from Florida.”
“Hi.” She shook Angus’s hand and smiled. The way her gaze roamed over him made him feel like a worm on a hook.
“Nice to meet you, Zora.”
Her smile turned sultry as she batted her lashes. “Pleasure is all mine. I love your Scottish accent.”
Angus had heard that many times, and it took effort not to roll his eyes. When had compliments become lead weights?
She stepped closer. “I’m so glad I was picked to be on the show. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you.”
“Aye. I’m looking forward to getting to know you as well.”
He smiled as she walked to the other side of the room.
Vincent called the next finalist. “This is Amber Grace, a social worker from South Dakota.” Amber was the second girl Angus had picked. He’d chosen her because she wasn’t as interested in him
as much as she was interested in being on the arm of someone walking the red carpet. Not fame-driven like Zora, but attention-driven and high-maintenance.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Hello, Amber.” He shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you too.” Amber was what Angus thought of as classically attractive. Proportional features, high cheekbones, and well-dressed. She knew she was beautiful, and she played up every feature.
As she moved to the other side of the room, Vincent said, “And our third finalist is Jeanie Nichols from Delaware. When she isn’t working on her family’s farm, she’s a pharmacist.”
Angus could see why Finn picked her. As far as looks, Jeanie was beyond attractive with blonde hair, curves, and a fantastic smile. And a farmer? Not only did it surprise him, but it also caught his interest. Angus’s family was sheep farmers. If nothing else, they had something in common to talk about. Maybe she would counterbalance Zora. The twelve weeks would feel more like weeks instead of years.
Jeanie smiled and shook Angus’s hand. She seemed genuine, but he felt no spark. Three women, and all three gave him the assurance that he’d be as unattached when the show ended as he was currently. Inwardly, he sighed in relief. “Hi, how are you this evening?”
“I’m good,” she drawled. “Thank you for asking. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
Jeanie squeezed his hand before releasing it and walking over to the other women.
Vincent looked at the camera. “Our next finalist is special. Instead of being interviewed, she won a contest. Of course, our producers made sure she’d make a good match for our bachelor, but,” he said and touched Angus’s back, “our celebrity here hasn’t seen her yet.”
The more the man talked, the more anxious Angus became. Barb had picked this woman. He didn’t know what she had up her sleeve, but knowing Barb, Angus would live to regret it.
“If you’d like to see behind-the-scenes footage, visit our website shown at the bottom of your screen. We’ll be right back after this commercial break.” He put his hand over the mic on his lapel and leaned over. “Any sparks?”
Mending The Billionaire Movie Star (MacLachlan Brothers Romance Book 1) Page 2
