“Wow, harsh, dude,” said Wade. “You just met her this morning and said what, all of ten words to her? Give her a chance.”
Fox shook his head. Spending more time with that beautiful, shallow woman would just remind him of when he had been that young and hopeful and stupid.
“She’s not the maid of honor, so I won’t really see much of her, will I?” Fox was snapping off leaves from branches along the path. “They’ll probably pair me up with Reagan for stuff.”
“Maybe,” said Eli, suddenly running ahead on the trail. “Look, we’re here.”
Stepping around the final bank of trees, the three friends stood on an outcropping of rocks, looking over a green valley on fire in the golden evening light.
“Wow.” Fox and Wade laughed at their identical breathless reactions to the view.
“Are you sure you guys don’t want me to find you a teaching gig at my school?” Eli grinned. He spread his arms out wide. “You could be looking at this every day instead of the asphalt jungle or smelling fish on the docks.”
All the happiness left Fox at the reminder of his miserable job, but before he could dwell on those feelings, a woman he recognized as Audrey’s mom came rushing around the turn in the path.
Emily Hudson had the same fair skin and blonde hair as her daughters, only the smile lines around her lips were more defined ,and her crow’s feet were more noticeable. Other than that, she could have been the smallest of the little Russian nesting dolls he had imagined earlier.
“There you are,” she cried and entered the clearing with a cameraman close behind. She quickly walked over to where Eli stood, grabbed his face, and kissed his cheek. “Everyone is looking for you.”
Eli looked down at his watch with a good-natured smile. “What do you mean everyone is looking for us? I didn’t think we were supposed to be down there until six.”
A blush hit Emily’s cheeks. “Fine, not everyone. But I was outside walking around the property while Bruce interviewed the girls, and I met the owners of this place. They’re a young couple just like you, and I thought you might like to meet them.”
A quick glance in Eli’s direction told Fox that he most certainly did not want to meet some random couple that happened to own the Emerald Inn, but Eli nodded and said “sure” anyway.
“Then, come on,” Emily said, and grabbed Eli’s hand to drag him away.
Fox lagged behind on the trail as Mrs. Hudson and Eli shuffled down the path with the cameras behind them. But before Wade could follow them, Fox reached out and grabbed his shoulder. “So, what’s up with this family?”
A line formed between Wade’s eyes. “What do you mean?”
He was Eli’s best friend, but that didn’t mean he knew Audrey’s family very well. He’d always thought Audrey was really cool, but he’d been caught off guard by her kid sister. And it seemed like Mrs. Hudson was just as prone to drama.
Fox sighed. “Is everyone so high strung all the time?”
Wade chuckled and put his arm around Fox’s shoulder. “Maybe if you didn’t spend all your time scraping barnacles off the bottom of boats, you would know.”
“That’s not what I do, and you know that,” Fox said, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes at Wade. “I’m a motorboat mechanic.”
“Fine, you scrape barnacles off of motors, then.” Wade gave Fox’s shoulder a shove. “And I’d be high strung too if I’d been through what Mrs. Hudson has. Her husband left her with four young children and an empty bank account. Milo disappeared off to who knows where. Now she’s about to celebrate her first daughter’s marriage on television. I think she’s allowed to be a little...excitable.”
“You’re right,” Fox said and turned his eyes up to the canopy of leaves above his head. He’d heard Audrey talk a little about her family, but hearing about it and seeing it in person were two different things.
A heavy sigh escaped Fox’s lips. Wade made some excellent points that made him reconsider his flash judgements on Mrs. Hudson, but that still left Sienna and her annoying tendencies. Whatever her past, Fox was still worried she might ruin things for everyone. Girls who wanted attention that much usually got it, no matter who they hurt in the process.
“I’m always right.” Wade smacked Fox’s back. “Now, let’s go meet this couple and get it over with.”
Five
10 Days Until Dream Wedding
Sienna knew she needed to tone down the theatrics.
Her sisters loved her, but they had their limits, and Audrey’s was fast approaching. Sienna could tell from the way the corner of her mouth was curled down. And Harper...well, Sienna didn’t know what was up with Harper, but she’d been out of it since this morning.
Maybe Harper was worried about her bakery. It was just a quick drive down the mountain into town, but the filming schedule didn’t allow for long breaks. It would make sense if that was the reason she was distracted, except Harper wasn’t on her phone calling or texting her business partner. She just kept staring off in the direction of the crew’s tent.
“Hey, I’m sure the food will be good, don’t worry,” said Sienna, coming to put an arm around Harper’s shoulder. They were outside the dining room, waiting to go in. “I know you have strict criteria, but you’ll only have to eat it for ten days.”
Harper looked at her, eyes wide. She shook her head, then smiled. “Yeah, you’re probably used to crappy craft services, huh, you big movie star?”
Sienna’s stomach dropped when she saw Audrey’s lip curl down even further.
“Look, I know I’ve been a little over the top, and I’m sorry,” Sienna said.
Audrey didn’t look at her, but at least she stopped frowning.
“This is your big thing, I know,” Sienna continued. “But it could be big for me too.”
It could save more than just her career, but she didn’t want to get into details right now. Their mother was nearby, and she was the last person Sienna wanted to know about all the trouble that waited for her back in New York when this was over.
No, there will be no trouble, Sienna told herself. She was going to make an impression on Bruce and Jason and get her name and face in front of the right people. She would have actual roles that paid money. No more double shifts at the café just to make rent. Her life would be everything she wanted it to be.
But not at the expense of her big sister.
“Just let me know if I’m too much, okay?” asked Sienna. “Don’t do that worried lip thing. It makes me crazy.”
At this, Audrey gave her a small smile. “Fine. I’ll let you know.”
Just then, Jason Castle appeared, made up and suited in a way that almost hid his age. He’d been playing a teenager when Sienna was a kid, but there was no way he was less than forty.
Sienna felt a little better that it wasn’t just women in show business who felt the pressure to look young forever, until the familiar fear kicked in that she only had a few years left until she’d be considered too old for most roles. She had to make her mark now, before it was too late.
“Just a quick check in about tonight,” said Jason, his white smile flashing at them all. “Cocktail hour is just to get some shots of you all mingling. Let’s see some of the bride’s team chatting with the groom’s team. Interact with the hotel staff. Feel free to even come up to me.” He laughed, but no one else did.
Awk-ward. Sienna caught Audrey’s eye and bit her lip to keep from smiling.
“We won’t be giving you mic packs, so we won’t catch individual conversations. This could be a good time to think about who will be team leads.”
Sienna’s ears perked up.
“It can be the maid of honor and best man, but it doesn’t have to be. You know in reality TV we like surprises. At the end, I’ll ask who will step forward to lead each team.”
Sienna had her hand on Audrey’s arm and squeezed tight.
This was how she could rise above the reality TV stereotype. Treating the role of team lead like an actual r
ole would be a great way to show off her abilities. She would be encouraging when needed, heartbroken if they lost a challenge, and sneaky while also lovable when strategizing.
It was perfect.
Now she just had to convince the others it was a good idea.
Fox did not like mingling. He gripped the cup in his hand like it was a lifeline. As he made small talk with the owner of the hotel, Alex, and his wife, Willa, he tried to keep his eyes from wandering over to where Sienna stood with her sisters and Reagan.
Sienna was talking animatedly and waving her arms around, and the other three girls looked at her with frowns. Whatever she was so excited about, they were not on board.
Probably just something to draw the camera’s attention.
“Alright, alright, let’s keep mingling!” Jason was moving around the room talking to the small groups of people, leading certain people toward each other to make it look like there was more activity than there really was.
Fox was pleasantly surprised to find out that Alex and Willa were down to earth people, and not the snobby business types he’d been expecting. So, when they, along with their staff, were asked to participate in tonight's shoot, Fox had been relieved. Their presence made this whole thing a little more bearable. Fox still couldn’t believe this kind of farce was what Audrey and Eli wanted, but here he was. And somehow Eli had convinced him to be team leader for the guys. Something about it being his duty as best man to do whatever Eli wanted.
Fox did not remember a clause about that…
“Here, why don’t you come stand next to this handsome fellow.” Jason led Sienna right toward Fox. “His dark hair with your blonde will look great on camera.”
Sienna beamed up at Jason, and Fox fought the urge to gag. Not something he wanted caught on camera.
“Trying to get on his good side?” Fox murmured as the older actor floated off to pair up more people.
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?” She looked genuinely surprised. Or maybe she was just that good of an actor.
“He’s a has-been.”
“He has connections.”
Fox snorted. “To who? The guild for reality show hosts?”
“Why do you care? It’s not your career.”
No, it wasn’t. But someone needed to set her straight. “It’s important not to attach yourself to the wrong people early on.”
She narrowed her eyes, and Fox’s heart sped up a bit.
“At least, that’s what I hear,” he said quickly, running a hand through his hair. “From those in the biz.”
“And what is it that you do, exactly, that makes you so familiar with ‘the biz’?”
He cleared his throat. “I work on boats.”
Her eyes lit up. “Like a performer on cruise ships?”
Fox tried not to laugh. Performing on a cruise ship sounded like the worst kind of hell. Trapped on the water, no thank you. “Like, I repair boats. Motors, technically. A motor mechanic.”
“Oh.” Her brow furrowed. In the brief space of her judging silence, the buzz of voices around them filled Fox’s ears.
It shouldn’t matter what she thinks.
Finally, she looked up at him. “That sounds...interesting.”
“Sorry to disappoint. Nothing to be gained from talking to me.”
She shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. It’s only, you seem so…” She tilted her head to one side. “In control of your body.” She flushed. “I mean, in a way that I’ve only seen in other performers. Not what I’d expect from a motor mechanic.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “And you know many motor mechanics in New York, do you?”
She flushed again. “Well, no. I mostly know other actors.”
“You mean waiter-slash-actors?”
She glared at him. “Is it really necessary to be mean?”
He held up his hands. “Hey, you started it.”
“What?” Her voice was an octave higher, and she shoved a finger into his chest. “I did no such thing. You were talking about Jason and—” She stopped herself when she realized they were drawing the attention of others in the room—and Bruce, who had shown up at some point, in a different suit than this morning.
She cleared her throat and took a step back. “Look, I’m sorry if I offended you. Just now and, ah, earlier today.”
Fox’s eyebrows shot up so high they nearly flew off his face. “Did you seriously just apologize?”
“And are you seriously this mean to everyone?”
He wasn’t, but something about her brought out the teasing schoolboy in him. “Hey, I am who I am. No hiding behind a fake persona just for attention.”
Her cheeks turned a bright crimson. “That’s not what actors do. They bring characters to life, whether it’s on stage or in front of the camera. I love getting to do that. It has nothing to do with attention.”
Fox snorted again. “An actor who hates attention. That’s a new one.”
“I never said I hated it. Just that’s not what I love most about what I do.” She looked at him closely. “What do you love about your job?”
Ugh, had she somehow talked to Eli and decided to gang up on him tonight? Why did everyone want him to love his job?
He shrugged. “It’s a job. I like the money it pays me.”
And that it has nothing to do with my old life.
“And that’s what you’ve always wanted to do? Work on boat motors?”
“Actually, I hate the water.” Why was he telling her this? It must be those deep blue eyes. It was like they were staring into his soul. He glanced around the room for someone to save him, but everyone was involved in their own conversations.
She crossed her arms. “Interesting. Sounds like I’m not the only one hiding behind a fake persona. You’re just too stubborn to admit it.”
This woman was infuriating. How was it possible for her to be so attractive yet so repellent at the same time?
“Wow, feeling a lot of tension here.”
Fox cringed as he heard Bruce behind him.
The producer placed a hand on Fox’s shoulder, and he tried not to back away. “This is great, the bride’s team versus the groom's team, exactly what we want.”
Sienna smiled at Bruce, a slightly different one than she’d given Jason. This one was more desperate. “Whatever you need, just let me know. I’m actually an actor in New York.”
“Oh, right, I think one of the production assistants mentioned that.” Bruce frowned as he looked her up and down. “Well, stick close to this guy, you’re a dream to film together. I couldn’t write better tension if I tried—not that reality TV is ever scripted.” He chuckled and gave them a wink before walking over to Jason.
Fox turned to Sienna. “No.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I didn’t even say anything.”
“I can see it written all over your face. I’m not playing into whatever he has planned. I’m here for Audrey and Eli.”
“So am I.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Don’t even try to pull the ‘I love them more’ card. You’ll lose.”
“Just stay away from me when filming. I’m not here to be a star. Don’t drag me into something I don’t want.”
She pursed her lips, looking furious, and flounced off to where Audrey was standing with her mom. Fox breathed a sigh of relief. The further away he could stay from her over the next week and a half, the better.
“Alright, alright, the time has come.” Everyone stopped their chatting and turned to where Jason was standing at the head of the room. “It’s time to meet our team leads. These two will be in charge of strategy and coordination of their team’s attempts in each challenge. It’s a big role, so I hope the bride and groom have chosen wisely.”
Ugh, Fox had forgotten all about this part thanks to his bickering with Sienna.
“Will the team lead for the groom’s team please come forward.”
So much for not being a star.
Fox cast a withering glance in El
i’s direction and made his way next to Jason. He tried his best to ignore the cameras pointed right at him from the back of the room. It was the same set up as this morning, but it made it worse to know exactly where they were.
“And now will the team lead for the bride’s team join me?”
Fox had his eyes on Reagan, but she didn’t move. A flicker of movement from the other direction caught his eye, and he knew without turning his head who it would be. Fox took in her fake smile and let out a heavy sigh. Of course, it would be her.
“Sienna, Fox, please face each other.”
They did, Fox suppressing a groan the entire time.
“Now shake hands.”
Her hand flew out straight, the smile never wavering on her perfect face. She had her Hollywood makeup on again, and her extra shiny hair was enormously distracting.
And not at all attractive.
Nope, not at all.
Fox ignored the way his heart sped up when his and Sienna’s hands met. They shook twice, and Jason announced, “Let the games begin.”
Six
9 Days Until Dream Wedding
The sun streaming through Sienna’s window was brighter than it was in New York. Maybe because she was in a hotel room twice the size of her entire apartment, and it wasn’t in the basement. Or maybe it was because she couldn't remember the last time she hadn’t had to set her alarm to go off before the sun went up.
With a jolt, she sat upright in the silky cotton sheets. Sun meant it was morning, which meant she was going to be late.
Again.
She’d meant to wake up early and go for a run, but the early flight and full day of filming yesterday must have taken more out of her than she realized. Then she’d been up half the night thinking about Fox.
She’d never met someone who seemed completely oblivious to how insanely good-looking he was. Half the guys she knew in New York spent three hours a day at the gym trying to get a body like his. And that just slightly-too-long hair would cost a boatload at a fancy salon. Speaking of boats, there was no way that’s all he did. Fox was a mystery.
The Bridesmaid & The Jerk (Wedding Games Book 1) Page 4
