Annabelle pats my hand. “That makes me sad. There’s someone out there, Avery, that will see beyond your beauty, but you have to let them. Be careful not to close yourself off too much.”
“I’ll try not to.”
“Get some sleep. We’ll talk more tomorrow and maybe even get ourselves a full English.”
I laugh. “I’d like that.”
Once she’s gone, I climb under the bedding, staring up at the ceiling wishing I could stop thinking of the handsome businessman named Ellis.
◆◆◆
In the morning, I get out of bed after a restless night. Too much is riding on this for me to sleep well. After grabbing my laptop, I type in his name, browsing for hits. When I click on the first one, I’m surprised by the content.
Equis CEO Ellis Worthington debuted his newest publicist, an American named Avery Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy wore a stunning pale gold gown to the Mercy Center for Research charity event, benefiting childhood cancer research.
That’s it. Nothing about Ellis. Searching some more, I click another link containing the picture we took with Caroline. Our names are captioned at the bottom with brief descriptions of each us, but no other detail. I decide to be more specific and go to the City Press page, looking for Hannah’s write up. When I find it, it’s clear she covers celebrity gossip, which explains her behavior. After reading through a description of the event, I get to the part where Ellis is mentioned.
Ellis Worthington, maligned CEO of Equis Enterprises, was accompanied by his publicist, an American named Avery Kennedy.
The article continues on discussing other guests. She didn’t elaborate at all. Hmm.
I click through several more links all commenting on “the American, named Avery Kennedy”, but not going into any detail and definitely not mentioning Ellis’s scandal.
Remembering Willis from last night, I look up his article for London Daily, scanning it. It’s a flattering account of the overall evening, then I get to the part I was looking for.
The highlight of my evening was interacting with Mr. Ellis Worthington, CEO of Equis Enterprises, and his delightfully American publicist, Ms. Avery Kennedy. I’m a fan of Mr. Worthington (I mean, have you seen his face), and I’ve followed the situation closely since allegations were aimed at him several months ago, always rooting for him to be the victor. This was my first meeting with him, and while stoic, I would say he comes across as a true gentleman. Following him as I have, the one thing I’ve always wondered is why he couldn’t find more savvy PR people. That concern was completely obliterated last night after meeting Ms. Kennedy. When a certain journalist from the trashiest mag in town, ahem, City Press, got in her face, she handled it with absolute aplomb. Not only is she savvy, she’s downright brilliant at navigating the media and Mr. Worthington’s public persona. I can rest well tonight knowing Mr. Worthington’s brand and reputation are safe in Ms. Kennedy’s able hands.
After reading it a second time, I’m mildly pleased, but also a little disappointed. I wanted more focus on Ellis, not me, but at least I provided enough of a distraction, and no one wrote anything too negative. I compile my status report, fire off an email to Ellis so it’s waiting for him when he wakes up, and then go in the bathroom to take my shower and prepare for the day.
When I finish towel drying my hair, I walk out into the hallway just as Annabelle comes up the stairs.
“Ellis is downstairs,” she says, glancing behind her. I notice right away her voice is tense.
“What’s wrong?”
“He’s angry. You didn’t answer your phone so he came over.”
Sighing, I run my fingers through my hair. “Okay, let me throw on some clothes and I’ll be right down.”
“Hurry, please.”
“I will.” Back in my bedroom, I throw on a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt, then make my way down the stairs wondering what he could possibly be mad about. When I enter the kitchen, he and David are sitting at the island talking. David’s eyes shift to me causing Ellis to turn around.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Ellis gazes back at me with cool eyes. “May we be alone, David?”
“Yeah, of course.”
He exits the room leaving me and a hostile Ellis alone. He sits on the barstool, with his back against the island, and his arms crossed over his chest.
“What’s wrong, Ellis?”
“What’s wrong?” He tilts his head. “What’s wrong is that I hired you to improve my reputation, not yours. Every single word I read today was about you. People are commenting on the company’s social media outlets asking for information about you. More than a few have speculated about a romantic possibility between us. Instead of proving that I can handle myself in the company of attractive women, you’ve reinforced the idea that I only hire women I find appealing.”
Pulling my head back, I crease my forehead. “What are you talking about?”
“One of many allegations towards me, Avery.”
“How was I supposed to know that?”
“Because it’s your job to know it,” he shoots back with his voice elevated.
“Wrong! I read the transcript of what she said about you. I read everything I could find, and not once did it say that anywhere.”
“You must have overlooked it.”
“I don’t overlook anything, Ellis.” I stomp toward him, ready to fight. “Besides, what am I supposed to do about that even if I did know it? Did you want me to downplay my appearance? It’s not my fault if people think I’m pretty.”
He glares at me without saying anything.
“Besides,” I continue. “If you could put your ego aside, you’d be able to see that it’s actually a good thing if people think I’m attractive and think you might be interested in me, but nothing happens. Did you ever think of that? Does that not reinforce the idea that you’re not a bastard who can’t keep his hands to himself? Not to mention with all the talk about me, no one was talking shit about you.”
Ellis’s face softens as he nods. “That’s a fair point, Avery. I admit I was taken off guard by the amount of tongues wagging about you.”
“You wanted to get people talking. Now they’re talking. Did you notice not one of them twisted it into something negative about your scandal? Did you read the London Daily post?” He nods as I continue. “I was a distraction, a much needed one. This delightfully American publicist did exactly what she said she would do.”
His eyes shift back to mine. “It wasn’t how I envisioned it.”
“What exactly did you want to happen? Overnight everyone would just say oh, it’s not possible he did those things? That’s not realistic. What is realistic is that last night was the first step in the remodel of your public persona. Two things were gained last night. The media knows I exist and I won’t be a pushover, and that you continue to support your community just as you always have and not hiding out afraid to face people head on. That’s a win.”
He nods, then stands and grabs his keys off the counter. “Very well.” He starts to walk toward the door, leaving me staring at his back completely perplexed.
Stomping in his direction, I grab his arm to stop him. “Where are you going?”
“Home. I shouldn’t have disturbed you.”
“That’s it?”
“What do you want from me, Avery? An apology?”
“Yeah, actually, I do.”
“Fine. I’m sorry.” He opens the door and walks outside, but I follow him in my bare feet even though the ground is cold.
“Ellis?”
He stops, twisting around with his jaw set. “What?”
“Do you want to keep working with me or not?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“You don’t seem happy, and your attitude is pretty damn salty right now.”
He rushes back toward me, standing so close I have to tilt my head to look at his face. Our chests are nearly touching and I’m mildly distracted by how good he smells. I’m guessing som
e kind of amazing body wash or something. I swallow hard, clearing my thoughts and waiting for him to speak.
“I told you before,” he begins slowly, “that I don’t like being told what to do, but I should’ve added, I’m very uncomfortable being proven wrong since it’s so rare that I am. You are correct, Avery. You accomplished what you said you would, but I did not have the vision to recognize it before I lost my temper. Putting my ego aside, as you suggested, isn’t easy for me, so I thought it best if I left your company so I could wallow in humiliation alone. Now, may I go?”
“You have no reason to be humiliated, Ellis. This is a new working relationship that we both need to learn how to manage. I should’ve been more clear about what you can expect.”
Gazing down at me, I notice how his jaw finally relaxes. “I should have been more clear about some of the perceptions about me that didn’t make it into the formal accusation.”
I smile and fold my arms as I shiver from the cold. “Will you come back inside, Ellis? We can have coffee and go over the details of last night.”
He searches my eyes for a moment, before agreeing. “I will.”
Chapter 9 Ellis
Following Avery back into the house, I try to erase my mind of the second reason I wanted to leave — seeing her in that flimsy top with her erect nipples staring me in the face, the cold only making it more apparent. The angrier she got the more her tits bounced, nearly causing me to slam her against the kitchen island and do what I’ve wanted since I laid eyes on her. Now I have to summon all my will power to have a cup of tea with her.
As she puts the kettle on, and David and Annabelle tentatively join us, I watch her actions aware now she’s far more capable than I gave her credit for. Not only is she able to stand up to me, she knows what she’s talking about. Her sister says something causing her to laugh, and as she throws her head back, I marvel at her intense beauty. It’s the first time I’ve seen her stripped down like this in casual clothes and a bare face, and I can honestly say, she’s even more beautiful this way.
David sits in the chair next to me, nudging my arm. “Did you get it all sorted out?”
Nodding, I answer. “We did. It’s fine now.”
“What happened?”
As a smile crosses my lips, I reply, “I was properly educated on how wrong I was.”
He narrows his eyes. “And you liked that?”
“No, not at all, but Avery has a way of softening the blow.”
“That’s good, mate. So last night went alright?”
“I think so.” Leaning closer, I lower my voice. “I was more than a bit distracted though. She’s quite lovely.”
“Yeah, I know. I married her twin.”
Chuckling, I nod. “I suppose you can relate more than anyone.”
“Yeah. If you had the opportunity would you take it still?”
I shake my head. “No. The working relationship is too vital. Plus, for some reason, I don’t get the feeling she’s like a lot of the women I meet who I can just take to bed when I want to and be done with it.”
“No, she’s not. Annabelle told me she’s sworn off casual sex for the immediate future.”
My brow crinkles. “For what reason?”
“I don’t have details. It came up when I suggested I introduce her to one of my Rugby mates. Annabelle knows him too well, and said Avery wouldn’t be open to a quick shag. So, your instinct is correct.”
“I find that admirable actually. The women I meet are always open to a night with me, but it always leaves me wondering if they are that easy with me, are they always.”
“Quite possibly, but let’s be honest here, you’re not exactly a bad deal, mate.”
Chuckling softly, I nod. “Just the same, a little challenge wouldn’t be a terrible thing.”
“Not at all.”
Avery turns around and walks over to the island where I sit, handing me a cup of tea.
“I hope I made it correctly. It’s my first time.”
Annabelle approaches, wrapping her arm around her sister’s shoulder. “She’s a good student.”
“We’ll see. Let me know if it’s the way you like it.”
Lifting the cup, I take a sip, savoring the taste. Looking up, I frown. “This is awful.”
“Awful?” Avery exclaims, wide eyed while Annabelle shoots me a disapproving look knowing I’m teasing her sister. “How can it be? I used the exact proportions of sugar and milk Annabelle said you like.”
Chuckling, I set the cup down. “I’m teasing you, Avery. It’s a lovely cup of tea. Thank you very much.”
“Oh, you.” She laughs, shaking her head, then lifting her own cup. “Coffee for me. Tea isn’t hardcore enough.”
“I have a spicy blend I like that I’d bet could get your blood pumping.”
“Of tea?” She raises her eyebrow. “I don’t know about that.”
“You’ll have to try it sometime. I’ll make a cup of tea for you.”
“You’re on.” She runs her fingers through her hair. “Do you like coffee?”
“Never developed a taste for it.”
“Here,” she says, handing me her cup. “Try mine.”
I absolutely abhor coffee, but decide to be a gentleman and taste hers since she’s so generously offering, and I’d rather keep things light between us than offend her. Taking a sip, I find that it’s not as terrible as I thought. Lifting my eyebrow, I glance at Avery, then take another taste.
“It’s actually quite pleasant. I’m surprised. I’ve honestly never cared for it before.”
Avery beams, looking chuffed with herself. “I’m glad. I put cream in it and it’s very important to get the right beans. I don’t like coffee that’s too strong or bitter, so I look for lighter roasts.”
“Perhaps that’s where I went wrong in the past.”
“Would you drink it again?”
“If you made it, I would.” I hand the cup back to her. “I have been enlightened. Seems to happen often with you around.”
Avery smiles, saying nothing as she sips her coffee, but I notice how David and Annabelle exchange looks. Am I flirting? Oh, yes, definitely. Although I know I shouldn’t, it’s nearly impossible. She brings out a side of me long dormant.
“Well,” Annabelle announces. “I’m gonna take a shower.”
“I’ll join you,” David says, grinning.
Avery shakes her head, smiling. “Okay, well, we’ll just be down here not having sexy time in the shower.”
Her sister wraps her arms around Avery, kissing her cheek repeatedly. “The day will come, sweet sister, when the man of your dreams will sweep you off your feet, and you’ll spend your Sunday mornings in the shower together.” Annabelle’s eyes briefly settle on me as she speaks.
As that image runs through my mind, I hear my name called. Looking away from my tea, I smile. “Yes?”
“I said for you too,” Annabelle says.
“It would truly be a shock if I met the man of my dreams.”
Avery starts to laugh as I grin at Annabelle, who just shakes her head in response.
“Silly,” she says.
“Enjoy your shower. Avery and I have work to discuss.”
“See you tomorrow,” David says, patting my back before he and Annabelle ascend the stairs, leaving me alone with Avery.
“You have more of a sense of humor than I guessed,” Avery says, leaning on the counter across from me. I try to tear my eyes away from her remarkable face, the elegant length of her neck leading straight to her chest where I can just see the top slopes of breasts that I’m positive would drive me mad if I could get my hands on them.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have much opportunity to display it, but the three of you make me feel comfortable. I can put down my guard.”
“I get that. In L.A. I could never trust anyone. I thought I had friends, but they came and went out of my life. When I got fired, it was like I had the plague all of a sudden. Everyone there is so concerned with perception
and coolness. I couldn’t get one single person to return my call.” She chuckles. “These were the same people I couldn’t get rid of just a few short months before that.”
“I can relate.”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve learned that real relationships are few and far between. I have about five people in my life who I feel really care about me. People who I know in my heart would never turn on me, and would always be there if I needed something. David and your sister are in that group. My mother, brother, and a childhood friend. That’s it.”
She nods. “I hope I’ll be in that group someday.”
“You are well on your way. It’s difficult for me to trust, but last night and this morning, I feel as though I’ve seen what kind of person you are. You do what you say, a trait I value almost above all else. Honesty is important even if the general public believes I lack it.”
“We’ll fix that, Ellis. We will. We just have to give it time and reinforce the positive.”
Walking around to my side, she sits in the chair next to mine. “It’ll go away.”
As I gaze into her eyes, I find myself wanting to know everything about her. “How did you decide to become a publicist?”
“I was helping a college friend of mine. She was getting started in graphic design, but having trouble getting the word out. I sat down with her one day and brainstormed ideas, and when they worked, her brand took off. She gave me full credit publicly, and all of a sudden, people wanted to work with me. I had no qualifications other than creativity and a fearless streak that serves me well, but I was successful. After a year, I quit my job working in interior design, and launched myself as a publicist. My star rose fast, and I was getting contacted by celebrities with sex scandals. Typically, they had already gone through one or two before they contacted me as a last resort. I became known for that subset and for getting things cleaned up fast. Everything was great until I met Atlanta Page.”
I nod, listening intently as the sound of her voice changes from happy to melancholy.
Mind the Line Page 8
