Public Relations

by Brittany Anne

  Vanessa swallowed. “I don’t-”

  Jared handed her the phone he’d grabbed from her. She held it in her hand and stared at the screen. “You call the police, he only continues to spiral.” Her thumb swept over the home button and opened the phone. The number for the police station station was still dialed in. “You said you wanted to be friends? Well as your friend, I’m asking you to trust me.”

  Her eyes shot to his.

  Every part of her wanted to follow protocol. “Why are you doing this?”

  He smiled softly. “Because maybe I’ve been there. Maybe I get what he’s going through.”

  The first thing that went through Vanessa’s mind was how the billionaire former SEAL could see himself in a troubled teen. Then it hit her that Jared Walker hadn’t always been the man standing in front of her.

  He’d had decades of life before he became the man he was now, the man he showed to the world.

  She found herself wanting to know about the man he didn’t show to the world. About all the versions of him he’d kept hidden away.

  She swallowed and squeezed her eyes shut. “Okay,” she muttered. “I didn’t see anything.” She spun around and started walking to her car. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Jared.”

  She thought she heard him say me too under his breath, but she wasn’t sure.

  Vanessa couldn’t believe what she was doing, how many laws she must’ve been breaking.

  She just kept walking.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Jared typed away at the keys on his office computer. Several of the students he’d been working with on the community service project had asked him to write them letters of recommendation for college apps. He’d agreed happily, after asking Vanessa’s blessing.

  The base letter he worked on included all the relevant details about the project, the work they were doing, and the experience they’d be gaining. After the project was done, he’d go back in and individualize the letter for each student. It made sense in his head.

  He never expected to be writing recommendation letters for teens, that was for sure.

  Couldn’t say he didn’t enjoy it. There were some great kids at that place.

  The door to his office flew open, and Gavin stormed in. It was only at that moment that he realized he hadn’t seen his friend in nearly two weeks. “We don’t knock anymore?”

  Gavin turned to look at him. His face filled with worry. “Tell me you didn’t get into another fight with reporters.”

  Jared’s forehead scrunched. “What? No.” He’d been a perfect representative for his foundation. No arguing, no cussing, no nothing.

  Gavin stepped closer. “Then what the hell happened to your face?”

  Realization hit him. “The bruise?” Gavin nodded and Jared grinned, shaking his head as he thought about the one troublemaker of his and Vanessa’s group. Something felt odd about considering it his group of kids, too, but hell, they were his. With all the time he’d been spending with them…

  “Pissed off a teen who hasn’t gotten a handle on his newly-acquired testosterone, yet.”

  Gavin sat in one of the chairs in front of Jared’s desk. “A kid did that?” He took a closer look. “How the hell did a kid get one on you?”

  Jared smirked. “I thought he needed a pick-me-up. Let him steal one.”

  Gavin laughed and shook it off, leaning back into the chair and crossing one leg over the other. “Well, you’ll be happy to hear that your show with the schoolteacher is working.”

  Jared raised one brow, waiting for his friend to continue.

  “The stocks on your business have steadily risen over the past two weeks, and our number of monthly donors just hit an all time high.” Gavin’s smile was wide, beaming.

  Jared’s must have been, too. “Beautiful.” He bet that Vanessa and her students had more to do with it than he did. They’d been running social media campaigns, going door-to-door, creating their own information pamphlets, and pouring everything into their big fundraiser— a ball.

  “I have an interview scheduled for you and Miss Adams on channel five this Wednesday. Can you keep up the good behavior?”

  Jared had a history of causing trouble anytime he was on channel five. Yet their ratings always soared the days he was on— so really, was it that bad?

  Vanessa would be there with him, though, and she’d lose her damn mind if he started with his usual nonsense. “I’ll be good.” He rolled his eyes at Gavin’s treating him like an unruly teen.

  Then again, maybe he’d been acting that way for the past few years. He sighed.

  “Everything okay with you?” Jared’s eyes snapped back to Gavin, and he thought about the question.

  “Yeah. Yeah, things are good.” He ran the nail of his thumb along the bottom of his lip. “I like working with the kids.”

  Gavin leaned back again and smirked. “The kids, or the teacher?”

  Jared snorted in denial. “Please.”

  Gavin shook his head, laughter still playing on his features. “Deny if you please, but I know you better than you do, buddy.”

  Jared squinted at his friend, but he was right. Gavin had been with him through everything. Nobody in the world knew him as well. Nobody ever would.

  He’d agree and amplify, throw Gavin off the trail. “Who wouldn’t wanna fuck a sexy teacher? C’mon.”

  Gavin glared at him. “She’s good for you. Don’t fuck it up.”

  Jared didn’t like the feeling in his stomach. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. She’s hot, but she’s nothing else to me.” He thought about their deal. “Okay, she’s a friend. That’s it, though. A hot friend.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Gavin stood from his seat and straightened his jacket. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, bud.”

  He started walking out of the room. Jared should’ve had a snarky remark, a witty comment of some kind. He couldn’t think of anything.

  “Fuck off!” he called.

  He heard Gavin’s laughter as he pulled the door shut.

  Jared leaned back into his chair. Was he getting soft?

  Oh no. Soft wouldn’t do.

  Jared had been through hell and made a promise to himself: he’d never be soft again. You put up walls, you build ‘em up high, and you lock yourself away behind them. That was the Jared Walker method.

  That’s how he survived the things he thought would kill him. That’s how he kept his sanity when he didn’t know what was and wasn’t real. That was how he functioned, and that wouldn’t be changing.

  Jared would not be coming undone.

  Not for anyone.

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  Vanessa’s heart was about to pound right out of her chest. She sat on the cream colored couch as makeup artists tapped last touches onto Jemma Jordan, the host of Evenings with Jemma.

  Vanessa might be sick, right there on stage. Audience members stared at them, but she could barely see them with all the lights and cameras.

  She jumped when Jared’s hand found hers, but when she caught his reassuring gaze, she smiled. He gave her hand a squeeze.

  “You got this, Vanessa.”

  She worked to control her breathing and nodded, returning his squeeze. If she didn’t think she’d vomit if she spoke, she would’ve thanked him.

  His presence was the only thing keeping her sane. She wasn’t quite sure why.

  “Two minutes!”

  Her careful control of her breathing went right out the window. Was she hyperventilating?

  Jared moved closer to her, and his hand went to her cheek. She stared up at him, into his mocha-colored eyes, and somewhere in that deep pool of his irises, she found her breath again.

  “Everything’s gonna be fine.” The warmth of his hand on her cheek almost made her believe him. “I’ll do most of the talking. They’ll be waiting for me to fuck this all up, not you.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’re not going to screw this up, are you?” Oh god. She thought back to the last time Jar
ed was interviewed by Jemma Jordan and— her stomach did a flip.

  “No. I wouldn’t do that to you. Relax.”

  He leaned into the seat, but didn’t move back to the other end of the couch. His leg brushed against hers. She was grateful.

  “One minute.”

  The makeup artists ran off stage and Jemma adjusted herself in her seat. “You ready for this?” she smiled at them.

  That was it. It was official. Vanessa was going to be sick.

  Jared’s hand tightened around hers once more. “We’re definitely ready.”

  No! No, we’re not! She had to leave, had to get out of there. Why the hell did she agree to this?

  “And we’re on in three… two…” the director pointed his finger, and they were on air.

  Everything moved so fast, it was a blur. Jared answered all the questions, even the ones directed at her. Which was good, because Vanessa barely followed what was being said the entire time.

  She just sat there, smiled and nodded. Jared’s voice sounded like velvety confidence, and she held onto the sound of it. Not the words, just the vibrations of his voice.

  The entire time he spoke, his thumb massaged circles into her hand.

  Calmness finally started to come over her. Their time slot was almost up, so the interview was coming to an end.

  “Now, there’s been some rumors I think we should chat about.” Jemma winked and the crowd laughed.

  Jared’s grin was wide, but Vanessa caught uncertainty in his eyes. “Oh, boy,” he muttered.

  Jemma leaned forward in her seat, her breasts threatening to pop right out of her top. Vanessa’s stomach started to spin again, but this time, with a different fear. Jared had been on the show before… had he and Jemma slept together? Were they ever intimate?

  Jemma was a television host, a former model… fun and beautiful and exciting. How could Vanessa ever compete with someone like that? No wonder every man she’d been with got bored of her…

  What right did she have to wonder if Jared had been with Jemma? They weren’t together. Weren’t anything. Just friends.

  But… she couldn’t stop her thoughts. Couldn’t get the images out of her mind.

  She squeezed his hand as she mentally fought the big green monster that jumped up out of nowhere.

  “According to some sources,” Jemma smiled, “there’s some, uh, other extra-curricular activities that you’ve been participating in, Mr. Walker.” The crowd erupted in laughter.

  “I’m not quite sure what you mean.”

  “Is it true that the two of you have been having an affair?”

  “No!” Vanessa shot up in her seat. She realized just how bad her immediate denial looked. “No, of course not. Why would anyone think that?”

  Jemma motioned with her eyes down to their hands, still locked together. Vanessa snatched her hand away and wrapped her arms around her stomach. More laughter from the audience.

  Oh, god.

  “Now, Miss Jordan, my friend here was a bit nervous about being on television. I held her hand to help her feel better. Is that such a crime?” His words were laced in something she couldn’t quite pinpoint. Venom? Sarcasm? Something else?

  “That sounds awfully sweet of you, Mr. Walker.” She licked her lips as her eyes went over his body. “Not quite the bad-boy we’ve all come to know and love.”

  Jared smirked. “Keep spreading rumors about me on your show and I might just have to become that bad boy again.”

  Vanessa wanted to disappear.

  “Well then,” Jemma cooed. “If you’re single, how about we go grab dinner after this?”

  The audience ooed. Vanessa was about to run off the stage in front of all these people. What was worse: the world thinking she and Jared were dating, or Jared going out on a date with the show’s host? She was starting to prefer the first.

  Jared leaned onto his elbows.

  Say no, Vanessa thought. Say no, damn it.

  “I’d love that.”

  The crowd erupted. Jemma turned to the camera. “Well there you have it, I have a date, and if you’d like to support The Walker Foundation, you can head over to…”

  Vanessa zoned out. All she could hear was her own pulse in her ear. They cut to commercial and began bringing out the next guests.

  Vanessa nearly ran off the stage.

  “Vanessa?” Jared’s voice only made the pounding of blood in her ears worse.

  She made a beeline for the dressing room. She needed silence, then she needed to grab her bags and get the hell out of there. Her anxiety hadn’t been this bad in years.

  “Vanessa!”

  She broke out into a run. Shoved open the door to the dressing room and pushed inside. She spun and slammed it shut, but Jared caught it and pushed back.

  She shoved against him, but it was no use. She gave in and spun away from him. He wouldn’t see the hurt on her face. The hurt that shouldn’t even be there in the first place.

  He owed her nothing. She was nothing to him.

  “What the hell is your problem?”

  She heard the door click shut behind her as a stray tear fell from her eye. It was the stress of being on camera, that was all. She was just stressed out and overwhelmed and it was showing itself in weird ways.

  “Vanessa.”

  “Nothing’s wrong. Have fun on your date.” Damn it. Why’d she say that last part? Stupid, stupid, stupid.

  “Oh, I see.” She could hear the smile in his voice, and turned around to see his smug face staring back at her. “You’re jealous.”

  “I’m not jealous. Now let me out of here.”

  “You’re so jealous. You don’t want me going out with her. That’s why you’re so mad right now.” His smile was pissing her off.

  “I want to go home, Jared.” She tried to move around him, but he stepped back into her path.

  “So you don’t care at all about me taking her out?”

  She moved the other way, but he was quicker. “Not even a little.”

  “Why are you mad, then?”

  Vanessa huffed out in frustration. “Because I’m tired and stressed and I want to go home, and you’re in my freaking way.” Vanessa didn’t do things like this. It was past her bedtime, she’d be exhausted at work tomorrow, and she wanted to get home.

  “Liar, liar.”

  She audibly groaned.

  Why was she mad? Vanessa had no idea. At least, that’s what she chose to believe.

  “Please, get out of my way.” Her hand shook at her side, so she balled it into a fist. It didn’t help much.

  Jared shook his head. “You’re not getting out of here until you tell me why you’re mad.”

  “What do you want me to say, Jared?” Her voice was way too loud. Her cheeks were hot with frustration. “That I’m jealous? That the thought of you touching her pisses me the hell off? That I have no reason at all to feel what I’m feeling because all we are is friends, but I still don’t want to imagine you with someone who isn’t me?”

  “Why not?” His voice was a low growl, laced with urgency. Vanessa forced the air out from her chest and looked away. “Why, Vanessa?”

  “Because I want you for myself!” she yelled.

  The admission shocked her as much as it likely did him. She was the one who pushed away his advances, who told him they needed to be friends. He had a date. With a rich, famous, stunningly beautiful woman who she could never compare to.

  She needed to go home and cry into a pint of ice cream. Vanessa had never been so embarrassed in her life.

  This is what happens when you don’t stick to the program.

  Jared’s lips twitched, as if he were holding back a smile. Great, he was making fun of her, too.

  She grabbed her bag. “Just let me go and save myself any more embar-”

  He silenced her with his mouth.

  Chapter Six

  Jared’s mouth on hers was rough, forceful. His hands were knotted into her hair and anchoring her face to his. She should
shove away, end their working relationship and move on.

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him right back.

  His tongue explored her mouth, and she met it with her own. He tasted better than she ever could’ve imagined. His stubble grazed her face, and the bite of it only made her want him more.

  Vanessa felt his hard arousal pressing against her abdomen. She wanted their clothes off. She wanted to see him. Feel him. Taste him.

  What on earth was happening to her?

  Vanessa didn’t even care. All she knew was her desire for him.

  They jumped as a knock sounded on the door. She tried to pull away from him, but his arms locked her in place.

  “Mr. Walker, your car’s ready.”

  Oh god, what am I doing? She was kissing him. Not even a full week after telling him they needed to just be friends, she was kissing him.

  “Give me a few minutes, I’ll be right out.” His voice was dark, rumbling.

  He had a date tonight— and it wasn’t with her.

  “Let me go.” Her voice was a low whisper.

  He turned and looked at her, and there was a fire in his eyes like she’d never seen before. “No.” Stern. Direct. Final. No.

  “What do you mean no?”

  His jaw flexed. “I mean no.”

  “Jared-”

  “Listen, Vanessa.” He pulled her even closer to him. “I’ve made it clear from the start how much I want you. You’re the one who’s hot and cold. You’re the one who’s confused here. Not me. I’ve played along, I’ve done what you asked. But I’m not playing anymore.” His eyes were molten, and they burned right through her. “What do you want?”

  You. “I’m-” she took a deep breath. He waited. “I’m not the kind of girl who does this.” She flicked her tongue out over her lower lip. “But I feel like I need to ignore that, just for a little while. I feel like I need to get you out of my system. Just once.”

  He took her lip in his mouth and grazed his teeth over it. “Baby, I don’t think once will be enough.” He kissed her again, and she found herself moaning into his lips. “Give in to me. Give in to what you want.”