Chapter 17: Chapter 17

“I’ve never felt her hair.”

Roslyn laughed. “We were talking about your grandmother.”

“We were, but I’d rather talk about you.”

She hesitated for a second and the moment was broken. He pulled his arm back, not wanting to make her uncomfortable or come across as a creepy boss. Hadn’t he told her he wouldn’t get involved? How did she continue to pull him in? It was that damn mind of hers. She was too fascinating, too intoxicating. He continually wanted more.

“Tell me more about this hometown of yours,” he said. “You know, Miranda also lived in Texas for a time.”

“I’m aware,” she replied. “I made it a point to study up on all the cast. I assumed that was part of my job, right?”

“Always circling back to work.” Nigel shook his head and reached for his glass. “I’ve never met anyone who cares about work as much as I do.”

“Well, I care about my job and making a good impression,” she stated. “I’ve always believed anyone can make a difference, no matter how small their position or their financial background.”

She had the perfect words for everything. Literally everything.

He’d been toying with an idea since the last staff meeting, but he’d thought it too soon to jump the gun.

Now, though, he wasn’t so sure. Maybe his idea was exactly what was best not only for him, but for the company.

“I want to run something by you,” he told her.

“Okay. Are we back to discussing work?”

Nigel couldn’t help but smile. “For the time being. What do you say to working as the lead on the marketing for Serephina’s wedding? I mean, not the actual wedding, but the marketing of the buzz around the show? If you could draw something up that I could show her, maybe we could convince her to air their nuptials—possibly into a new spin-off.”

The idea rolled out of him as he continued on, hoping she would take this on. Roslyn’s eyes widened, her mouth dropped open. After a moment, she regained her composure and took a sip of her wine.

“Well, I’m flattered you’d consider me for one of the most important episodes if that happens.” She muttered the word as if rolling the idea around in her mind, thinking out loud so as to clarify her answer in some way. “I would love to draw something up for you. I hope that will convince Serephina to agree to the show.”

A heavy weight lifted from his shoulders. Things seemed to be falling into place and Nigel was certain that everything he ever wanted was right in front of him.

“Who knows what will happen, but I’m confident with your plans and ideas. Fee will have a difficult time turning this down. She loves the other ladies and this show, and she still wants to see everyone succeed. I have faith in you that you’re my key to getting this show back at the top of the rankings.”

Something passed over her face, something he couldn’t quite identify. After a moment, Roslyn squared her shoulders and gave a clipped nod.

“I won’t let you down.”

* * *

Sophie drained her second glass of wine and wondered yet again what the hell she’d gotten herself into. Agreeing to another project for Nigel? She didn’t have time for all of this. She needed to get in and out of this job and this persona before Miranda knew she was here. She needed to get back to her life in Royal and back to her legacy.

But she couldn’t turn Nigel down. When he looked at her with that hope in his eyes, she knew how much he wanted this show to thrive. She saw how hard he worked, how invested he was in the program he’d created. Isn’t that what she wanted? She wanted the life she worked so hard for, the life she was entitled to.

Nigel could’ve asked her anything and she would’ve agreed.

She reminded herself that the closer she pulled herself to the mogul, the better her chances were to find the exact information she needed. On the other hand, taking on a longer project may prove to be dangerous...from all angles. Still, she would stay until she got the ammunition she needed on Miranda and then Sophie would have to go.

“How was your dinner?” Nigel asked.

Sophie glanced down to her plate and was shocked she’d been able to eat a bite, what with the guilt and nerves fighting for top spot in her belly.

“Fine,” she lied with a smile. “Much better than grabbing takeout and heading back to my apartment.”

Her uptown penthouse was actually perfect. She’d spared no expense when looking for a short-term lease. She’d had to pay for the entire month, but she would be out long before that...she hoped.

The glass walls she had offered her a spectacular view of Central Park, and with the snow they’d had lately, every time she looked out her windows, she felt a little bit of giddiness. She didn’t have snow in her part of Texas and the blanket of white always took her breath and inspired her for future designs.

“We can dine together every night if you prefer not to eat alone,” he replied, placing his napkin on the table.