Just the Sexiest Man Alive
Page 45

“And I think she’s got lip implants.” The second woman raised her voice in a mocking imitation. “Excuse me, doctor, I’d like the Angelina Jolie.”
Taylor’s hand self-consciously flew to her mouth.
“And what about her boobs?”
Taylor peered down at her chest. Okay—wait just a second there—
She heard the other woman scoff.
“Are you kidding? Who actually has real boobs anymore?”
“I don’t know—maybe that’s why Jason was smiling so much during their dinner.”
The two women shared a laugh at this.
Taylor heard their voices fade as they left the bathroom. She cautiously opened the door, stepped out into the lounge, and headed over to the mirror.
Of all the things the little trixies had said, two comments stuck with her most.
Jason had dinner with the Mystery Woman, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
And supposedly, she made him smile. A lot.
Taylor couldn’t help it—she felt a rush of excitement hearing this. She stared at her reflection in the mirror.
What had gotten into her these past few weeks?
First, she’d almost kissed Jason in Vegas. Then she’d made the decision to come to his party despite the fact that there was a pile of work waiting for her at home. Despite the fact that she definitely knew better.
Standing there, her mind wandered back to the way Jason had greeted her when she’d first walked into the party. He’d looked really happy to see her.
Maybe that look was genuine.
Maybe it wouldn’t kill her to be a little less cynical.
Maybe she should . . . well, she didn’t know exactly how to finish that thought, but maybe just thinking “maybe” was enough for now.
So Taylor gave herself a long, hard look in the mirror.
Then she smiled.
She turned and headed out of the bathroom, ready to rejoin the party. But she stopped just before she reached the door and glanced back in the mirror. She paused, then most discretely adjusted her dress to show a tad more cle**age.
Fake, huh?
Taylor grinned knowingly.
Like hell they were.
TAYLOR HAD JUST stopped off at the bar to refresh her drink when she heard a familiar drawl behind her.
“There you are, Ms. Donovan . . .”
A smile crossed her face. Just the man she was looking for. With a coy toss of her hair, she turned around and—
Found herself staring right at Naomi Cross.
Jason graciously made the introductions. “Taylor, I thought you might like to meet Naomi. She’s one of my costars in the film you’re helping me out with.”
He turned to the actress to explain. “Taylor’s the attorney I’ve been consulting on the script.”
Naomi shook Taylor’s hand. “Oh, so you’re the one who’s responsible for all the last-minute page changes they keep sliding under my trailer door.”
Recovering from her fluster at encountering the actress, Taylor smiled. “Sorry—I’m sure I’m being way too picky with all the legal issues.”
Naomi dismissed this. “It’s not your fault. The whole shoot has been a challenge, particularly with the schedule the director is trying to keep.” She glanced back at Jason and, after a slight pause, wrapped her arms around his neck.
“That’s why this weekend will be so great, darling.” With a grin, she turned back to Taylor. “Did Jason tell you? We’re sneaking off to Napa Valley—just the two of us.”
And despite herself, Taylor couldn’t help it.
Her face fell in disappointment.
“No,” she said quietly. “He didn’t mention it.”
She looked away, trying to hide her surprise. When she glanced back up, she noticed that Jason was watching her intently.
Naomi ran her fingers along Jason’s arm as she peered adoringly at him. “How could you forget it? I know how much we’re both looking forward to this trip. Aren’t we?”
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.” Jason smiled wickedly as he casually turned his watch around his wrist.
Naomi returned his look with one of her own. “Anything you’d rather do . . . or anyone?”
Alrighty, then—Taylor had heard quite enough. “Listen—I really should get going,” she interrupted. “It’s getting kind of late. Naomi, it was nice meeting you.” As she left, she brushed by Jason with a curt nod in good-bye.
“Jason.”
She had made it only a few steps from the bar when she heard him calling after her.
“Taylor, hold on a second—”
She stopped and turned around.
Jason stood there, staring at her innocently, with Naomi at his side.
“We’re still on for Thursday, right?” he asked. “There are those changes the writer made to Act Two that I want you to take a look at.”
Taylor paused, but somehow managed to keep her cool. “Sure. Thursday,” she said evenly. “I’ll see you then.”
Without further ado, she turned and walked away.
NAOMI AND JASON watched Taylor leave, waiting until she was safely out of hearing range. Then the actress glanced over.
“So? Did you get what you wanted?”
“Definitely,” Jason said. Did he ever.
“I did all right then?”
“You were perfect, Naomi, as always. I owe you.”
She threw him a coy wink. “You know how you can make it up to me, darling.” Then she sashayed off to rejoin her girlfriends.