Page 54 of Finding Her Leading Man

He barred his teeth in an emotionless smile. “I am the main reason they asked us to be here.”

Trevor moved in front of Samantha and held out his hand. “Trevor Johnson.”

“I didn’t realize we were bringing dates to professional performances, now.” Jasper’s teeth were bright white and still exposed. To anyone else, he might look like he was carrying on a friendly conversation. Trevor saw the near hatred aimed his way. Men like him felt entitled to everything, including women. He wasn’t entitled to Samantha. Not anymore.

“I’m here to support Samantha, which would be your job before you screwed it up. But—” Trevor stepped to the side and took Samantha’s hand “—I can’t say I’m sorry about it.” He kissed the back of her hand.

“Did you hire this guy?” Jasper laughed. “Because it’s a little quick, don’t you think, to find someone to pretend to be in love with you.”

Love. Trevor hadn’t even considered the word before. Is that how it seemed? His chest thickened as he took a breath, but he didn’t feel panic. Pride. But the idea, acting on it, screwed up everything.

Samantha straightened her shoulders. “I don’t see why it should matter to you who I see.”

Jasper scoffed. “Seriously, how much did she pay you? Did she find you on the subway or something?”

Samantha’s hand flexed in his. Trevor kept his cool. She didn’t need more gossip and drama, which would happen if he put a black eye on Aladdin and knocked out a few teeth. The Genie couldn’t quickly fix that with a nod of his head.

“We met through a mutual friend. Grayson Moore is my best friend. I’m his agent and personal lawyer.” The smug smile left Jasper’s face. “If you remember, Samantha and Grayson presented an award together a couple of months ago.” Trevor set her hand in the crook of his elbow. “If you don’t have any more dipshit questions, it’s almost time for the performance to start.” He took a step away and then paused and gave Jasper a long, hard look. One that made him shift away. “I realize you two are actors, but she’s mine.” Trevor narrowed his eyes, conveying the threat he intended. For him, it wasn’t an act. He meant every damn word. “And I don’t share.”

Samantha’s hand trembled as he led her across the crowded ballroom and through a small door to the balcony. The view wasn’t spectacular, but he wasn’t concerned with it at the moment. The cool air helped ease the pounding of blood in his veins. Grayson would be proud that he didn’t knock the shit out of Jasper. He deserved a damned Oscar for that.

Samantha stared straight ahead.

“Sam…”

She faced him slowly, her brown eyes unreadable. Then, like something out of a movie, she reached up and tugged his head down until their lips met for the slowest, most sensual kiss of his life.

Her soft, sweet mouth moved over his. Again, and again.

Careful not to mess up her dress, he kept his hands on her waist, wishing he felt skin instead of the jewels on her dress.

“Excuse me?”

That voice was instantly recognizable. Zara, Samantha’s old agent.

Samantha ended the kiss, still watching him. “Thank you.” She reached up and ran a finger underneath his lip. “This lipstick is supposed to stick for eight hours.”

“Sounds like a challenge.” He winked before turning them both to face Zara. She was shorter than he’d imagined. Older. Not unattractive by any means. Dark brown hair, tan skin. Her suit was expensive and tailored, but the gray color washed her out. And Jasper had slept with her. The willingness to sleep to the top wasn’t limited to the young.

Samantha squared her shoulders. “Zara. I’m ready. I need a bottle of water, please.”

Zara produced one immediately. “I know.”

The familiarity made Samantha’s shoulders tense. He set his hands on them, squeezing them. “I’m Trevor. We spoke on the phone.”

“I looked you up on the internet. I had no idea you were Grayson Moore’s agent.” Her gaze shifted to Samantha. “You know he can’t work with the producers on Broadway. Not the way I can. I know we have our differences, but once things settle down, I’ll be happy to represent you still.”

“Differences?” Samantha’s voice rose higher. “You call what happened differences? You slept with myfiancé! Besides, if he’ll do it, I’m going to have Trevor help until I find another agent in New York.”

“Looks like he was already working for his commission.” Zaratskedunder her breath and shook her head. “You always were too trusting.”

Trevor traced a finger along Samantha’s spine, out of sight of Zara. She needed to relax. This woman meant nothing to her now. As far as he was concerned, there wasn’t a damn person in the room, including himself, that came close to Samantha’s worth.

Samantha shivered as his finger dipped below the material, skimming along her lower back. “I don’t plan on taking a commission,” Trevor said.

“You don’t?” Zara laughed. “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

“Believe it or not, Samantha will be the one to see it, not you. And she matters.” He paused a beat, wrapped his hands around Samantha’s shoulders, and pulled her tight to his body. “Not you. Now that you’re done brushing your affair under the rug, it’s time for Samantha to sing.”

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