Page 7 of Covert Affair

The amused look on Cody’s face makes me want to slap him silly.

When the new guy turns his back to us, I mouth the word ‘jerk’ before gathering my stuff.

“What do you say we get out of here, go back to our room and take a long shower together?” Cody’s sly grin widens.

A protest forms on my lips, but dies with his warning glare. Swallowing hard, I reply, “I like the way you think, honey.”

Cody opens the door for me and puts his hand on the small of my back to guide me through. I don’t miss the tiny spark that his touch brings.

The hotel has come alive while we were working out. People are buzzing all about, which means that we have to keep up the act until we’re safely back in my room. A few people notice me, I smile and sign an autograph or two for guests who aren’t big celebrities and take a selfie with one reporter. Of course, the same reporter notices Cody and asks questions.

“Oh, this guy?” I giggle, wrapping my arms around Cody’s waist. He looks down at me and smiles in a way that does something crazy to my insides. For a minute I wonder what it would feel like if it was genuine and not just for show. “We go way back. He’s not one for the spotlight though.”

“Interesting, and will you be joining her on the red carpet tonight?” The reporter pokes.

“I wouldn’t miss seeing her shine like this for the world,” Cody replies confidently.

“Can I get a picture of the two of you together?”

“Sure, why not?” Cody answers before I can. “By tonight, we’ll no longer be a secret anyway.”

He pulls me a little closer, and the reporter snaps a photo with his camera phone before shaking both our hands. “Thank you both. Good luck tonight with your nominations Stacey.”

“Thank you.”

Cody tucks me into the elevator, and we’re on our way.

When we reach our floor, we find it quiet. “That was fun,” Cody grunts.

“Welcome to my life.” I sigh as we slip inside my room. “Do you want to shower first?”

He shrugs, “Doesn’t matter to me. If I go first, you have to promise not to open the door for anyone until I finish.”

I sigh in defeat. I do not want to have this argument with him again today. “Carey and the rest of my team should be here soon. Along with breakfast. I’ll go first so you can keep me safe.”

“Smart girl.”

4

CODY

I have never seenanything like this.

After we both showered and ate a quick breakfast, an entire team of people swarmed the room. There must be at least four people working on Stacey. Curling her hair, painting on makeup, doing her nails – they’re all working in sync, bringing to life a country music star. Little by little the sweaty down-home girl from the gym disappears and what’s left in her place is a woman that I hardly recognize.

“Don’t get too comfortable over there, Mister.” Carey looks over at me. “You’re next.”

“Like hell I am. What exactly do you think you’re going to do to me?”

Stacey snickers. “You really have no idea what you’ve committed to, do you?”

“There is no way you’re walking out of this hotel room without looking red carpet ready.” Carey turns to one of her many assistants, “Lawrence, do me a favor, go help Cody clean up that facial hair.”

I jump up. “I’m sorry, what? We’re not touching the beard.”

“Relax pretty boy,” Lawrence intervenes. “Just a touch-up. You’ll love it when I’m all done.” He shoves me toward the bathroom. “If you behave, I’ll even give you a hot towel wrap.”

Cole is dead for this. Dead.

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