Page 7 of Before the Night Falls
“Hobbes Evans, Mr. Stone’s assistant.” He shook her hand, a vague British accent lilting his words. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well.”
Olivia’s gaze drifted behind Hobbes to a man striding toward them.
Tyson Stone—just the man she was looking for.
“If it’s not Olivia Montgomery.” His deep tones resonated across the marble floor.
“The one and only.” She forced the words out of her suddenly dry throat.
The pictures hadn’t done Tyson justice. No wonder the cameras loved him.
He had an easy grin, perfect teeth, and dark-brown hair cropped close to his head. His brown eyes twinkled, his five o’clock shadow looked natural yet purposeful, and the angles of his face were pure perfection.
The man’s bulging biceps didn’t make him appear overproportioned, but they showed strength and self-discipline.
He observed her a moment before asking, “Did you have a nice flight?”
She pulled her gaze away from his biceps and nodded. “Decent.”
“Well, I’m happy you’re here. I’ve been getting things together so we can jump right into the program.” The smile on his face was nothing but friendly. “You ready to get started?”
She hooked her arm through the air with fake enthusiasm. “I can’t wait . . .”
Come on, Olivia. Sound like you mean it. Millions of viewers are counting on you.
“Especially now that you stuffed down all that Chinese food on the way here.” Wes winked at her from behind the camera. Even though he was a cameraman, he was a regular on her features. Viewers liked their banter.
“And the fries,” Chandler added.
“Don’t forget the ice cream afterward.” Wes grinned.
Olivia glanced at Tyson and saw the surprise in his eyes. She mustered even more fake enthusiasm as she said, “I amsoready for this program!”
With a chuckle, Tyson motioned for her to follow him. “I’m glad to hear that. Let’s get started.”
Three steps later, Chandler yelled, “Cut.”
Everyone relaxed as the cameras turned off.
Olivia shared a smile with Tyson. She was known for putting people at ease, making them feel comfortable. She needed to do that now also.
To put on a show.
It was what she did best.
“We spoke on the phone, but only for a few minutes,” she started. “It’s great to meet you in person.”
“Same here. I can’t wait to get you started on this program. I really think it could change your life.”
She raised her eyebrows. “I guess we’ll see about that.”
“How about you change, and we’ll jump in with our first segment in thirty?” Chandler said. “Tyson’s schedule is going to be hectic each day, so we should get as much done now as possible.”
“We don’t get a tour of this fantastic house first?” Olivia’s gaze swept the place.
“Of course.” Tyson nodded at his assistant. “I’ll let Hobbes show you around. I have a couple more things to do before we film.”
