Page 81 of Second Act
“You don’t have to keep apologizing. You can’t control them.”
“But it’s my fault that they’re harassing you.” He knew she wouldn’t allow him to send a car and bodyguard to take her to and from work...yet. “We need to get in front of this story.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s only news because it’s new and we had a broken engagement. If we go on television as a couple and talk about it, there won’t be any reason for the paps to bother you any longer.”
“Go on television?” She pulled away and turned to stare at him.
“We could appear onIt’s Showbiztomorrow night if I get Trevor on it right away. We’ll do a quick interview and kill all the excitement about us.”
She looked like a deer in headlights. “Do an interview on television? Like when you sit in one of those giant chairs and fend off scary questions from the host?”
“It’s Showbizisn’t like that. They keep it friendly so people like me will agree to do the show. Even the chairs aren’t that big.” He made his tone light to ease her anxiety.
“What would I wear?” she asked unexpectedly.
“I know a stylist who can help you with that. So you want to do this?”
“Want to? No, but it makes sense.” She squared her shoulders as though she were about to face a firing squad. “I don’t want my patients and employees suffering because of me.”
“Because ofme,” he said, the nagging sense of unease flaring up again. For the first time in years, he regretted the extent of his fame.
She reached up to brush her fingers through his hair, the gentleness of her touch sending tendrils of bliss curling through him. “I just have to get used to the side effects of being with you, that’s all.” She shoved off the couch. “Now let’s eat. I’m starved.”
He stood but stopped her from going to the table by taking her hands. “We need to talk with the security firm I use as soon as possible.”
“A security firm? That seems extreme.” Alarm clouded her eyes. “Won’t the TV appearance solve our problems?”
“Up to a point.” Since his rise to stardom had been gradual, he’d had time to layer on the barriers around him. Jessica was being rocketed straight to the pinnacle of celebrity without any preparation. “Let me give Trevor a call and then we’ll enjoy our dinner.” His voice dropped to a deep rumble as he thought of what he’d planned for dessert. “After that, we’ll enjoy each other.”
