Page 10 of Love on the Byline

“Dillon, you know I think you’re a hell of a writer.” Hefolded his hands on the desk and met her surprised gaze. “What? I tell you thatall the time.”

Not once had he said those words, but she wasn’t going toargue. “Thanks, boss.”

“I realize this isn’t what you signed up for.” He paused.“Well, technically, you did sign up for it, but it isn’t where your heart is.You want to make a name for yourself. I get that.”

“I just want to write stories that matter.”

“It’s all about perspective. In this case, an actor with areputation for bad behavior is looking to revamp his image.” Gideon smoothedhis hands across the desk and sat back. “Either way, look at this as anopportunity. You can write an exclusive portrait of one of Hollywood’sbrightest stars under thirty. It’s not a bad thing to have your name linked toit.

She really hoped that was true.

3

That afternoon, Blake found herself pulling into the circulardrive of a house in Malibu that probably cost more money than she could evermake in five lifetimes. Surprisingly, there was no gate, and no one approachedher car when she drove past the front door and parked in the shade of somecypress trees.

She hadn’t done her homework on Brandon Cody. Even thoughshe despised the narcissistic nature of his industry, she decided to go into theirinitial meeting with as little bias as possible. More than once, she’d beenwarned not to let her personal opinions affect her work, so she was determinedto remain neutral. For now. All she knew was that, by all accounts, Cody was ayoung, handsome actor with a reputation for sleeping around. And that he had apotentially huge franchise on his shoulders. If she learned anything beyondthat, for today anyway, it would be first-hand in this preliminary meeting.

The house was modest by Malibu standards, at least from theoutside. The two-story, late-century home was white with a terracotta tiledroof, a three-car garage, and about a billion windows. The amount of naturallight inside must be incredible.

She was glad she’d chosen the blue silk jumpsuit to wear.Aside from being the most expensive thing in her closest, it made her feel lessconspicuous as she walked up to ring the bell. There was a camera, but nodisembodied voice asked her who she was and why she was there. Less than aminute passed before the door opened, and a tall, blond man dressed in atracksuit eyed her up and down.

“Yes?” The amount of impatience suffused in that onesyllable would have been impressive had it not been directed at her.

Blake straightened her spine. “I’m here to see Brandon Cody.”Assuming she had the right house, she dug in her bag and pulled out her presscredentials, holding them up for the man to see. “He should be expecting me.”

He squinted at them. “Right. No one mentioned you werecoming, but when do they ever tell me anything?” His shoulders slumped as heeyed her again, his head tilting in thought. “You don’t look like a reporter.”

“Because…?”

“You’re a baby.” He stepped back and gestured Blakeinside. “Reporters usually have far more…mileage.”

She turned to him as he closed the door behind them. “Ican’t tell if you’re disappointed.”

His face broke into a smile. “Oh, not at all. Maybe you’llhave a fresh perspective. The media in this town is so jaded. I’m Hans, by theway.”

“Blake.” She followed Hans as he led her deeper into thehouse. “Are you Cody’s assistant?”

“Me? No, that’s a thankless job.” He waved his hand in theair as they walked. “Technically, I’m the trainer, but I also handle our boy’s nutrition. I was just in the kitchen makingsmoothies.”

As he finished, they turned the corner into an enormouschef’s kitchen. It was spotless, except for the island where a blender sat nextto a sea of fruits, vegetables, and grasses planted in tiny trays.

“Wow, this is like a personal juice bar.”

Hans rounded the island and picked up a knife, slicing therest of a kiwi and tossing it into the blender. “Only the best for the bigguy.”

She glanced around. “Speaking of which…”

“He’s in a meeting, but they should be done soon. Make yourselfcomfortable.”

Checking her watch, she pondered asking Hans a few questionsabout his boss. Upon first impression, he seemed like the kind of person whohad no qualms spilling tea.

Before she could fish a notebook from her bag, movement fromher right drew Blake toward a set of glass doors. They led to a wide balconyoverlooking a large patio. The in-ground pool and spa weren’t a surprise but,like the rest of the house, they were understated. A small structure, perhaps apool house, sat in the back corner under a canopy of trees.

“Feel free to go for a dip,” Hans said as he stepped upbeside her.

“It’s tempting.”

“Smoothie?” He offered a glass holding a thick, greenliquid. It looked like something you’d find at the bottom of a neglected pool.

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