Read Online Blissfully Yours (Mills & Boon Kimani) by Velvet Carter - Free Book Online

to fight back the tears, but they fell anyway. She sniffled and wiped her face with the back of her hand. Brandon gave her a napkin and she blew her nose. “I’m sorry for being such a crybaby,” she said with a slight smile, trying to lighten the mood.
    â€œNo problem. I’ve been where you are, so I completely understand. Actually, the reason I’m working on the show is because I also exhausted all my savings.”
    Ayana stared at him inquisitively.
    â€œI quit my job with a major network, moved to L.A. and tried to break into the movie business. I pounded the pavement for a year with no luck. My living expenses, as well as trying to schmooze and network in La-La Land, devoured my savings quickly. When I moved back to New York, the only show hiring was Divorced Divas. I had no choice but to take the job. I already have my agent contacting the networks so I can get back to ‘real’—” he put his fingers in the air and made quotation marks “—television, once my contract is over.”
    â€œI have an exit strategy myself. I don’t plan on being a Diva forever. Acting the way I do on the set is so out of my comfort zone. You have no idea how bad I feel every time I insult Petra. The poor girl doesn’t deserve my constant brutal tongue-lashings.”
    Brandon was both pleased and surprised to hear her confess. His judgment of her had been all wrong. “So what should I call you?”
    â€œAyana or Ana. My family and friends here don’t know about the show or my fake Saturday Knight persona, and I’d like to keep it that way. My parents would have a fit if they knew I degraded myself for money. If they had known about my financial hardship after the divorce settlement ran out, they would have tried to scrape up and send me whatever money they could. I think grown children should provide financial support to their elderly parents, not the other way around.”
    â€œI totally agree.”
    The more they talked, the more Brandon admired her. Not only did she do good deeds for the shelter, but she also took care of her parents. She was exactly the type of woman he could see having a future with. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”
    â€œThanks. I’m relieved that you now know the truth. I saw the way you looked at me on the set every time I acted out.”
    â€œHonestly, I couldn’t stand you. I’m glad you told me the truth. I must confess you are a really good actress. The way you portray Saturday Knight, no one would ever guess that isn’t the real you.”
    â€œIt’s really hard to pull off, but for now I have no choice.”
    â€œHave you ever thought about acting as a career?”
    â€œYou mean in the movies?”
    â€œYes, or television. You’re acting anyway, so you might as well put your talent to good use.”
    Ayana was silent for a moment, digesting his words. “You know, I never thought about it that way, but you’re absolutely right. I portray a character on the set every day, and the audience thinks that’s the real me. Thanks for the idea. I will definitely look into it.”
    â€œWhat ya two over dere gabbin’ about?” Marigold asked, coming back into the kitchen.
    â€œNothing much. Just getting to know each other,” Brandon said, smiling at Ayana.
    â€œSo, are ya goin’ to da dance tonight?”
    â€œWhat dance?” Ayana and Brandon asked in unison.
    â€œDa Reggae Fest down at da pier. Dey gonna have a live band, plenty of food and barrels of rum punch.”
    â€œSounds like fun. Ayana, would you like to go?”
    Her eyes perked up. “Sure,” she answered with a huge smile, exposing her pearly bright teeth.
    â€œWhere are you staying? I can pick you up.”
    She gave him her parents’ address. “Do you know how to get there?”
    â€œYes. I’m familiar with the island. I’ve been here enough