Read Online Cut to the Chase by Lisa Girolami - Free Book Online Page B

just an innocent kiss to say thank you for the night, but at the same time, she was afraid Avalon might lean in for one. She was convinced that if they did kiss, it would mean more to her than to Avalon. After all, Paige had followed Avalon’s career and always thought she was incredibly beautiful. And until the other day, Avalon didn’t know Paige existed. Maybe Avalon thought she was just a new amusement, someone that could be a fun but fleeting pursuit. Paige didn’t want an uncomfortable working environment, knowing the discomfort from some momentary liaison would be hers alone. Actresses of Avalon’s caliber had to be used to a certain high standard of lovers: case in point, her ex, Jessica Wiley. Who could compete with that? No, there was too much of a possibility that Paige would end up the short-lived catnip in Avalon’s mouse toy. More than that, she didn’t care to want something she couldn’t have.
    “Thank you for everything,” she said as a flutter of regret passed through her. She had sounded so diffident.
    “We’re shooting another car chase after lunch tomorrow. It’s the only action scene of the day. See you then?”
    She tried to brighten what she knew was a weak and vulnerable smile. “Absolutely.”
    She walked to the car as frustrated as a six-year-old forced to leave Disneyland. No fluffy toy, no balloon.
    And like the child who doesn’t want to know that a person lurks inside those costumed characters, she didn’t want to know what Avalon might really be like on the inside. Just for tonight, she needed to imagine that Avalon really liked her and had genuinely singled her out.
    The pull to stay with her longer still reverberated vigorously in her gut, but she was afraid the bubble might burst and she’d realize that she was just a time-filler for Avalon.
    And though the decision to leave came with a flood of regret, she couldn’t trust that her longing was reciprocal, so she started the car and pulled out of the driveway, telling herself that leaving was safer than taking a risk and staying.
     
    *
     
    “Where are you?” Chris was on patrol somewhere in Hollywood, and Paige needed to talk.
    “On Curson, off Santa Monica.”
    “Busy?”
    “Just doing paperwork in my car.”
    “I’m close, can I come by?”
    Paige found her easily and parked behind her squad car. Abel barked from the backseat, as he always did when someone approached.
    “Stills.” Chris gave Abel the order in Dutch and unlocked the passenger door. “What’s up?” she said as Paige sat down and blew out a long breath.
    “Avalon.”
    “Is she being a bitchy, self-important superstar?”
    “No, just the opposite. I just came from her house.”
    “Her house? Seriously?”
    She nodded.
    “So why do you look like someone just keyed your car?”
    “She invited me over and we had dinner. We watched some movies and had a great time.”
    “That sounds horrible.”
    “But I’m asking myself, what does she want?”
    Chris furrowed her brow.
    “I know, it sounds stupid. It just seemed…too nice.”
    “Your ex sure did a number on you.”
    “No, it’s not about Marlene. Avalon’s a celebrity. Why is she spending the evening with me?”
    “You do know how ridiculous this sounds, don’t you?”
    She waved her hand, frustrated. “What I mean is, I don’t understand how she could be with Jessica Wiley, a damn superstar, and then invite me over.”
    “Maybe she wants mundane.”
    “That helps.”
    “Not you. A mundane time. No crazy parties, no paparazzi. Just a really nice woman.”
    Paige stared out of the squad car’s windshield, listening to the police radio as a dispatcher reported the results of a license-plate inquiry. The voice sounded monotone and routine, kind of like her life.
    “Paige.” Chris adjusted her gun belt and turned toward her, shifting the computer screen aside to make room for her knee. “Do you like her?”
    Star or not, Hollywood or not, she really liked Avalon. Especially when