Read Online The Publicist by Christina George - Free Book Online Page A

smiling and signing and kept her clothes on, Kate was thrilled.
    Kate watched as the group piled into the limo. Phil mentioned in passing that he’d be watching the Times on Sunday for his book, Kate just smiled and shook his hand. The vile mouthed hanger-on stepped into the limo, but not before shouting a slew of obscenities at the driver for parking too far from the curb. When the car finally glided into traffic, Kate stepped away from the street, thankful that the whole mess was finally over and cursing Bernie for his apparent intentional undermining of the whole event. From out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a black sedan that came to a smooth stop in front of her. The backdoor opened and out stepped Mac, still in his jeans and smiling from ear to ear. “You did it, kid,” he laughed, “and best of all, you survived.”
    “Yes, I did, but barely. I think I’ll need hours of therapy to get over this, or a stiff drink.”
    “Well, I can’t help you with the therapy, although I’ve been told I’m a good listener, but I can definitely help you with the drink.” He winked.
    Kate tipped her head to one side, suddenly wondering what was going on, “Mac, what are you doing here?”
    “I decided you needed to get picked up in style so I hired a sedan,” he paused, “then I decided you didn’t need to be alone so I came with it.”
    Kate laughed, how on earth did Mac know this was just what she needed? Without another thought she said, “Let me grab my purse then I’ll take you up on it.”

    Kate leaned into the leather seat of the car, feeling relaxed for the first time in over a week. This had been a hard campaign, mostly because she spent so much of her time trying to convince the media they needed to care about it. Mac sat near her, so close she could smell the slightest hint of his aftershave. Once the car was in motion, Mac pulled a small bottle of champagne out of a cooler the driver had placed on the front seat.
    “Mac, you shouldn’t have!” Kate smiled, “but I’m glad you did. I really do need a drink.”
    “Then drink you will, my dear Katie,” Mac filled her glass, then his, and toasted her success.
    “Here’s to a great event, despite Bernie’s attempts to try and screw it up.”
    Kate laughed as she sipped her champagne. She could feel herself relaxing in his presence and the champagne was helping to take the edge off.
    “You really saved me today, Mac. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
    Mac looked out the window, seemingly embarrassed by her praise, “I didn’t do anything really, just got the books. But I’m glad I could help. And you know what else? You need to relax more, Katie, you’re way too wound up all the time.”
    “Oh, MacDermott, you’re one to talk.”
    “Yeah, but I know when to turn it off, you don’t. You’re always doing something for work. I bet you even work on Sundays too.”
    Kate tipped her glass to her lips; the champagne was having an effect on her. She threw Mac her best smile, “I do work a lot, but I have to. I’m still climbing the corporate ladder; you’re already there, Mac.”
    He shook his head, “I’m not already there, Kate, I’m just in a position where it seems like I’m there. But you and I both know if I show Eddie a series of failed books, my ass will get canned or worse, I’ll start getting nothing but Bernie books.”
    Kate had to laugh, but she hated the thought of Mac getting relegated to Bernie territory.
    Mac turned to face her, “Pull your phone from your purse and hand it to me.”
    “What?”
    “You heard me,” Mac held out his hand, “your phone, now.”
    Obediently, Kate reached in her purse and handed it to him. She hesitated for a moment and almost pulled back but Mac wrapped his hand around hers, “Hand it over, Katie, I promise I won’t read all the emails you get from your dozens of boyfriends.”
    “I don’t have….” Kate started and then caught herself, she knew better than to