Page 36 of Touch Me

“Well, buzz in Hollywood.” I lean forward, telling myself tofocus. He’ll be here soon enough and everything is just fine. “Matthew’salready talking it up,” I add, forcing myself to keep my mind on the movie.“And everyone who’s read a review copy is certain it’s going to land right atthe top of the New York Times list.”

“You’re serious.”

“Yes. Duh.” I reach over and squeeze her hand. “And thankyou so much for letting me option it.” I’d read her first draft months ago whenshe’d pretty much shoved it into my hands. I’d loved it then, and I’d loved iteven more after she incorporated her editor’s changes. More than that, I knewit would fly off the shelves.

“I’ve already talked to Zelda about writing the screenplay,”I continue. “I think she’ll kill it.”

“Zelda?” Gabby shakes her head, apparently having no clue.

“A friend of mine. She wrote the book that Intercontinentalwas based on.”

“Zelda Clayton? Holy shit, I love her books. She writesscreenplays?”

“She never planned to, but about a year ago Matthew askedher to revise one that needed a shit ton of work, and she kicked ass. So he andI both agreed she’d be perfect to adapt this. Especially since her books aremostly thrillers. I mean, she understands the vibe. The pacing.”

She rubs her temples. “So this is really happening? How isthat possible? The book doesn’t even release for two more months.”

I shrug. “Because you happen to be friends with a woman whohas connections.” I point to myself, just in case she’s too gobsmacked tofigure that out on her own.

“And as for the book’s release, once your publisher’smarketing department learns what’s happening on the Hollywood side of things,they’ll up the print run and quadruple the promotion and publicity. It’s goingto explode. You’ll see.”

“Holy shit.”

I laugh, feeling like Santa Claus, even though Gabby’s goodnews is just as good for me.

“And you pulled all of this together over the last what?Eight, nine months? Are you superhuman? How’d you have the energy?”

I shrug. “I was motivated.” She’s right, though. Idefinitely had to slog through pregnancy brain. And for the last two months,I’ve been the queen of delegating. What can I say? I’ve had other priorities onmy mind.

“Thank you,” she says. “Thank you so much.”

“Are you kidding? Thank you. For writing it in thefirst place, then letting me read it, not to mention option it.” I lean back inmy chair, ready to drop the best bomb of all. “And thank you for giving me mynext starring role.”

Her jaw drops and she clutches my hands. “Seriously? You’regoing to star?”

“Oh, yeah. And we’re going to cream Dead Certain atthe box office. Not that I’m bitter.”

After Bryan’s ridiculous stunt, both Matthew and Carson leftthe project…and Annalise signed on despite the push back from the press andfans that called both her and Bryan out about spreading that vile pic, but alsoabout putting the whole scheme together just so Annalise could slide into myrole.

Well, she’s welcome to it. Especially considering that filmis going to bomb. Not only did my sources tell me that the dailies werewretched, but public support for those two has dropped way off.

Payback’s a bitch. But that’s why I love her.

“I haven’t told you the best part,” I add.

Her eyes go wide. “There’s more?”

“Eli Jones just agreed to play Ryan.”

“Holy shit. Do you think I could get a signed picture?”

I laugh, then jump when my phone finally vibrates. I yank itup, telling her that I think we can do better than one little autograph, thengrin with joy and relief when I read Ryan’s text. We’re here. Be there in asec.

Less than five minutes later, he strolls onto the decking,looking as delicious as always. And while I’m one-hundred percent certain thatall the women on the patio have turned to stare at him, my attention islaser-focused on the baby carrier in his arms and our little niblet snuggled inher blanket as the carrier’s canopy keeps her precious, perfect skin safe fromthe sun.

“There’s Mommy,” Ryan says, and I’m certain it is notmy imagination when she wiggles those little hands and feet in delight.

I don’t even realize I’ve stood up until Ryan sets thecarrier on our table, very well-shaded by an umbrella. But it’s all I can donot to reach in, unstrap her, and cuddle her close. Even if that means wakingher.