Lipstick & Camera Clicks, page 7
Finally, I reach the top of the staircase and waiting, with his hands in his pockets dressed in a black suit that was very obviously custom made for him with the way it hugs his biceps, is the man of the hour with his back turned to me. He’s lean with broad shoulders and loosely coiled hair. He looks to be a bit taller than River, who stands at an even six feet.
Slapping a smile on my face, I push my breasts forward and run my fingers through my braids. At the sound of my approach, he turns. His dark eyes light up with recognition, his mouth sliding into a cocky grin.
My mind goes blank, and I stumble to a halt.
“You gotta be fucking kidding me.”
nine
Standing before me is the man who crashed the casting call. The crew behind the asshole drop their cameras and look at each other. A man with an obvious air of importance bulldozes his way to the front. It takes a moment, but I recognize him from my interview as well. Noah’s eyes narrow into slits as he rounds on me, still dripped out in designer.
“Which one is this?” He jabs his finger at me. Jose runs up beside him.
“Number ten, Indigo Johnson.” Jose supplies.
“Want to explain that reaction number ten?”
“He took me by surprise is all.” Throwing my shoulders back, I look Noah in the eye.
He sneers at me and shakes his head. “I knew you’d be a mistake. As far as the world knows, you’ve never seen him before. Lopez.” Noah yells, even though Jose’s literally right next to him.
“Take number ten back down so we can reshoot.” Noah makes it back behind the camera crew even with the stick up his ass. Jose hooks his arm around my elbow, dragging me back down the steps.
“I thought this was reality TV?” I say into Jose’s ear.
“Honey, reality’s what we make it. That man is Noah Anderson and he’s got more pull around here than I do. So avoid getting on his bad side, please. If you look good, I look good.” Jose turns me toward the steps again and uses a tissue to blot the sweat off my nose.
“Alright remember, this is possibly your future man.”
“Doubtful.” I mumble under my breath.
He gives me a thumbs up before talking into his radio and gesturing for me to go.
Second time’s the charm. Now that I know what’s waiting for me my nerves have subsided. What game’s this guy playing? When I reach the top of the steps, he’s got that shit-eating grin plastered on his face. He’s loving that I don’t know what’s going on. Out of the corner of my eye I see Jose doing a dramatic swoon, I guess he’s trying to tell me to put on a show. I physically force my eyes not to roll and pull the corners of my mouth up.
“You’re absolutely stunning.” He reaches for my hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. I’ll give it to him. The jerk’s voice is smooth as silk, deep and clear. He looks at me through his lashes and winks.
Oh. He’s good.
“Thank you. You don’t look too bad yourself.” I attempt to pull my hand free and fail. A smile plays at his lips, but he fights it.
“May I know your name?” He asks.
“Indigo Johnson.”
He finally lets the smile win and I hate that it enhances his features.
“A woman of few words. Don’t you want to know mine?”
No, not really.
“Yes, of course.”
He laughs under his breath, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “My name’s Kade Ikeda, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Indigo.” I try again to remove my hand from his, but he’s got an iron grip. His eyes disappear into his smile as it deepens. The asshole thinks he’s funny.
“Shall we go inside?”
“Sure, let’s do it.” I smile and let him pull me to his side and toward the open doors of the mansion. The jerk smells good too. Like whiskey and spice.
“You ready love?” He asks in a low whisper.
“What exactly are you planning?” I whisper back.
“I have nothing but honest intentions.” He uses his free hand to cross his heart.
“Look alive, beautiful.” He mutters as we reach the wide double doors.
The mansion is large, open and perfectly decorated. The cream tiled floors are so clean I can see my reflection in them. It’s mostly empty in the foyer, with a dazzling chandelier hanging overhead. Off to the left is a sitting area with luxurious couches that look like they cost more than my rent. There’s a wide hall off to the right that appears to have a few bedrooms and a curved staircase that leads to the second floor. Before I can take in my surroundings, the girls crowd Kade and I’m effectively shoved to the back of the mob.
“Kade, can I get a moment with you?”
“Kade, I see there’s a piano. I am classically trained and would love to play for you.”
“Kade, what would you like for breakfast in the morning?”
“The vultures are circling.” Gabby mumbles, shaking her head. She and Cameron have found themselves in the back with me. Kade continues to be bombarded. He smiles politely, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. I almost feel bad for the guy.
Almost.
A woman with long lilac colored hair that falls in perfect waves, and lightly bronzed skin pushes her way to the front. Her eyes are large and unblinking, and she stares at Kade with an unfiltered admiration.
“I’m so happy that we’re finally together.” She says breathlessly as she digs her nails into his forearm.
Kade peels her fingers off him. “Serenity, right?”
“Yeah, I—”
The havoc’s silenced by two sharp claps. A woman with platinum blond hair, ivory skin and a tight red dress stands before us.
“Hello ladies, I’m Marissa Love and I’ll be your host during your stay here. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time thus far.” She smiles widely and slowly rakes her eyes over us. A few girls squeal at the sight of her. “You’ve all come for a whirlwind romance with our bachelor, but being with someone with so much notoriety isn’t easy.” She turns her body toward the large camera behind us. “Can you handle the pressure? Or will you have a meltdown?” She leans forward, pointing at the camera.
“Got it.” One cameraman shouts. Marissa’s shoulders drop and a bored expression replaces the excited one that was there a moment ago.
“Alright ladies, all of you come to the center.” Jose shouts. We do as we’re told. The staff moves us into position, two rows of five. I’m placed in the back, likely because of my height. At 5’8 I’m taller than a lot of the girls here. I notice River standing behind Jose. His arms folded over his chest as he says something to the crew member beside him. Marissa takes a swig of her water bottle before standing in front of us, Kade at her side.
“We’re rolling.” A staff member behind us shouts.
“You’re about to find out how important first impressions are. Kade, please choose three girls for one-on-one conversations.” Marissa takes a step back.
“With so many beautiful women here tonight, this wasn’t easy.” Kade pauses for dramatic effect. His eyes flit from one girl to another.
“Nervous, Kade?” Marissa smiles, causing a smattering of laughter.
“Never.” He tilts his head.
“Sabrina, Gabby and Indigo, I hope you’ll join me tonight.” His eyes meet mine before he turns his attention on Marissa.
“The rest of you will be shown to your rooms, so rest up.”
“This isn’t fair.” Serenity hisses and stomps away.
“Follow me, please. All your rooms will be on the first floor.” A crew member leads the remaining girls away.
“I’ll go first.” Sabrina flips her hair over her shoulder.
“That’s fine. Better to save the best for last.” Gabby taunts.
Sabrina laughs and looks at Gabby from head to toe, “Whatever makes you feel better.”
Gabby’s nostrils flare and her lips part, but Kade approaches and her mouth snaps shut. “Ladies.” He gives a small bow of his head. Sabrina rushes toward him, wrapping her arm around his.
“I’m excited to get to know you more.” She leans in close, pressing her breasts into his arm. “I think we may have a lot in common. My family is from Korea, but we visit Japan often.” She continues.
“Japan’s always a good time. I grew up in Georgia since that’s my mom’s hometown.” Kade pulls her away.
A camera nearby zooms in on my face as Jose comes to my side. “We’re going to use this time to get your thoughts on Kade and being chosen.” He blots at my face again and offers me a small cup of water. Another producer pulls Gabby to do more of the same. The moment I take a sip, the cup’s being pulled away by Jose and he’s turning my body toward the camera. “Alright, Indigo. How did you feel when you saw it was Kade Ikeda waiting for you tonight?”
I’m unprepared for the question because, as it stands, I still don’t know who he is. “I was honestly overwhelmed. Kade’s a lot to take in.”
“What about being chosen as one of the girls he clearly has his eye on. How does that make you feel?”
“Um,” I’m not sure how I feel about it. Confused mostly. “I’m happy to know Kade has taste.”
Jose releases a hearty laugh. “That’s all we have for you right now. When Kade comes for you, the cameras will follow.” Jose presses his hand to his mic and then leaves without another word.
“Jose’s not your friend.” River stops at my side.
“Do I know you?” I scrunch my face and can’t help the smile that breaks free.
“I’m being serious. Jose’s nice enough, but he’ll push you into situations that benefit him.”
Gabby steps in front of us, looking from me to River. “Am I interrupting something?”
“Kade will come for you next.” River takes off not acknowledging Gabby at all.
“What’s up with him?” She takes a drink of her water bottle.
“Who knows? By the way, who is Kade? Like, what makes him famous?”
“Kade acts. He used to get a lot of work, but then he started getting in trouble. His team put him on lockdown, and we haven’t heard much from him in the last year.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“The girl kind. Guy’s a serial dater. He isn’t known for taking relationships seriously. He’s also known to be hot head; he’s had his fair share of arguments hit the blogs.” She shrugs.
“What made him do a show like this, then?”
“Who knows, maybe he’s matured.” She gives me a wry smile. “We’re two for two on the hot mess express though, because the host isn’t much better.”
“Why’s that?”
“Her name’s been in the blogs a thousand times for one scandal or another. The most recent news is about her messy divorce. She was exposed for cheating.” We both look up at Marissa, who’s fussing over her hair.
“Excuse me.” Kade returns with Sabrina no longer attached to his arm.
“May I steal Indigo from you?”
“Of course.” Gabby smiles and Kade captures my hand in his. The camera crew swivels around us, following Kade’s lead to a back door past the staircase. We end up in a garden filled with flowers. He stops at a bench and takes a seat, so I follow suit.
“So, tell me about yourself. Who is Indigo Johnson?” He leans back on both his elbows and tilts his head. Kade Ikeda has been toying with me all night, and I’m going to beat him at his own game. A few stray strands have fallen from his perfectly styled hair. So, I lean forward to push them back and use my free hand to trace his jawline, his stubble grates against my fingers.
“I specialize in beauty; I enhance what’s already there.”
“Ah, makeup, I thought you did all this for me.” He grabs my wrist, and his eyes travel across my face.
“Women don’t wear makeup for men.”
“Then who’s it for?”
“Maybe I just want to look good, Kade.”
His eyes move to my lips. “You didn’t get ready today with me in mind?”
Encroaching upon his space, I bring my lips to his ear, trailing my fingers up his forearm. “Do you want me to have you on my mind only when I get ready, or should I think of you tonight, too?” I breathe in his ear and an honest to God shiver runs through him. I pull away in surprise and then laughter bursts from my lips.
“You have an obnoxious laugh.” He glares at me as he straightens his suit coat, a slight flush coloring his tawny skin.
“Hey now. I’ve been made fun of my whole life about my laugh.”
“You’re cackling like a witch.” He gives me a half-smile.
I clutch my invisible pearls. “No, you didn’t.” I cluck my tongue and shake my head. “I’ll let it slide this time.”
“So, what’s your plan?” He asks.
“What plan?” For a moment, I think he realizes I have ulterior motives for coming here, but then he smiles.
“The one that makes me fall for you.”
“There may be nine other girls here, but you’re the one with something to prove.”
He pauses, considering my words, but then the sound of muffled speaking comes from his earpiece and he’s listening to whoever’s speaking on the other end.
“It seems our time’s up.” He stands and offers me his hand. I hesitate, but he grabs me anyway, pulling me to my feet. We reach the door leading back into the main room and he leans down, whispering into my ear, “If you want to think of me tonight, I wouldn’t be opposed.”
My head swings in his direction, but he’s already moving toward Gabby.
“You’re better at this than I thought you’d be. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were into him.” River moves from behind the cameras and approaches me.
“Well, you do know better.”
“Right.”
“You gonna show me to my room?” I use my hand to gesture toward the hall the girls traveled through earlier.
He sighs, leading the way. “Your room’s going to be to the right.” We pass a few doors before we arrive at one near the end. “This one’s yours. You share it with two other girls.”
“Thank you, sir.” I reach for the door, but he drops his hand on my shoulder.
“I know I told you to keep your distance, but come to me if you need to. These shows don’t have the best intentions.” He lets his hand drop. “Don’t go falling for Kade.”
“I know what I came for, and Kade isn’t even on the list.” I’m here for the weekly deposits, and to boost my following. He doesn’t look totally convinced, but he doesn’t push it.
“Get some rest.” Chatter emits from his radio, and he nods before turning his back on me.
ten
I’m not sure how to feel when I find that Cameron’s one of my roommates. She gives me mixed vibes after how our conversation ended, but luckily my other roommate, Jasmine’s a talker. She left no room for awkward silences. Jasmine’s tall and full figured with copper colored skin and waist length brown hair that falls in waves at her side, a beauty like all the other women here. They were still unpacking when I made it to the room last night.
This morning, I am struggling with the 7 a.m. start time. Jasmine, Cameron and I are the last ones to make it downstairs. The camera crew runs circles around us, and Marissa stands in the center, an assistant applying blush to her cheeks.
Jose waltzes over with a clipboard in hand, “Good morning, don’t you all look gorgeous this bright and early.”
Cameron shoots a nasty look in his direction.
“Hey, I don’t choose the schedule. You’ll be in group one. Stand with the women to the right until Marissa’s ready.” He points and takes off.
“Is Jose your producer too?” Cameron asks, turning to look at Jasmine and I.
“Sure is. He’s cute.” Jasmine nudges us.
“Uh girl, you know he’s not straight?” Cameron laughs.
“So? I may be here for Kade, but I’m not blind. The one over there can get it, too.” She angles her head to the side, and I turn to see who she’s referring to. River’s talking with Sabrina. He’s leaning over her, helping adjust the cords to her mic, and she brushes her fingers against his arm, smiling at him coyly. His curls fall over his eyes, but they don’t hide the smile he gives her in return. Biting the inside of my cheek, I turn away.
Jasmine elbows my side. “What? He not your cup of tea?”
“Even I have to say he’s nice to look at.” Cameron lets out a low whistle as her eyes travel over River and my irritation spikes.
“What? No, just—eyes on the prize, right? We’re here for Kade.” They share a look and my eyes drift back to River. Sabrina’s still speaking to him, her hand tugging on the bottom of his shirt. I haven’t had to watch River hit on anyone in years and I’m not going to start now.
Ignoring it is easier said than done though. I fight the urge to remind him he’s at work when Kade finally joins Marissa. They hug and she whispers something in his ear. Unfortunately, he’s handsome as always. His hair tied back into an effortless bun at the nape of his neck. He’s wearing gray sweats and his white tee hugs his form. He rubs the stubble sprinkled along his strong jaw as he speaks to her. The crew is finally in place and Marissa turns on that megawatt smile.
“We have a lot planned today. Each group will do some promo work for the show, along with Kade.” She pauses, clasping her hands together. The girls cheer in excitement and she smiles, appeased by the response.
“Group one will go to a photo shoot promoting this season of The Love Meltdown. Staff will take care of your hair, makeup and clothes on site. Talk about princess treatment.” My group squeals with excitement. “Group two will do a radio interview with Kade this afternoon, so take time this morning to get ready. We have a limo for the first group right outside. Remember, this is a chance to get to know Kade. Make it count.” She points an earnest smile in our direction, but as soon as Jose signals for the cameras to stop rolling, her face drops. “Somebody turn the air up. My face is practically melting.” Marissa complains to whoever’s closest.
