Page 31 of Hollywood King
I stood too. “No, you’re not going anywhere yet. Not until everything is sealed in writing. We can do it back at my place.”
Her sharp intake of breath told me she picked up my choice of words. I held my arm out for her again, and she took it. Leading her back out, I expected the car to pull up. Instead a bevy of paparazzo greeted us as I pushed the door open. I immediately slid out of my jacket and covered her with it. Questions and camera snaps crashed and raged around us I escorted her to my car. No doubt they got one or two good shots, but they would pay for that when I blackballed them from my upcoming publicity events.
Once we made it to the car and pulled away, I noticed she was shaking, shuddering on her side of the car. I gathered her into my arms. She protested at first, but settled as I wrapped myself around her completely. “What is it? That was nothing compared to what we’ve faced before?”
She sniffed, and I felt like an asshole for not even realizing she’d been crying. “I haven’t faced a group like that in years. At least since before I went to medical school. I’ve always been the least favorite Earnshaw.”
I smoothed my hands over her hair and tried to soothe her in the same ways I used to. “That’s not true. You’re the prettiest one. Of course they’d want all the pictures.”
She snorted and sniffled at once, unable to hide her grin. “You’re just trying to get into my pants.”
“If flattery would get me into your pants, I’d be wearing them by now.”
She swatted at me this time, and I hugged her in tight. We made it my house in record time, and the lawyer was already set up in my office waiting.
I’d texted him the particulars, and he updated the contract while we drove. I signed quickly, Cathy did as well, with zero hesitation, and then it was done. Once the door was closed, I turned to face her, loosening my tie as I moved. “I own you for the next two weeks. And I have a long, long list of things you can take care of.”
