Page 12 of Pursuing Desire

Kenneth adjusts his glasses and turns his attention to me. “So, Jess, Dax and I spoke last night. He was telling me you have a successful photography business and might be open to taking on some other work?”

I glance at Dax, hoping his face will give me a clue as to what he’s already told Kenneth. No such luck. He just smiles encouragingly at me.

I smooth my hands down the sides of my dress before answering. “Um, yes. I have been looking into the possibility of branching out and taking on additional camera work. Dax mentioned you work at a television network. Do you know of any open positions?”

Dax clears his throat. “Jess is one of the best photographers in the city. She has photographed many well-known celebrities, and she’s currently working on some interior design photography. Isn’t that right, Jess?”

Both sets of eyes swing to me. My throat tightens at the scrutiny, and I’m thankful Elena just dropped off my water. I take a sip before answering. “I don’t know about being one of the best.” I laugh nervously. “But, yes, my work can be found in several magazine publications.”

My work is probably small fries compared to who he’s worked with in the past. I smartly keep my mouth shut from commenting on that, though. I need to put that best foot forward. Let him draw his own conclusions. Besides, my work is good, great even. I just need the opportunity to show Kenneth what I can do.

The server, Elena, stops by and takes our dinner order and then discreetly leaves again. No flirtatious looks or winks this time.

Kenneth leans back in his chair with a thoughtful expression on his face. He looks at me, then at Dax, then back at me. “So, I might have something available,” he says finally.

“That’s fantastic,” Dax says immediately.

Kenneth holds up a hand. “Now, hold on. Not so fast. This opportunity might sound a little . . . unorthodox. Not what you’re expecting.”

“Unorthodox is okay,” I say. I try to hide the confusion in my voice. Whatever this job is, if it pays well, I’m in.

Kenneth’s calculating eyes focus on Dax. “How long have you and Jess been dating? Are you engaged or planning to get married yet?”

The questions catch me off guard, and my startled eyes dart to Dax, wondering what he’ll say. The probing questions seem a bit rude. Hopefully, Kenneth isn’t offering me a job because he thinks Dax and I are dating.

Apparently, Dax is thinking the same thoughts. Cool as can be, he answers, “We’ve been dating a while, but no, not engaged quite yet.”

I feel my mouth hanging open, so I snap it closed. I don’t know whether to feel relieved or scared. Dax straight-up lied for me. Didn’t see that one coming. I try to wipe the surprise off my face and adopt the controlled look Dax has. If only I could be as good an actor as he is.

Kenneth nods. “Hmm, good, good. I think we can make this work.”

My brows narrow in confusion. Huh? Okay, now I’m confused. Make what work? I grab a hold of Dax’s whiskey glass and take a healthy swig of the amber liquid. I don’t know what’s about to happen here, but I have a feeling I’m going to need a little help getting through it.

If Dax notices me taking his drink, he doesn’t comment on it.

“What do you mean, Kenneth?” Dax asks. “What does our dating have to do with anything?”

Kenneth’s eyes light up at Dax’s question. “Here’s the deal. Our network is putting on a new show starting in two weeks. It’s exciting. I’ve been pitching this idea for years, and I could never get the network to agree. They’ve finally given the green light.”

“And where does Jess come in?” Dax asks.

Kenneth nods. “Okay, picture this. We’re putting together a reality game show where several couples will race across the United States for the chance to win monetary prizes. The game is built on speed, and the fastest couple to reach each checkpoint is the couple that will win that round. There will also be tasks to complete along the way. And the best part? We’ll have a cameraperson document everything that happens.”

Ah, so that’s it. I feel my shoulders relaxing in relief. I finally understand what he’s getting at. “So, you’re hiring a cameraperson to follow them around? If you’re wondering if I can travel, that’s no problem. Dax doesn’t mind if I’m gone for a little while. We’re not the type of couple that needs to be together all the time. Right, honey?”

I hide my smile behind my hand when I see the shock in Dax’s eyes at my use of a pet name. He quickly recovers. “Of course. I wouldn’t hold you back from following your dreams, my love.” His saccharine smile and smooth voice have me struggling to keep my laughter from bubbling out.

Kenneth shakes his head vigorously. “No, that’s not it. You’ve misunderstood. I have all the camerapeople I need.”

I can’t hide my immediate disappointment. So much for that gig. “Oh.”

But Kenneth isn’t done. “Don’t be disappointed, Jess. What I have in mind is much more exciting. See, I had one of my couples drop out two days ago due to a really ugly breakup. Unfortunately, there’s no chance of them reuniting. It’s put me in a bit of a bind. After finally being allowed to go forward with the show, I can’t afford any hiccups like this. I need to find a replacement couple to compete in the show as soon as possible. And I think you two would be perfect!”

I’m certain I misunderstood. It almost sounds like he wants me to be a contestant in his game show. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Kenneth’s look of glee doesn’t dim with my question. “I want you and Dax to compete in the game show. You will be couple number six. And because this is last minute and I’m desperate, I can offer you a sign-on bonus of ten thousand dollars.”

“Hold on. Ten thousand dollars?” I ask, my voice raised in surprise.