Page 48 of The Mark (The Players 2)

I grimaced. “Hell no. I love producing and directing. I enjoy thecasting.”

He waggled his brows. “Because of the castingcouch?”

“Don’t be disgusting. It’s not my style at all.” I sighed. “I think I know what is, something I’ve always loved. I have a new idea, which you could be involved in, but I don’t want to move forward withoutLaney.”

“What’s your idea?” Laneywondered.

Whipping around in my seat, I found her standing in the doorway with Kate. I’d never seen her dressed so casually, but I loved the look. She was versatile, and for my plan to succeed, we’d have to capitalize on it. “You’re here,” I whispered as I stood and moved cautiouslytowardher.

“Let’s go, handsome. We need to leave these two alone for a few minutes. And it’ll give me a chance to tell you all about my trip to L.A. where I helped Laney quit her job.” Kate jerked her head at the hall, then held out a hand and waited for Ty toholdit.

The minute they connected, I could feel his relief. I completely understood. Laney nibbled on her bottom lip. I wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms and kiss her, put those lips to good use, but first I had to win her over. I blew out abreath.

“I’m here,” she reminded me. “This is your one and only chance to talk me out ofleaving.”

“Dammit, Laney, don’t go. I’d be lost without you.” My brow furrowed and I took a few more steps until I stoodbeforeher.

“You’re not doing so hotwithme.” She rolledhereyes.

I nodded. “Well, I’ve been stubborn. It comes with the hair,” Ijoked.

A smile played at the corners of her lips. “Right. I canseethat.”

I licked my lips. “Here’s the thing. I’m ready to listen now. I’m ready to be open. I’m ready to stop taking responsibility for anything not directly relatedtome.”

Her head tilted. “That’s a nicestart.”

“I’m ready to completely change my life. I’m kinda hoping you’re ready for a change too.” I stuffed my hands in mypockets.

“I quit my job today. At the moment, my availability is completely open. What do you have in mind?” Her facesoftened.

“Go backwards with me?” Ishrugged.

Laney wrapped her arms around her body. “That sounds sufficientlyscary.”

“I know it’s something you’re struggling with,” I murmured as I pulled her present out of my inside pocket. “There’s something you need to understand about goingbackwards.”

“Oh, and what’s that?” Her browarched.

I opened the pale blue pouch and let the bracelet spill out onto my hand. “This.” I unhooked it so I could affix it around her wrist. “You’re an arrow, Laney. You aren’t going backwards. You’re really about to be launched forward. Bigger and better things await.” For a few seconds, I quietly admired the Tiffany silver arrow bracelet. Then I raised her wrist to my lips and gently grazed her skin while inhaling her scent. “Launch with me,Laney?”

“What are we launching?” I could feel her trembling under mytouch.

“We’re going to bring Broadway to the strip.” I nodded confidently. “I haven’t worked out all the logistics yet, but I have a friend who owns this hotel and they have zero entertainment. He doesn’t know it yet, but soonhewill.”

Laney grinned. “Broadway,huh?”

“You know, a little singing, a little dancing, a lot of bling.” I shrugged. “You deserve to find your happy. I’m hoping this might be it because I know living with you and working with you could make almost all of my dreamscometrue.”

She giggled. “Is there more to lifethanthat?”

Wrapping my arms around her, I murmured, “Well, I’m hoping someday there might be a marriage andbabies.”

“Let’s work on the Broadway bit first.” She leaned more heavily on me. “Of course, if you play your cards right, I’ve heard you can get super lucky inthistown.”

I pressed my lips against hers. “So far,sogood.”