All The Pretty Lights (The "A" List #1) Read Free Page A

reaches down to take hold of my carry-on. “We’re now considered second class citizens, sweetheart. Time to go get in line with the hundred or so regular everyday Joes.”
    I’m left behind as Mr. Hollywood takes himself, along with my bag, out of the first class lounge, leaving the door to begin its swing to close.
    “Wait!” I chase after him. “My bag!”
    Colton Webb just stole my bag. In what universe does this happen?

CHAPTER TWO
     
    COLT
     
    “Thank you so much, Mr. Webb. I—I can’t thank you enough,” The closely shaven military man in full uniform shakes my hand once again.
    The flight attendant just recently made the announcement that it’s finally time to board, but the passengers are showing no signs of following her direction to line up, as they’re all gathered around the main attraction.
    Bright lights begin to flash from camera phones. I smile and slip my sunglasses back over my eyes. This is nothing I’m not used to. Bright, flashing, blinding lights that create a haze- unable to see the actual people on the other side of the lenses. I know the drill by now, just smile and nod. Give them what they want. Give them a money shot.
    I’m sure these pictures will pop up on at least ten different gossip blogs by the time I land in New York.
    “It’s my pleasure, soldier. Anything for a man in uniform, willing to risk his life protecting the rest of us.” I angle my head to the crowd. “I may play a hero on the big screen, but men like this one, they’re the real heroes.”
    Andrea, my PR specialist, is going to eat this shit up. She couldn’t have planned this better if she were here herself.
    A light round of applause breaks out.
    “But I’m not the only one to thank.” I reach blindly through the wall of flashing lights to take her hand and bring her into the spotlight.
    “What’s your name, Speedy?” I whisper into her ear, careful not to turn too sharply. I’ve had enough experience with paparazzi getting pictures of my right side to know just how far to turn my head before my chin looks weird.
    She looks like a deer caught in the headlights. Her large blue eyes are shocked, alert, darting around at all the flashes, not knowing where it’s safe to set her gaze. I remember that feeling- the helplessness, feeling like you’re in a cage.
    “Uh—uh, Daphne. My—my name’s Daphne.” She stammers.
    Daphne.
    I’ve wondered what her name was ever since I crashed into her, correction , ever since she crashed into me, earlier tonight. I never thought I’d see her again, never thought I’d know her name.
    Wrapping my arm around her stiff shoulders, I pull her into frame for the next round of pictures. “Just smile, Speedy.”
    “Daphne here also gave up her ticket in first class to these newlyweds so that they can extend their honeymoon a few more hours.” I inform the crowd, sharing the credit with this girl for what essentially was her idea.
    Snap, snap, snap. Picture after picture is taken.
    After we’ve held up the boarding process long enough, once more the flight attendant makes her intercom request for the passengers to please board the already delayed plane.
    I take Daphne’s bag and lead her towards the ramp as she’s still suffering from the shock of the bright lights that continue to bursting around us. The flight attendant scowls at us when we pass by, but I smooth the situation over by offering her the crooked smile the cameras love so much.
    Her cheeks blush. Her eyelashes flutter.
    Works. Every. Time.
    “What was that?” Daphne asks in an awkward hushed whisper so that our new fans don’t hear. She roughly takes her overnight bag from my hands and hugs it close as we shift sideways to fit down the narrow aisle of the jet.
    I’m tall enough to see over her high ponytail as it bounces with each of her steps. She’s busy concentrating on the path, careful not to crash into knees, elbows, and shoulders as we pass person after person lining the aisle seats.
    “