Cindy Eller: 50 Shades of Fairy Tales Read Free

throat as a handsome smile curled his lips. He was six-foot-two, in great shape, and had the face of a carved Greek god. His short chestnut hair gleamed in gelled waves. When the light caught it, it looked like a rich coat of sable.
    His green eyes flashed with good humor. "Is this our little contest winner?"
    Gertrude nodded and returned the smile. "It certainly is. I'll leave you two alone to take the tour, but text me if you need anything." She tapped a Blackberry clipped to her skirt then left.
    The door clicked shut and Foster's face changed. It screwed up in a frown of annoyance.
    "Let's get this over quickly." He walked past me without so much as a glance and left the room.
    I picked my jaw off the floor and followed after him. Okay, I was sure he got tired of being hounded by starry eyed fans, but what exactly had I done to offend him? Show up for my prize?
    I caught up to him near the end of the hallway. He didn't even acknowledge me. I felt like a ghost in his presence.
    He still kept mute in the elevator. My attempts at conversation were met with frowns and terse words. Then he suddenly leaned in close, pinned me to one side of the elevator, and smiled a cruel smile.
    "Go ahead," he whispered. "Tell all the papers what a prick I am. I'll deny everything, or just say you're a jilted actor groupie."
    Nothing more was said until we arrived on the set. It was partially lit, but quiet. They weren't shooting today, he told me, but had rehearsed a few scenes earlier.
    With another fake smile, he led me toward a chair he kept on the set for in between his scenes.
    "Wanna sit in it?" His chest puffed out and he looked the epitome of arrogance. "You can say you sat in the chair of a star."
    I gave him a small smile, feeling drained by his pompous attitude. I thought about my jilted Prince Charming and fresh guilt sucker punched me. How I wished he were there with me instead of Foster Wells.
    "How does it feel?" he asked after I got comfy in his chair.
    I blinked. "What do you mean?" It felt like a crappy canvas chair, to be honest.
    His fake smile widened. "To sit in the seat of a big celebrity."
    "It feels like one of my IKEA chairs." I wrinkled my nose at him. I couldn't help it. The thick arrogance and surly mood was getting nauseating.
    His face grew ugly and red with anger. He spoke not another word as he stalked away, leaving me all alone on a deserted set.
    I huffed air and tried to hold back tears. I would not be a wimp! I would find the exit and walk out of there with my dignity.
    At least, that was my plan, until I heard footsteps behind me.
    I whirled around to find the co-star of Two Torn approaching me, Chris Grayson. The most handsome man in the world, if you asked me. I'd always preferred him to Foster.
    "Did Foster abandon you?" His deep voice was soft, soothing. "I'm sorry. He can be such a prick."
    He held out a large hand with slender fingers, and I shook it. A jolt of electricity seemed to shoot up my arm and I tried not to gasp.
    Instead I gave a nervous laugh. "He definitely didn't seem happy to see me."
    Chris held out his arm for me to take. Before I did, I took him in. Hair so black it almost shone blue. Eyes like sapphires. Chiseled cheekbones and a square chin. He was dressed in a navy blue pinstriped suit with a silky pearl shirt. My eyes feasted on his handsomeness. I admit it.
    "Let me finish where he left off." He smiled, a genuine smile that made his eyes sparkle, and led me off the set.
    We chatted and laughed throughout the remainder of the tour. Chris was the exact opposite of the brooding, bad boy character he played on Two Torn. He was charming, affable, even flirtatious. He offered me refreshments, so we headed back to his dressing room. My head thrummed from the thrilling change in events.
    In his dressing room--not as lavish and overdone as Foster's, but tastefully designed with modern motifs--we sat in comfy crème loungers. He poured champagne into two flute glasses and opened a box