Player in Paradise Read Free Page B

hours I’ll be on a beautiful island with him. And regardless of what he just said, I’m going to keep my eyes glued on him at all times. 

Chapter Five
     
    A black, chauffeured SUV arrives at LAX and Cassidy, her manager, security guard and mother walk through the doors with a massive amount of luggage in tow. The airport staff greets them and assists with the check-in process. Cassidy and her entourage make their way to security while I wait for Austin to arrive. It’s a quarter past nine and I’m worried that Austin overslept, or worse, decided not to follow through with this whole charade.
    Pacing up and down the airline departure area, I watch families, couples and b usiness travelers check in for their flights. It’s half past nine and still no Austin. Is he going to give me a panic attack before the trip even begins?
    I text him. “ Where are you??”
    I wait for what feels like forever for a response, but nothing comes back.
    Shit, he’s not coming. He royally screwed me over. Why am I working for this douche? And why on earth do I like him? He obviously has no concern for anyone but himself. What am I going to tell Cassidy? And what am I going to tell my boss? I’m sure Priscilla would be thrilled to hear that I can’t control my client enough to even make it on the airplane.
    As I’m about to call Mandy for advice , I hear a scream…a teen girl-sounding scream. I turn my head and see him -- Mr. Self-Centered himself.
    Austin strolls through the doors flanked by security. His sex appeal oozes through his snug-fitting dark jeans, white v-neck tee and black zip-up hoodie. To top off the look, he’s wearing aviator sunglasses and a grey beanie over his unkempt, wavy hair.
    I rush over to meet him. “You need to check in and go through security right now.”
    “Good morning to you too.”
    I glare back at him. I’m stressed beyond belief, but relieved that he made it. The airport staff checks him and his team in, and takes us to a special security line.
    “Cassidy’s been here for an hour already,” I say, taking off my sandals.
    “Good for her.” He slips out of his Converse and puts them in the bin.
    “Please try and be considerate of other people’s time. That’s all I’m asking.”
    He takes off his sunglasses, places them in the bin, and stares down at me. “You’re asking for a lot more than that.”
    I purse my lips, thinking of something to say, but he’s right.
    “You don’t technically have to do this,” I whisper.
    His eyes widen. “If I choose not to then my career would be ruined. I didn’t come this far for nothing.”
    He saunters through the metal detector and quickly grabs his belongings on the other side, not waiting for me to go through. I run down to the gate and find Cassidy and Austin bickering in line. The plane already started boarding; she must have been freaking out as much as I was.
    I approach them slowly. “Guys, we’re in public. Play nice and board the plane, k?”
    They shut their mouths and turn away from each other as we walk on. I’ve never sat in first class before. The seats are so big and comfortable, and there’s a bottle of water already waiting for me. I could get used to this.
    I booked Cassidy and Austin’s seats next to each other to keep up appearances. I’m sitting next to Austin’s manager. Cassidy’s mother and manager are sitting behind me, and the security guards are in back of the two celebrities.
    We take off and I fall asleep listening to my iPod. I’m woken suddenly by a tap on my shoulder. Opening my eyes, I’m surprised to see Austin sitting next to me. Am I dreaming? Oh God I hope I wasn’t drooling or mumbl ing his name in my sleep. I lift my headphones off my ears.
    “I can’t stand sitting next to Cass for another four hours,” he says.
    “Okay.” I slip my headphones back on. I’m still upset about his arrogant behavior this morning.
    He tugs them back off my head. “I’m sorry about before. I guess I lost