Star Power Read Free Page B

the folder. “Thanks a lot, Liam. And Nia’s not that bad, I betcha. Though I must agree she does kinda resemble the yogurt-shop girl. But I can do this, Liam. I just need a power nap, and I’m good.”
    â€œYou need a power nap, all right. A power nap and my tools. If this Nia character looks anything in person like she does in the photographs, the girl needs a wall built around her so no one will be able to see her. That’s the only way you’re gonna help her—you must hide her.”
    Charly rolled her eyes. “See, that’s why you’re single. The wrapping is good, but the package is empty.” She faked a sneer. “Nia’s going to be good. Trust me. She’s gonna fake it ’til she makes it. That’s my plan. I’m going to get her to act the part until she truly becomes the player. You just watch, I’m going to make her shine.”
    Liam laughed. “The package isn’t empty, love. But we don’t have to discuss that. You know you want me.” He winked. Charly waved him away. “So your assistant isn’t going to help you make her shine?” he asked.
    Charly’s irises spun fire. As far as she knew, the personal makeover part of the show was hers. She and only she alone would make over Nia; everyone else was either there to assist her or there to help Liam and Sully with the room renovation. “Who? What assistant?” she asked, her attitude beginning to inflate. She’d only been told that making over Nia was her assignment, and she had it in writing. “I didn’t agree to an assistant, Liam. That’s not in my contract!” She shook her head. “I hope these people don’t make me go to court.”
    â€œCourt?” Liam questioned, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Surely, you wouldn’t.” He laughed loudly. “You’d actually take them to court over an assistant?”
    Charly nodded, her nostrils flaring. “Yep, but not a court of law—I hold court in the street where the winner takes all. No judge. No jury. Just me and them and these.” She held up her fists in the air. “And they better be careful, ’cause I’m nice with these and ain’t lost a case yet. That goes for you too, Liam, if you keep laughing. I didn’t agree to an assistant. Period.”
    Liam’s smile grew wider. “Sure you did, love.”
    Charly’s neck rotated as her head swerved back and forth like it was going to spin off. “No, I did not,” she began.
    Liam laughed again. “Calm down, love. Yes, you did. You did when you agreed to us coming here before everyone else. I’m your assistant.” He winked. “Don’t you want me to assist, I mean, accompany you today? I’ll make it worth your while,” he flirted.
    Charly rolled her eyes, relaxing. “I thought you were just coming to scout for your part.”
    Liam shook his head. “Nope. I’ve been assigned to be the diversion—ya know, in case you get mobbed. It seems as if everyone wants to be a part of the show. Tomorrow I’ll begin working my end.”
    Charly smiled. She could live with having Liam around. They weren’t together and hadn’t shared anything more than the special moment or two followed by the kiss, but she remembered it. How could she forget? she questioned as her eyes moved to his grin. She blinked slowly while reminiscing. His lips had been soft then, and she was sure they still were now, but she wouldn’t say anything. There hadn’t been closure, and he hadn’t pushed the issue, so neither would she. “Okay, assistant. Wake me up when we get there.” She winked, shut her eyes, then warmed when she heard his response.
    â€œAnything for you, love. Anything at all. Just say it.”
    Â 
    She felt her body rise, then fall. A weird rubbing sound followed. Charly sat up, then stretched. Apparently the town car had