In Too Deep by Brenda Jackson, Olivia Gates Read Free Book Online Page B

knew the real deal. Candy was trying to build a certain image in Hollywood, and Matthew had agreed to be Candy’s escort to several social functions, but only because he had gotten sick and tired of hanging around the house moping when he wasn’t working. Ryan and Candy’s agent felt it would be good PR. He’d known the media would make more out of it than there was, but at the time he hadn’t given a damn.
    â€œAnd where is Carmen now?” Ryan asked.
    â€œIn bed.” He smiled, imagining the erroneous vision going through his manager’s mind.
    â€œDammit, Matthew, I hope you know what you’re doing. Her leaving almost destroyed you.”
    A painful silence surrounded him. No one had to remind him of what he’d gone through. “Look, Ryan, I know you mean well, but this is between me and Carmen.”
    â€œAnd what am I supposed to tell the media when they can’t contact you and then call me?”
    â€œTell them there’s no comment. Good night, Ryan.”
    Matthew breathed a sigh of relief as he ended the call. Ryan could be a pain in the ass at times, especially whenit came to the images of his clients. But then he could definitely understand the man’s concerns. His separation and subsequent divorce from Carmen had left him in a bad way for a while. But that was then and this was now. He could handle things. He could handle her. Pride and the need for self-preservation would keep him from falling under her spell ever again. He felt good knowing that although he’d given her some sexual release, she would still go to bed tonight needing even more. There was no doubt in his mind she would be aching for his touch.
    He smiled. This sort of revenge was pretty damn sweet.
    Â 
    The next morning Carmen was easing out of bed when her cell phone rang. She reached over and picked it up. The sunlight pouring through the window was promising a beautiful day. “Hello?”
    â€œGirl, I am so happy for you. When I saw that article and picture, I almost cried.”
    Carmen recognized the voice of her good friend Rachel Wellesley. Rachel was a makeup artist she’d met on the set of her first movie. The close friendship she and Rachel had developed still existed to this day.
    She knew what Rachel was referring to and decided to stop the conversation before her friend went any further. Carmen was well aware that Rachel probably said a special prayer each night before she went to bed that Carmen and Matthew would reunite. Rachel liked taking credit for playing matchmaker and initially getting them together.
    â€œChill, Rachel, and hold back the tears. No matter what you’ve heard, seen or read, Matthew and I aren’t getting back together.”
    There was silence on the other end of the line.
    â€œBut what about the kiss that’s plastered all over the front page of the Wagging Tongue this morning?” Rachel asked, sounding disappointed. “And don’t you dare try to convince me it’s a photo that’s been doctored.”
    Carmen didn’t say anything as she remembered the kiss and the effect it had on her. “No, it’s not a photo that’s been doctored, although a part of me wishes that it were. It started when I ran into Ardella Rowe at the polo match yesterday and she mentioned something about Matthew and me being enemies. I firmly denied it and went further, painting a picture of the two of us as friends, regardless of what the tabloids were saying. Well, before I could get the words out of my mouth, Matthew walked into the tent and all eyes were on us. To save face, I greeted him with a kiss on the cheek. Of course he decided to take advantage of the situation by turning a casual kiss into something more.”
    â€œFrom the photo, it looked pretty damn hot, if you ask me.”
    It was. But it was nothing compared to the one they’d shared last night on the balcony. She felt heat rise to her face as she