The Accidental Movie Star by Emily Evans Read Free Book Online Page A

speakers mounted in the corners, and a photographer yelled directions over the noise. “Set that up. We need sheets.”
    Within the makeup area, a tattoo-covered masseuse leaned against a privacy screen that obscured a massage table. She shook a bottle of baby oil at Caz and said, “Over here, cutie. We’ll get you prepped for the photo.”
    Ashley’s eyes widened; she couldn’t wait to text Marissa about this. She said, “It looks like they’re going in a less artistic direction.”
    The agent’s mouth twisted at her words and Caz stiffened. The agent shrugged an apology. “It’s their right, per the agreement you signed.”
    Caz looked ready to blow.
    The photographer, who was adjusting lenses on set, yelled, “Cover his torso with oil.”
    Caz didn’t move. In fact, he looked like he was one minute from walking out.
    The agent patted her jacket for another cigarette. “Come on, Caz, this is important to the film. Besides, you have photo approval. Just do it.” The agent stared at Caz for a moment. Her gaze flickered between him and the door then landed on Ashley. She smirked. “His assistant will massage him. Give her the baby oil.”
    The tattooed masseuse looked disappointed, but she gestured toward the table with an open palm, clearly used to the vagaries of stars. “Coat him waist up.” She dropped the bottle of baby oil on the table and followed after Caz’s agent. “You know, I’m not just a masseuse, I act too.”
    Moving over to the table, Ashley lifted the transparent bottle and shook it. The clear gel slid within the container. Caz, who still looked ready to run, nonetheless pulled off his shirt, climbed up to the table, and lay face down.
    Emily Evans
    Ashley took a good look. He was so lean; she hadn’t thought he’d be this muscular without his shirt. The director should work in some shirtless scenes to help sell tickets.
    His fingers gripped the side of the table and every muscle in his back and arms looked tense.
    Ashley opened the lid of the baby oil. Click . She sniffed the contents. “You’re going to smell like a new diaper.” She squirted a blob of oil onto the middle of his back and gave his skin a few tentative slaps, resisting the urge to tap out the jungle beat playing overhead. “My best friend back home’s working fast food. So she hasn’t been giving me too much sympathy about my summer job.” He wasn’t tan at all, but his complexion was nice. She smacked a little harder across his shoulders. They felt as hard as a rock. “Marissa’s always complaining about the grease from the fry vat.”
    Sliding an oily hand down his spine, Ashley said, “This is like basting a giant turkey. She’s totally going to have some sympathy for me now.” Under her hand, he stiffened even more. Ashley spread some of the oil down to his waist. “I’m thirsty. Don’t go anywhere, and I’ll try to find some water.”
    Caz said nothing.
    Ashley smeared her hand against the side of his arm to lose some of the oil then scooted around the table and out of the screened section. Spotting the agent right away, Ashley asked about drinks.
    Motioning toward the set’s assistant, the agent said, “We need water and a coffee.”
    It was fun to see someone else scurry for a change, Ashley thought.
    The agent blew out a breath and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m so glad I got him to sign this contract while he was distracted, or he’d have never agreed to this shoot.” She shot Ashley a conspiratorial look. “Sometimes they need a little push in the right direction. You don’t tell them all the details.”
    That was so not right, Ashley thought. The agent was supposed to have his back, not trick him.
    The assistant rushed back with some water, saving her the need to reply. Ashley held out her hand, but the assistant hurried past her and around the screen. “It’s for Mr. Thaymore. The assistant hovered near Caz and set the bottles on the table. “Let me know if you need anything