This Is True Love (Exclusive! #1) by Jamie Wesley Read Free Book Online Page B

the words more ominous.
    Like she cared.
    “I don’t have to,” she shot back. “You’re doing a pretty good job on your own.”
    A quick, hard clap of hands had them swinging their heads around.
    “Why don’t we take a break?” Pete asked in an overly jovial tone.
    Fliss glanced around the table at Crescendo’s employees. The varying levels of curiosity, horror, and uncertainty she read in their expressions made it clear she and Alex had put on quite a show. She turned back to him. He sat there, stone-faced, obviously not interested in compromising.
    “A break sounds great. Excuse me.” She pushed away from the table and exited the room without a backward glance. Before she wrung her co-owner’s neck.
    So much for thinking their mutual enthusiasm for the Farrah Blake project meant their new partnership would be a skip down the yellow brick road.
    ***
    Fliss looked up at the knock on her office door. “Come in.”
    “Hey, I just stopped by to let you know you don’t have to stay here all night,” Pete said, stepping into the room. “Don’t let the old man think he can keep you chained to your desk.”
    She chuckled. “Thanks for the words of wisdom. Does he know you call him old man?”
    A horrified expression spread across his face. “No. Do you think I have a death wish?”
    She joined him in companionable laughter, the stress that had taken up residence in her shoulders during the meeting finally melting away.
    A shadow in the doorway caught her eye. She glanced over Pete’s shoulder and met Amanda’s stricken eyes. The other woman jumped back and hurried away. Hmm, interesting.
    “I’m serious. Time to shut it down,” Pete said.
    She shifted her gaze back to him and offered up a reassuring smile. “I will in a few minutes.”
    “Okay. See you tomorrow.”
    Fliss waved good-bye and turned back to her computer, where she’d been watching old videos of Farrah’s interviews and performances on YouTube. When she wasn’t stewing over her argument with Alex, of course. Ooh, he made her mad. Still, one thing had become clear today. She wouldn’t quit. She loved acting, but she’d enjoyed stretching her mind in a different way.
    A loud growl from her stomach reminded her that lunch was a distant memory. She stood and stared at the desk she’d wasted no time cluttering. She could clear the surface, true, but she was going to make a mess of it again tomorrow. She clasped her hands together in excitement, finding it hard to believe she actually had a desk to clutter. An office, too.
    She looked around the austere space. It had been Keith’s, but he’d probably stepped foot in it twice. She made a mental note to bring in a few photos of her family and friends and a plant to liven up the place. Maybe some artwork.
    Fliss stretched her arms above her head. Aside from her Farrah research, she’d done line edits on the script and shadowed Pete, Amanda, and Tim throughout the day to learn their roles and how everyone worked together. It had been a long day, but she’d ordered her nerves back into hiding and jumped right in, becoming more comfortable as the day had progressed. The team was still a little wary of her, especially Amanda, but they’d been helpful and answered her million questions. And actually considered and agreed with some of her ideas. Unlike Alex. Her grin faded away.
    Why did he have to be so pigheaded? Where was the guy she’d hung out with six weeks ago? Was that man a figment of her overactive imagination? The camaraderie they’d shared that night had been unexpected but nice. Before the kiss anyway. Would they, could they ever get back there? At least be civil with each other and have a good work relationship? They’d make great partners if only he’d give it a legitimate shot. His experience. Her enthusiasm. Their differences could complement each other so well. How was she going to get him to take her seriously?
    She sighed, picked up her purse, and exited her office. Quiet