Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Kaitlyn's expression turned frosty. After years in showbiz, she'd seen it all-how many top stars had ruined themselves just because they fell in love? Getting caught up with some guy was never in her playbook.

So when Jackson looked at her, her gaze went cold.

He tilted her chin up, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Giving me attitude now?"

She tried to brush his hand away, but he just leaned in, voice low and teasing. "Kaitlyn, I'm not that easy to get rid of. Maybe I just haven't had enough of you."

She looked down for a moment, thinking it over. Then she said, "Alright. I'll take you to my place and show you the marriage certificate."

Jackson's expression twisted, almost like he thought she was being ridiculous.

She met his eyes. "But my husband's home right now. If you don't mind, you can meet him too."

His hand paused on her chin, something sharp and uncomfortable flickering in his chest. Hearing her say “husband” just felt wrong.

He let her go, but this time, she didn't back down. She already had her car keys in hand. “Didn't you say you wanted to go? Perfect. I left some papers at home anyway. I'll take you to see the certificate."

Seeing how calm and straightforward she was, Jackson's confidence wavered.

He hesitated, then said, "Your husband's home, and you're bringing me over? After what happened between us, aren't you worried he'll notice something?"

Her voice stayed even. "He trusts me. He believes whatever I say. This isn't the first time, either."

Wow. So her husband was used to being played.

What kind of woman could say something like that without flinching?

Jackson's rebellious side kicked in. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Fine, let's go. Lead the way."

But as they reached the office door, Kaitlyn suddenly said, "I need to give my team a few instructions. Wait here a minute."

Jackson let her go, lips curving into a lazy smile. "Just don't disappear on me."

Kaitlyn walked off to the break room. Someone inside whispered, "Kaitlyn, what's going on? That guy looks important-he's not here to buy us out, is he?"

Kaitlyn took a steadying breath. "Remember that young actor we worked with last time-the one who's actually pretty good? I need him to do me a favor."

"But I thought you didn't want to sign him. Said he looked too honest and wouldn't be easy to market."noveldrama

"Well, honest is exactly what I need right now. Call him for me I need a word."

Her assistant, a little bewildered, hurried off to make the call.

The actor, already in his thirties, was at that crossroads where most men start thinking about new careers. He'd had a falling out with his old agency and ended up at Kaitlyn's studio. The place was small, but she treated her artists right-no sketchy after-hours stuff, just real careful planning for everyone's future.

Once she got him on the phone, Kaitlyn explained what she needed, then hung

up.

When she came back, Jackson was

standing there with his hands in his pockets, looking around the studio like he owned it-confident, magnetic, impossible to ignore.

Guys like him just drew attention wherever they went.

Kaitlyn walked over, her tone cool. "Let's go."

Jackson grinned. "You know, your studio's actually pretty nice. Only one floor, but it's close to my office."

Once they were in the car, he leaned in, lowering his voice. "Are you mad at me?” She shook her head. “Just didn't sleep well last night."

And as for why she didn't sleep well, Jackson could guess. He remembered the photo she'd sent.

Busy with her husband all night, of course. No wonder she looked tired.