Irresistible Bachelors: Books 1-5 by Landish, Lauren (classic literature books .TXT) 📗

like an asshole. I mean, if I want a career in acting, I’m not going to always be able to rely on a double for this shit. But I’m not doing it right now.

Jim glares, looking like he wants to attack me with his bare hands. “Why? You signed a contract that stated it wasn’t a problem.”

“I just don’t think I’ll be able to give the passion that the scene needs!” I snap, not meaning to be so testy.

“What passion?” Jim growls, incredulous. “You don’t need passion to dry hump her for a few minutes! I mean look at you, for crying out loud. Give the female fans a few frames of that famous ass of yours, so at least someone gets something out of this godforsaken movie! Heaven knows, they’re not going to be getting much out of your acting ability.”

I clench my jaw, fighting back the anger surging through me. “Look,” I say through gritted teeth. “Find a double or find someone to replace me.”

I stalk off set to my trailer, slamming the door shut behind me. Miranda barges in a second later.

She gestures angrily, flicking a manicured fingernail at my face. “What the hell was that about?”

“He’s a prick!” I growl as I clench my fists. I’m proud of myself for maintaining control and not cursing Jim out. He was testing me with that last bit. “None of these people know shit about me.”

“Never mind that,” Miranda says, lowering her voice a little. “Whatever it is that’s making you act this way, it’s not worth it.”

Oh, but she is.

Miranda continues, “Keep a barrier between you if that will help you feel any better. They make special skin-colored thongs that she can wear.”

“It’s not about that,” I say, turning away. “I don’t care if they shove a giant tube sock on my dick. That’s not what this is about.”

Miranda tries to stare me down, scowling, but then softens after a moment. “I really don’t get you right now, Gavin Adams. Are you really not doing this because you don’t want people to see your ass? They’ve seen a lot more than that!”

My jaw clenches at the thought of that fucking video, and it takes extreme effort not to unleash on Miranda. “Look, just remember who you work for. Make sure there’s a double tomorrow.”

I can feel her eyes burning holes into my back, but I don’t care. Finally, she speaks, her voice both confused and angry. “You know, you’ve been acting strange ever since we got here. This isn’t like you at all.”

I want to let her have it. She needs to realize I’m the boss here. But she’s just doing her job. I hired her in the first place because she’d stand up to me. She’s just looking out for my best interest. And hers, of course.

Instead of going off on her, I turn and shake my head. “Just been something on my mind.”

She starts to come forward. “What—”

I cut her off, flatly saying, “It doesn’t matter. Just get my back on this.”

Miranda stares at me for a long moment before unleashing a sigh that I almost feel across the trailer. “Fine,” she agrees. “I’ll handle it. But you have got to get it together, Gavin. We can’t afford to fuck up on your first movie. If this goes badly, you can expect some major repercussions . . . for the both of us.”

No shit. I fuck this up, I won’t be working in movies beyond doing cameos and maybe a run-in at WrestleMania. I don’t say the words that are on my mind.

Instead, I watch Miranda walk over to the door and pause with her hand on the doorknob, turning back to study me with compassionate eyes.

“You’ve got charisma, Gavin. You’ve got talent. But it’s like football, you gotta be willing to go the extra yard. Let that sit and marinate.”

I nod. “I will.”

Miranda shakes her head, probably thinking I’m a lost cause, and swings the door open. “You have an interview in a few hours. Be prepared.” She walks out, closing the door behind her.

Outside, I hear her heels clicking across the pavement and then fading into the distance. I let out a groan a moment later, taking a seat at the table and placing my head in my hands.

I don't know why I’m letting this bother me so much. I’m so close to screwing up a great opportunity that could set me up for my life after football.

But all I can think about right now is about how I left Brianna all alone back in my room.Brianna

My body aches and my thighs are two bags of vanilla pudding as I totter into the back of the coffee shop, feeling like I’ve been through the CrossFit Games. Mindy’s behind the counter, whistling to herself as she preps everything for opening. Dressed in her usual work uniform, her hair looking shiny and glossy, she turns when she hears me approach.

“You look good this morning . . .” Mindy pauses, a devious grin spreading across her face. “Besides walking like you have a stick up your ass.” She squints at me as if recognizing an old acquaintance. “Ol’ grand daddy one ball, is that you? You’ve really improved your walk since I last saw you.”

“You need to be killed for what you did,” I growl, trying to maintain my scowl and not chuckle at her stupid joke. Mindy knows damn well why I’m walking funny.

She laughs at my empty threat and pours me a cup of coffee, passing it to me as she watches me make my way to the counter.

“Don’t,” I say dangerously, seeing the joke that forms on her lips.

Since waking up, everything from my knees to my chest aches. Even my toes hurt. Even though I loved every moment of last night with Gavin, my body totally hates me right now.

“It couldn’t have been that bad,” Mindy says with another giggle. “You can still walk at least. Well . . . kind of.”

“Bitch,” I