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  Curvy Co-Star

  Curves in the City: Book 3

  Flora Madison

  Copyright © 2020 by Flora Madison

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  **Edited by Geeky Girl Author Services**

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Epilogue: Billie

  Also by Flora Madison

  Thanks for Reading!

  1

  Archer

  The minute I see her face flash up on the screen, I know she’s the one. After six months of searching both coasts for the perfect co-star, she appears like a bolt from the blue.

  The gorgeous bombshell brushes a cascading mass of golden red curls away from her creamy white shoulder. Her blue dress hugs her voluptuous curves like it’s custom made. When she finally makes direct contact with the lense, her emerald green eyes sparkle, permeating the space between us. My breath catches in my throat, amazed at her presence, her beauty. The woman glances off-camera, nods to whoever else is in the room, then brings her eyes back to the lense as though staring directly at me. A genuine smile spreads across her bow shaped lips.

  “Hi, I’m Billie Wyatt.” Her low voice crackles.

  “Stop the tape.” I lean forward in my chair as my co-executive producer hits pause on his laptop.

  “There’s no tape, Archer. Everything’s digital these days.”

  “I know that, Wren. It’s a figure of speech.” I roll my eyes. “Who the hell is this and why haven’t I seen her before?”

  “She just said it, weren’t you paying attention?” He shuffles through the headshots on his lap. “Because I sure wasn’t.”

  “Billie Wyatt.” My tongue tingles just saying her name. “But who is she?”

  Wren pulls her headshot out from the stack. “Let’s see,” he sighs, and his cheeks expand like a blowfish. “Theatre actress, it looks like. A few Off-Broadway credits. Regional Theatre, yada, yada…”

  “She’s based in New York?”

  “Her agent has a New York address, so I’m assuming that’s the case.” He reaches across the room and hands me Billie’s picture. The photo doesn’t do her justice. For one thing, you can’t see her delicious curves. Aside from that, she isn’t smiling. And with a smile like the one still paused on the screen, she should be. It lights up the room.

  “She’s the one.” My eyes drink in the curve of her neck.

  Wren laughs, leaning back in his rolling chair. When I don’t join in, his smile drops. “Wait, you’re serious?”

  “Yeah, man. Look at her.” Again, I’m captivated by the renaissance goddess on the screen. “I love her.”

  “What?” Wren’s voice raises.

  When I realize my mistake, heat rushes to my cheeks. “The camera loves her.”

  “She’s pretty, I’ll give you that.” Wren bites his lower lip, his brow furrowed. “Say it.”

  “Say what?”

  “What you’re trying not to say.”

  He huffs out a humorless laugh, eyes rolling up toward the ceiling. “I’m not—“

  “Say it, Wren.”

  He shakes his head, choosing his words carefully. “We’ve been tirelessly searching for the perfect co-star for this television series that you insisted on making.”

  “Yes.”

  “The woman hasn’t even read her lines yet, and you want to cast her?”

  “Yes.”

  “What if her acting sucks?”

  “Look, I know it sounds crazy. But I have this feeling about her. About us.” I whisper, then clear my throat. “Working together, of course.” I run a hand through my hair, blowing out whatever air is left in my lungs. “She’s the one, Wren. I’m standing strong on this.” Her smile continues beaming at me from the paused screen.

  The wheels on Wren’s chair scrape against the floor as he rolls over to me. “Arch, buddy. I don’t want to be that guy.” He uses air quotes—another habit of his. “But, she’s not exactly leading lady material.”

  I scrunch up my face. “And why is that?”

  “Do I have to say it?” He gestures toward the screen, bobbing his head.

  My body clenches. “I think you do.”

  “She’s … overweight, Archer. There aren’t big girls in leading roles on prime time television. Well, unless part of their storyline is to be the fat girl.”

  “She’s not fat, bro. She’s curvy. I think she looks amazing.”

  “Wren, you played a Viking king in your last film. She’s not the type of actress that plays opposite guys like you.”

  My fists ball at my sides, body tight and tense. When I twist my neck, a crack pierces the silence between us. Show Business can be cutthroat. It’s filled with political bullshit and injustices, alike. It looks like hiring Billie is going to be a fight, but like any battle I’ve ever stepped up against, I do not intend to lose.

  “But, it’s cool for someone like Kevin James to be married to a hot, skinny woman? He’s not exactly leading man material.” I use his air quotes against him—as I have nothing against Kevin James. He’s a great guy. Had a beer with him at an after party once. “We see that on television all the time. But heaven forbid we put a woman who isn’t a size two in a leading role. She’s gorgeous, and she’s charismatic, and she’s who I want to play opposite me in this series.”

  I stare my partner down, hoping my mini-rant convinces him. When you’re co-executive producing something, both parties have to be pleased, even if I am the one who’ll be on screen, and Wren behind the scenes.

  After a long pause, Wren finally speaks. “Okay, Arch. I see what you’re getting at.”

  “Good!” I throw my hands up in the air.

  “Diversity is in. I think it’s a great idea to cast a non-traditional body type.” I open my mouth to object, but he keeps going as he rolls his chair back in front of his laptop. “It might give us brownie points with the network, too. Award committees will absolutely eat it up.” He grabs his coffee cup and raises it. “You’re a genius, man. On-screen and off. If you want Billie…”

  “Wyatt.”

  “Billie Wyatt as your co-star, I’m not going to stop you.”

  I’m about to object to his absurd thinking, but maybe it isn’t worth it to object. Those superficial reasons are the furthest thing from my mind. I want Billie cast as my love interest in the series, because I’m completely and totally captivated by her. It’s a strange sensation, but something tells me that she’s perfect for this project, and maybe for me.

  “Hit play.” I tilt my head in Wren’s direction. He does what I ask, and we both watch Billie light up the screen. A smile spreads across my face when I realize that not only is she the most radiant woman I’ve ever seen in my life, but she’s a damn good actress, too.

  Thank God.

  2

  Billie

  My cellphone shakes in my hand. “Are you kidding me? I’m going to star opposite Archer Bain? The Archer Bain! How did this happen?”

  My agent’s voice pings in my ear. “You auditioned and he loved your read. It’s as simple as that, Billie my dear.”

  My bare feet dig into the shag carpet surrounding my bed. I wince when I spot my chipped toenails, which could use some serious love. Now that I’m going to be on television—a fact I still cannot quite believe—I’m treating myself to a pedicure this afternoon. After eight long years
of shuffling my butt to auditions all around the city, and not booking much more than a few non-union commercials here and there, I freaking deserve it!

  “Laura, I thought I read the sides for the neighbor. How did I end up landing the lead?”

  “The details aren’t important, I guess. They didn’t tell me. All they said was that you were their number one pick.”

  My mouth hangs open as I peer out of my bedroom window. Yellow cabs litter both lanes of traffic on Broadway and 148th where I live. The call came right after I finished my yoga class. Being an aspiring actress in New York City crushes your soul in many ways. Yoga’s one of the only activities where I can block out my own ambitions and concentrate on the present moment.

  Right now, however, my brain spins into future mode. What will I wear to the Emmys? What will I wear to my first day on set? What will Archer Bain look like in person? Will he be as hot as he is in the movies? A shiver of excitement washes over me. He’s the Hollywood hunk who’s known for dating his co-stars. Holy moly, I can’t even imagine.

  “Earth to Bille!” My agent’s voice knocks me back to the present.

  “Sorry, I zoned out.”

  “You need to get your butt down to midtown for a costume fitting. The project is moving very fast, and they want to shoot your first scene tomorrow.”

  I almost audibly gulp. “Tomorrow? That’s so soon.”

  “I know. So, get into a cab ASAP. Ya dig?”

  My hand slaps against my mouth. I still cannot believe this is actually happening. “Yeah, I totally dig.”

  I move in what feels like hyper speed. My fingers fumble with my hairbrush. I get soap in my eye. I even accidentally step on my cat, Sophie’s tail. To be fair, if she understood English, she’d know I was a nervous wreck and that I didn’t mean to hurt her. I grab my keys and am able to hail a cab right outside my door, which is a great omen considering it’s nearly rush hour.

  Thirty-five minutes later, I’m standing on Forty-fifth and Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen. In truth, the subway would’ve been faster, but mama’s got a job now! I smooth my shirt against my jeans and head into the building. The doorman points me to the fifteenth floor.

  The elevator doors open in the middle of the hallway. Offices line the corridor on both sides, and I’m not sure where I’m headed. I unlock my phone to check Laura’s email, step off of the elevator, and BAM! I run into something, better yet, someone. Before I have time to process what’s happening, two strong hands grip the sides of my arms.

  My head flies up and there he is. Standing before me, in the flesh, is Archer Bain. My mouth bobs open and closed, partly out of surprise, but mostly out of shock. He’s even more gorgeous in person than he is on the big screen. He wears his dark blonde hair long and pushed back away from his face, which serves to accentuate his intense, bright blue eyes. An audible gasp escapes my mouth as I find myself lost in them, unable to look away. His square jaw clenches before one side of his full lips curls into a half smile.

  “Well, well.” The crinkles at the corners of his eyes give him a mischievous look. “If it isn’t my new co-star.” He leans in toward me causing my body to stiffen like I’m twelve years old and it’s my first boy/girl dance. Then he plants two soft kisses on the sides of my face. His scent—sandalwood with the slightest hint of patchouli—lingers in the air around me, even after he’s pulled back.

  “You’re Archer Bain.” I sound like an idiot, but he’s a freaking movie star. Not to mention my first crush.

  His smile lights up the room. “Just Archer’s fine. Or Arch.” He wiggles his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “Up to you.” He shrugs, causing his shoulders to pop and flex through his plain white T-shirt. My panties melt on the spot. I hope to God I’m not visibly shaking. Archer Bain, of recent, has become the industry's biggest action star. I figured he’d be buff, but I didn’t expect he’d be this massive. His corded arms are inked from elbow to wrist. Even beneath his shirt, I can make out tattoos strewn across his chest.

  I immediately undress him with my mind. Ripping that shirt right off so that I can run my fingers all over his shredded torso. Dig my fingernails into his back. Pull him close enough to feel him pressing up against me.

  I don’t know how, but I find my voice. “It’s nice to meet you, Archer.” Heat rushes through every cell in my body. It’s hell on earth, but I’m managing to control myself…barely.

  “You’re here for the fitting.” It’s not a question. “I’ll walk you there.” He tips his head in the direction we’re heading. Our shoes squeak against the tile floor beneath us. This is all happening so fast. Hours ago, I was dreading having to go wait tables tonight. Now, I’ve got this gorgeous movie star walking me to my job on a television show.

  Pinch me, I must be dreaming!

  “And you’re good to start shooting tomorrow?” His low voice is softer than it is in his films. “I know it’s quick, but we had a hard time finding you.” MY head flicks in his direction. “Finding the right actress for this role, that is. Then we saw you, and here we are.”

  Archer stops and turns to face me, staring down at me with those crystal clear blue eyes. His head is nearly parallel with the doorframe we’re standing by. A big man like him makes me feel like a delicate freaking flower, and I can’t shake the thought of being overpowered by him.

  “Yes,” my voice cracks. “Here we are.”

  A smile spreads across his face, warm and genuine, followed by a little huff of air from his nostrils. “No, I mean here we are.” He points to the door. On it, a hand written sign reads the word ‘fitting room’ along with today’s date.

  “Oh my God.” Now it’s my turn to laugh. My face shifts from peach to red and I bring my hand up to cover my embarrassment. “Yes we are.”

  “It was nice to officially meet you, Billie.” His voice drops, and so do his eyes. They trickle up and down my body. Oh my God is he checking me out? “I’m excited to work together.”

  “Likewise.” I press my hands together in front of me, unable to control the flirty swaying of my upper body.

  Archer nods and turns away as I reach for the doorknob. I try to control myself, but I’m weak. I throw a final glance over my shoulder as he’s walking away, only to find that Archer Bain is staring right back.

  3

  Archer

  It’s the first time in fifteen years that I’ve been nervous coming to set. The hair and makeup artist—HMU for short—fiddles with my hair as I flip through today’s shooting script. I can’t believe this is the first scene we’re shooting.

  Maybe it was Wren’s idea; he insisted on directing the pilot episode. I tried to fight him on it, as he’s not exactly the best communicator, but I’ve learned to pick my battles. I plan to take on that role if we get picked up for series. My hands sweat as I flip to the last page. I can’t tell if it’s from pure nerves or complete anticipation. The first scene I’ll be shooting with Billie, is the make out scene.

  Because this woman doesn’t already send my heart racing into the danger zone. Because her lavender smell doesn’t drive insane. Because she isn’t the only thing I’ve been thinking about since the minute I fucking saw her. Now I have to deal with controlling myself around her while an entire crew watches us make out. Grant me strength.

  “I think we’re done.” Gracie, the HMU woman, plants her hands on her hips and admires her work in the mirror. When I look up, I notice the thin bead of sweat lining my upper lip. Billie’s done a number on me. At least it won’t be hard to pretend that I’m madly in love with her like the script says.

  “Looks great.” I admire my hair on both sides. “Thanks, Gracie.”

  “No problem.” She leans forward and whispers in my ear. “I had a good subject.” A knock on my trailer door saves me. I’m used to women blatantly flirting with me, but it’s not cool to do it while I’m working. Unfortunately for her, that may have just cost her a job.

  “Could you get the door?” My voice is harsh. Gracie doesn’
t answer, but does as she’s told. Sunlight streams in through the open door, and at first I can’t see who’s on the other side.

  “Knock, knock.” A voice, sweet as honey, fills the air. “Hope I’m not bothering you.” My eyes adjust to find Billie standing before me. She’s wearing a robe over her costume, a tight red dress with a plunging neckline. I swallow back a wave of excitement at the sight of her full, supple cleavage.

  “Not at all, come in.” Billie presses her lips into a tight smile and steps inside. Her eyes drift toward Gracie. “If you could give us a minute, Gracie.” I tilt my head toward the exit. Gracie’s lips part in disbelief. A small huff escapes her lips and with heavy feet, she leaves my trailer.

  Finally, I can give Billie all of my attention. “What’s up?” I try and sound casual, but the truth is that all I can think about is wrapping my arms around her soft waist, laying her down on the bed in the back and tasting every inch of her.

  “Today’s scene.” She inhales deeply, causing her chest to rise closer to her chin. I bet her breasts feel like absolute heaven. More than a handful. I picture them oozing out from between my fingers as I suck her tiny diamond peaks into my mouth. “It’s…well, it’s not what I thought we’d be starting with.”

  “You and me both.” I train my eyes on hers so that I don’t stare at her picture perfect figure, and catch a passing hint of disappointment. “I thought we’d warm up to it a little.” I amend.

  “Yeah.” She inches closer toward me, her scent filling my trailer. I stand to meet her, and almost instantly regret it as the thickness in my pants hardens against my zipper. “And I have a confession to make.” Her sparkling eyes flicker around the room. “I’ve never actually had an on-screen kiss before.”