The Things She Says(51)

But, a glimpse into the psyche of the man VJ loved via his ex was too tempting to pass up.

“Really? Why?”

“You don’t take any crap. He likes strong women who take care of themselves. What do you do?”

Kris liked strong women. Who took care of themselves. So far, she hadn’t been racking up too many points on either count. “What do I do about what?”

“For your career.” Kyla sat gracefully on one of the leather couches lining the wall of the club and crossed her legs in a way too posed to be comfortable, but which showed off her toned thighs. It was astonishing how she’d done that without falling to the floor.

“I’m between engagements. Considering my options.”

The last thing she’d admit to this accomplished woman was how bleak prospects were for eating next week, never mind the luxury of choosing a career.

“Good for you. Very smart to consider all the options.” Kyla swept her with another full-length glance as VJ joined her on the couch. “I love that dress. Roberto Cavalli is one of my favorite designers.”

“Thanks.” There was no way she could reciprocate. She had no idea who’d designed the stunning sequined dress Kyla was wearing and probably wouldn’t know how to pronounce it if she did. And she had a feeling Kyla was leading up to something. Nerves kicked at her, and she wedged her hands under her skirt.

“Can I ask you something?” Kyla went on without pausing. “Did Kris tell you about the financing for his next movie?”

“Of course. He doesn’t keep secrets from me.”

A cigarette appeared between Kyla’s fingers and she waved off Guy who’d returned and jumped over with a light. “Then you must know the film’s budget is tied to the publicity campaign Kris just threw in the trash. He must care about you a great deal to give up that film.”

The flame from Kyla’s lighter mesmerized VJ for a moment, and she didn’t immediately register what the other woman had said. “What?”

“Oops.” Kyla flinched and with a laugh, shook her head. “I assumed you knew the deal with Jack Abrams fell through since you don’t have any secrets.”

“Fell through? No, Kris is working on alternatives. He told me.”

Though she and Kyla were almost the same age, the sudden shrewd light in the other woman’s eyes said VJ was young and naive.

“Making movies is about money and ego, and when money and ego are involved, so are contracts. Directors don’t have the luxury of alternatives, no matter what Kris told you. Oh, I hope I didn’t cause problems between the two of you. He deserves to be happy. Speak of the devil.” Kyla nodded with a raised brow as Kris crossed the room with two drinks in hand. The VIP section wasn’t nearly dim enough to hide his back-off vibe, which she suspected he radiated reflexively when around other people.

“Enough girl talk.” Kris handed Kyla her drink. He extended the same hand to VJ, pulled her off the couch and positioned a stiff arm around her waist. “VJ and I will finish our drinks elsewhere and then we’re leaving. Hansen has the valet claim ticket for your car. I’ll call you later about meeting with the studio.”

“I was doing all right,” VJ said as he guided her across the room. “I would have rescued myself if I wasn’t.”

“I shouldn’t have left you with her, but you insisted. I should have said no.” Kris downed his drink in one shot, lights bouncing off the shiny glass as he tilted it back. She’d never seen him drink so much. She wouldn’t have noticed except for his weird mood, which was getting harder to blame on being in public instead of the more likely cause—he might be okay with honesty, but not with her loving him.

“Kyla was nice.”

Kris snorted. “Nice for a cobra. At least once she poisons you, death is quick. What did she say?”

“She complimented my dress and said you deserve to be happy. Which is true.”

She should mention the film. She should ask him what was going to happen now that he’d called off the engagement. Naively, she’d assumed it would all work out, and Kris would still get to make his movie in spite of having met her.

Her drink disappeared in a few gulps, but it didn’t loosen her tongue.

Kris glanced at his phone and motioned toward the door. “Ready?”

Now was her chance to ask if he was really giving up the film for her. If he was sacrificing something he couldn’t afford to lose this time, instead of giving up something he wasn’t using anyway. Then maybe he’d admit he was in love with her, sweep her into his arms and announce that no mere movie could compare with the depths of completion VJ brought him. He would confess he’d been acting weird because he didn’t know how to handle his emotions.