it myself, and she’s right. So maybe it’s a case of user error.
“Come on.” I put the lid back on and set the canister on the counter. “There’s a coffee shop on the other side of the compound. It’s not fully operational yet, but at least the coffee is drinkable.”
Vanessa cocks her head. “Does this mean we’re continuing the interview?”
She’s already hired as far as I’m concerned, but yeah. I should do my due diligence. Failing to do that has burned me before, and no way am I repeating that.
A chill snakes down my arms, and I wonder if she feels it. The way she’s looking at me is so intense, so intimate, that it stalls the breath in my lungs.
Vanessa takes a step back. “I should tell you up front that I’m here for a fresh start,” she says. “I’ve had bad luck in the past mixing business and—and—not business, so this role would be purely professional for me.”
I stare at her as my subconscious jumps up and down yelling.
You’re hired. You’re so fucking hired.
But I’ve learned not to listen to that asshole.
Clearing my throat, I turn toward the door. “Let’s get that coffee.”
Chapter 2
CONFESSIONAL 46
Vincent, Vanessa (CFO candidate: Juniper Ridge)
Like this? I’m not used to all these lights. It’s been a while since—I’m sorry, what was the question? Oh, right. Yes, absolutely it’s a change. A good change, though. I like the idea of starting fresh. Running? I wouldn’t say running, exactly. Not away from something, anyway. More like toward it. Toward something…different.
I wrap my hands around a third—and likely ill-advised—cup of coffee and stare straight into Dean Judson’s eyes like I practiced.
“Absolutely, I’m still interested in the job.” I offer a small but professional smile. “In spite of the fact that you tried to kill me with toxic coffee.”
An even smaller smile tugs the edges of his mouth, and I resist the urge to wilt with relief. This guy is a tough nut to crack. Over the years, the tabloids have pegged him as sort of a hard-ass. The big brother of the legendary Judson clan, he’s known for his cool efficiency in business deals and boardrooms.
But I wasn’t prepared for his eyes. Hazel instead of brown like his brother’s, which I normally wouldn’t notice. But there’s something almost eerie about Dean’s eyes. A greenish silver on the inside, with a faint rim of cinnamon around the edges. I’ve seen them in magazines, but up close they’re quite disarming.
“…would be working closely with me, but also with the individuals we hire to handle banking and legal issues,” he’s saying, and I order myself to pay attention. “Obviously the level of on-camera time for you would be different from regular community members, but you’d still be participating.”
“Of course, I already signed the waiver.” I give him my cheeriest smile. “I’m not camera shy, if that’s a concern.”
He gives me an odd look. “Because of your stint on Baby Spies.”
Whoa. I mean, it’s no secret my twin sister and I starred in a TV show that lasted a single season when we were six years old, but that was more than two decades ago. It’s sure as hell not on my resumé.
Surprise must register on my face, because Dean’s expression softens. “I hope you don’t mind, but I believe in being thorough. I needed to know everything I could learn about you.”
“Of course.” Here’s where I should definitely not admit to internet stalking him. “Is it true you singlehandedly exposed director Dave Wienerman for sexually harassing all those actresses and then fought to upend the Hollywood status quo so it doesn’t happen again?”
Shit. I didn’t mean to ask that.
Dean presses his lips together and stares at me. “No.”
“I see.”
“Not singlehandedly.”
Oh.
He spreads his hands on the table and looks at me. “I see we’ve both done our homework, Ms. Vincent.”
“Vanessa. Please, call me Vanessa.”
“Vanessa.” He says my name like he’s tasting it. Like he’s rolling it around on his tongue like a juicy raspberry.
I uncross my legs and re-cross them, pretty sure I should quit with the coffee. It’s definitely hot in here.
“Well, Vanessa” he says. “It’s apparent we’ve both done our research. Due diligence is important, so I’m glad we’re on the same page.”
I’m struck suddenly by the urge to know more about him. Some detail that’s not on his IMDb page or in the gossip columns online. Those sites froth with facts about his family’s Hollywood pedigree or his ugly breakup with one of Hollywood’s hottest actresses, but