Code Name: Genesis (Jameson Force Security #1)(38)

When I turn, Joslyn has the blue dress on and is sitting in the vanity chair, putting on her high-heeled booties. While I liked her better in her lingerie, there’s no denying she is the most exquisite creature I’ve ever known in my life. Her pale blond hair is in multi-layered waves down her back, and her eyes are dark and smoky. The dress is sleeveless, low cut, and fits her like a glove. She is sex personified. Yet, she also looks like an angel at the same time.

She zips the last boot and stands, smoothing her dress. “Do I look okay?”

“You’re more beautiful than any woman I’ve ever known,” I respond.

Joslyn blushes, her cheeks and chest turning a rosy red. Her eyes sparkle, and she looks nineteen again.

?

Standing in the wings of the studio stage for The Cara Peterson Show, I watch Joslyn as she talks about her album that’s in production now. Sitting on a couch angled to an overstuffed chair where the host is settled, Joslyn is the epitome of style, beauty, and grace.

Can’t say as I’ve ever watched The Cara Peterson Show, but her name is recognizable even to me, so she’s clearly got the reach we need. The audience went crazy when Joslyn was introduced a few minutes ago. I sweep my eyes over the people staring up with smiles on their faces, and it’s apparent just how much she’s loved.

I don’t have to worry about her stalker being in the audience. These tickets were pre-sold weeks ago. Harry managed to pull a miracle and get her slipped into the guest lineup. I assume that means someone got bumped, but it’s not my problem.

“So what do you love more, Joslyn?” Cara asks. She’s an attractive woman in her late forties who transitioned from national network news to her own talk show about a decade ago. “Creating films or music?”

“Without a doubt… music,” Joslyn replies instantly with a slight chuckle. It’s obvious she gets this question a lot. “While acting is challenging and rewarding, my music comes from my soul. And to share it with others is something indescribable. Writing and performing songs will be my first love. Always.”

“Speaking of love,” Cara says mysteriously, casting a sly look out at the audience before turning back to Joslyn. My body tenses because here it comes. Cara was filled in on the issue of Joslyn’s stalker, and she was prepared to set up the reveal about me. “I’ve heard a rumor you’ve got a new beau in your life.”

For a brief, stunning moment, I want that statement to be true more than I want anything else. I shake it off, focusing in on the conversation.

When the audience starts cheering, Joslyn gives them a shy smile before being coy with Cara. “You might say that.”

“You’ve notoriously shied away from relationships,” Cara says, and that’s news to me. While I’ve loosely followed Joslyn’s career, I’ve never watched entertainment shows or read tabloids… those news sources where I’d find out about those sorts of things. I didn’t want to know about any of that.

“I’ve always put my career first,” Joslyn replies with a laugh. “Not necessarily shied away.”

Cara inclines her head graciously, although it’s clear she doesn’t believe that. From her demeanor, I realize the Hollywood gossip mill must take Joslyn Meyers being in a relationship as a big deal.

“Rumor is…” Cara presses on. “That you’re in a relationship and it’s the real deal.”

The audience goes nuts, screaming and cheering. People start calling out, “Who is it?”

Whether it’s an act or not, Joslyn comes off embarrassed. She waves playfully at the audience, and Cara pushes once again. “Well… tell us. Clearly, this is huge news.”

Joslyn tilts her head back and laughs. Her eyes are sparkling with amusement, and it’s a mighty fine acting job. “Okay, okay… I’ll tell you.”

Cara motions for the audience to quiet down. Once they do, Joslyn leans toward Cara. “Okay… so I reconnected recently with my first love. My only love, actually. And well… let’s just say the sparks flew again.”

“And are you going to tell us who the lucky man is? A Hollywood heartthrob? A rock star?”

Laughing, Joslyn shakes her head. “Actually… he owns a security company. I’ve recently been in need of his services. It’s been years, but I reached out to him and he agreed to take my case. From there…well, nature just happened.”

That’s good.

Really good.

Once her stalker sees this, it’s going to piss him off to know his own actions caused our reconnection. But will it be enough to provoke him?

“Why do you need security?” Cara asks.

Joslyn tries for a game smile, but it falters. Her voice rasps a bit when she explains, “I have a stalker. Things have gotten pretty bad. Well… I just feel safer with protection.”

“That’s awful,” Cara croons, and the audience murmurs their assent.

Joslyn manages a bit of a brighter smile.

“What’s your new fella’s name?” Cara—going back to her reporter instincts—prods with a gleam to her eye.

“Would you like to meet him?” Joslyn asks, and my body locks tight. This was most definitely not in the plan, but as Joslyn grins at me where I’m standing in the wings, I can see a devilish quirk to her lips.