It'll Be An Adventure (Masters of the Shadowlands #15)(106)
Author: Cherise Sinclair

 

Murphy determinedly kept her eyes and ears away from Everly.

 

Leaning forward, the elderly reader patted Murphy’s hand. “Keep writing, my dear; I’ll keep reading.”

 

“Thank you and have a wonderful day.” Murphy leaned back and blinked as she realized her line was gone.

 

But Everly was still there, ranting at Saxon.

 

“What in the world is she so upset about?” Murphy asked Farran in a low voice.

 

“Seems she wanted him to get her the lead role in some action flick, and he totally let her down by not taking her in to talk with his dad at the gala.”

 

His voice was just loud enough to catch Everly’s attention. She glared at Murphy. “You. You ruined my life. I would have had that role and instead—”

 

Oh honestly. “Ms. Ainsworth. If your acting is stellar, you’ll get noticed. If it’s not, all the introductions in the world won’t help you. Some of us find it more satisfying to earn our victories. You might try it.”

 

“Oh sure, talk about stupid.” Everly’s lip curled. “I don’t know what he sees in you. You’re nobody.”

 

“She’s merely a bestselling author who just made the New York Times, the USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.” Expression cold, Gabi looked down her nose at the actress. “Who are you, anyway?”

 

Everly drew herself up. “I’m the star of C-Guard.”

 

Gabi frowned and asked her friends, “What’s that?”

 

“I do believe it’s a television show or movie or something, darlin’.” Marcus murmured.

 

“Oh. Eh, I can’t be bothered with watching TV. Such a tedious activity.” Gabi yawned and turned away. “Josie, I have the most amazing drink recipe for you.”

 

Everly’s mouth had dropped open. Before she recovered, Saxon’s father strolled over.

 

Murphy almost groaned. Talk about a volatile situation.

 

Mr. Halvorson smiled at her. “Murphy, congratulations on the successful release.”

 

“Thank you.” He truly was nice. “I’ve been very pleased with the reviews.”

 

“Hey, Dad.” Saxon nodded with a smile. “What’re you doing here?”

 

“Why Mr. Halvorson, we’re so happy to see you here.” As everyone stared, Everly sidled up to Saxon and tried to put her arm around him.

 

Rolling his eyes, he stepped out of reach.

 

John Halvorson’s eyes narrowed. “Ms. Ainsworth, if you’ll excuse us, I’d like to speak to my son and his lady.” He motioned toward Murphy.

 

“But I’m his…” Everly’s voice trailed off as she realized he knew very well she wasn’t his son’s girlfriend. And that she’d been dismissed. “Oh. Right.”

 

As she reluctantly left, John watched for a moment before putting a hand on Saxon’s shoulder. “I can’t believe I was so blind about how my career affected you. Again, I’m sorry, son.”

 

“Being the offspring of a famous director and producer might suck at times but”—Saxon shrugged—“it also means I’m not still in debt from college expenses.”

 

John brightened.

 

“Besides.” Saxon grinned at Murphy. “Now I have a woman to save me from wanna-be movie stars.”

 

She laughed. “Do my best.”

 

John reached over and patted her hand. “Thank you.”

 

As he headed off, Murphy checked her table. Farran had already packed up the remaining swag. Dugan had boxed the handful of books that were left. “Thanks, guys.” She leaned over to give them side-hugs. “It meant a lot to have you here.”

 

“I enjoyed it.” Farran grinned. “You know, the college business classes are all high-level stuff. It’s interesting being on the ground level.”

 

“This is pretty ground level,” Josie called. She and Carson were cleaning up their space with Gabi and Rainie to help. “There’s actual cash being handed over.”

 

Saxon pushed a cart behind the table. “Guys, you can load everything onto this, Dugan. Josie, there’s room for your boxes too.”

 

“Do you need any help?” Ghost appeared with his arm around Valerie. They’d stopped by earlier to say hi to Murphy and get their books autographed. From the heavy bag Ghost was carrying, they both liked to read.

 

Yes, she did like these Shadowlands members.

 

“I think we have it handled,” Saxon told Ghost.

 

“Murph, help. How in the fuck do you remove this thing?” Holding Murphy’s phone, Farran tugged on the credit card reader. “Ah, got it.”

 

The phone rang, startling him, and he swiped ANSWER. “Here, sis.” He handed the cell to Murphy and put the reader in the box.

 

Murphy saw the display.

 

Pa.

 

Damnfinito. This wasn’t the time or place. She started to end the call without speaking, but Saxon grabbed her hand from across the table. Shaking his head, he gave her a look.

 

One that she understood without a word being spoken. Deal with it and get it over with.

 

Because she’d been stewing about it. Right. She sucked in a breath. “Pa.”

 

“Murphy, my darling girl. I was hoping to get you. I have a small problem and—”

 

The anger rushing through her almost scalded her brain. “No.” Her voice came out a shout. “No. More.”

 

Her brothers spun. Her friends moved closer.

 

Scowling, Gabi walked over and took her free hand.

 

Saxon gripped her shoulder and gave her a nod. She could do this.

 

The stunned silence on the other end of the connection didn’t last. “My girl, you don’t understand. I need—”

 

“Pa, I need Saxon, and you lied to him, doing your best to break us up. That is disgusting and wrong and unacceptable.”

 

“Oh, honey, I did it for you. All for you.”

 

“No, you did it for yourself, so you could get my free labor.” She pulled in a breath as guilt swept through her. Maybe she should—

 

Oh God, was she seriously considering giving in to him? This…this was what Master Z meant—that she needed time and space to overcome past habits.