Kitty Valentine Dates an Actor Read online

  Table Of Contents

  Title page

  Copyright page

  About this book

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  KITTY VALENTINE

  Dates an Actor

  ————————————————————-

  JILLIAN DODD

  Copyright © 2020 by Jillian Dodd

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  This young adult romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  This e-book is licensed for your personal use only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with someone, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you love swoonworthy boys, strong heroines, and epic love stories.

  If you are reading this book and did not purchase it or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy.

  Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  Jillian Dodd, Inc.

  Madeira Beach, FL

  Jillian Dodd is a registered trademark of Jillian Dodd, Inc.

  Editor: Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing, www.unforeseenediting.com

  ISBN: : 978-1-953071-03-3

  SPIN THE WHEEL. DATE THE GUY.

  Six years ago, debut author Kitty Valentine took the book world by storm when her sweet romance hit #1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list, which was followed by a string of successful releases.

  Her latest novel totally bombed, causing her publisher to suggest she write much sexier books.

  To Kitty, writing smut is the literary equivalent of stripping.

  But with no advance coming in and her royalties dipping to an all-time low, Kitty has no choice.

  Armed with a romance-trope spinning prize wheel made by her best friend, listing all the different types of men she will date and then write about, Kitty will be spinning—not stripping—her way back onto the best-sellers list.

  CHAPTER ONE

  “Kitty Valentine, we need to talk about a few things,” my editor, Maggie, says when I answer the phone.

  This can’t be good.

  “Should I be sitting down?”

  “No. No, it’s not that serious.”

  Whew.

  “The publisher has gotten backlogged from the holidays and doesn’t have a place for you on the calendar right now.”

  “What? I thought you said it wasn’t serious. I thought I was doing well. Selling books. Hitting lists. How can they not want me on the calendar? I need to talk to Lois. She’ll fix this. I can’t believe she didn’t tell me all this. What about my contract?”

  “Kitty, let me finish. There is no reason to bring your agent into this. We very much want you, but we have to wait for some books to go to print before we can put you on. You have a job. We still want your books. And honestly, if you can make them even hotter, the better.”

  “Maggie—”

  “Don’t start. You have made a vast improvement. I’m just saying, a girl likes it hot sometimes, so don’t hold back on the next book.”

  “And when exactly will that be?”

  “I don’t know yet, but I want you to keep writing and keep going out. You’ll just be that much further ahead when we can get you on the calendar.”

  I let out a long sigh. Thankfully, my job is secure. It’s just weird since they were rushing my books out the door last year, and now, I don’t know what to do with this downtime. If I’m being honest, I kinda liked the new schedule with tighter deadlines.

  “Okay, I can do that. Is there anything else?”

  “Yes.”

  I hold my breath. What is it this time? Are my heroes not heroic enough? Not sexy enough? Not alpha enough? I mean, it’s not like I’ve been sitting around, making notes of all the possible weak points in my writing, but every author has a secret mental list just poised to explode at the slightest hint of criticism.

  “I think you should take this time to also increase your online social presence. You have a Facebook page, but we need more from you. We need you to engage your readers. Let them get to know you. Especially the new you.”

  “Maggie, I thought that was something you all did.”

  “Yes, well, some self-promotion doesn’t hurt. Readers today want to know the author. They want to think you’re friends. And you know what? Friends buy their friend’s books!”

  “I’m not sure you’re aware, but I’m a terribly boring person. When I’m not writing, I stay home. And I like it.”

  “Kitty, I know you feel like you’re nothing without your work, but try to have a social life on- and off-line.”

  “Okay, what should I do?”

  “Start making posts on Facebook since you already have a few followers there. Ask questions. Tell stories. Then, get on all the other outlets. Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat … heck, ask the readers what their favorites are and post there.”

  “And how does one do that and write and date, all at the same time?”

  “Kitty, seriously, it’s not that hard. Now, go figure it out and let me know who your next book will be about. I’ve got to run to a meeting. Oh, and, Kitty? I’ll be watching.”

  That’s not creepy at all.

  I plop onto the couch with a huff after she hangs up. I can’t wait to tell Hayley all about this at dinner tonight. Maybe my best friend will take pity on me and tell me how to get on Snapagram, or whatever it’s called, and what to do once I’m on there.

  Jeez. I sound like an old lady.

  Thankfully, the heart-shaped box of chocolates I bought earlier on an impulse is sitting within reach. I tear off the wrapper and shove a piece into my mouth.

  Mmhmm … buttercream … take me away.

  CHAPTER TWO

  “Who’s that gorgeous lady?” Hayley’s laughing as she stands to give me a hug when I finally make it through the crowd by the front door to where she’s already waiting at a corner table. I put the bag I’m holding down and hug her back.

  “You like?”

  “Yeah.” She gives me an approving look as she sits. “You look terrific. Is that new?”

  I run a hand over the front of my dress. “Yes. I got it online during an after-Christmas sale.”

  “I want one for myself.”

  “Hmm. Funny you should say that.” I nudge the bag at my feet in her direction.

  “You d
idn’t.”

  “Maybe I did.” It’s hard not to burst out laughing as I take a seat across from her.

  Her eyes light up as she bends to go through the tissue paper. “You did!”

  “Happy New Year! Now, we can be twins sometime. I’m sure you’ll drag me somewhere fabulous to wear them to.”

  She pulls it out of the bag to admire it. “I can’t wait to try it on the second I get home.”

  “It should fit. It’s true to size. But I put a gift receipt in there, just in case.”

  “You think of everything.” She’s shaking her head while folding the dress to put it back in the bag. “You’re the best.” She lifts her glass of wine in my direction. “And you’re the best friend ever too.”

  “Ditto.” I pour a glass from the bottle sitting in a bucket beside the table. “So, I got a call from Maggie today.”

  “Is it time to pick your new man? I brought the spinner hoping it was.”

  It’s amazing, the way her eyes light up. I don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing friend; I really don’t.

  “Yes, but …”

  “Uh-oh, what is it?”

  “There’s a backlog of books, and I’m not on the schedule.”

  “Then, why are we picking a new guy? I don’t understand.”

  “They still want me, and Maggie wants me to keep working, so my book will be ready by the time I get on the schedule.”

  “Is that normal?”

  “Apparently, it can happen. When I was only writing one or two books a year, it didn’t really matter. Now that I’ve been churning them out, it’s part of my new normal, I guess.”

  “Well, that’s good news. Why don’t you look happy about it?”

  “She said I also have to increase my social media presence.”

  Before she has the chance to ask what the heck I’m talking about, our server appears. “Hello, ladies.” He smiles, all sweetness and warmth. “I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Happy New Year.”

  “Thanks.” Hayley tosses her glossy blonde hair over one shoulder. “Thought I’d take the old ball and chain out for a night on the town.”

  “Shut up.” I laugh.

  “You make a gorgeous couple,” he assures us with a wink before placing a basket of warm bread and a bowl of fancy olive oil on the table. “What would you like to order?”

  Hayley speaks up, “She’ll have the shrimp scampi, and I’ll have the mushroom ravioli.”

  He writes down our orders and is gone before I can tell him we’re not a couple.

  “We might as well be,” Hayley reasons as she drags her bread through the fragrant oil. “This is the longest relationship I’ve ever been in, and I like you better than just about anybody else in the world.”

  “Thanks for that. Ditto, by the way.”

  “And I never have to wonder if you’re gonna ghost me.”

  “You’d find me. I mean, you know where I live, and you know I’m too set in my ways to ever move.”

  “That’s true. They’ll have to drag you out, kicking and screaming, one day. Or you know, dead.”

  “Such romantic talk from my pretend girlfriend.”

  Her perfectly arched brows lift. “Speaking of relationships …”

  I can’t help but rub my hands together in anticipation. “Yes, ma’am. I guess we’d better get this part over with, huh?”

  Hayley shoots me a skeptical look as she pulls the spinner from her purse. “Who are you, and what did you do with Kitty? You’re never raring to go when it comes time to pull out the old spinner.”

  “I’m not usually dying to get some work done. I don’t want to lose momentum. I need something to occupy my brain or else it starts getting all hectic up here.” I tap my temple.

  “Yeah. I’ve seen what happens when things get crazy up in there. Remember that time the building’s power went out and your laptop battery died and you cut your bangs by candlelight?”

  “You swore to never speak of that,” I whisper, eyes narrowed.

  “It took forever for them to grow out.”

  “I’m going to take that dress back.”

  “No!” She pulls the bag away from me with a laugh. “You’ll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands.”

  “Then, let us never speak of Bangsgate again.”

  “I promise.” She points to the spinner with one freshly manicured blood-red nail. “Let’s see who it is this time.”

  “Oh, what’s that?” our server interrupts us as he sets a tray down on one of those folding stands.

  Wow, that was quick.

  Hayley beats me to the explanation. “It’s a spinner. It’ll tell her who she has to date next.”

  Poor guy. He’s more than a little confused. “Excuse me?”

  Granted, it was none of his business in the first place, but still, I feel like I should clarify. “I’m a writer, looking to date somebody new for my next book. This device tells me the sort of person I have to look for.”

  “Oh. I thought you two were a couple.” He slides a plate of shrimp scampi in front of me. “I mean, when your friend ordered for you …”

  “She knows what I like.” And I do love the shrimp scampi here. Why not overload on garlic tonight? It’s not like I’m going to be kissing anybody.

  Not that I’m bitter about that or anything. I just wasn’t the right girl for my previous dates.

  “So, you aren’t a couple?” he asks, and naturally, his attention shifts solely to Hayley. “Does that mean you’re single?”

  Her smile is warm as she explains, “I am, but I’m also a lawyer who works eighty hours a week. This is a rare night out.”

  “Gotcha.” After asking whether we need anything else, he takes his tray and his stand and what’s left of his pride, and he hurries away.

  “You know—and I’m not complaining when I say this—every time I’m with you, it’s like I become invisible.”

  She shrugs it off like it hasn’t happened a hundred times before, digging into her mushroom ravioli. “He knew you were gonna be dating somebody soon.”

  And I swear, it sounds like she actually means it. Like she has no idea how absolutely stunning and magnetic she is.

  “Yeah. I’m sure that’s it.” With that, I give the spinner a spin. “Let’s see who I’m going after this time.”

  “You make it sound so fun and romantic.” She reaches across the table and spears a shrimp in time to avoid being stabbed in the hand. By me.

  We both stare at the small opening and watch the various types of men go past. All the most popular tropes in romance, minus the ones I notice Hayley has crossed out. Even without billionaire, boss, doctor, rock star, and firefighter, there are still plenty to choose from.

  Including the one left showing through the plastic screen once the spinner stops.

  Hayley lets out a tiny squeal. “Actor! Yay!”

  “What’s so exciting about that?”

  “Um, hello, we live in New York. You can’t swing a dead cat without finding an actor. Hell, our server’s probably an actor. You should ask him.”

  “When he forgot I existed a minute ago? No, thanks. I do have at least a scrap of self-respect.”

  “Fine then. I wonder how you can find an actor.”

  “Besides swinging a dead cat?” I stick my tongue out when she gives me a sour look. “Actually, I think maybe I can find a way. Though it’ll take a minute. Huh. I wonder …”

  “What is it?”

  I have to hold up a finger to shush her since an idea is brewing in my head and it might be pretty big. “I wonder if I could find one on social media,” I finally suggest before chewing my lip. “Is that a terrible idea?”

  “Not terrible. Just … surprising.”

  “Right. I didn’t get to finish telling you what Maggie said about me building more of an audience. I have to spend more time on social media and, like, build my platform or something. Whatever it is she said.”

  “It makes sense. All writers sh
ould have a presence.”

  “Don’t get me started. Back to the matter at hand. I could always send feelers out on social media, right? If Maggie thinks it’s okay, I mean. Like if I announce my newest book’s theme and ask if there are any actors in the area who’d be willing to get together and answer questions. It doesn’t have to be presented as a date thing. But it could turn into that if I liked the guy and there was … you know … a spark.”

  “I think you’re a freaking genius.”

  “I thought that was already an agreed-upon thing.”

  “Oh, right. I forgot.”

  She tries to spear another shrimp, but I’m too fast for her this time.

  “Girl, if you don’t think I’ll stab you in front of all these people …” I jab my fork in her direction just in case she decides not to take me seriously.

  “So, let me get this straight. They want you to up your presence on social media while you’re waiting to get on the schedule?”

  “I guess it’s something I should’ve been doing all along. I wish somebody had told me. Have I been too much of a hermit all this time?”

  “I think I already told you that … back in October. And seriously, how are you not already on social media?”

  “Remind me why we’re friends again,” I mutter.

  “Because if you didn’t have me, you’d never go anywhere. Besides, social media should be right up your alley. You can talk to people without going out.”

  “You do have a point.”

  “I know. Plus, there are so many writers out there. Have you ever considered joining a writing group? Like, to critique and encourage each other? To bounce ideas? You never know what you could learn until you try.”

  I have to resist the impulse to bury my head in my arms on the table. Mostly because this is a nice restaurant and there’s a plate of food in front of me. It’s one thing for my breath to smell like garlic and another for my hair to be dripping with garlic butter. I didn’t take the time to curl it for that to happen.