Genre: Romance
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer : Standard disclaimers apply. The characters belong to Shalz R.
Prologue: The Perfect Life : Part 3
The three guys stayed together in the Maxwell Manor. Ian and Tyler didn’t exactly like his being there, as Adrian was his father’s man, and he knew it. Though it did hurt him. He accompanied them everywhere, be it studios, outdoor shooting, parties, press conferences, anyone who invited Ian ended up inviting the three of them. Ian was tired of having this unwanted guy tag along everywhere for ‘protecting’ him. He was someone who loved risking his life for adventure, having someone protect his life wasn’t something he was used to. He wanted him to go back, especially since he and Tyler didn’t get along too well. Tyler being his Manager created events for him to remain in public eye, whereas Adrian was protecting him from those very people. They were constantly at each other’s throats for Ian’s attentions. Adrian liked to work with Ian, even though he knew that Ian didn’t like his being there. He understood that Ian had nothing against him but having someone tag along everywhere was something that he detested. Adrian and Ian liked each other’s spirit for adventure. Ian knew that Adrian was risking his life for him, even if for money, and he appreciated that.
Once they decided to go camping for a few days, of course Adrian followed. It was this little trip that changed the feelings of Ian and Tyler towards Adrian. Tyler actually needed Adrian’s help to get the hang of camping stuff, and more than once ended up actually saving his life. Adrian had got hurt saving him from falling off the cliff and earned a sling for his arm. They still didn’t get along well, as Adrian pulled Tyler’s leg, continuously harping upon the fact that he needed his help. Ian was so amused by the leg pulling that Tyler accused him of siding with Adrian. They came back from the trip having made great friends with each other. Ian took Adrian to the doctor’s, where Adrian took a liking for the nurse who bandaged his arm, which obviously gave Tyler the chance he needed to get his back. She was Ashley Morgan. The later Mrs. Ashley Hunter. Tyler asked Ashley to get him a girl as good she got Adrian, since he hardly ever gets time to do that for himself. Ashley laughed and said she would try and get him a date. She did keep her promise when she invited Tyler over on her birthday party.
That day Ian had done a night shift and slept at home. Since he would be at home anyway, he told Adrian and Tyler to go to Ashley’s party and leave him in peace for at least one day. Besides if anyone were waiting to attack him, they would definitely think that Ian is where Adrian is, he joked. Ashley introduced Tyler to Lauren Jacob that day and they hit it off. Tyler was easy to get along with. Adrian wondered why Ian didn’t have a woman in his life, with all that fame and money and Tyler informed him of the school times where he had been his substitute many times. Both of them decided that they should do something about it.
It was one of the few days when Ian was alone. He had waited so long for a day when he’d be himself. He had talked to Mom, Dianne and Kevin, and was preparing to rest. He was pleased that he had found Kevin for his lil one. They were now planning for a second baby. They had married soon after she finished her studies and lived in Florida. It seemed she was just now his lil one. Yes, he was pleased. He had barely closed his eyes when the phone rang, he was going to let it ring hoping Tyler would take it, when he remembered that Tyler was off. He picked it up and was thankful he had.
“Hello. Ian here!”
“Hello, Ian. This is Mr. Richard Garrett’s secretary from Shelby Productions. Mr. Garrett wanted to take an appointment, today, if possible? He is starting a new project and is considering you for it .”
“Today?” Ian’s mind reeled. His favorite moviemaker was considering him … his dream come true!!
“Yes. Can you make it today? Or shall we make it another day?”
“No. I’m free today. Have taken a day off. Where?
“In the studio’s office.”
“I’ll be right over.” And he hung up.
Is this true? Could it be? He was popular and all but Shelby Productions would be his greatest achievement if he got through this.
He wanted to call Tyler and tell him but it meant that Adrian would insist on coming along, and that meant waiting for them to get home. And waited he had long enough.
The meeting itself went off well and sure he got the part. Right there in the studios for the first time he met Ms. Samantha Burton, Manager at Shelby Productions. He had spotted her earlier at some parties but as was understandable for him, he never made any attempt to speak with her. Mr. Garrett introduced her to Ian. She was good looking, smart and confidant, and Mr. Garrett easily left all the managing to her. Ian could see that. He could see appreciation for him in her eyes. She constantly looked at him. And when she left she winked at him. Such attention was not new to him. He ignored it. Samantha was not easily giving up on him though. She would now be in regular touch with him since he was doing a Shelby Productions project.
Tyler and Adrian, especially Adrian, were absolutely furious when they heard what he’d been upto. The news was terrific no doubt but Adrian was concerned. Ian joked, “Don’t worry, if dad fires you, I’ll hire you again.” Adrian said the job didn’t matter to him anymore; it was Ian he was concerned about. Ian gave him a hug and Tyler responded with a mock melodramatic, “Oh! I’m touched!”
They met again and again, and Ian always tried to keep the conversation strictly regarding work, but couldn’t help being impressed by her efficiency, her work methods and intelligent conversation. She seemed to know just what he wanted and how he wanted it. Everything about the way he worked. Tyler did not like her, he complained that she was trying to take his place but Adrian told him to shut up, that this might be the girl he could finally be getting along with. Looking at it like that Tyler had to keep shut, even though he did not like her attitude, as for her attitude even Adrian did not like it, but only for Ian’s sake.
Ian finally did start liking her and in fact looking up to her for any help he required from the Shelby Productions. Tyler, Adrian, Ashley, and Lauren with joint effort, finally managed to convince him to take her out, even if only for showing her his gratitude for all her help, and Tyler joked that this time he would not be his substitute. Ian and Samantha did go out, once and then many more times. This went on for two years, during which Ian became totally dependant on her as far as his work was concerned. The project with Shelby Productions had ended and was a roaring success. Samantha became a regular company with him at all parties. Ian’s parents began to ask his intentions regarding her and he began to think seriously along those lines. Those were his happy days, he had cringed from the idea of having to out with a girl, and here he was seriously thinking about one. Samantha had in one way or the other became a constant feature of his life. And then the inevitable happened.
He proposed and she accepted.
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