Mandy Makes Her Mark Read Online Free Page B

known around the globe, before she dropped her last name and started going simply by “Luna”—like Cher or Madonna—and a whole new crop of long-nosed models tried to cash in on the look.
    Tad had no such distinguishing characteristic, unless you counted his sheer perfection; Mandy had had to find other ways to promote him to her clients. For the snowboard spread she’d promised a “consistent, superbly textured two-day growth” (because, naturally, Tad’s beard came in with no patchiness or discoloring); for the swimsuit manufacturer she’d emphasized that Tad’s skin held a faux tan perfectly. Of course, these things could be faked with photo editing software, but it was amazing how susceptible her clients were to a carefully worded sell job.
    â€œYou were going to tell me what’s wrong with me,” Tad said, taking a peanut from the dish on the bar and tossing it in a lazy arc, catching it between his gleaming white teeth. “I’m all ears.”
    The bartender had brought their drinks and set them on the bar without comment. Mandy took a sip of the amber liquid and immediately started coughing. It was just so… caustic . That people were willing to pay good money for the stuff was astonishing. “You’re smug. You’re arrogant. You’re full of yourself.”
    Tad raised one groomed eyebrow and quirked a small smile. “All of which, I believe, is my brand , as you explained in that memorable staff meeting last month.”
    Mandy reddened, dropping her gaze to the drink in front of her. She knew exactly which meeting he was referring to. She’d been trying to apply some of the principles she’d learned in one of her night school classes, explaining to her best models how they could capitalize on personal branding in their social media. Naturally Tad had undermined the whole meeting with his clever but subtly undermining comments.
    â€œDo you have any idea how hard I’ve worked to get you placed, Tad? The Air Monaco ad—are you aware they almost went with a model from Trident? How about the Copper Creek spread—I had to promise to re-shoot if they weren’t pleased with the results.”
    â€œThey didn’t re-shoot.”
    â€œNo, they didn’t, but that’s not the point. You put people off with the very qualities you’re so proud of. I have to intervene every time you meet a client. You give off…pure contempt ,” Mandy said. “I’m constantly having to smooth ruffled feathers and promise you’ll behave.”
    Rather than look wounded, Tad appeared faintly amused. “Wow, Amanda, I didn’t know you cared so much about me. I guess I should be thanking you for getting me all that work.”
    â€œYou should .” Mandy tried to slug back more of the liquor but it was simply too horrid. Instead she reached for Tad’s soda and took a long, satisfying sip, erasing all traces of the whiskey.
    â€œIt makes me wonder, though,” Tad said, signaling the bartender, who quickly poured him a fresh Dr. Pepper and slid it in front of him. There was certainly nothing wrong with the service in this place. “Why? Why would you put all this effort into my career? You’ve got Tim, Jalal—they’d both kill to go on those shoots. And there’s no need to pretend you actually ever liked me. So why make the effort?”
    â€œAre you serious?” Mandy couldn’t believe the question—just one more bit of evidence that Tad’s world view was completely disconnected from reality. “Because of Luna! Why do you think? When I keep Luna happy, everyone’s happy.”
    Except that wasn’t entirely true, was it? Luna liked to be the center of attention. She was perfectly happy as long as no one else was receiving as much admiration as she was. Money wasn’t an issue–Luna was extraordinarily well-paid, even if the agency was still