Tonight, as always, there was a group of young men groveling for his attention, like he was a fraternity president surrounded by a group of freshman pledges. One of them peered at Anna in confusion as she approached. His quick mental calculations to determine where Anna fit in—not an actress because she was too old; not a producer because he didn’t recognize her—flickered across his face. Any woman confident enough to walk up to Tom Melton should be familiar to him. The rigid smile on his face said, “Are you crazy, or do I need to kiss your ass too?”

“Annalise.” Tom opened his arms as she approached the small group. She returned his embrace. They had spent four years together, two of them married. No matter how it’d ended, he had been her first—and only—serious relationship. She remembered the excitement when it began. Tom had pursued her with thrilling relentlessness.

Tom glanced at a text on his phone, held up his hand, and made a call to his assistant.

Just like old times. Both of them had been on the verge of new heights in their careers when they met. He had succeeded, while she had a string of forgettable movies behind her.

“I’m glad you’re here,” Tom said after he had ended the call.

“Great, I—”

Tom clapped his hands together like he did when he was about to tell a client she’d gotten a part, but not necessarily the part she wanted. “I found you a job.”

“I have a job.” Sort of. “It’s a TV show.”

Tom flinched but continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “It’s a romantic comedy.” He glanced down at his phone again. “TopLine is expecting your call.”

“I don’t need you to find me a job.”

Anna ignored the surprised gasps from the executives. Tom gently but firmly grasped her arm and steered her toward the wall, where they could speak with more privacy. They stood under the recreation of an elven forest. Extras from the film, dressed in costume and full makeup, including pointed ears and elongated fingers, sat among the trees. She supposed Tom didn’t mind if the hourly paid elves overheard.

“I’ve always believed in your talent.” Tom squeezed her arm a little too hard.

She pulled it free, needing distance between them already. “And I appreciate it, but I can find my own work.”

Tom leaned against the fake tree. It was his this-is-just-a-casual-conversation stance. Anna hoped whoever had built the tree had made it sturdy. Tom would destroy the career of anyone who caused him to stumble into party decorations. “You didn’t stay in London. They would’ve kept you.”

“Why is everyone so interested in my London job?”

“I keep an eye on you.”