Sage Advice

by Katie Graykowski

  “Spending time with her is a start, but you need to find things to do that you have in common—you know, things you both enjoy doing that you can do together.” Karen glanced his way and then back to the road. “You really should get with Jerry and find out how he wooed me. I didn’t know we were dating until he told me we were on our fifth date and that he was falling in love with me.” She smiled at the memory. “I’d just thought we were hanging out.”

  “Ah ha. See? You can move from the friend zone to the boyfriend zone. Your husband did it and so can I.” He made a mental note to call Jerry.

  “Yes, it can be done, but he never thought of me as a friend. He always thought of me as a girlfriend. That’s the difference.” She braked for a red light. “Have you always thought of Chloe as girlfriend material?”

  He thought about it. “Yes and no. When I first saw her, I didn’t think anything about her, but at the hospital last night I started becoming interested.”

  “Are you sure that’s not guilt and concern instead of other feelings?” Karen was ever the mom.

  “Yes, I’ve felt guilt and concern for other ladies, but never anything like this.” There, he’d said it. He had feelings for Chloe. Would she ever have more-than-friend feelings about him?

  Karen pulled into Chloe’s driveway. As soon as the car was in park, he jumped out of the passenger’s seat. He didn’t bother knocking and just walked into her house.

  Chloe stood in the middle of the great room wearing the lowest-cut black jumpsuit he’d ever seen. The V in front was cut practically all the way down to her navel. The jumpsuit revealed two perfect round mounds on either side of the opening.

  “Pierce.” Chloe smiled at him. “You’re just in time to wish me Happy New Year.”

  He finally looked up from her cleavage to find her hair was up, her makeup was heavy, and she was wearing a Happy New Year paper tiara.

  “I don’t understand.” If she bent over, the world would get the pleasure of seeing her nipples. He was okay with seeing her nipples, but he wasn’t okay sharing that experience with the rest of the world.

  “Okay, I think I’m ready.” Noah walked out of the master bedroom wearing a perfectly cut tuxedo.

  “You’re the first person I’ve met who happens to have a tux in his car.” Chloe balanced on her good foot and handed her crutches to Sweet Louise.

  Noah wrapped his arm around Chloe, held her smartphone out in front of them, and took a selfie of the two of them smiling.

  “Now we need one of you two kissing at midnight.” Sweet Louise pointed to a blank wall. “I think over there.”

  Like hell was Noah kissing Chloe. “What in the hell is going on?”

  Debra stepped beside him. “Chloe’s agent called wanting a photo montage of Chloe and her fiancé’s life together to show at the book launch. We’re making a photo history of the two of them.” She pointed to the back porch. “I think outside would be better but it’s still daylight.”

  “A photo montage?” He was still at a loss, even though Debra made it sound completely normal.

  “Yes, you know, of them on various dates. Pictures you take of your life with your lover.” Grace smiled at him. “This is our first pic. We’re open to ideas. Where would you take a picture with your lover?”

  He hated that Chloe was pretending to be Noah’s lover. He wanted to be her real lover. But he’d promised to help her, and he never broke a promise. “How about doing things like hiking or going to concerts?” He glanced down at her foot. “Maybe not hiking.” He zeroed in on her new look. “We’re going to have trouble hiding her broken foot and changing her hairstyle.”

  “All we could come up with was using hats or having her hair up as opposed to always down.” Grace tapped her index finger against her lips. “I do like the idea of some destination pics. There’s a clump of bamboo in my backyard. How about a fake trip to Hawaii? It can be another selfie, but all of the photos can’t be selfies.”

  “I like it.” Sweet Louise nodded. “We’ll put them in some T-shirts and shorts and add some mud and sweat stains and call it hiking in Hawaii. We’ll take a trip to San Antonio and have them visit the Alamo. There’s Fredericksburg, where y’all can fake shop for antiques, and then we can have you all dressed up again and sitting at a huge, round table like it’s some awards dinner. We can make this work.”

  Debra nodded. “I like the awards dinner idea. We could use the new banquet room at the stadium.”

  Since she and her husband co-owned the Lone Stars and the stadium, she could make lots of things happen.

  Grace clapped excitedly. “Maybe we could even come up with a couple of trophies to fake give out. Maybe we should all get dressed up to fill out the table.”

  “I don’t know. That seems like a lot of trouble for all of you to go through. I don’t want to complicate your lives.” Chloe sucked on her bottom lip.

  Hands down, it was the sexiest thing Pierce had ever seen.

  Noah’s eyes went to her lips and clearly he saw it too. He lowered his head like he was going to kiss her.

  “Stop.” Pierce stepped into Noah’s personal space.

  Noah glanced up and then shook his head like he’d just clued in to the fact that there were other people in the room.

  Pierce looked around and found that everyone was staring at him.

  “Stop what?” Chloe hadn’t seemed to notice that Handsome Hansen had been about to lay one on her.

  “Um … stop … that is … I think you should sit down. All of this standing can’t be good for your foot. It should be elevated.” That was a pretty nice save, if he did say so himself.

  “Right.” Chloe looked down at the black jumpsuit. “I think I should change first.”

  “That’s probably a good idea.” He handed the crutches to her and put his arm around her in a she’s-mine-keep-your-lips-off-of-her way.

  Noah grinned, shook his head, and stepped back. “Message received.”

  “Huh?” Chloe looked back at him over her left shoulder.

  “Nothing. It’s a guy thing.” Pierce really wanted to help her change clothes, but that wasn’t going to happen. He glanced down. Every time she took a step her chest jiggled. It was fascinating. He couldn’t peel his eyes off her breasts.

  Chloe yawned. “I guess I am a little tired.”

  “I’ll send Sweet Louise in to help you change, and I’ll round everyone up and send them home. We can …” he almost said snuggle, which was odd because he’d never used that word before, “um … lay in front of the TV and watch Game of Thrones.”

  She yawned again. “That sounds nice.”

  Another step and another jiggle. He was so captivated by her chest that he banged his elbow on the master bedroom doorframe. Pain shot out in all directions and he swallowed the shout.

  “You okay? That looked like it hurt.” Chloe stopped and gave him time to recover.

  “Knocked it right on the funny bone. It hurts, but it will pass.” He held her tightly and fixed his eyes to the floor. It was safer for both of them if his eyes didn’t wander again. He led her into the master bath. “I’ll get Sweet Louise to help you.”

  “I think I can manage.” She presented her back to him. “Can you get the zipper for me?”

  His eyes roamed down the zipper that went from her neck all the way down to right above her butt. A tidal wave of saliva flooded his mouth. He grabbed the zipper tab and slowly pulled it down her back. She still had on the tiny, black lace panties, and now he knew for sure that she wasn’t wearing the matching black lace bra. She wasn’t wearing a bra at all. His hands ached to touch her skin. He would run his index finger along her spine, all the way down to her ass. Everything in him wanted her … all of her, not just her body.

  “Thanks, I think I can manage the rest. I’ll be out in a minute.” She stood stock still.

  It took a few beats for her words to register in his mind. “Right. I’ll do my best to shuffle everyone out the door.”

  “Than
ks.” She didn’t turn around or give him any indication that she wanted anything but friendship from him. All he needed was a tiny bit of encouragement and he’d have them both naked and lying in her bed.

  Chapter 12

  Chloe waited for the bathroom door to close, and then she gulped in air. She’d liked the way Pierce’s arm had felt around her. Good God, when had unzipping a zipper ever been so erotic? Her lady parts had woken up and said, “Yes please.” She fanned herself.

  She needed to watch out. Pierce was only here because he felt guilty. She couldn’t allow herself to develop feelings for him. She’d always led with the head and not the heart. That was exactly what she was going to do now.

  Pierce was charming and funny and intelligent and very easy on the eyes, but he didn’t make good boyfriend material. After her book hit the shelves, she’d probably never see him again. The thought made her sad. She liked hanging out with him.

  She glanced at herself in the mirror, but the person staring back didn’t look like her. Her reflection had high cheekbones and huge, expressive eyes, and plump red lips. Thanks to the double-sided tape holding the front of her jumpsuit on, she even had cleavage. It was her, but not her.

  Pierce had certainly noticed her new look. He hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off her breasts. In fact, no one had found them that interesting since college. If she had been one of those overly emotional, dreamy girls, she might have allowed herself a moment to fantasize about life with Pierce, but she wasn’t, and she didn’t plan on wearing her heart as a cuff link anytime soon.

  She unpeeled the jumpsuit from her breasts, carefully hung it up, and then washed her face. She finally felt a little bit like herself. She found the yoga pants she and Sweet Louise had managed to put on over her cast. Slowly, she worked them over her cast and pulled them up. She pulled the pins out of her hair and shook it out. She loved the way her hair framed her face now. She threw on the bulky green sweatshirt dress from before over the yoga pants. Now this was loungewear. She could teach Pierce a thing or two about lounging.

  All of a sudden, she was just exhausted and wanted nothing more than to veg out in front of the TV. She hobbled her way back into the great room and was surprised to find everyone gone but Pierce. It was nice. Now, if only she just had some movie-theater popcorn and a giant Coke Icee. Based on Pierce’s abhorrence of unhealthy food, he probably wouldn’t get behind the popcorn and Icee idea.

  He sat on her sofa reading something on his phone.

  “How did you get everyone to leave so quickly?” She made her way to the chaise lounge part of her sectional and eased her way down. She propped her foot on the same pillow she’d used earlier. She grabbed the throw and wrapped it around her.

  “I told them you were tired and that we could work on this tomorrow.” He sat a couch cushion away.

  “Your friends are so nice. I really like them. I feel like I made new friends. Thank you for that. It’s hard for me to make friends, but I felt completely comfortable with all of them. Debra and Grace are fantastic, and Noah … he’s wonderful. I can’t believe he’s so good with hair. And Karen, I didn’t get to spend that much time with her, but I can tell she loves you very much and is very protective of you.” It would be nice to have someone like that in her life. Chloe and Sweet Louise were only casual friends, but she hoped they would get closer.

  “Yeah, they’re my family.” In very deliberate movements, he set his phone down on the coffee table, then sat back and turned to her. He wouldn’t make eye contact. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Okay.” She drew out the word. Was this where he told her that he was going to hand her off to his friends because he’d more than fulfilled his responsibility to her? She would miss him. She liked him and wanted to get to know him better.

  “I screwed up.” He finally met her eye. He was showing her that he was no coward. “I accidentally gave the reporter who interviewed me your first name.” He threw up his hands like a traffic cop. “Don’t worry. We’re going to do our best to shield you.”

  “Shield me from what?” She’d already been on TMZ, what was next?

  “The media. Once they find out who you are, they will be relentless. They will disguise it with fake concern, but don’t fall for it. You’re going to want to answer their questions, but you shouldn’t, and don’t encourage them in any way. If you do, they will never leave you alone.” He shook his head. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I know you have a hard time meeting new people.”

  He was a very sweet man. She’d seen his kindness firsthand, but this was something more. He cared enough to want to save her. She grinned. “You know, when I met you yesterday, I thought you were one of the most arrogant people ever. Considering that both of my parents are narcissists, that’s saying a lot. But you’re not. You’re actually one of the sweetest men ever.” She patted the cushion next to her. “Come on over and let me give you a hug. Incidentally, I’m not a hugger, but I’d like to give you one anyway.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t angry?” He moved closer to her, but he still seemed reluctant.

  “Why would I be mad?” She put her hand to her stomach. “I’m not going to lie, the thought of having people I don’t know watching me makes me a little queasy, but you didn’t do it on purpose, and you’ve been so kind to me.” She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks for finding me a real fake fiancé and for saving my imaginary one from being barbecued and served at a picnic.” She leaned back down. She’d been tempted to linger over the kiss in case he’d wanted to kiss her for real, but that wasn’t likely, so instead she got in and got out fast. She’d always wanted to be one of those take-charge-and-ask-out-a-guy type of women, but she was more of an I-hope-they-don’t-notice-me-because-I-don’t-want-to-be-made-fun-of type of woman.

  “You shouldn’t thank me for anything. I should be thanking you for not making a big deal about it.” He ran his fingers through his hair, making it look charmingly rumpled. “You don’t understand. They will hound you. They will follow you to the grocery store and photograph everything you buy.” He sounded like he was berating himself.

  “That’s just sad.” She should have been a little more nervous, but all she could think of was purposely buying strange combinations of things to keep people wondering. “Now I’m going to have to buy strange things to keep them guessing. Let America wonder what I’m going to do with charcoal, tampons, and maraschino cherries.” She patted his leg. He seemed really upset. “Don’t worry. You slipped up today, but I think the valet last night outed me with the pictures. Apparently, we were on TMZ this morning. That’s one of the reasons my agent called. She wanted to find out if I was okay and to ask me to create a video montage of my life with Noah.”

  “TMZ, really?” He sounded disgusted.

  She leaned in conspiratorially. “If you repeat what I’m about to say, I will deny it. But I’ve always secretly wanted to be on TMZ.” She threw up a hand. “I know it’s stupid, but when you’re someone like me, you don’t get too many chances to be publicly reckless. I’ve spent most of my life fading into the background, but I was on TMZ. That’s a lot for me. Maybe before this is all over, I can make it into the National Enquirer.” That would be something. The queasiness stepped up a notch.

  “I would have never pegged you for a fame hound.” He smiled, and she could see the worry fade from his face.

  “Yeah, well, I think there’s a little fame hound in all of us.” She rolled her eyes. “My parents are the poster children for fame hounds across the world. They never met a camera they didn’t love and that didn’t love them right back.”

  “I’m going to take a wild guess and say that you’re not close with them.” He leaned back against the sofa and looked like he was making himself comfortable.

  “It occurred to me earlier today that I should probably tell them about my accident. What does it say about me that I forgot to call them again?” She’d do it later.

  “All it says is
that you have about the same relationship with your parents as I have with my father. The less contact, the better.” He leaned his head back against the sofa and closed his eyes.

  “You must be exhausted. Why don’t we rain-check Game of Thrones and you can take a nap.” It was on the tip of her tongue to offer to share her bed with him, but it was for the best that they sleep in separate beds. “After all, you did grocery shop, install a major appliance, fix me breakfast, find me a fake fiancé, and do a televised interview. I bet you didn’t get much sleep last night.” She sat up. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry, I didn’t ask you how your interview went. How was it? I mean, besides the questions about last night.”

  “As interviews go, it was pretty tame. You know, football stats, what’s my workout schedule for the off season, how’s the team looking for the season …” He hunched his shoulders. “Same old stuff.”

  “I guess now is as good a time as any to confess that I know exactly nothing about football.” In Texas, that was a cardinal sin almost as bad as saying she hated America and guns and Jesus.

  He sucked in an overly dramatic breath. “I’m not sure we can be friends anymore.”

  “I know, my lack of knowledge is shameful, but to be fair, I don’t know anything about any other sports either. I went to an all-girls boarding school in England. They didn’t have American football. The boys’ boarding school we mixed with did have rugby, which is sort of like American football, but it appears to be a game where teams just run around trying to kill each other. There’s cricket, which is just baseball’s snooty European cousin. Of course they had soccer. I was on a plane with Manchester United once. Both the team and the fans are very enthusiastic and loud.” She thought about it for a second. “If I were on a sports team, I’d want my fans to be enthusiastic and loud. Is that how Lone Stars fans are?”