by Hart, Cary
“About that…” I toss the dress on the bed. “I’m not wearing the Pretty Woman prostitute costume. That’s saying please pay for my dinner and leave a tip on the nightstand—and that is a vibe I don’t want to give off.”
“Hmmm—or do you?” CJ winks.
“I think I may have a compromise.” Mal jumps up and pulls something out of the closet.
“She’s not wearing a cotton candy dress!” CJ shakes her head to the point she has to sit down. “Whoa!”
“Come on, CJ, it’s a compromise. Not everyone can pull off the sexy, hip-hop, don’t-fuck-with-me vibe.” Mal tries to convince her. “This pink wrap dress paired with your sexy lingerie and the heels I picked out, and Clo will have Doctor Knockers ready to knock boots.”
“Yes! That is the look I’m going for!”
“Hey, Clo.” Austin opens the door. “Holy fuck. Don’t you ever wear any clothes?”
“Don’t you ever knock?” I hold the pink dress in front of me. Hopefully, this time he doesn’t see anything.
“You know you’re standing in front of a full-length mirror.” Austin nods behind me. “I should turn around, but with that bodysuit you’re wearing, there’s nothing to see.”
“What is wrong with this?” I hold the dress out and turn around, slightly pissed off. “It’s lace, Austin. You can see right through it.”
“Uh…yeah!” He turns his head. “I can see that now.”
“Oh, shit!” I hurry and throw on one of my oversized shirts. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“Well, that was interesting,” CJ blurts out.
Mal just sits there and smiles.
“Did you need something, Austin?”
“Yeah!” Austin finally looks at me. “I just wanted to let you know I’m heading to the station.”
“I thought we were riding together?”
“Thomas will come back for you, but Owen and I have to set up a few props for the date night photo promo.”
“How cute.” CJ turns to Mal. “It’s like prom all over again.”
“Ignore them.” Austin shakes his head. “We need to go over the rules one more time.”
“No need. I’ve got this,” I reassure him.
“This is for your protection.” Austin continues to stand next to the door, one arm on the knob and the other resting on the frame, causing his shirt to creep up a little.
CJ whistles.
Mal covers her ears.
I swear, I kill her with my laser death beam stare.
“Sorry. The happy trail gets me every time,” CJ somewhat apologizes.
“Again, ignore them and humor me by going over the rules.”
“Fine.” I begin to recall the rules we’ve gone over time and time again. “We arrive at the station where the doctor—”
“Jack Hunt,” Austin corrects me.
I side-eye him. “Where Jack Hunt will be waiting for our pre-date photo op. Then Thomas will take us to wherever he has planned. While on the date, I have to tweet at least three times using the hashtags ‘unluckyinlove’ and ‘hotlinehookup.’”
“And?”
“Austin, I have no clue.” I wave my hand around the room. “And I have to get ready. So, please, just spit it out.”
“Never mind. Thomas knows what to do. Just get ready so you won’t be late.”
“I’m trying.” I wave a hand between us, letting Austin know the only thing stopping me is him.
“I guess that’s my cue.” Austin slowly shuts the door.
“Well, that was interesting,” CJ pipes up.
“Hey, Clo!” Austin peeks his head back in and scans the room.
I’m a little annoyed now. “Yes?”
“I’m sure whatever you pick out will be perfect.” Austin’s lips begin to tilt up in what I think is a genuine smile.
I relax.
I’m not sure why I feel like I need Austin’s approval, but I do.
“Thanks.”
“And you,” Austin points to his sister, “don’t let CJ dress her like a whore.”
CJ doesn’t say a word. She just picks up the throw pillow from before and tosses it at the door, but not before Austin hollers, “Good talk!” and slams the door.
Austin—one.
Door—zero.
CHAPTER 14
AUSTIN
Why the fuck am I so nervous? Is this what a dad feels like when his daughter goes on a date for the first time?
“Um, Austin? Have you seen Clover? She’s definitely not your daughter.” Owen bites his knuckle. “That girl is—”
“One—” I interrupt Owen. If he doesn’t speak it, he’s not thinking it. Or at least that’s what I’m telling myself. “Don’t go there, and two, I didn’t even know I said that out loud.”
“Well, you did.” Owen shoots me a look as he fights with a box. “Can you hold that end so I can pull out this promo stand?”
“Sure thing.” I grab the cardboard. “Is this another Dr. Feelgood cutout?”
“Nope.” Owen smirks as he pulls the standup out of the box. “I’m not sure if you’re ready for this since you’re in overprotective daddy mode.”
“Whatever, man. Clover is a big girl who can make her own decisions. Even if they are the wrong ones.” I toss the box to the side and grab the standup as Owen opens it.
Holy shit!
Clover is standing in a hot pink dress I’ve never seen her wear before, holding her hand up to cover her matching pink lips, her mouth in the shape of a perfect O.
“What the fuck, man?”
“Clover said you would get upset.” Owen tries to defend himself.
“I-I’m not…upset.” I pick up the cutout and place it over by the Hotline Hookup sign.
“If it helps, it’s not her body. We took this photo the day she was in the studio and the marketing team photoshopped the rest.”
I’m not sure what I’m more pissed about—Hot Wire using Clover’s head on a stock photo body or Hot Wire thinking Clover’s body doesn’t carry the sex appeal they want to sell. I’ve seen it up close and naked, and it’s more than qualified to sell Unlucky in Love.
“It’s cool. I just hope Clover isn’t offended by it.” I play it off like it doesn’t make a difference one way or another.
“She approved it,” Owen says, like it’s no big deal.
“She what?” I run my hands through my hair.
“What is your deal with Clover anyway? One minute she’s just your friend, and the next…if looks could kill…”
“You think this is about Clover?” I spit back. “This is about Hotline Hookup—my show I created—mine—and you’re telling me this went through marketing, Clover, and my producer, and the first time I find out about it is when it’s delivered. That”—I jab my finger in the air—“is what I’m pissed about.”
“Austin, I’m going to ignore that statement because for the past I don’t know how many years you haven’t given zero fucks about anything that has gone on behind the scenes. That’s been me, buddy. So, figure this shit out. Get that,” Owen waves his hand around my head, and I slap it away, “on straight.”
Dragging my hands down my face, I realize he’s right. Clover isn’t the only one who had their world flipped upside down—I did too. The moment she moved in, I lost all privacy. And if she isn’t home, her bird is.
“I’m sorry. This whole dating game crap is getting to me, but not for the reasons you think,” I confess. “She’s living with me. I haven’t had a girl over since she moved in.”
“Ahhh!” Owen nods. “It’s making sense. Dr. Feelgood needs to get felt up.” He busts out laughing. “I feel ya, man.”
That isn’t what I meant, but maybe it’s for the best that I don’t mean anything at all.
CLOVER
“I’m so sorry I’m late.” I rush into the lobby and notice everyone, including my date, Dr. Jack Hunt, standing in front of the Hotline Hookup/Hot Wire Radio sign.
“Hey, beautiful.” Jack turns around and t
hrows his thumb over his shoulder. “We were just admiring you.”
“You were?” I tilt my head to the side, confused as to how they would do that.
“Yeah, this,” Austin takes a step to his left and raises his brow, “arrived today.”
Uh oh!
“I was just saying,” Jack walks over to greet me with a kiss on each cheek, “there’s no way that body is yours.”
“I know.” I sigh. “The studio thought I wasn’t—”
“Because,” Jack interrupts, “that cutout is flawed, and you, my dear, are perfection. Completely flawless.”
“Oh jeez,” Austin grunts.
We both turn.
“Oh! Did I say that out loud?”
“Yeah, man.” Owen smacks him on the back. “Don’t make it a habit.”
“Clover?” Jack offers his hand. “Will you do me the honor and take a selfie with me for our very first tweet?”
I chuckle. “Of course.” I place my hand in his. “I would be hashtag honored.”
After Jack insists, we move the imposter out of the way, snap a few pictures, and tweet our first tweets of the night. So far, so good.
Clover Kelly @UnLuckyInLove_13
Unlucky in love? Hmm…tonight isn’t looking so bad.
Jack Hunt @dOc_knOckers
Not too shabby.
“Ready?” Jack holds out his hand. “Ladies first.”
“Why thank you, kind sir.” I smile as I walk past a little, pleased with myself when I notice Mr. Hunt checking me out.
“Have fun and don’t forget to tweet,” Owen hollers.
“We won’t.” I wave them both off.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a great night.” Jack grins as he opens the door.
“Me too.” I walk out the doors into the city that never sleeps. If tonight goes well, maybe I won’t either.
#upallnighttogetlucky Tweet that, Owen.
I may not have taken CJ’s advice about the lingerie, but I still feel good. In fact, Jack can’t take his eyes off me. His eyes keep traveling to my breasts. Now, most women would get creeped out by this, but not me.
Jack spends all day nipping, tucking, and stuffing, which means he gets to look at boobs all day every day because he has to, but tonight, he’s choosing to, and that makes me lift my head a little higher. Not just because it’s one hell of a confidence boost, but because it helps the girls stick out a little bit more.
Paging Dr. Hunt.
“We are almost there.” Jack flashes me a toothy grin. “We could have walked there, but there is a chance of rain and I didn’t want to risk it. Oh, and the fact the station wouldn’t allow it.”
“That’s true.” I giggle. “Where are we going?” I lean in as far as this seatbelt will let me and bump his shoulder.
“Let’s just say I’m letting you get up close and personal in my world.” Jack winks.
If CJ were here, this is where she would do her little pelvic-thrusting, air-slapping dance to let everyone know Mr. Hunt is indeed doable.
“I can’t wait.”
“Good.” Jack reaches over and grabs my hand. “Is this okay?”
Yes, Jack. Just move that hand a little more up and to your left.
“Of course.” Which isn’t a lie. Holding hands is more than okay, but Jack is putting off some kind of sexual energy that has me wanting more. And why wouldn’t he?
Jack Hunt is exactly the type of man I’m attracted to. Tall, dark, and knows what he wants. And it doesn’t hurt that he has it made in the looks department with his salt and pepper hair, honey eyes, sun-kissed skin, and a smile I’m sure has melted a few panties.
“We’re here.” Jack leans forward and whispers something to Thomas, then climbs out, offering his hand.
“That was fast.” I step out, careful not to expose myself. “So, where are we going?” I spin around. Hooters, Little Italy, a sub place. “I know! Are you taking me to one of those hidden restaurants I’ve heard about?”
“I’m not sure I follow.”
“Well, there are these little trendy restaurants hidden in the back of…” I pause, realizing he has no clue what I’m talking about. “I’m sorry. I’m just rambling now.”
“Please, Clover.” Jack reaches down and tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, the tips of his fingers leaving a blazing trail of want and desire. “Don’t be sorry. I want to hear everything you have to say.”
“O-kay.” My voice trembles. Not from fear, but from the truth of his words.
Jeffery never said much, and he didn’t hear much either. When I spoke, he would just nod or shake his head. Actually, I’m not sure he even paid attention to anything I had to say.
“Have you ever been here before?” Jack’s hand is on my lower back, guiding me down the crowded sidewalk.
“I haven’t, but I heard their pizza is good.” I head to the crosswalk wondering why he didn’t have Thomas drop us off on the other side.
“Clover! Over here,” Jack hollers after me.
“Oh my goodness.” I hide my face as I quickly walk back. “I’m so sorry. My mind is wandering, and I thought you were taking me over there.” I turn and throw my thumb over my shoulder to the pizza place.
“Their special is amazing, but tonight is wing night.” He points up to the orange owl. “I come here so often, I have my own booth.”
I purse my lips, unsure of what to say as Jack holds the door open for me.
“Come on. I can’t wait for you to meet the girls.”
Wait! What?
Jack Hunt seemed perfect on paper, and even more perfect when we met, but right now, something isn’t adding up. Jack said he wanted me to get up close and personal in his world, then says he can’t wait for me to meet the girls. Who are these girls? Surely, he doesn’t have daughters who work here. Is that even possible? Dammit. Where’s Google when I need it?
I’m sure I’m being ridiculous. This is me running, and…well, I need to try the eggs, or chicken, as the case may be. I put one foot in front of the other and follow Jack in.
“This is great! Isn’t it?” Jack scans the restaurant, his eyes never straying to look at the girls in the short black bootie shorts. Nope. His eyes stay…at breast level.
Of course!
“So, Jack, I’m assuming from your comment earlier you have quite a few clients here.”
“I was hoping you would ask.” He points to a beautiful brunette chatting it up with a younger gentleman at the bar. “She went from an A to a perfect C, and then—” Jack catches himself. “Actually, the rest is doctor-patient privilege.”
“Oh, of course. Silly for me to even ask.” I relax and sip on the fruity drink the waitress insisted I get. I’m more of a Cosmo girl, but Cynthia insisted this was to die for and the perfect cool down to our spicy buffalo chicken salads—which I practically devoured. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until she placed them in front of us
“No need to be shy now.” Jack smiles as he catches a glimpse of my girls before he leans back and throws an arm over the seat next to him. “The waitresses here get a discount for recommendations. Augmentations are public knowledge, but the extras are off-limits.” Jack takes a swig of his beer as I nod to the faint music in the background. “Everyone is paying big money to look…” He leans forward, giving me the come-hither motion with his finger.
“Yes?”
“Exactly like you.”
“Really?” I’m not sure if this is a line he tells everyone or if he really finds my features that flattering. “Jack, my friend did my makeup.” I wave a hand over my face. “It’s a lot of contouring.”
“Come on, Clover, give me some credit. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in Chemistry, a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard, and a Doctor of Medicine from Tufts University. Plus, a three-year general surgery residency at UCLA, and a plastic and reconstructive surgery
residency in Memphis. My fellowship at the Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is nothing to shy away from either.”
If there was any doubt before, there isn’t now. I’m pretty sure Jack just ran down his whole résumé. A simple, “I can see past that,” would have worked. Maybe he really felt like he had to prove his point or maybe he was fishing for a compliment. I’m not sure, so I stick with the praise response. “Wow! Jack, that’s really impressive.”
“Thank you. I take my job seriously. Women and men come to me from all over the world. When I say I know perfection, I do. I’ve never seen anyone with your eyes, cheekbones, jawline…” Jack pauses as he reaches across the table and runs a finger down my nose. “Are you sure you’ve never had any work done? You have a perfect hundred-and-six-degree nasal tip rotation. Women pay thousands of dollars to have that slope.”
“Nope. You can thank my mom and dad.” I laugh awkwardly. Jack has me under a microscope, and even though he’s dishing out compliments right and left, I feel more insecure. Crazy.
“Well…hopefully, if all goes well, I’ll have the pleasure of doing so.” Jack bites his bottom lip as he lets his eyes glance down at the girls once again.
“Hey there, Jack,” Cynthia practically coos as she squats down at our booth, her double-Ds having a stare down with my date.
I know he’s a boob man. It’s what he does for a living, why wouldn’t he want to admire his work? This isn’t creepy at all. Who am I kidding? It’s totally creepy. It’s as if her boobs and Jack are playing a game of twenty questions. Okay, maybe not twenty questions, but she is talking to jack and he is talking to her boobs.
“Well, I’ll make sure to give her your number.” Cynthia lets her hand fall to Jack’s knee.
Is this girl for real? I pretend to adjust in my seat and lean into the aisle. The nerve! Cynthia’s hand isn’t just on Jack’s knee, it’s rubbing up and down his thigh. What kind of discount does he offer these girls?
Do I run?
Do I stay?
Is this normal?
Is this just my insecurities?