Rhett

by E. L. Todd

  People were in the ice cream parlor but they faded away. We were alone in the world, just she and I.

  “You’re a wonderful brother and an amazing person.” Her voice came into my ear, quiet.

  My face moved into the crook of her neck and I inhaled her scent. The aroma of vanilla soothed me. I took a deep breath as her embrace halted my emotion and made me feel safe. She was small in my arms, and my hand could easily span her back. She was light as a feather and fit perfectly against me. It was nice to be held and to hold someone in return. I couldn’t remember the last time I shared the experience with someone, at least like this. It’s not like that after sex cuddle that was forced so I wouldn’t seem rude. This was genuine and true. I wanted to hold her forever. “Thank you.”

  “I complain about my father all the time but at least I have one parent…”

  “He may be a parent but he’s not your family. Harper is your family…I’m your family. We both have a lot to live for and be grateful for. My mom always used to say life was meant to be enjoyed. I try to live by those words every day…but sometimes it’s hard.”

  “I know.” She pulled away then looked into my face. Her eyes were still moist but the water was disappearing. Her fingers moved through my hair, and she touched me gently, like she’d done it a hundred times. “But we have to keep trying.”

  “We do.” I’d never met anyone who understood me so well or who’d been through a similar experience. Aspen became a part of me the moment we met. She was a friend I’d known my whole life but I hadn’t met until now.

  She took a deep breath then wiped away the smeared makeup around her face. “Battleship?”

  I forced a smile. “I’d love to.”

  8

  Aspen

  “You’ve been MIA for, like, ten years,” Harper said. “How’s it going?” She sipped her third cosmo while she sat across from me at the booth.

  The bar was quiet on a Thursday night, and a few people lingered around the room. I didn’t pay attention to anything other than Harper. “My dad really likes him. He loves him like a son, actually.”

  “Excellent,” she said. “I think you should wait a little while longer then move in for the kill.”

  “What kill?” I asked.

  “Encourage him to retire,” she said like I was stupid for not figuring it out quicker. “He doesn’t do anything anyway. The sooner he’s out of there, the happier everyone will be.”

  “I don’t want to make it obvious…”

  “That’s why I said wait a while longer.” She snapped her fingers. “Then bam.”

  “Bam what?”

  “He’s gone.”

  “Why do you always have to talk like a serial killer?” I asked.

  “Maybe I am a serial killer,” she said with an attitude.

  “Remember, we’ve been friends for a long time. You wouldn’t be happy without me.”

  She smiled. “You’re safe…for now.” She sipped her drink again. “How’s it going with Rhett?”

  There wasn’t enough time in the day to explain how it was going with Rhett. “Good.”

  She cocked an eyebrow. “Good? That’s all you’re going to give me? Seriously?”

  “Fine,” I said in an exasperated voice. “It’s going great. He’s the most amazing and handsome man I’ve ever met.”

  “That’s better.” She gave me a pointed look then sipped her drink. “What’s he like?”

  “I already summed it up. He’s the most amazing and handsome man I’ve ever met.”

  She gave me that no-bullshit look. “What’s your deal? Why won’t you talk about him?”

  I knew why I wouldn’t talk about him. “My whole life, I assumed there’s no such thing as a perfect man. They’re all assholes to some degree and nobody is perfect. Disney princes are the fabrication of a lunatic and they don’t exist in the real world. But then Rhett proved that theory totally wrong.”

  “So…what’s the problem?”

  “I’ll never have him.” The air left my lungs and made me feel faint. “It’s like being close to a fire but never getting warm, or standing outside a candy store with your hand pressed to the glass. It’s so close but so far away.”

  Harper sipped her drink while examining me like I was a specimen under the microscope. “Are you falling for this guy?”

  I released a sarcastic laugh. “I fell for him a long time ago, the moment I laid eyes on him, actually.”

  “Are you being serious right now?”

  “I wish I weren’t.”

  She gave me a sympathetic look. “I assumed you would want to jump his bones but to actually have feelings for the guy…that’s rough.”

  “I know it is.” I was stupid for letting this happen.

  “Girl, you’re absolutely gorgeous and I can guarantee he thinks the same thing, but keep in mind, he does this for a living. He takes women on dates for a living. I’m sure it’s really hard to impress him.”

  “I’m not insane,” I said. “I know he’s not interested in me. But sometimes I wish he were…”

  “I just don’t want you to get hurt and put yourself out there. I’m your best friend and I’ll always be honest with you. I’m not saying you can’t get a gorgeous man like that, because I know you can, but this is different. I’m sure this guy is bedding more women than a prostitute. He’s not looking for something serious.”

  “I know.” I was stupid but not ignorant.

  “Just don’t do something you can’t take back. Because if you breach the contract and make Rhett bail, you’ll be screwed with your father all over again. He’ll say the same bullshit as he did before.”

  “I know. I need to keep my eyes on the prize.”

  “Just don’t fall in love with him during the process. That’ll make it so much more painful.”

  “Believe me, I’m trying.” I snatched her drink then took a big gulp.

  “What’s the big deal about him anyway?” she asked. “This is New York. We see gorgeous men all the time.”

  “It’s not that,” I said. “His looks are what I value least, actually. He’s just…” How could I explain his worth in words? There was nothing in the English language to describe him correctly. “He’s drop-dead gorgeous but he doesn’t seem to care at all. He’s not cocky and full of himself like most guys. And he’s so sweet and thoughtful. He’s frighteningly intelligent and knowledgeable. And he’s so much fun. Every time we’re together, we have a great time. He’s become…one of my closest friends.”

  Harper listened but she didn’t seem impressed by my words. “Did you ever think that maybe he’s this charming and perfect man because it’s his job? He’s being paid to act like Prince Charming so that’s what he’s doing? When he’s off the clock, he’s probably a jerk like everyone else.”

  “Maybe,” I said with a shrug. “But I don’t believe that. He’s sensitive and deep. If he’s that talented of an actor, then he’s in the wrong business.”

  “Or the right one.”

  Her cynicism was wearing me down. “Why can’t you just believe he’s truly an amazing guy?”

  She downed the rest of her drink and sighed. “John ripped you apart. Seeing you go through that was just as painful for me as it was for you. I couldn’t stand it if you got hurt again, not this soon. I just want to protect you. I’m not saying what you want to hear, but as your best friend, I’m not supposed to say what you want to hear. I’m supposed to tell you the truth, no matter how painful it is to listen to. This guy is trained to make women feel important and beautiful. The innate foundation of his job is deceit. He pretends to be in love with hundreds of women and he’s a pro at it. He tricks parents, siblings, and friends. Isn’t there a slight possibility that he’s tricking you just like he’s done to hundreds before you?”

  I knew she was right.

  “This guy isn’t what he seems, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Just remember you’re paying him to behave this way. That doesn’t mean he really is that
way.”

  I nodded and felt the pain in my chest. “You’re right.”

  “So don’t let these emotions grow. Because at the end of the day, he’s only your friend because he’s paid to be. When the money stops, he’ll stop. The relationship isn’t real. It’s just an illusion.”

  Harper was gentle with me when I needed it but she also gave me tough love when it was necessary. “Thanks…I know it’s hard to say the things your friend doesn’t want to hear.”

  “You can hate me all you want, but I’d rather you hate me than get hurt.”

  “I don’t hate you.” I gave her a smile. “I could never hate you, no matter how much you annoy me and drive me crazy.”

  “Annoy you?” She flipped her hair over one shoulder dramatically. “Impossible. I’m the coolest chick in Soho.”

  “We live in Manhattan so that’s irrelevant,” I said with a laugh.

  “Fine.” She flipped her hair again. “I’m the coolest chick in Manhattan.”

  “Uh, hello?” I waved at her. “I’m pretty sure that’s me.”

  “Can you flip your hair like this?” She did it again, being even more dramatic.

  I copied her, snapping my neck and making my hair fly.

  She shook her head. “You don’t have what it takes.”

  “When did flipping our hair like prissy bitches make us cool?” I asked.

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. But it’s still a lost art.”

  Harper was odd in her humor and personality but she never got boring. I couldn’t imagine having anyone else as a best friend. The best thing about having a relationship like ours was being ourselves. Even on my darkest day, she still stood beside me. We fought sometimes, like all friends do, but we always found our way back to each other.

  She lifted her empty glass and examined it. “I’m dry. I need a refill.”

  “You’ve already had three.”

  “Maybe you’re a lightweight but I’m not.”

  Her sentence reminded me of the evening I had with Rhett. We had dinner then downed the canned margaritas and tried to pretend they weren’t absolutely disgusting and cheap. The thought made me smile.

  “Let’s head to the bar. You’re out too.”

  “One drink is fine by me,” I said.

  “Nope. If I’m going to have four drinks, you’re going to have at least two.”

  I shook my head. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were an alcoholic.”

  “Maybe you don’t know me better.” She stood up from the booth. “Let’s roll.” She was clearly a little buzzed already.

  She and I approached the bar then ordered our drinks. While we stood there, a few guys next to us cast discreet glances our way. After John broke my heart and humiliated me, I hadn’t looked at another man. I felt no loyalty to John, but being with another guy didn’t interest me at all. All it would lead to was heartbreak and regret. I wasn’t ready to walk down that path again. Rhett was the only exception to that, but that was only because I couldn’t resist him. If he wanted me, I’d have a really hard time saying no. Actually, it would be impossible.

  One of the guys stood up then walked around until he stood on my left. He was close to me, and his gaze burned into my cheek. “I’d like to buy you a drink, if you’d let me.”

  At least he didn’t open with a cheesy line. “That’s very nice of you but I’m okay.” I didn’t want to lead him on and waste his time. He was cute, wearing slacks and a collared shirt, but I just wasn’t interested.

  Harper discreetly kicked me, clearly telling me to go for it.

  I ignored the pain and tried to pretend like my best friend didn’t just attack me.

  “Who turns down a free drink?” His voice was gentle, not abrasive, and he had a slight smile on his lips.

  “A woman who’s not interested.” I made myself sound playful, not rude. It took a lot of courage to strike up a conversation with a random person and I didn’t want to discourage him from later pursuits.

  “Well, why aren’t you interested?” he asked. “I’m a nice guy. Just ask my parole officer.”

  I laughed because the cheesy line had been used countless times.

  “I made you laugh,” he said proudly. “Now I earned a few minutes of your time.”

  Harper nudged me closer to him. “He’s cute. Go for it.”

  “He could be a serial killer,” I whispered to her.

  “Well, I’m here for backup if he is.”

  He watched our interaction. “I’m not a serial killer so you’re good.”

  “That’s exactly what a serial killer would say,” I noted.

  “True,” he said. “But I’m not going to kill you here so you’re safe for now. I’m Rich.”

  “No one likes a bragger…”

  He laughed. “My name is Rich. I’m not that desperate.”

  “Oh.” My cheeks blushed and I shook his hand. “Aspen.”

  He whistled. “Pretty name.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Have you been to Aspen?” he asked.

  “I can’t say I have.”

  “It’s a beautiful place in the winter. You should go.”

  “You ski?” I asked.

  “Snowboard. You?”

  “I can barely walk straight, let alone balance on two pieces of sticks.”

  He chuckled. “You seem graceful to me.”

  This conversation was going to a dangerous place. “Rich, I’m going to be honest. I’m not dating right now and I don’t want to waste your time. There are a dozen beautiful girls in this bar. I suggest you try your luck with them.”

  He sighed. “Some jerk broke your heart, huh?”

  “Shattered it.”

  “That’s a shame. You’re so beautiful.”

  “Well…thanks.” My cheeks blushed slightly.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Harper hissed. “Give him a chance.”

  Rich eyed us with an upturned lip. “Your friend seems eager.”

  “She just wants me to get laid,” I said as I rolled my eyes.

  He grinned like an idiot. “I can help with that.”

  I was terrible in the sack so he wouldn’t want a rendezvous. “It was nice meeting you, Rich. Have a good night.”

  “You can’t hate a guy for trying, right?”

  “No, of course not.” I waited for him to walk away.

  He didn’t move. “Now that you’ve thoroughly rejected me and I won’t be getting laid tonight, can we just talk as friends? I could hit on one of the other girls, but honestly, I’d rather talk to you. You’re much more interesting.”

  I didn’t know what to say because his words were so unusual. I couldn’t reject a guy if he just wanted a friendly conversation. “I guess.” I anxiously tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

  “I won’t ask you out again. I promise.”

  I relaxed a little more. “Okay.”

  Rich and I talked about life in New York and his job. He was a stockbroker working at a small firm in Manhattan. He was nice and attractive but I felt nothing on my end. We stood together at the bar for a long time, making small talk.

  “Aspen?”

  I’d recognize that voice anywhere. It came into my wonderful dreams and wrapped around me like a soft blanket. The visions were always blurred but his face and voice were always distinguishable.

  I turned to see the blue eyes I couldn’t get enough of. They were seductive, luring me in until I was too deep to pull away. Like an artic glacier, they were bright and shiny under the sunlight. His fair skin highlighted his eyes, and his strong jaw was irresistible. I wanted to trail the outline with my forefinger and feel the growth of hair after a few days without a shave. He towered over me in height and his shoulders caught my attention, like they always did. I wanted to grip them while I rocked into him from above. It was a fantasy I had the moment I laid eyes on him.

  My body immediately tensed at the sight of him and the air left my lungs. Then I recovered, unable to cont
ain my excitement at his unexpected presence. Perhaps everything between us was just an act. Maybe he wasn’t the charming man he pretended to be. But somewhere, deep in my heart, I knew he was.

  I immediately moved into his chest and hugged him, like I hadn’t seen him in ten years. His strong chest was comfortable and familiar. The scent of pine needles came into my nose. Everything about him drew me in. I hated hugging him because I knew I’d have to let go eventually. If I had it my way, we would just stay like this—forever.

  Rhett didn’t seem to think my over-the-top affection was odd because he held me just as fiercely. His chin rested on my head and he gripped me tightly. His chest expanded against my face, and I could feel his heart flutter violently in his chest.

  My arms were hooked around his neck and I was aware of how much time had passed. At least a minute had come and gone. I was still holding onto him, like we were dancing without moving. I’d give anything to have him the way I wanted him, to share a bed with him and cuddle until the sun rose the following morning. I’d give anything to make him stay.

  Rhett still didn’t move. His hand slid up my back then reached my hair. His fingers touched my neck lightly then rested there. The touch was amplified in my mind. Every movement registered on my skin. A fire ignited in every place his fingers grazed.

  Knowing I’d been hugging him for far too long, I pulled away slightly, hoping not to see a look of confusion on his face from the inappropriate affection. I’d have to control my emotions better. Every time I steeled my resolve, he looked at me with those blue eyes and I was lost.

  But that’s not the reaction I got. He looked down at me with a slight grin on his face. His eyes flashed in brightness, like he was just as happy to see me as I was to see him. His hand remained on my neck and his face was close to mine, close enough for a kiss. “What a nice surprise.” His voice came out a whisper, only loud enough for us to hear.

  “It is.” I couldn’t think of something wittier to say. He caught me off guard with his unexpected appearance.

  “I figured you would be home, sharpening your cheating skills.”

  I chuckled. “I don’t cheat.”

  “You just read minds?”

  “I guess.”