This is probably the hundredth time my phone has gone off since the video released today.
So far, I’ve been able to keep myself from looking at the comments and reviews on it. I turned off Google Alerts to Knox’s name and have been ignoring every text message in fear of people’s reactions.
Now it’s time I put my big girl panties on.
I open Mia’s first. I didn’t give her a heads up that the video was coming out today.
Mia: OMG! OMG! The video is so fucking hot that I had to take a cold shower. I’ve already watched it 10 times!
I laugh. She’s most likely being overdramatic about the cold shower, but I don’t doubt that she’s had it on repeat.
Me: You’re so overdramatic.
Mia: Lol I can’t wait until you get home to give me all the details.
I look up from my phone to find Knox’s gaze on me. He raises a brow in interest, and I blow out a breath.
“It’s Mia. She watched the video, and I’m positive that’s all she’s going to want to talk about during dinner tonight,” I say.
She’ll want to know how he tastes, how he feels, how he breathes.
Every single damn detail.
“Do you want to talk to her about it during dinner?”
“Not particularly, especially since her parents are going to be there.”
Mia has a weekly dinner with her parents, and I usually join them because I have nothing better to do, but I always wonder what they think about me staying there for free. I offered to pay rent once I started working for Knox, but they wouldn’t accept it.
“Then come to dinner with me,” he offers.
“What?”
“The video release dinner is tonight. I told you about it the other day, but you said you didn’t want to come. The crew and everyone will be there. It would only be right for the two stars to be present.”
I hit the reply button before I talk myself out of it. I’d rather sit at a dinner with Knox than explain to her parents why I’m half-naked on YouTube.
Me: Sadly, we’ll have to wait for that talk. I’m going to dinner with everyone to celebrate the video release.
Mia: Boo, you suck. Don’t worry. We can talk about it all night when you get home. I’ll wait up.
I set my phone down and look up at him. “I need to go home and change before Mia gets there and won’t allow me to leave until I give her all the scoop. I’ll change and then meet you back here.”
“I want to wear something new tonight. Let’s go shopping.”
“Why do I need to go with you? You have a personal shopper and a stylist.”
“True, but sometimes I like to go pick out my own shit. We deserve to get out a little. We’re the most watched video on the internet right now.” He walks around the island and stops in front of me. “Don’t worry, we’ll go by your house on the way back so you can change and all that shit. We won’t be too long.”
“Better not be,” I grumble, getting up from my stool. “Because if I don’t make it out by the time Mia gets home, there’s no way I’ll be making it to dinner.”
We’re in a private shopping room in Neiman Marcus with Knox’s personal stylist, Mallory.
I’ve been sitting in this chair for the past hour watching her go through the rack of clothes and having Knox try different stuff on. I check my watch. I have no idea why I’m here. I don’t even know what I’m wearing tonight, and I want some time to get ready. I’ll be in one of the city’s most elite restaurants hanging out with the big shots in the industry. I want to look decent.
Knox is standing a few feet away from me in a loose white shirt and a black leather jacket. Expensive jeans are buckled around his waist. This look is hot, panty dropping hot. He better buy that jacket.
He looks back at me and raises a brow. I give him a thumbs up, and he smiles in return.
He leans down and whispers something in Mallory’s ear. She nods a few times and disappears from the room.
“Do you not like any of this stuff?” I ask.
“I do. What do you think? This leather jacket kicks ass.”
“I like it. It’s definitely you.”
He hops off the fitting platform and sits down next to me. “Do guys in leather jackets turn you on?”
I scrunch up my face. “That’s a weird question.”
“Not really. Do you like guys in leather jackets? Or polos … like that lame ass dude in the club was wearing? Or do you like guys in basketball jerseys? Ones with dreadlocks? What is your type, Libby Graves?”
I shift around in my chair, uncrossing my legs, and then crossing them back. Why is he asking me this? I’m not some contestant on The Bachelor.
“I don’t think I necessarily have a type.”
“Oh come on, everybody has a type, even if they try to deny it.” He grabs onto the lapels of the jacket and spreads it out, giving me a glimpse of his t-shirt. “So answer. Leather jackets, hot or not?”
“Hot, definitely hot. You happy now?”
“So your type then?”
“Yes, my type.”
“Remind me to let Mallory know I need a few of these.”
“Since we’re on the subject, what’s your type?”
“I don’t have a type.”
“Why is it okay for you to answer that but not me?”
“I like women with sass. It doesn’t matter if they have dark hair, light hair, pink striped hair. I like women who know what they want and aren’t afraid to say it. My type is a woman who doesn’t give a fuck that I’m famous or is only interested in riding my dick for an actual free ride. It’s not only looks for me. It’s character and the quality of person they are.”
“Your answer definitely sounds better than mine, so I’ll go with I agree with you and change my answer to that.” Money has never been something that’s important to me when I’ve dated men. I can take it or leave it.
“Okay,” Mallory says, bursting back into the room with a handful of dresses draped over her arm. She stops and bends down at the waist, catching her breath. “The fan girls are rampant and on the loose. They must’ve found out you’re somewhere in the building. I guess they stalk you enough to know I’m your stylist because they were on me like lice to greasy hair.” She laughs, straightens up her blonde hair, and looks at me. “You look like a size eight, but if I’m wrong, I’ll grab some more.” She starts to hang them on the rack. “I think these dresses will look stunning on you, especially with that great figure of yours.”
Knox’s eyes follow me up and down. “She does have a gorgeous figure. I’ve learned to appreciate it with each passing day.”
I ignore his comment, (I’ll slap him for it later), and look at her. “I’m sorry … what?”
“Your dress for tonight,” she answers, looking between Knox and me.
This is so his doing.
“I appreciate you getting them, but I don’t need a dress. We’re only here for Knox.”
My gaze flits over to the pain in my ass, who is now getting up from his chair. He walks over to Mallory to help her unload the dresses from her arm onto the rack; like it’s no big deal what he had her do.
“Try on the dresses, Libby,” he demands.
“I have plenty of dresses at my house,” I argue. I did sell most of my expensive clothes on eBay, but there were a few pieces I couldn’t part with. I planned on wearing one of them tonight. “I can’t afford to buy new clothes right now.” If this were six months ago, I would’ve been humiliated to say that to someone, but for some reason with him, I’m not.
“I’m paying for it.”
Oh hell no.
I push my shoulders back, shaking my head. “These dresses are crazy expensive. I can’t accept that. You’ve done more than enough for me already.”
He sifts through the dresses, and tags start fluttering down to the floor as he rip them off. “Pick a damn dress. Don’t worry about the price. As your boss, I’m demanding it.”
“No.”
He
grins, enjoying my challenge. “Pick one or I will.” His lips spread into a mischievous grin. “And I can guarantee it’ll be the one that shows the most skin and cleavage.”
“Ugh, fine,” I groan out. I slowly drag myself out of the chair dramatically.
He grins in victory and stuffs his hands into the pockets of his jacket as Mallory starts handing me dresses. I take them into the dressing room until I find the one. I step out and stand on the platform.
“Fuck,” Knox hisses out. My stomach flutters when he moves in closer. “You look gorgeous. This one is my favorite.” His eyes stay on me. “Mallory, be a doll and find some heels to go with this.”
“On it,” Mallory replies, grinning.
“Knox,” I say, starting my argument.
“Stop right now, or I’ll buy you more shit.”
Chapter 16
Knox
I snap my watch around my wrist while taking a final look into the mirror before leaving my bedroom. I head down the hallway and stop at the door to my best guest room.
“You almost ready?” I yell, knocking.
“Yes!” Libby calls back from the other side. “Give me five minutes!”
“No problem. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
I smile with each step down the stairs. Mallory found Libby the perfect heels, and I somehow convinced her to let me buy her makeup so she could get ready here since we didn’t have much time to run back to her place.
Why did I do all of this tonight?
I’m still not sure.
I’m not one of those guys who spoil random chicks all the time. I don’t want my money to attract them. The only other women I’ve taken shopping are my mom, my grams, and Stella.
Nate is in the kitchen with a drink in his hand when I walk in.
“Hey cuzzo,” he greets. “I saw the video. It’s fucking kickass. All of the chicks at work have been texting me asking if you’re coming to Emeralds to celebrate tonight. Ecstasy is your best album yet. Another Grammy is on its way. I’ll put my money on it.” His compliment is laced with pride.
“Let’s hope so,” I reply, opening up the wine cooler and grabbing the best bottle to start making us a drink.
“And your assistant …”
“Libby,” I say.
He snaps his fingers. “Yes, Libby. People have been asking me who she is. She’s definitely going to be getting a shit ton of attention from this. What made you chose her over a model?”
“It wasn’t planned. The model was a no-show. We had to improvise.”
“And she was happy to volunteer? You don’t think she’s doing all of this for her own benefit? You did have her sign a non-disclosure, right?”
“Libby is the last person I’m worried about. We had to practically beg her to do it, and I’m not sure if she’s even comfortable with it now. She hates the spotlight, but she did it for me.”
“She definitely picked the wrong dude to work for if that’s the case.”
We go quiet, our jaws dropping, when Libby comes strutting into the kitchen. She’s not trying to look like sex in heels, but fuck, she does. She looks phenomenal. I can feel my cock jerk in my jeans, and I notice Nate sliding his tongue in-between his lips.
The fiery red dress is sexy as fuck yet modest at the same time. It clings to her thighs and flows out from there. It’s sleeveless, jewels line the neck, and the back is bare. Her hair is down and parted in the middle, a different look for her, and her lips are a bright red, nearly the same color as her dress.
Shit. I’m in trouble.
I don’t want to go to dinner anymore, unless she’s the main course. All I’m thinking about is flipping her over my shoulder, throwing her on my bed, and taking my sweet time undressing her.
“Damn girl, you clean up nice,” Nate says. My hand itches with the urge to punch him. I wanted to be the first one to compliment her. I want to be the only man who compliments her. “Where are you two headed?”
Libby nervously runs her hands down the length of the dress. “The video release dinner,” she answers.
Nate’s gaze swings to me. “There’s a release dinner?” I nod in response. “Am I invited?”
“Were you involved in the video?” He shakes his head. “Then no.” I don’t take Nate out with me much because he tries to get jobs and take selfies with anyone that’s famous. It’s annoying and embarrassing as hell.
“I have to work anyway,” he says, with a shrug. “So I wouldn’t want to go to your lame dinner, even if I were invited.”
“Cool. Have fun at work,” I respond. I grab both of the wine glasses and stalk over to her. “You ready to go?”
She starts to rummage through her purse and nods. “Yep, as soon as I find my keys.”
“You’re not driving.”
“Well, you’re sure as hell not driving. I have a feeling there’s going to be alcohol served, and you can’t be drinking and driving.”
“My driver is here.”
She stops to look up at me. “Why?”
“I have a feeling there’s going to be alcohol served, and you can’t be drinking and driving.”
“Smart ass. What am I supposed to do with the Jeep?”
“You have the day off tomorrow. I’ll make sure it’s back to your condo by the morning.”
I hand her the glass of wine and then gently tap mine against it. “Here’s to a good night.”
“Here’s to a good night,” she says, shyly, which is the cutest fucking thing.
“Let’s get going.”
I don’t miss the curious look coming from Nate when I rest my palm on the small of her back and lead us out the front door. My driver, Willis, is already here, leaning back against the SUV and talking with George, my bodyguard. I don’t always go out with George, but I have Libby, and I want to make sure she feels safe and secure.
“Hello Knox,” Willis greets, and I introduce Libby to both of them. He opens the door, and I slide in when Libby makes it into her seat and is buckling her seatbelt. George jumps into the passenger seat. Willis looks back at me after he starts the engine, and I give him the nod that we’re ready.
I scoot in closer to Libby. “You ready to make your big debut?” I ask.
“Debut?” she repeats. “Absolutely not. It was either I endure this or a conversation with Mia’s parents about faking an orgasm while you’re on top of me.”
I raise a brow. “Would you tell them you enjoyed it?” She slaps my arm but laughs. “This will be more fun, I promise. What I can’t promise is that you won’t be asked about the video. My phone has been going off all day with questions about you.”
I choose not to mention Stella texting me six times. The first one was to congratulate me on the success, probably trying to drum up conversation, and the following five had a hint of jealousy in them, especially since the media has put two in two together. They now know Libby is my assistant and the girl I left the club with.
“Mine too. People who haven’t talked to me since my dad’s whole situation are wanting to hang out now.”
“Welcome to the entertainment industry, sunshine. They love you when you’re up and snub you when you’re down.”
“The exact reason I try to stay away from it.”
I lean in closer, the intoxicating sent of her perfume drifting up my nostrils. She shivers when my lips go to her ear. “Will you kill me if I tell you how incredibly sexy you look right now?”
She levels her breathing before answering. I love that I have this effect on her. “Sexual harassment,” she whispers back.
“I didn’t know it was sexual harassment to compliment a woman, and you’re not my employee tonight. We’re celebrating the video you co-starred in. You’re off the clock and don’t have to lift one finger for me tonight, so technically, no sexual harassment here.” I run my hand down her smooth leg, watching goosebumps form in its wake, and I’m surprised when she doesn’t brush me away. “You can even come home with me, and we won’t act like we crossed that li
ne. It’s our night tonight – no labels, no jobs, just two people who are attracted to each other celebrating.”
Her pouty pink lips part, and she bites into the bottom one. I want to pull it with my teeth and suck on it.
“Which entrance do you want to go through?” Willis asks, breaking us away from our connection. Bad timing, man.
I look out the window, noticing paparazzi everywhere. “The hounds are probably at both. We’ll use this one.”
George looks back at me from his seat. “How do you want me to handle this?”
“You stay with Libby. Make sure she gets in the building. I’ll be fine.”
He raises a brow. “You sure?”
“Positive.” I grab Libby’s hand in mine. “Stay with George. He’ll get you in there with no trouble. I’ll be right behind you.”
“Okay.” She feels safe with me. I can tell.
George jumps out of the car and opens up her door. He stands over Libby, shielding the cameras from getting a good shot, and most likely pissing them off. They can get thousands of dollars for a good photo. She keeps her head down as she moves through the crowd, doing a decent job at dodging them.
I slide out of my seat and am right behind George.
“Knox! Are you and Libby an item?” a guy yells, a camera glued to his hand.
I have to hold myself back from flipping them off or pushing them away from me.
I’m pissed. This is supposed to be a celebration, not an interrogation. They’re ruining our night before it’s even started.
“Libby! Have you visited your father in prison?” another one asks.
“Has Knox visited him in prison?”
We rush into the restaurant that had been chosen because it thrives on privacy. Paps and reporters aren’t allowed in, and everyone on staff has to sign a confidentially agreement upon hiring.
I grab Libby around the waist and turn her around as soon as the door is closed.
She blows out a breath and brushes a few flyaway strands from her face. “I can’t believe they’re making such a big deal about us going to dinner with a group of people. They act like we’re walking into an orgy.”
George laughs at her comment. “Now that would be a kickass story.”
Wild Thoughts Page 20