by S. L. Scott
“I’m around.”
“Not nearly enough.” I land the line with a smirk.
She pushes off me. “You are too much and yes, I missed you too if that’s what you’re saying.”
“I am.” Reaching down, I pick up the bags. “C’mon. Let’s get these inside.”
“I could get used to this kind of greeting.”
Laughing as I walk up the path, I reply, “Don’t tell me the rock star doesn’t greet you like this.”
“When he’s home, he greets me in a totally different, X-rated way. There are no complaints there, Romeo.” She laughs, patting me on the chest. Her laugh is genuine, from the heart.
Sometimes I miss it, miss her, hanging out on her balcony, shooting the shit. She’s fuckhot sexy, but that ship sailed a long time ago. It all worked out how it was supposed to. I believe that deep down. And I got a great friend out of it. When I glance behind me, I see the happiness in her eyes. “That’s good to hear. I’d hate to kick his ass again.”
After a loud laugh, she says, “I’m sure he’d happily debate that fight.”
“The great Johnny Outlaw can debate it all he wants, but that night, I got the girl.”
She rolls her eyes when she passes me and unlocks the door. “How about I just tell him you called him ‘great’ and call it a day?”
“Yeah, probably best. We’re on good terms. No need messing that all up again.”
She sets her purse and laptop down on the kitchen counter and looks my way. “Wise man.” Pointing toward the coffee table, she directs, “You can set those down there. Thanks for the helping hand.”
“Anytime.”
Coming into the living room, she sits down on the couch. “It’s been a while. Fill me in on all the things.”
“I’d say not much, but—”
“I’d know you were lying.”
We laugh together; our friendship is one of the easiest relationships I’ve ever had, especially surprising since it’s with a woman. I haven’t felt this comfortable with another woman since… since…
Reese comes to mind, but I don’t think it’s wise for me to keep dwelling on our past. The problem is our past won’t seem to let me go, or I can’t seem to let it go now that she’s invaded my present.
“I booked the Vittori menswear line.”
“Impressive,” she says, sinking back into the cushions. “Billboards, commercials, and the whole shebang?”
“I’m not sure what they have planned yet.”
“Are you home much?” she asks, kicking her feet up onto the coffee table. “Or still traveling all the time?”
“I’m not home as much as I like, but you aren’t either.”
She waves me off. “Don’t be silly. I’d only cramp your playboy lifestyle.”
“It cramps my lifestyle that I’m not bothering my neighbors with women screaming my name in the middle of the night and loud parties full of beautiful people only looking to hook up.”
“Yeah, it’s just not as fun when you’re not disturbing the neighbors.” She laughs. “But all is not lost. I’m thinking about throwing a party when Dalton comes home from touring.”
“Rebel.”
“You know it.” She stands abruptly and takes two of the bags in hand. “I brought this over for filing, but I really don’t want to do it. Want to grab margaritas up the road like old times instead?” She looks hopeful. Too hopeful to turn down.
“Yes to drinking. No on the margaritas. Yes on beer. Light beer,” I say, rolling my eyes, wanting a solid lager, but settling for the lighter brew. “Let me shower. I’ll be ready in twenty.”
“You’re on. In the meantime, maybe I’ll make myself useful and try to get rid of one of these bags. Just knock when you’re ready.”
“Will do.”
Wonder if I should talk to her about Reese when I return? Get a woman’s perspective on this whole mess, but I think that conversation is best left over margaritas and beer.
A man is only so strong. With images of Reese in that little leather skirt and see-through shirt taunting me, I give in. It’s been years since I got off to her, probably since I was with her, until last night and here I am hours later doing it again. The shower has steamed up the bathroom and I take my dick in hand. Resting one arm against the tiles, I press my forehead against it and close my eyes.
Her ass.
Tight leather.
Great tits.
Gripping harder, I pump faster.
Lips.
Tongue.
Blue eyes that remember everything we once were.
Fucking chemistry, drawing me right back to her. Together, we aced that class. No one could ever deny our connection—sexual or otherwise.
I haven’t allowed myself to think about her in a long time for good reason. Nothing good would come of it. Yet here I am coming from the mere sight of her and it feels pretty damn good. So maybe something good can come of it.
My hand covers my face when I step outside. My lame attempt to hide the smile shining has failed. I can’t help it. What I thought might be a bad thing has turned around. Maybe Reese coming back into my life is meant to be. Definitely meant to be.
She looked good at Spago.
Really good.
Even better at the beach—natural and beautiful.
A singsong voice breaks into my memory lane reverie, “I recognize that expression.”
My head bolts up and I see Holli standing there on her top step. I don’t bother hiding my goofy-ass expression from her. She sees right through me anyway. But I suddenly feel shy about it, not embarrassed, but like I’ve just had a secret revealed and I’m not talking about the action in the shower. Because yeah, I don’t care if she knows about that, but her seeing that I might be wearing a silly smile over a girl, now that’s embarrassing. “Look away, woman!” I tease, hiding my face from her.
She laughs as she tugs at my hands. “No hiding from me.” When I lower my hands, she says, “She must be some girl.”
“She is.”
As we walk down the path, she asks, “Do I get to hear about her?”
“I have a feeling I don’t have a choice in the matter.”
“Eh, you always have a choice with me.” She nudges me in the hip. “But if you want to share, I’m all ears.”
“Beers, my dear. I need booze for this conversation.”
Holding up her wallet, she shakes it. “I’m buying.”
We’re sat at our regular table, the one by the window where we emptied many a pint over the years. We’ve eaten half the chips and the salsa is gone. Mainly because Holli doesn’t dip. She scoops… or shovels from what I’ve witnessed. I stopped trying to get salsa by the second chip. “Do they not feed you in that mansion in the hills?”
She almost spits out her food when she breaks down laughing. Tears enter her eyes as she covers her mouth. When she catches a breath, she takes a mouthful of her margarita. “I’ve been on a diet.”
“You don’t need to starve yourself. Just eat healthy and enjoy the good things in life.”
“Like salsa?”
“Yes, like salsa.”
“What witchcraft do they put in this salsa that makes it taste so good? Chipotle pepper? Is that chipotle?”
I stare at her and laugh, mocking her. “You’re a mess.”
“And surprisingly you’re not. So tell me about this girl that has you grinning for reasons I know I’ll regret asking about, but I’m going to anyway. Tell me everything.”
“That’s just it. There’s not much to tell.” I can’t even lie to myself. I feel that ridiculous grin returning. “How about the truth?”
“That’s what I’m hoping for.”
“There’s too much to tell of the past to share and not enough of the present. Yet.”
A genuine smile appears, and she says, “I like the sound of that ‘yet,’ but I want more.”
I’d love to distract with another drink, but I can’t afford to have it and she would see throug
h it. “I’m not sure what to say about her.”
“Give me something honest.”
“I want a woman I can probably never have. I want a woman that has come back into my life and flipped it upside down. I want a woman that it hurts to think about much less mention.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of wants.”
“If I could have just one of them with her, I’d take it. How’s that for honesty?”
“Pretty damn honest.” She smiles. “And so damn endearing. Stop being so loveable, okay?”
“I’ll take loveable.”
“Good, because it’s all you’re getting from me today. I can’t have you going around thinking you’re a knight in shining armor or anything.”
“Nope,” I say, chuckling. “Wouldn’t want any damsels in distress thinking that.”
“Oh, and maybe next time I see you that yet will be gone and you’ll have some bow chicka wow wow to share.”
Wagging my finger at her, I say, “You, Mrs. Outlaw, are a dirty girl.”
Matching my wags, her eyebrows go up and down. “So I’m told.” She slaps her palms down and starts to stand. “I need to get back. Those papers aren’t gonna file themselves, and I promised I’d be home by three.”
“Don’t you have someone who can help you with that?”
“I do, but we’ve been working overtime for months. With our deadlines met and projects done, everyone has this week off. I’m going old school like in the beginning and running the company myself this week. It’s like our Christmas since we had to work through that.”
I toss down fifty before she has a chance. “I’ve got this.”
“Awww. You always were too good to me. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
When we get back home, I give that girl a big hug. “It was good seeing you. You’re welcome to come visit your place any time you want.”
She giggles while hugging me back. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” Just before she goes inside, she adds, “You know, Danny, this girl looks good on you.”
“I keep trying to tell her that, but she’s not falling for it yet.”
“I have no doubt she will.” She waves and goes inside.
I’m not home an hour when I get a text from Jody, Mark’s assistant.
Jody: Free at five?
I smile.
Me: You asking me out?
Jody: Ha! Mark is requesting your humble presence.
Me: There’s nothing humble about my presence.
Jody: This is true. Grace us with it anyway.
Me: What’s in it for me?
Jody: A big paycheck.
Me: I’ll be there. Will you?
Jody: LOL. I thought so. And yes, I’m stuck here. Forever here at Mark’s disposal.
Me: You just sweetened the pot.
Jody: Stop flirting with me. You’re making me blush.
Me: I like flirting with you. Can I bring you something? Coffee? Tea?
Jody: *rolls eyes* And yes, a grande mocha latte with coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Me: And here you thought I was the un-humble. You’re lucky you’re so awesome.
Jody: Actually, you’re the lucky one I’m so awesome. Haha Ack! Mark is calling me. See you at 5, ya big flirt.
Me: See you at 5 with your mocha yada latte yada whatever else was in there, Ms. High Maintenance. *winks*
I set my phone down on the couch and sit forward staring at ESPN on the large screen in front of me. I watch a goal replay three times before I notice the time.
Clicking off the TV, I grab my wallet from the counter and head out.
CHAPTER 11
~Danny~
THE ELEVATOR DOORS open and Jody greets me with a smile. I hand her the paper coffee cup. “Grande mocha latte with coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, as you requested.”
“You’re the best. Thanks, Danny. You ready to face the dragon?” she asks as we walk toward the glass doors leading us inside. She rushes to open it wide before I can open it for her.
We round the corner and I follow her through The Pit, saying hi to the few agents working late. “Don’t let the dimples fool you. I’m ready to slay the dragon.” I send a smile over to the new girl stationed at a desk near the conference room.
“Don’t even think about it.” Jody says, “I’m betting she won’t last a month.”
“That desk seems to be on quite the rotation.” When the blonde smiles back, I add, “I know the rules. No fraternizing with co-workers or clients. Brunettes are more my type anyway.” Squeezing her into a side hug to tease.
She laughs. “You’re terrible.”
“So I hear.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her close. I place a quick kiss on the top of her head. “At least you love me, Jods.”
Pushing off, she laughs even harder. We’re standing outside Mark’s office, so she lowers her voice. “I’m an eternal fan, hot stuff.” She walks back to her desk.
“Now why does that sound sarcastic to me?”
She points at Mark’s office. “Thank you for the afternoon pick-me-up. Go before you get both of us in trouble.”
“Does that mean I’m in trouble? I think I like the lie of the paycheck better. And I’m always available for afternoon pick-me-ups.”
She turns her back to me to grab a call, but when she answers she’s still laughing causing me to laugh. I knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Walking in like I own the place, I joke, “You summoned?”
“Stop flirting with my assistant and shut the door. I need to go over the finalized contract details for Vittori so they can pay us.”
“I like getting paid.”
“So do I. Signature here.” He points to a line. While I sign one page and then the next, he says, “You’re in Marfa, Texas. Vittori wants the casual line shot there. The suit line will be shot in New York. The formal line will be shot in Paris. They haven’t ruled out Rome.”
When I sit down, I set the pen on the desk and get comfortable. “What’s the schedule and can I get a haircut.” I run my hand through my hair. “It’s getting shaggy.”
“Let them tell us how they want it cut. I’ll send an email over today asking for specific style instructions. We need to knock this shoot out of the ballpark, so I don’t want to fuck anything up so close to the job. Marfa is in five days. New York a week after that. I haven’t gotten a confirmation on Paris yet. Does this work for you?”
“Yes. Don’t I have other jobs already scheduled though?”
“Yes, but one is the week between Marfa and New York, so no conflict. Jody also has a stack of invitations for you to go through. She’ll reply and make sure there are no conflicts for any you want to RSVP yes to, so stop by her desk before you leave.”
He takes his glasses off and sets them in front of him and finally looks at me. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” He’s not usually this serious with me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just checking. I know you’re not used to being home this much. Just making sure you’re good with it.”
“I like being home. I’ve been working non-stop for years now.” I shrug it off as if nothing’s wrong. “Are you worried about my career?”
“No. The opposite. You should have less jobs because of your fees, but you’re booking the same as you always have. Just making sure you’re up for it, still into it. Are you scouting locations for anyone?”
“No, I had to put that on hold for the work.”
He sets down a stack of packets. “Five scripts arrived in the last two weeks. I wanted to scan them first. These three are worth taking a look at.”
“When are the auditions?” I ask, taking them in hand.
“That’s just it, Danny. Two of these you can have if you want it, acting unseen. The other they want you to do a scene with the lead actress to see if there’s chemistry.”
“Why are you saying this like it’s a bad thing? I’ve done a million
commercials.”
“I’ve been through this transition before.”
I sigh. “I know. I’ve heard this story.”
“Brad Lowe was a good guy. Fame can do nasty things to people.”
“You think I’m susceptible?”
“No. I think you’ve always known who you were. Doesn’t mean I don’t worry. Temptation is a dangerous thing.”
“I’m not Brad.”
He lightens and sits back looking pleased. “No, you’re not. Just remember you’re in charge of your future. You don’t need movies. You have years left in modeling.”
“I like what I’m doing. I’d rather look at photography jobs over acting for now though.”
Tapping his fingers on the glass top of his desk, he buddies up. “Tell me the truth. What happened between you and Reese the other night?”
Chuckling, I rock back, the front legs of my chair lifting off the floor. “I told you the truth. Nothing. I made sure she got in safely and left her, fully clothed and passed out.” I look out at The Pit through the window that divides us.
“I thought she was holding her liquor fine, but then bam, it seemed to hit her all at once.”
“She was always a lightweight,” I say mindlessly.
Casual convo just turned serious. The lines streaking through his forehead deepen. “What do you mean, she was always a lightweight?”
Shit!
My eyes dart back to him. “Um.” I go blank momentarily before I find the lie I need to tell. “She told me. When we were walking to her room. She said that happens to her.”
“Oh. I see.” His lines lighten. “For a minute,” he says, laughing, “I thought you meant you knew her.”
Being honest, I add, “Nope. That’s the first time I’ve met Reese Carmichael, the woman.”
“You’re talking weird. Are you okay?”
“Yep.”
“Does everything have to pop with you? Yes or no will do.”
“Yep, you’re right.”
My plan is working. He’s annoyed. I’ll get the boot any second.
“Go. I have work to do. I’m sure you have some woman to do.”
I laugh while standing up. “You think so highly of me.”
“Do you not?”
“For your information, I have no plans tonight. Vargo is in two days, so I’m laying low.”