“You don’t even know…” I respond.
“What do you mean?” she asks.
“He tried to booty call me last night.”
“And you said no?”
“Of course!”
“Good, I’m proud of you,” she says.
I try to focus my attention on my never-ending task list, but I can’t stop thinking about his selfishness. My thoughts fuel me into a rage, and I’m ready to call off the scheme altogether. Let him live a life of misery with Cassidy, he had a choice in the beginning and he chose fame.
Austin emerges from the meeting room alone and heads toward my desk. Before I have a moment to react, he grabs my arm and pulls me out of my chair. “Come with me.”
I follow his lead and we head to the hallway.
“God damn, your boss is a bitch,” he says as the door closes behind us.
She must have ripped him a new one for leaving Hawaii before the engagement happened. Good, he deserves a little verbal beat down after the way he’s been acting.
“What the fuck is going on with you?” I ask.
“What do you mean?”
I grab his hand and direct him around the corner to the fire exit stairwell so no one can hear our conversation. The door closes behind us and I stand with my back against the cement wall. “Um, did you forget about your asshole behavior toward Mandy and me yesterday, or your drunk texts last night?”
He faces me and crosses his arms. “I guess I was caught off guard by your willingness to have some random outsider in on our secret plan. I don’t even know this chick and you want me to trust her with something as important as this?”
I roll my eyes; what a lousy excuse. “Well, she’s my best friend here, and I trust her, so you should too.”
“Fine…and about the texts…” He smirks and shrugs his shoulders. “It was late and I was thinking of you…”
His admission excites me, but I don’t want him to know. He should still treat me with more respect.
“I’m not just a booty call, Austin,” I say, placing my hands on my hips.
He quickly reaches out to grab hold of my arm. “I know that. If I wanted a booty call I could have texted a bunch of other girls in my phone….but I only texted you.”
I wriggle myself free of his grip. “If that was supposed to make me feel better, it didn’t.”
His hands reach back for my shoulders as he stares down at me, trying to lock his pupils with mine. “I’m sorry, Liv. It won’t happen again.”
Fuck, he’s convincing, but I can’t let him off the hook this easily. Time to confront him about something other than his penchant for ass. “And why are you still drinking, alone?”
He steps back and tilts his head. “Why not?”
“Because, you’re not you when you drink. I don’t like it. And it’s not healthy.”
“Living in Los Angeles isn’t healthy.”
I keep quiet about his previous confession regarding his mother’s obvious alcoholism, and comb my hand through my hair, tugging at the ends. He’s driving me crazy. “I’m not going to help you with this whole Cassidy situation unless you get your act together.”
“Fine, then I’ll handle it myself,” he says.
I shake my head in exasperation. “Austin, come on.”
“I thought you liked me for me, bad habits and all,” he responds. “I’m not going to change my whole lifestyle in a day!”
I sigh, resting my head back against the wall. “I know, but can you at least try to ease up on the alcohol? And think of my well-being before you contact me at ungodly hours of the night next time?”
He grabs me by the waist and leans in closer. “Yes, I’ll try.”
“Thank you.” I meet his advance with a hug, tightly wrapping my arms around his body. My hands fit perfectly in the curve of his lower back, right where his t-shirt meets the waistband of his jeans. “So what were you pulling me out of the office for exactly?”
“Well, I was going to rant about how your boss likes to treat me like I’m five-years-old.”
“I’d say you’re more like four-and-a-half.”
Austin grins wide and a crinkle appears on the bridge of his nose.
“I also wanted to let you know that Priscilla’s dragging me on a press tour with Cassidy in New York for a few days. Apparently we’re leaving the day after tomorrow.”
I loosen my grip around his waist and lightly place my hands on his hips. “I know; I’ve actually been planning the media schedule all day.”
“So, are you coming too?”
“Not unless Priscilla asks me, and she hasn’t yet.”
“Come on…I’d love to show you around NYC,” he says, moving his pelvis forward so that our lower-bodies touch.
His hands rise above my head and land on the wall behind me. A lock of hair falls out from under his beanie, grazing his eyebrow. God, I wish I wasn’t at work right now.
“I think you should get back to your meeting,” I whisper. “Before they get suspicious…”
He smiles and pushes himself off the wall. “You’re coming to New York,” he says before turning the door handle.
Chapter Twenty-Five
My work day finally winds down around six-thirty and I’m ready for a drink. “Up for happy hour?” I ask Mandy.
“Girl, you read my mind.”
We grab our bags and can’t get to the door fast enough.
“So, what’s going on with Austin?” Mandy asks as we enter the bar down the street.
“He’s so fucking moody, it’s like I’m dealing with a diva sometimes,” I say, shaking my head. We sit down and browse the drink specials before ordering our usual set of skinny margaritas. “I guess he was just upset that I didn’t consult him before bringing you in on our scheme.”
“He doesn’t trust me? Do you know how much dirt I have on all the celebrities in this town?” she exclaims, grabbing a handful of tortilla chips.
“I know, but he’s weird like that I guess. Anyway, he’s cool with it now. But get this, he wants me to join him in New York for the press tour.”
The bartender slides us our drinks and I take a sip, anxiously waiting for the tequila to kick in.
“Are you gonna go?” she asks before reaching for more bar food.
“Priscilla didn’t ask me to, but I really want to join him…you should have seen the look in his eyes…”
“Damn that boy is horny, huh?” she laughs. “Just tell Priscilla you think he needs some extra supervision and that you’d be happy to volunteer your time and services.”
I take another sip of my liquid relaxer. “You think it will be that easy?”
“I don’t think she’ll suspect anything. Ask her tomorrow. Do it!” Mandy says, grabbing my arm.
“You’re gonna make me spill my drink!” I say with a giggle. “Fine, I’ll ask tomorrow. But who will keep tabs on Tyler while I’m gone?”
Mandy shoots her hand up in the air. “I will, I will!”
“Okay, but don’t do anything stupid.”
She squints at me. “Since when do I do anything stupid? I’m a perfect secret agent.”
“Uh huh, sure.” I guzzle down the rest of what’s left in my glass.
Mandy sips away, ignoring some of the typical L.A. creeps that try to hit on her. I’m about to order another drink when my phone buzzes. I grab it from my purse and find a text from Austin. Mandy leans over my shoulder to get a glimpse.
“He just wants to know what I’m up to,” I say.
“He’s either really obsessed with you, or he has no life. Or maybe both,” Mandy replies.
It must be hard for him to make any real friends in Hollywood. Especially after knowing how many lies people tell around here. I’m chalking up all the attention he’s giving me to being bored.
“I don’t mind him checking in,” I say, texting him back. “I just wish he could join us out at places like this…”
“That’s what happens when you’re hooking up with a movie
star…Hollywood problems!”
“Tell me about it. He can’t go anywhere without the paparazzi tailing him. It sucks.”
“Sorry Liv, but I simply can’t sympathize with someone who is dating a hot as fuck piece of man meat such as Austin Ford, while I’m left to rot with these douche bags.” She waves her arms around her, displaying the array of overly-tanned meatheads that surround us.
“Hey, I didn’t want to like him…it just happened.”
“Uh huh, keep telling yourself that. Just don’t let him break your heart, please,” she says.
I sigh and stare back at her. “I won’t. Promise.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
I take a few bites of my breakfast bar at work the next morning and go through my emails. I’m about to check Priscilla’s calendar to schedule a meeting with her to discuss New York, when Austin comes barging through the front door of the PWR Group.
“I’m here to see Priscilla,” I overhear him say to the receptionist.
Mandy peeks her head over our shared cubicle wall. “What the hell is he doing here?” she whispers.
“I have no idea,” I reply, quietly. My stomach churns and I start praying. Please don’t let him fight with Priscilla. Please don’t cause a scene. Please don’t let me get fired.
“Priscilla’s on a call right now, but I’ll go check in with her,” the receptionist responds.
I stand up from my chair and glance over to where he stands. He’s wearing a faded tee with the American flag on it, snug dark denim and black Converse sneakers. His hands are on his hips as he taps his foot rapidly. He turns his head, and our eyes instantly lock. My cheeks grow warm as he smiles over at me. I place my finger to my lips, hoping he’ll remember to act like we’re just business associates. I don’t want other PWR Group employees becoming suspicious.
He nods his head, but still raises his eyebrows up and down. I quickly take a seat back at my desk before he gets out of hand.
The receptionist runs back over and guides him toward Priscilla’s office. “She has a few minutes until her next call. Come right in.”
I tap on the cube wall to get Mandy’s attention again. “Oh my God, I’m freaking out right now,” I whisper. “What do you think he’s saying?”
Mandy shakes her head. “No idea.”
“At least I get to see him again. Damn he looks good.”
Mandy giggles and sits back down. I strain to hear Austin and Priscilla’s conversation through the door, but they’re too far away. I can’t concentrate on my work; my eyes just gloss over the computer screen.
The inter-office line rings at my desk. It’s Priscilla.
“Can you come in here?” she asks.
“Of course.”
My legs shake and I almost trip over my own feet as I walk to her office. I knock and then slowly open the door.
“Take a seat,” Priscilla says.
Austin pulls out the chair next to him and I sit down. He smiles at me, but I don’t show any emotion back.
“Austin was just telling me what a wonderful job you did in Hawaii keeping everything on track,” she says.
My stomach turns and I want to throw up. Why is he doing this to me???
“Thank you,” I say, without looking at him.
“He also suggested that you attend the New York media visits so that you can help him prepare for interviews.”
Her sentence was delivered in her normal, flat, slightly bored-sounding tone.
“Really?” I ask, trying to act surprised. “I’d be happy to. As long as it’s okay with you, of course.”
Priscilla nods. “Yes, I think it would be a good learning experience for you.”
I smile and my heart rate finally slows back down to a semi-normal pace. “Great, I’ll book my ticket now.”
Austin turns and I try to avert my eyes so that I don’t slip up. “See you in New York.”
“Yep, see you then.” I get up as fast as possible and bolt out of Priscilla’s office.
Mandy pops over when I return to my desk. “So?”
“I’m going to New York. I’ll tell you about it later. I’m too nervous right now with Austin still in the building. I think I’m gonna pass out.”
I take a sip of coffee and lean back in my chair, trying to get my thoughts in order. What was I supposed to be doing? Oh right, purchasing plane tickets. I pull up the travel agency website as Austin walks out of Priscilla’s office. He stops as he gets close to my cubicle and leans on the metal frame. Please don’t make a scene, please, please, please.
“So, you excited for New York?” he asks.
“Um, yeah, it will be busy. I have a lot of interviews lined up for you.”
I lean forward toward my computer and click through the website. I need him to walk away, but instead he inches closer to my chair. “My stylist brought over some clothing options for the photo shoots, can you help me decide which one looks best?”
“Uh…yeah, just send me the pictures and I’ll let you know.”
“Actually, I have them in my car, come outside for a sec.”
I turn to face him and shoot him an evil glare. What is he trying to do? He succeeded in his mission of getting me to New York; he should leave when he has the chance…
“Come on,” he says, turning my chair around.
I roll my eyes and stand up to follow him out the door. He leads me to the stairwell we discovered yesterday and shuts the door behind us.
“I’ve missed you,” he says as his hands find their way to my waist, pulling me in close.
“Austin, we can’t…”
He cuts me off with a kiss. A deep, forceful kiss. His tongue searches my mouth while his smooth fingers travel under my blouse, caressing my skin softly.
As his body takes control of mine, I find myself kissing him back just as intensely. His mouth moves to my neck and he breathes heavily into my ear. I shiver as he tugs on my earlobe with his teeth. “I can’t wait to get to the city with you,” he whispers.
Lifting me up, he steadies my back against the concrete wall. I swing my arms and legs around him tightly for support. His fingers dance up my leg, then crawl under my skirt, grazing my center. I want him so badly, but I know someone could walk up or down these steps at any moment.
Before I can rationalize further, he slides his digits under my panties and sneaks one inside. My breath hitches as he glides in and out.
“I want to make you come, right here, right now,” he growls in my ear.
I close my eyes and try to ignore the danger of getting caught. My tongue dives into his mouth as he quickens his pace, helping to block any further anxieties about our surroundings. I grab onto his shoulders, my nails digging into the thin fabric of his t-shirt, as he rubs me just the right way.
“That’s it, baby,” he whispers as his finger quickly rotates in tiny circles on my tender spot. His hot breath in my ear sends me over the edge and I kiss him harder to mask the moan that wants to escape my lips as I release.
He slowly frees my legs, but my arms are still locked around his neck. He squeezes my ass and gives me one final kiss before I finally let go.
“See you tomorrow?” he asks, readjusting his jeans with a smirk.
“Yes, see you then.”
I smooth down my top and skirt and head back to the office with a stupid grin on my face.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Mandy and I try to stalk Tyler after work again. We’ve been parked outside the coffee shop for thirty minutes. Of course Mandy brought her “stealth” outfit -- tight black pants, an even tighter black tank top, extremely large sunglasses and a skull and crossbones scarf.
“You look more like a crazy person than a spy,” I say.
“Shut up! I am rocking these faux leather leggings.”
“Right, of course you are.”
She sticks out her tongue and squints through the windshield again. “I don’t think he’s working tonight.”
“Did you check his Twitter?” I ask
.
“Of course, but he hasn’t updated in hours.”
We continue to keep our eye on the door, watching customers and employees enter and exit, but there’s no sign of Tyler. After an hour of chatting about celebrity gossip, clothes, hairstyles and pets that we used to have, it’s time to call it quits. “Let’s pick this up another night,” I recommend.
“The sooner you bust Cassidy, the sooner you can enjoy Austin all to yourself,” she reminds me.
I can only imagine what it’d be like to hold hands with him in public, or go out to dinner. Maybe I could even attend a movie premiere with him as a date instead of an employee.
“Is it wrong that I’m already envisioning myself living in his huge ass mansion, cooking him breakfast in the giant kitchen that looks like it’s never been used?”
“Yes, you’re getting far too ahead of yourself. You don’t even have confirmation that he’s being monogamous with you.”
I scrunch my nose. She’s right. Even though he said he wants me, we never actually talked about being in a relationship, or claimed the titles of boyfriend and girlfriend.
“Well, I’ll make sure he only has eyes for me if I’m going to go through all this shit for him.” I toss my cell phone in my bag and whip off my hat and sunglasses.
“Damn straight!” Mandy yells.
I text Austin to let him know that Tyler was a no-show. It’s a bummer, but I haven’t given up hope yet.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Austin strolls through the doors of LAX flanked by security. He’s late, but not as late as last time. Cassidy requested to meet us in New York separately which is fine by me.
I join him in the security line and take off my sandals. “Good morning Mr. Movie Star,” I whisper.
“Why do you book these flights so damn early?” he says with a yawn before removing his beanie and sunglasses.
“Because I like to have time to settle in and get everything organized before we have to get to work.”
The TSA agent waves me through the metal detector and I pick up my belongings.
Austin meets me on the other side with his security. “I can think of other things we can do during the extra downtime.” He raises his eyebrows and flashes his signature smile.
Player in Paradise Page 11