“What?” Ruthie asked. Even she couldn’t miss the snarky edge in Celine’s tone. “What’s wrong with you? This has always been a dream! You know, having Cash fall for us!”
“He’s not going to fall for you, Ruthie.” Celine knew she was being blunt, but she had no choice. After finding out that Cash was nothing but a male tramp, coupled with Ruthie’s naivety with men, the situation was bound to end horribly.
Ruthie snorted on the other line. “Sheesh, can we be any bitchier?”
“I’m not being bitchy,” Celine argued. “Ruthie, not saying that you aren’t a total catch or anything, but Cash is a celebrity.”
“So what?” Ruthie snapped.
“Well, you want someone stable and loyal. I’m sorry, but I don’t think Cash would be that for you. Women are probably nothing but toys for him.”
“You don’t know him!” Ruthie protested.
“You don’t, either!” Celine reminded her.
“How do you even know Cash is a womanizer? Did Brian tell you?” Ruthie brought her manicured hand to her mouth. “Shit! Can he hear our conversation?”
Celine rolled her eyes. “Of course he can hear me, he’s driving me home!”
“How embarrassing,” Ruthie muttered. “Speaking of Brian, I should be the one telling you to be careful!”
“Me?” Celine gasped.
“I saw the way you looked at him! Don’t lie.” Ruthie snorted. “It’s the reason why you wanted to leave, isn’t it?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Celine murmured.
“Come off it, Celine. I know you as well as you think you know me.”
“I do know you well!” she protested.
“Precisely! You better take a gander at that big rock on your left hand. It’s not just there for accessorizing.” Ruthie’s voice was cold and distant. It was a tone Celine wasn’t used to hearing from her.
“It’s not like that and you know it.”
“Sure. Keep telling yourself that,” Ruthie chuckled sarcastically.
Celine sighed and pressed her hand against her forehead. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? Cash is beyond any level man we’ve ever dealt with.”
“Fine. Just remember what I said, too.” Ruthie hung up without so much as saying goodbye.
“I can’t believe her,” Celine sighed, throwing her phone into the car’s cup holder. A sudden thought crossed her mind and she looked over at Brian apologetically. “I’m sorry for admitting you told me about Cash. I’m sure Ruthie won’t tell him what you said.”
Brian shook his head. “No worries. Cash knows exactly how I feel about him. Trust me. He’ll probably love the fact I warned someone about him. He gets off on being the bad boy.”
“Funny, I would never have thought of him as a bad boy. I always thought—”
“Braedon?”
She nodded.
“That’s how the industry manufactures these bands. They always give certain personas to each member. Helps appease every female taste from around the world! From what I gather, Cash was always viewed as the baby of the group. He was the sweet, nice one. It’s funny, but Braedon is actually a nicer guy than Cash is.”
“He did seem really nice,” Celine agreed.
“Yeah, he is. Loyal to his wife and kid. He deserves everything he gets. Cash, on the other hand…well, I guess every nice guy needs to rebel every once in a while. Cash’s rebellion just happened to last almost a decade or so.”
Celine sensed that something else was bothering Brian. Though she didn’t want to push him, she couldn’t help but ask, “Did something happen between you and Cash?”
“What?” Brian’s eyebrows raised in surprised. “What makes you think that?”
Celine shrugged. “It just seems you’re very adamant about how you feel about him.” Without a word, Brian began switching lanes. Celine blinked in alarm and eyed the GPS. They were definitely not en route anymore. “Where are we going?” she asked in confusion as they took the nearest exit ramp.
“I’m kidnapping you,” Brian said simply, without even glancing at her.
“Wait…wh-what?” Celine’s heart began to pound against her chest.
Brian began laughing hysterically. “God, you are still so gullible! I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day. I know a diner just ten minutes from this exit. Care to have some crepes with me?”
Celine was still sweating in fright, but she managed to let out a weak giggle. “Oh, yeah, food.”
Brian patted her on the arm good-naturedly. Celine couldn’t help the slight jump of her heart.
Chapter 15
Ruthie was in the process of undressing when three consecutive knocks sounded from her door. Quickly slipping her camisole back on, she grabbed the bathrobe and tightened the belt around her waist. “Coming!” she called out. Her fingers fumbled with the door knob, clumsily yanking it open.
The sight of Cash Walker instantly took her breath away. A tight black shirt hugged every single muscle of his torso, riding up his stomach when he leaned against the door frame. “Don’t tell me you’re flaking out on the after party!” he said as he gave her robe a once over.
“I just wanted a little nap first?” Truth be told her unofficial official bedtime was around ten at night. It was already nearing midnight and coupled with her little bickering episode with Celine, she was on the verge of passing out. Forcing her eyes open, she added, “Or at least to relax for a bit.”
A sensual smile grazed Cash’s lips. “I can show you relaxing.” His smile grew wider as Ruthie’s cheeks reddened. “Come on, get dressed. Some of the guys are headed downtown already. Join me.”
The fact that Cash ordered her as opposed to asking her didn’t bother her in the slightest. Pushing Celine’s warnings away, she nodded her head. “Sure, just give me a second.”
A lopsided grin appeared on Cash’s face. “I’ll be waiting for you in the lobby.”
He turned away just as Ruthie began closing the door behind him. She quickly ran to her bed and threw on her outfit from earlier. In record time, she also retouched her makeup and redid her hair. If she was committing a fashion faux pas in repeating outfits, she might as well look good doing it.
Ruthie barely restrained herself from running to the elevator, her exhaustion melting away. She impatiently pressed the button and jumped back in surprise when the door opened. “I was just going to check on you!” Cash said warmly. He reached out and grabbed her hand. “I was getting a bit worried. Thought you might have fallen asleep.”
“Who, me? Never?” Her eyes wandered down, taking in Cash’s hand on her own and instantly felt her skin begin to warm up under his.
“Good. We won’t want you to tire out so easily. That’ll come later.”
Ruthie visibly gulped as she followed him into the elevator.
***
Vertigo was the hottest new club in downtown San Diego. The hype surrounding the club was excessive as it was owned by one of the world’s most famous rappers. On any given night, the line to get into the club stretched way around the city block. If you didn’t have any connections or ties to the club, you might as well kiss your dream of getting in goodbye.
Intensity’s Black SUV pulled up to the entrance of the club. A line of scantily dressed women began to scream as Conner stepped one foot out of the car.
“It’s Intensity!” someone squealed. Loud screeches soon followed as security created a barricade around the car.
“You ready?” Cash asked. He gently pushed a strand of her hair back behind her ear. Paparazzi who undoubtedly chased the SUV all the way from the hotel, pushed through the growing crowd of people and began snapping pictures. Even from inside the car, Ruthie felt blinded by what seemed to be a million flashes.
She did her best to keep a calm expression. “Sure, this isn’t abnormal or anything. All everyday stuff.”
Cash laughed and stepped out of the car. The answering screams were even more deafening than the concert arena
from the night before. He pushed his hand through his styled hair and flashed a smile at the paparazzi. After a few pictures, he turned slightly and held out his hand. Ruthie grabbed it and was gently pulled from the car.
“Who is that bitch?” a drunk woman cried out from the crowd.
“Hey, it’s Legs!” a photographer screamed. “Honey! What’s your name?”
Cash turned and smiled at the crowd. “This is Ruthie. Remember that.” He bent over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. That simple act alone caused grown women to scream with envy and photographers to click away.
Cash grinned at Ruthie’s shocked expression and whispered in her ear, “Come on, let’s go inside. Don’t get too far away from me, okay?”
She nodded, and having always wanted to do it, waved at the paparazzi. Throwing close-lipped smiles (she didn’t want to risk any lipstick being on her front teeth) she quickly followed Intensity’s entourage inside Vertigo. Not once did Cash let go of her hand.
Chapter 16
“You have got to be kidding me…” Celine’s voice trailed off as she eyed the heaping pile of French toast in front of her. A scoop of butter slid across the fluffy top, dripping globs of yellow goodness onto the ceramic plate.
“You want any syrup, Hun?” a kind older woman asked. Celine nodded and was answered with a huge pitcher of warm syrup. “If you want anything more, holler at me.”
“Thanks, Frieda,” Brian called out. As she turned to leave, he grabbed a silver fork from the table. He proceeded to puncture a stack of pancakes, taking a huge piece in his mouth. “This is great,” he said with his mouth full.
Celine grimaced and wiped some pancake crumbs off her face. “Seriously, you and Ruthie need to learn some manners. What adults talk with their mouths full?” Brian grinned, then opened his mouth wide. “Ew!” she replied, giggling.
Grabbing his napkin, Brian wiped his mouth clean. He eyed the heaping stack of French toast in front of Celine and looked back up at her. “Are you going to eat that?”
“This is way too much!” she replied. “I can’t finish this.”
“Always the picky eater,” Brian sighed.
“Hey! I’m not picky! I just know my limits, and sir, this is way too much for me. It’s almost one in the morning!”
“Meaning it’s the perfect time to eat.” He laughed. He bit his lip and leaned forward, placing his elbows on the black and white specked table. “How about a little wager?”
“A wager, huh?” Celine leaned forward as well. “I’m listening.”
“If you can eat that stack of French toast, and I mean all of it, no crumbs left behind or anything, I’ll let you listen to Intensity all the way home.”
“Dumb bet.” Celine laughed. “We’ve already listened to eight of their songs. Hate to admit it, but I’m getting kinda sick of it.”
“Thank the Lord!” Brian exclaimed loudly, earning a few annoyed looks from the diner patrons. In a louder voice he called out, “Finally! A woman who is sick of Intensity!”
Celine slid back into her seat and hunched her shoulders over. “Shhh, you’re embarrassing me!”
Brian merely laughed and began drumming his fingertips on the table. “Okay, fine. That was a bad wager.”
“Got anything better?”
Brian narrowed his eyes in thought. “Wanna bring this back old school?”
Celine lifted her eyebrows. “What are you thinking?”
“Remember our old high school game, Secret for a Dare?”
Celine warmed. She couldn’t believe that Brian remembered their old game. They both used to play it every day between classes. She nodded her head enthusiastically. “Of course. How could I forget?”
“What do you say we play it now?”
She smiled wickedly. “Fine. What are the terms?”
“I don’t think you can finish that whole plate. If you happen to leave one crumb on that plate, you’re telling me a secret.”
“Fine. But if I finish everything, you lose and I get to know one of yours.”
He nodded his head once and smiled. “You’re on!”
Celine took a deep breath and dug into her plate. She knew she’d regret eating so much. She’d already lost five pounds from her pre-wedding diet and was about to go dress shopping in just a few weeks! However, she couldn’t pass up this chance to rub Brian’s face in the mud. He deserved it for all the ups and downs he unknowingly put her through during high school. Besides, it felt like old times again and she couldn’t deny how much fun she was having.
A few minutes later, Celine sat in her chair holding onto her stomach. “Ugh,” she whimpered. “I feel horrible.”
“You only ate two!” Brian admonished.
“I have a small stomach!” she whined. “I’m in pain! And I’m thirsty!”
“Drink some water,” he replied, pushing her glass towards her.
“No!” she shook her head profusely. “It’ll make me full. I have to finish this!”
Brian began to chuckle. “I doubt you will be able to. Let’s just call it a draw.”
“A draw? A draw? Celine never calls a draw!” She raised a finger in the air in melodramatic fashion, causing Brian to burst into a fit of laughter.
“Come on! We still have an hour to go before we reach your place. I don’t want you puking or diarrhea-ing in the car!”
“Lovely,” Celine replied with pursed lips. “Let’s not forget that you were the one who thought this up to begin with!”
“And I’m the one ending it.” He pulled her plate away and shook his head. “Nope, we’re stopping this right now.”
“Fine,” Celine groaned, though truth be told she was relieved. “What do you consider a draw, then?”
“A secret for a secret. You tell me one of yours and I’ll tell you one of mine.”
Celine bit her lip. She had stupidly thought she’d win the bet. As if riding alone with her old high school crush wasn’t weird enough, now she’d have to tell him a secret. It’s okay, we’re friends.
Celine tapped her chin with her finger. “Okay, let’s see. What’s a good secret to tell you. Oh! You remember Chad, right?”
Brian’s face turned grim. “Yeah, I remember. He’s the dick who ignored you after Homecoming.”
“Yup, that’s him!” Celine said cheerfully, completely oblivious to Brian’s shift in mood. “We actually tried dating again in college.” She began laughing at his perplexed look. “It only lasted about a week. Even Ruthie doesn’t know about it. She’d kill me if she knew. So this secret, sir, is going straight to your grave!”
“Wow…” Brian’s voice trailed off. “I’m surprised you gave him another chance.”
“Well, everyone changes after high school. Besides, everything went the way it was supposed to. I’m now engaged to a really great guy and couldn’t be happier,” she said, clasping her hands together. She gazed at Brian and for a moment thought she saw a vague look of disappointment on his face. She cleared her throat and said, “Okay, your turn.”
“Well, first of all let me say not everyone changes after high school. You’re still as awesome as I remember.” He winked.
She laughed as she placed her hand over her chest. “You flatter me!”
Instead of responding, Brian began to rub his hands over his thighs nervously.
Celine frowned. “If you don’t want to tell me a secret you don’t have to. I was the loser, after all.”
“No.” He shook his head. “I came up with this game, so I must continue.” He paused and took a swig of water.
“I have a feeling this is going to be a lengthy confession.” She found herself leaning back into her seat, making herself as comfortable as possible.
Brian nodded. “You were wondering why I hated Cash so much, right?”
Celine nodded silently.
“Let’s just say that Crystal and I did last way into college and way into my career with Intensity.”
“But you said—”
“Yeah
, I know, and I’m sorry for lying. I guess I was embarrassed about what happened.” Rubbing his hands over his face, he continued, “About two years ago I found her in bed with Cash. I knew things were becoming strained in our relationship, but I didn’t think…Well, either way things obviously ended with us that night.”
Celine’s mouth dropped open. She couldn’t believe it! Never would she have imagined Cash to be that much of a scumbag. Sure, she had a weird gut feeling about him, but she chalked it up to worrying about Ruthie’s inexperience with men.
“Wow,” she breathed. “I’m so sorry.”
Brian shrugged and stabbed the remainder of his pancakes with a butter knife. “No worries. It happened a few years ago and I’m about as over it as you can get.”
Celine shook her head in pity. “How can you stand it? I don’t think I could work for someone who did that to me.”
“Well, that’s just the way Cash is. Like I said, he grew up thinking women were disposable. I’m really madder at Crystal. We were together for four years! To think she would throw that all away for one night with Cash.”
“Maybe she thought it would become more than one night,” Celine offered. As soon as the words slipped her mouth she instantly regretted it. Stupidly she had thought it might make him feel better. The expression on his face said otherwise. She quickly tried to redeem herself and added, “Either way, I think Cash is a douche for doing that. He obviously knew she was with someone.”
“That’s why I think you’re awesome,” Brian said quietly.
Totally not what she expected him to say. “What do you mean?” she asked in confusion.
“You were basically Cash’s biggest fan! To see you brush him off like that is very impressive. Ruthie, on the other hand…”
“Ruthie needs to learn to take care of herself,” she finished. Her voice came out cold and it was a tone she hardly recognized. She shook her head and tried to change the subject. “You are one strong person, Brian. I couldn’t stand anyone even hitting on Noah. I can’t imagine having to see and work with Cash every day of my life!”
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