“You look nice,” I tell him.
He clears his throat and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Thanks. You too.”
“Is the car here?” His cousin arranged for her driver to pick us up. Must be nice to be royalty. Too bad Sean didn’t get any of those perks, being part of the exiled family.
“Yeah, it’s out front. Ready?”
“Sure.”
He gestures for me to go ahead of him. I head downstairs and carefully tread across the drop cloths he put down on this floor. The kitchen is gone except for the refrigerator, which he left plugged in against the far wall until the new one gets here. He holds my elbow, surprising me, as he guides me out the door. Up until now, he never purposely touched me. Except for that one kiss I sort of coaxed him into. Warmth spreads from my elbow straight up my arm.
A black Mercedes with tinted windows waits on the street. The driver gets out, wearing a white dress shirt and black trousers, and greets us warmly, holding the back door open for us.
I slip inside first, and Sean joins me. After the car pulls away from the curb, I lean close and whisper, “Do you travel like this a lot?”
He answers in a low voice, “Never. Silvia surprised me offering her driver. Maybe it’s because I’m bringing a guest.”
“A female guest.” I nudge him with my elbow. “She probably thinks I’m your girlfriend.”
“No. I didn’t tell her that.”
“She assumed it since I live with you.”
“Trust me, she doesn’t think that. I told her you were Winnie’s cousin temporarily crashing on the couch.”
I lean my head back on the seat, hiding my disappointment. Clearly he’s not as into me as I’m into him. “Well, whatever reason she had, it sure beats the subway.”
“Yeah,” he mutters, looking out the window.
“Everything okay?”
“Yup,” he says tightly.
I suppress a sigh. I’ve spent a lot of time with Sean over the past week, and I can tell he’s got something on his mind. He’s got two modes—intense focused work mode and relaxed nonwork mode. I only glimpsed nonwork mode briefly. This tight work deadline must be a real strain on him.
“You’re making great progress on the renovation,” I say.
“Yeah, but I have to go back to my day job tomorrow, so that’s gonna slow me down.”
“I can do stuff for you while you’re gone. Prep something, maybe?”
“No!”
“Geez, you don’t have to shout at me. I can be helpful.”
He lifts a palm. “You are at certain things. Please don’t touch anything when I’m not home.”
“Okay, okay.”
“Any news on the pilot yet?”
“No, I won’t hear until the end of this week at the earliest. I have an audition for a car insurance commercial tomorrow though. Fingers crossed.”
“That’s something.”
“Yeah, it’s not like my dream job, obviously, but it can be a good payday for a day’s work, plus I get paid a residual every time it airs, and that keeps money in the bank while I pursue better jobs. I’ve been living off my perfume commercial for the past four months. It was a national spot that aired a lot this past Christmas. I can probably stretch that money out for a year if I’m frugal.”
“I don’t think I saw it.”
“You probably tuned it out. It’s not like you knew who I was at the time. It was a fun shoot at a mini-golf course. Later, they digitally edited the perfume bottle to be the ball. I got a hole in one, of course, with the magic of editing. I had one line, ‘Ready to play?’ said in a sexy playful voice.” I try it out on him. “Ready to play?”
He stares at me and licks his lips. “I, uh, can see why ya booked it.”
“Thanks!” Me thinks he likes the sexy.
“It must be tough not knowing when your next paycheck is coming.”
“Yeah, I traded security for my dream. But I always think positive that my big break is just around the corner.”
He looks thoughtful. “I guess that’s what ya hafta tell yourself. At what point do ya say, enough, I’m getting a regular job?”
“Never.”
“It could happen. The bank account gets low. Ya get tired of crashing on people’s couches.”
“I’m young! I’m not worried about it. I’ll get there.”
“Okay.” He sounds unconvinced.
“I do get parts, you know. I have a BFA in drama, and I’ve been in a ton of theater.”
“Paying theater?”
I bristle. “Watch my reel if you want to see me in action. You’ll see I know what I’m doing.”
“It’s not that I doubt ya. I just think it’s a really tough way to earn a living.”
“Well, someone has to. The entertainment industry exists for a reason.” I pull out my phone and text him the link to my website. “Check it out later.”
He does right away, which I hadn’t expected.
“I said later,” I tell him. “Not in front of me.”
He presses pause on it. “Why? You perform for an audience. What’s the difference?”
“The difference is I can’t usually watch myself at the same time as someone else watches me. I don’t want to know if you don’t like it.”
“I’ll put on my poker face.” He presses play again, and I can tell right away he’s confused by something. He doesn’t know how well I can read him.
“What?”
He shifts, giving me his back.
I can hear it playing, and I so wish I hadn’t been so defensive I had to prove myself. Why do I care what he thinks? It’s only a three-minute reel, but it’s the longest three minutes of my life.
He turns back to me. “You’re good.”
I let out a breath. “Thank you. And you’re good at your job too.”
“I know.”
“Just say thank you!” I say on a laugh.
He smiles the best kind of smile that reaches his blue eyes, his handsome face lighting up. “Thanks, Josie.”
By the time we arrive at Silvia’s place, I’m in a great mood. Sean and I seem to have gelled. He filled me in on his family, the scandalous break in it, and the close-knit family he has in Brooklyn. The way he describes his brothers’ antics growing up and their camaraderie now on the job, all working together in the family business, I’m actually a little jealous. I’m close with my parents, but I never got that big-family experience or the fun sibling experience. He’s really grounded by family with deep roots here. I’m not sure I’ll ever have roots. I have to go wherever the job is.
Silvia answers the door with a serious-looking man standing behind her entirely in black. “Hello! Welcome!” She’s young, probably close to my age, with a very girl-next-door vibe. Her dark brown hair falls in a soft wave just past her shoulders, bare minimum of makeup, her hazel eyes warm as they take us both in. She’s wearing a cute black and white striped dress with tan gladiator sandals. I was worried she’d be a little aloof, being a royal, but she seems like someone I’d hang with anytime.
“Thank you,” I say. “It’s so great to meet you.”
“Hey, Sil,” Sean says. “Thanks for having us over.”
She steps back so we can come in and goes up on tiptoe to kiss Sean’s cheek. “So nice to have you both!” she exclaims, thrusting her hand out to me. “I’m Silvia.”
I shake her hand. “I’m Josie.”
She beams. “Usually I go out to Brooklyn, but Sean wanted to see me all by himself without all his gruff and growly brothers.”
I grin. “You mean they’re grumpier than he is?”
“I wouldn’t say grumpy. More like deep growly voices. All bark, don’t worry.” She gestures to the man standing just past her shoulder in a black blazer, black T-shirt, and black trousers. “This is my guard, Leon.”
“Hi, nice to meet you,” I say.
Sean nods at him.
Leon inclines his head slightly. No smile. Brr…is it chilly in here?
Cade wipes his hand on his apron and shakes my hand before turning to Sean. “Good to see you again, Sean. What’s it been, a week?”
“Yeah.” Sean turns to me. “He was at my brother’s wedding in Villroy.”
“Big family turnout,” Silvia says, looking pleased. “Can I get you some wine? I have a really nice Italian red.”
“Sure,” I say. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Leon the guard hovering in the doorway of the kitchen. Does he think I’m a threat? Stand down! I’m a peace-loving woman.
Cade points at Sean. “I got you, man. Beer’s in the fridge.”
“Thanks,” Sean says, helping himself to a beer.
“Let’s go to the living room,” Silvia says. “Dinner won’t be long.”
She leads the way, and Leon trails behind her. The rest of us follow her to a seating area with a brown suede sofa, two turquoise chairs, and a glass coffee table. There’s a wall of windows facing Central Park. We’re on the top floor, so it’s a gorgeous view. Across from the large living room is a dining area with a black wood table and six matching chairs.
She takes a seat on the sofa with Cade, and Leon stands behind her at a slight angle. He’s like her shadow. Does he live with them? That must be strange for a married couple. How can you have spontaneous sex with a skulking shadow?
Sean and I take the chairs across from them.
“So, Josie, you’re new in town, right?” Silvia asks.
“Kinda. I lived here for college. I alternate New York and LA for auditions.”
“She’s an actress,” Sean says. “Really talented.”
I turn to him, smiling. “Thank you.”
“Oh, isn’t that exciting?” Silvia enthuses. “Would I have seen you in anything?”
“I was in the Blossom perfume commercial this past holiday season. I was playing mini golf, and the perfume was supposed to be the ball.”
“I know that one! You were wearing a bright yellow dress. How cute!” She turns to Cade. “You remember that commercial?”
“Vaguely. I probably checked my phone when it came on if it was for perfume. No offense.”
“No offense taken,” I say.
“Anything else I might’ve seen you in?” she asks with a smile.
I keep my smile firmly in place. “Not unless you’re a middle-school kid watching an educational series about library resources.”
“Ha! No.”
“She did a pilot,” Sean puts in.
I smile at him. “Yes. I’m excited about it. If it gets picked up, I could be in a sitcom for at least a season.”
“It films in LA,” Sean says. “She could be leaving in a week or two. The earliest she’ll hear is the end of this week.”
I send him a sideways look. Strange that he’s speaking on my behalf when I’m sitting right here.
He pulls out his phone. “Check out her video clip on her website.”
I flush. “No need to watch.”
“I want to,” Silvia says. “Don’t be shy. Sean already sang your praises.”
Sean makes a face. “I didn’t sing her praises. Objectively speaking, she’s talented.”
“Nothing personal, right?” Silvia says, giving me a wink. “Let me see.”
Sean hands over his phone, and I try not to squirm as Silvia and Cade watch it together. Leon remains standing stoically behind Silvia, staring straight ahead. It’s like partying with a statue. So strange. If I ever get famous, I guess I’ll need a guard too. I’m going to make mine keep a distance away. Upstairs a level from me, or downstairs. Easy to reach if I scream for help, but not hovering.
Silvia hands back Sean’s phone when the video finishes. “Very cool, Josie. I liked the contrast in scenes too, with drama and comedy. Which is your favorite?”
“I like everything. I want to be one of those actors not defined by genre, you know? Like, I could be in an action adventure, a rom-com, or a thriller. Like Claire Jordan.”
Silvia tilts her head. “I know her. Well, I don’t know her personally, but my US wedding planner also planned Claire Jordan’s wedding. Maybe I could touch base with her about connecting you two.”
I suck in air. “Omigod. That would be amazing. Claire Jordan is my idol! She’s done so many genres, so many fantastic roles, and she has her own production company. Just to meet her and talk to her about her experience would be such an honor.”
“Wonderful!” Silvia exclaims. “Give me your number, and I’ll be in touch if Claire’s available.”
I shoot Sean a can you believe this look before turning back to her. “I’m sure she’s so busy. She just had a new movie come out, and I know she has two kids now, Owen and Harper. Plus she has her production company, Red Jewel Films.”
They all stare at me.
I lift one shoulder up and down. “I’ve done a little research. Every time I find an actress with a career I admire, I try to figure out how she got there. You know, follow her career steps. The personal stuff is just there alongside it.” I laugh. “Okay, I’m a total fangirl!”
“I’ll text you Josie’s contact info,” Sean says to Silvia before I can do it on my own. He taps his phone and sends it. He sure is being proactive on my behalf tonight. It feels good to know he wants me to succeed. It means he believes in me.
Silvia sends him a curious look before turning to me and smiling sweetly. “I hope it turns out to be a good connection.”
“I so appreciate it,” I gush.
She smiles and takes a sip of wine. “So, Josie, how’s it going with my cousin for a roommate?”
I beam at Sean. “Great! We know how to work around each other, and I’ve got no complaints.”
Sean tugs at his collar. “It’s been an adjustment. I’m used to working solo, but Josie…she’s there too.”
I stiffen. “I’m there too?”
He grimaces, looking away.
My mood tanks, and I swallow hard. “I thought you said I helped you. And I do make sure you have dinner every night.”
He lowers his voice. “I think I can handle takeout on my own. Besides, it’s not a good living situation with all the construction debris.”
I narrow my eyes. After all I’ve done for him? “So I’m just an annoyance?”
Cade excuses himself to check on dinner. Silvia watches Sean closely. So do I. Here I was feeling so warmly toward him when he resented my very existence.
“Well?” I prompt. “Just say what you really think of me.”
He exhales sharply, throws Silvia a beseeching look, who gestures for him to go on, and turns back to me. “Okay, fine. You’re a distraction. I said that from the beginning. I need focus. I wasn’t supposed to have a roommate. I only let you stay because Winnie said you needed to feel safe.”
“Is Sean your makeshift guard?” Silvia asks me. “He’s not carrying a weapon, you know. Unlike Leon.”
I glance over at the menacing Leon, who slides his blazer back to reveal a gun. I gulp. “I don’t need that much protection.”
Sean takes a long pull of his beer, staring straight ahead. Something is off.
Silvia smiles. “That may be true, but if Sean’s getting on your nerves, you’re welcome to crash here. Leon can look after both of us.”
My jaw drops, and I turn to Sean, who pastes on a fake smile. “That’s a nice offer,” he says.
Did Princess Silvia just invite me to crash with her five minutes after meeting me? And why doesn’t Sean look in the least surprised? And then I know—he tried to pawn me off on her! The rat! That’s the whole reason I’m here. This is the thanks I get after all I’ve done to help him! I feed the big jerk, I clean up after his dishes, and…I wiped down an entire
bathroom! That was hard work. I handed him tools and fetched lots of tile, running up and down several flights of stairs. Not to mention emptying out the kitchen for him! If that makes me a bother, then he doesn’t deserve me.
“I’ve done a lot for you,” I tell Sean in a choked voice. Dammit. My eyes are hot. I turn to Silvia. “Excuse me, where’s your bathroom?”
She gives me a sympathetic look and points. “Just down the hall.”
I jump up and rush there before Sean can see how upset I am. I don’t want to be upset over him. I don’t want to care about him at all. I wish I didn’t. He grew on me with his gruff competent ways and the occasional glimpse into a man who seemed to run deep. That kiss had me imagining more than was really there.
I give myself a pep talk in the mirror and then do a deep-breathing exercise to reach calm again. I’ve had plenty of practice in settling myself before auditions. Sure, this is worse because it’s personal, but the same principles apply. I. Am. Fine. I will be fine.
When I return to the living room, Silvia says, “Sorry, Josie. Leon doesn’t feel comfortable extending security to another person. He says we’d need to hire another guard for you.”
“That’s okay. I don’t need a guard.”
“You still need to feel safe,” Sean says.
“Don’t worry about me,” I say through my teeth.
“What about staying with my parents?” he asks. “My dad’s a big guy, and they’ve got room.”
I use my coolest, most composed voice. “No need. I’ll find another place to crash as soon as I can manage it.”
“With who?” Sean demands.
“I don’t know,” I fire back. “Maybe someone from my improv class.”
“A guy?”
Why does he care as long as I’m out of his hair?
I shoot Sean a hard look. “We’ll talk later.”
He grunts. The grouch is back. Who cares? Now I’m grouchy too. I’ve never felt so unappreciated in my life. And so hurt.
I toss back my wine, draining the glass.
“More wine?” Sophia asks.
“Yes, thank you.”
She refills my glass and gives Sean a pointed look. “Maybe you should help Cade get dinner on the table.”
Rogue Gentleman (The Rourkes, Book 8) Page 7