Fixated

by Scarlett Avery

  He frowns. I shrug apologetically. He takes a step forward, slides his arm around my waist and leans in until his lips nearly touch my ear. “Can I buy you a drink?”

  “Thanks so much, but I think I’m okay.”

  I had a blast dancing with him, but I know very well that things won’t go much further than this. What’s the point of leading him on?

  * * *

  Why is it that women’s bathrooms are always so packed? The line to the stall is so long I’m surprised I’m able to hold it in until it’s my turn. Martinis are a beautiful thing, but man, they do quite the number on your bladder.

  Once I’m done, I fight my way to the sink to wash my hands and find a little spot in the mirror so I can assess the damage. It’s not easy being this short when you’re surrounded by women who are five-ten or taller and who are all wearing skyscraper heels. Just when I start to curse my petite stature and I think I’m out of luck, three stick-figure silicon Barbie dolls with inflatable boobs the size of small watermelons leave. Buh-bye. Finally, I’m able to move to my right so that I can take a better look at myself.

  I primp, blot and touch up the perfect makeup job Jessica did on my face. I recoat my lashes with mascara, tease my hair to add extra volume and reapply my lipstick. Jess used Candice Swanepoel as her muse for my makeup. She gave me the same shimmery nude eyes and the same bold lips as the South African Victoria’s Secret model. I never bring much attention to my mouth, but I have to hand it to Jess, she knows her craft well. Not bad. Not bad at all. Once I’m happy with my appearance, I head back out.

  This is crazy. There are people everywhere, but luckily I manage to spot my best friend. Jess is chatting with a well-known actress near the back. She notices me and winks at me. I smile back warmly. Unwilling to butt in and fueled by her earlier advice, I venture off alone. Instead of going back to the dance floor, I make a bee-line to the bar. I’m dying of thirst.

  I’ve barely taken a step forward when my phone vibrates inside the clutch hanging from the chain looped around my shoulder. I pull it out to see who’s texting me and I immediately smile. Jess.

  Remember, you’re a sexy temptress capable of getting any man she wants. Go for it.

  -----

  I love you so much right now.

  -----

  Ditto. Now go hook up with a guy and make me proud.

  -----

  Yes, ma’am.

  I slide my phone back into my clutch and resume my mission. Time for another drink. I zigzag my way to the bar, since there are so many people standing around chatting with a glass in their hands. I often notice this same phenomenon at events and galas I’ve worked at the past. Although there’s a dance floor and there are empty adjacent rooms, most guests tend to congregate around the bar area. It seems that’s where all the action happens. This party is no different other than the fact that usually people seek me to order a drink. Tonight the tables are turned. I’m no longer a waitress. I’m a bona fide guest.

  I’m standing in front of the bar doing my best to catch someone’s attention when another heat wave takes over me. Lifting my hair off my neck in an attempt to cool down, I fan myself with my hand, but there are too many bodies crammed in this room. It seems like a futile exercise. Holy crap, it’s hotter than hell.

  “Your hair is freaking insane.”

  When I reopen my eyes I’m face to face with a smiling bartender. “Thanks. Right now I’m cursing this heavy, thick and long name,” I lament.

  “I have a few solutions to alleviate your problem, but I won’t tell you what’s going through my head.” He grins suggestively. My cheeks instantly burn and I know it has nothing to do with the temperature in the room. “My name is Charlie.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Charlie.” I shake his hand.

  “Aren’t you going to tell me your name?”

  I’m nobody’s fool. “I’m pretty certain you’ve already asked the same question to every single girl who stood right where I am now.”

  “Nah, only to the really sexy ones.” He winks.

  “Smooth,” I say awkwardly.

  “I won’t embarrass you any further. What’s your vice, sweetheart?”

  “I’d like a—” I’m just about to order a tall glass of iced water and another Cosmo, but I stop in mid-sentence. “Oh, my God.”

  “I’ve been called worse.” The bartender is obviously mocking me.

  “You’re funny. It’s just that I recognize a few people I know,” I say, leaning forward and waving.

  “Lucky bastards.” Charlie sighs. “Are you still up for that drink or not, sweetheart?”

  “Let me go say hi and I’ll be right back.”

  “Suit yourself, but I’m way more fun and a whole lot cuter.”

  “I don’t doubt it for a minute.” I wink.

  I have to say I’m embracing the new, daring me.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Hunter

  Collin, Shane and I are all smiling at a gorgeous woman waving at us.

  “She’s mine before the end of the night,” Collin boasts, slamming his tumbler on the bar.

  “Who the hell died and gave you dibs on the sexy siren? We don’t know who she’s waving at.” I’m pretty sure Collin and Shane’s stardom trumps mine, but I’m not going down that easily

  “All right then, Evans. Let’s settle this. Have you fucked her before?”

  “You’re one classy motherfucker, Collin.”

  “Let me rephrase that so I don’t offend your sensitive nature,” he mocks. “Do you recognize her?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t.”

  “What about you, Shane?”

  “Nope. I unfortunately have never had the pleasure.”

  “Then she’s fair game. No doubt she’s been drooling all over my Facebook fan page for months and now her panties are already wet at the idea of meeting me in the flesh.”

  God, if this man’s dick was as big as his ego, he’d never be able to walk or sit.

  “Well, we’ll know soon, she’s coming over.” I nod to the left and Collin immediately turns around.

  The beautiful woman we’re all fighting over runs towards us. “My God, what are the odds?”

  “Hello to you, sunshine,” Collin croons.

  “Oh, hi,” she throws at Collin without much of a smile. The sexy beauty barely acknowledges my friends’ presence. That’s weird. I guess she’s not one of their fans after all. “Hunter?”

  Surprised at hearing my name, I push myself off of the bar I’ve been leaning against. “Hi. It’s great to see you again,” I say, hoping she’ll talk more so I can finally figure out how we know each other.

  “Wow. It’s really you?” She claps her hands together. She’s so excited. We must’ve spent a good time together. Too bad I don’t remember.

  “Small world, isn’t it?” I pedal, buying myself more time.

  “I know, right?” She’s grinning from ear to ear. She’s so happy to see me.

  “Right.” I nod. Something about her voice sounds familiar, but with all the chaos and noise around us, it’s still hard for me to pinpoint how I know this babe.

  “Think about it,” she starts, taking a step towards me. “Yesterday we were strangers and now I run into you three times in a row.”

  And then it hits me hard. “Miranda?”

  “Of course.”

  Jesus. Talk about a transformation. “You’re unrecognizable.”

  She blushes. “I hope that’s a good thing?”

  “Oh, absolutely.” You had three grown men drooling all over you. I’d say it’s a fucking good thing.

  “I keep forgetting what I look like. I’m more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. I’m not used to being all dolled up like this,” she says, smoothing the fabric of her dress.

  “Hunter, are you going to introduce us?” Collin hits me on the arm, reminding me that Miranda’s presence has made me forget all about my manners.

  “I’m sorry. Collin and Shane Dennison, please
meet Miranda…” I hesitate.

  “Reddick,” she says, filling the blank.

  “That’s it.” I snap my fingers in recollection. “Guys, please meet Miranda Reddick, also known as the next Miss America,” I add.

  “Puh-lease. Stop it.” She exhales.

  “You’re totally selling yourself short.” I lift an eyebrow, impressed, as I take her in from head to toe. “Remember, Collin, she’s the one who cleaned up my royal mess yesterday morning when we went for breakfast.”

  Collin looks back and forth between Miranda and me. “You’re the same waitress from Lola’s Paradise?” he asks, stunned.

  I’ve known him long enough to know what’s going through his head right now. He’s unable to believe that I spent the morning with a woman who looks like that without touching her.

  “Yup. That’s me,” she cheers.

  “I have to agree with my friend Hunter. Miranda, you clean up magnificently.” Collin’s eyes move up and down Miranda’s body in a way that makes me want to punch his lights out.

  I lean forward to break his attention away from her chest. “Back off, Collin,” I growl with an icy smile as Miranda giggles delightedly in front of me.

  Now Collin focuses his attention on me, but with far less interest. “No problem, man. I was just being friendly.”

  Too friendly.

  Collin takes a step to the left, allowing me to get closer to Miranda. “Are you here alone?” I ask, scouring the room quickly to confirm no guy is out looking for her. I know I shouldn’t be this territorial considering I only met her officially this morning, but I just can’t help it.

  “I’m not.” Damn. “I’m—”

  A group of five excited women, all bleach blondes, run towards us, interrupting Miranda. They nearly knock her down as they struggle to get closer to us. “Oh, my God, you can’t possibly be Collin Dennison? Like, I’ve died and gone to heaven,” one of them says, rolling her eyes at the back of her head as if she’s having an orgasm.

  Collin’s body posture changes dramatically when he becomes aware of his fan base. He combs his fingers through his hair and flashes his Hollywood grin. “Well, hello, gorgeous.”

  “OMG! Did you just call me gorgeous? I mean for real?”

  Yeah, sweetheart, that’s what he calls all the girls.

  “I call it like I see it and you are delicious.” Collin adjusts the lapel of his jacket, looking a bit smug.

  “I can’t believe this. I think I’m going to pass out. And is that Shane, your brother?” The tall blonde wearing a bubble-pink dress points right in front of Miranda’s face, nearly blinding her.

  “Uh-huh. That’s my big bro.”

  “I’m so going to heaven now!” She fans herself, still blocking Miranda’s view with the other hand. The blonde turns around to her equally excited girlfriend before focusing on Collin again. “Can we get a photo with the two of you and all my girls? We’ve all been huge fans for such a long time. We’ve bought every single calendar you’ve ever published.”

  Collin grins from ear to ear. “Absolutely. Shane and I can never say no to die-hard fans, especially not ones as beautiful as you girls. Why don’t we all go over there,” Collin suggests, pointing in front of him with his chin. “There are fewer people and it will make for a better photo op.”

  All five women bounce excitedly, clapping their hands together like children.

  Collin turns to face me. “Evans, our fans have summoned us. We need to go take care of business. I guess I’ll leave you here with your new friend. Shane, man, let’s do this.”

  Shane waves at me and he follows the bevy of blonde hair.

  “Have fun. I’ll see you later, guys.” I already know it’s unlikely they’ll stick around for long. After all, they have a few hotel suites waiting. Incredible. I shake my head in disbelief. This isn’t the first time I’ve witnessed this, but I’m always taken aback.

  On the plus side, it’s just Miranda and I. “Well, that was interesting,” I mock. “It’s always a circus when I’m out with those two.”

  “No worries.” She smiles.

  “I’m sorry for the interruption. You were saying?”

  “I didn’t come alone.” Crap. “I’m here with my best friend and her boyfriend Kevin.” That’s better. “He’s well connected and he knows a lot of Hollywood people. That’s why I’m here tonight.” She’s so breathtaking I’m surprised no man has claimed her yet. “Given what you do as a profession, I must admit I’m a little surprised to see you here.”

  “I’m a big fan of the designer and both Dennison brothers were models tonight.”

  “Oh, yeah, I overheard people talking about a fashion show.” She places her hands on her hips and her whole demeanor changes. “Who do I complain to?”

  Huh? “What do you mean?” I furrow my brows, confused.

  “You said your friends were models tonight, right?”

  “Yes. They were.” I’m not sure where she’s going with this.

  “Should I assume you weren’t strutting your stuff on the runway?”

  “No.” I chuckle. “I’m here as a spectator and to support Collin and Shane.”

  She purses her full lips, extends her left leg out and drops her left hand from her waist. “With an athletic body like yours I think the designer made a fatal mistake by not demanding you represent his collection.” She winks with a glee of amusement in her eyes.

  Taken aback by her sassiness, I tilt my head back and roar laughing. Even with the loud music I draw attention to myself. “You’re making me feel self-conscious about the way you’ve been checking out my body. You’re as blatant now as you were earlier today. To be fair, Rex did ask me to be a model, but I turned him down. It’s not my thing.”

  “Too bad for us ladies. You stand out. A lot.”

  Someone’s being quite flirtatious. “You’re too much.” I laugh it off.

  “I’m just being honest.” The heat emanating from her insanely hypnotic eyes—which are more amber than brown under these dim lights—sears me. Fuck. “You’re looking at me with those intense eyes again, Hunter,” she says before looking away.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, but Miranda, you’re drop-dead gorgeous and it’s really challenging for me to take my eyes off of you. Don’t get me wrong, you were beautiful earlier today when I met you at the market, but now… wow.” I shake my head, at a loss for words.

  “Oh. I don’t know how to answer that.” Her shyness is back in full force. “I think it’s…” She hesitates. “It’s all of this.” She waves a manicured finger the length of her body. I drink up every single one of her luscious curves like a man lost in the desert. “My best friend convinced me to book an appointment with her celebrity hairdresser,” she says, sweeping her cascade of locks behind her back. “He’s so talented.”

  Fuck, I’d fist all that hair while riding you from behind. “He did a great job.”

  “Thanks. He totally did. After my appointment, I ran to Michelle’s boutique. My best friend Jessica’s older sister has a consignment shop in Venice Beach. Nikki, one of the salespeople, worked her magic and helped me pick this dress.” She caresses the satin fabric of her red dress. The design hits her well above the knees, revealing a beautiful pair of shapely legs. “It’s a lot bolder than what I’d have selected for myself, but I’m getting used to the vibrant shade.”

  My eyes zoom in on her tits. The crisscross gathering beneath her breasts showcases them beautifully. Jesus Christ, they’d fit perfectly in my large hands. I bet you they’re nice and heavy. Just like I like ’em. “Red definitely suits you.”

  “You think so?”

  “Absolutely.” I nod emphatically. My eyes drag all the way down to her crimson-painted toes. Her small feet are trapped in a pair of outrageously sexy gold high-heeled sandals. I’d fuck her with those still glued to her feet.

  “I rarely wear any color that draws so much attention to me, but tonight I felt I needed to step it up a notch or two. It’s n
ot too tight, I hope?” She twirls around, seeking my approval, and I can’t stand the torture. I catch a glimpse of her ass in her form-fitted red dazzler and my heart nearly stops.

  Holy hell. I can already picture myself mounting that round ass and dominating her fully. “Not at all. It looks very elegant on you.”

  “Jessica keeps telling me this dress was made for me, but it’s good to get someone else’s perspective. You’re not as partial as she is.”

  I’d definitely argue on that one. The way my cock is twitching, I’d say I’m very partial. “I completely agree with your friend.”

  “The same goes for my face. My makeup routine is very simple and I usually limit myself to mascara, a little blush and lipgloss, but tonight I made an effort. Well, I should say Jess did. She’s the rising makeup artist responsible for making me look like a supermodel.” She giggles.

  “Your eyes pop out like gemstones.”

  Now that I’ve gotten over my initial shock, I can take her in fully. She’s wearing just enough makeup to beautifully enhance her features. Sure, she looks quite different from this morning, but it’s not overdone like so many girls in LA. That’s so refreshing and sexy as hell. Her long flowy hair definitely threw me off. This seductive style is such a departure from when she has her mane pulled back.

  “Thanks,” she answers coyly.

  I look at her red lips just as she licks them and it sends a delicious electric shock across my skin and straight to my cock. Damn, I’m audacious enough to suggest she introduces that tongue to my cock, but I hold back. “Well, the end result is incredible. You’re stunning.” She looks much better than many of the models standing in this room. “I was just going to order another drink before you showed up.” I need to find something bland and safe to talk about or I swear to God, I’ll end up dragging her where the models changed before the show and banging the shit out of her for looking this ravishing. “Would you like a drink? I see you’re empty-handed and that’s wrong in my book.”