Losing His Shirt

by Linda Fausnet

  Johnny’s expression softened as he listened, and my heart melted.

  “I love to hear you sing, Rosemary.”

  “Thanks.” My voice sounded way breathier than I had intended. Good God, what was wrong with me?

  I knew what was wrong. Johnny Creel was rapidly transforming from somewhat attractive to drop-dead gorgeous, right before my very eyes. It was unsettling, but I couldn’t help it. It was something in the way he looked at me. With such, I don’t know … intensity. I didn’t think any man had ever looked at me like that before. I was pretty sure my suspicions were right; Johnny had feelings for me. But how did I feel about him? I mean, this was Johnny Creep!

  I gazed into his eyes for a moment, unable to help myself. Until now, I’d never realized how pretty his gray eyes were. I still couldn’t stand the smell of his horrible cologne, but the rest of him was rather appealing. I had to fight the urge to glance down at the front of his shirt, which showed off his broad chest.

  Good thing the waitress brought our food out just then, because I wasn’t sure how long I had been staring into Johnny’s eyes. I bit back a smile when I saw him use the waitress’s arrival as a chance to steal a look at my cleavage. I hated when he did that at work, but now I was strangely flattered.

  Johnny took my plate and served me first, choosing the largest slice of pizza for me. It was a hundred-and-eighty-degree turn from the way he behaved as my boss. On several occasions he let the office door slam in my face, including one time when I was carrying several boxes. I remember Cody literally growled behind Johnny’s back, then he rushed over to get the door for me.

  “Thanks for dinner, Johnny. This is delicious!”

  He smiled and said, “You’re welcome.”

  “So, how has work been going for you?” I asked.

  He considered the question carefully before answering. “Well, it’s … To be honest, it’s tough. I mean, it’s just selling used cars, so it’s not necessarily difficult. I’ve always liked cars, and I already knew a lot before I started working there. But I have to admit, it’s been a real adjustment for me to actually have to work.”

  I giggled. I loved that he actually admitted that out loud. “Not as easy as you thought, huh?”

  “No, not at all.” He sighed and shook his head. “I had no idea. I never realized how long an eight-hour day could be, and how hard it is to be at the total mercy of your boss. Rosemary, I am so sorry for, you know, everything.”

  “I know you’re sorry, Johnny. And I forgive you,” I told him with a smile. I always thought I would enjoy seeing Johnny suffer. Well, not suffer. I never wish ill on anyone. But I thought it would feel good to see Johnny have to work hard like the rest of us. It was probably good for him to have a real job. He was much better as a humble man. Still, I didn’t like seeing him unhappy.

  Johnny’s smile made me tingle all over in ways I didn’t want to think about. He reached for another slice of pizza and I seized the opportunity to sneak a look at his partially unbuttoned shirt. He had a smooth chest with sizable pec muscles. A shiver of desire rippled through me, which I tried to ignore. I told myself it had nothing to do with Johnny and everything to do with the fact that it had been way too long since I’d had sex.

  Johnny doctored up his slice of pizza with grated parmesan cheese and hot peppers, which allowed me to stare at him longer. Given his track record with women, I had no doubt that he would be more than willing to take me to bed if I wanted. The idea was more tempting than I wanted to admit, but I couldn’t have a one-night stand with Johnny, no matter how hot he was. I only had sex when I was in a committed relationship. As much as I needed to get well and truly laid, I had no desire to be a part of the Creel harem. Even if I did give in to my desire and have a one-night stand with Johnny, I tended to be overly emotional when it came to sex; I couldn’t risk being just another notch on his bedpost.

  I knew Johnny was a big-time player, and he’d slept with a lot of women. I used to field calls from his one-night stands at work, since he never gave out his cell number. Stories about the Johnny Creel in the tabloids were legendary. The sleazier ones even hinted at his impressive size, and they weren’t talking about his muscles. Johnny was probably an incredible lover, but I would get hurt if I slept with him. For all I knew, he was this charming with all the women he bedded. Maybe it wasn’t just the money they were after. It made me sad to think he might be this sweet with all those other girls.

  “So, are you getting used to your apartment?”

  “I guess so. It’s been one hell of an adjustment, I’ll tell you that.” Johnny took a bite of his pizza and swallowed, then he continued. “I’m used to having a huge penthouse, so this is a helluva downgrade. I took some of my furniture with me, but that’s it. It’s a really tiny place.”

  “But it’s your place,” I reminded him.

  “Yeah. It is. I’ve thought a lot about what you said on the phone. I was busy feeling sorry for myself, so it was good to stop for minute and appreciate my accomplishment.” Johnny gazed at me thoughtfully for moment. “You were right. I mean, I’ve got a shitty job and a shitty apartment, but they’re all mine. For once, I actually earned something, you know? And even if my place is a far cry from where I used to be in life, it’s a lot more than a lot of other people have. It’s funny …”

  “What?”

  Johnny glanced over at the kitchen where people were scurrying around, making food, answering the phone, and pouring drinks. “It’s like, I notice people more now. People in the service industry and like, you know, homeless people and stuff.” He looked at me uncertainly, like he wasn’t sure how I would react to his words. I nodded encouragingly. “I guess I always thought other people were lazy. I thought if they just tried harder, they could be rich like I was. God, I was so stupid.”

  “Well, it’s never too late to learn.”

  “Thank you for being so patient with me, Rosemary.”

  “You’re doing great, Johnny. Really.”

  “Thanks,” he said with a smile that made me tingle again. Was I so hard up for male attention that my old creeper boss was suddenly attractive?

  Johnny surveyed the four slices of pizza remaining. “Want another one?”

  “No, I’m good.”

  Our waitress stopped by and asked, “Need a couple of boxes?”

  “Just one would be fine. Thanks,” Johnny told her. After she walked away, he turned to me and said, “You’re taking home the leftovers.”

  “Johnny, you don’t have to—”

  He held up a hand as if to say there would be no argument.

  I smiled at him. “Thanks. That’s very sweet of you.” Everything you do lately is sweet. Who are you?

  When the waitress came back, I watched as Johnny confidently took out his credit card and paid the bill. It was wonderful to see him appear more sure of himself. I’d hated watching how embarrassed he was last time.

  “Did you get a credit card in your name?”

  “Yep,” he said, laughing. “I mean, I’ve had plenty of gold cards with my name on them, but…”

  “It wasn’t your money.”

  “Right.”

  Johnny added a tip to the bill, signed the slip, and then looked at me. I stood up, and then so did he.

  “Well, I guess I’ll see you around,” he said uncertainly.

  “Yeah. Oh, by the way, my friends and I are getting together tomorrow night if you want to hang out with us,” I blurted out.

  What? Where had that come from?

  Johnny’s gray eyes lit up with happiness and that shiver of desire went through me again. It wasn’t just desire, it was affection. I realized how much I loved seeing him smile. I desperately tried to convince myself that I felt sorry for him—that I knew he was lonely, and that’s why I had invited him—but it was getting harder to lie to myself. The truth was, I really wanted to see him again. As soon as possible.

  “Really?”

  “It’s kinda my birthday tomorrow,” I admit
ted.

  “Oh, cool! I didn’t know that.”

  “Yeah so, you know, if you’re not doing anything …”

  “That’s great, Rosemary. I would love to come.”

  Dear God, Ryan is gonna kill me for inviting Johnny to my birthday party. Ryan hadn’t taken it well when I told him I’d been helping Johnny get back on his feet. I couldn’t really blame the guy. For the last three years I’d been complaining about Johnny. Explaining how he’d changed was difficult.

  “Cool. I’ll text you the address of my friend’s place. And thanks for dinner.”

  “You’re welcome,” Johnny said. He hesitated a moment, like he wanted to say something more, but he didn’t.

  “Goodnight,” I said with a smile as I turned and walked out of the restaurant, acutely aware that he was watching me leave.

  Oh my God, I think I have a crush on Johnny Creel.

  Chapter 14

  I was nervous as hell to meet a bunch of Rosemary’s friends all at once, but I was grateful she had invited me to her birthday party. Last night’s dinner had gone well, I thought. Well, except for the fact that my dream woman had found the mere scent of me physically revolting. It was embarrassing, especially since I had slathered the cologne on in hopes of impressing her. Still, I was glad she told me the truth so I wouldn’t make that mistake again.

  I stood in front of the apartment door where Rosemary said she would be tonight. I hesitated a moment, trying to gather my nerve. It was funny; I’d spent my whole life hobnobbing with important people, from billionaires, to senators, to foreign dignitaries, but I had no idea how to act around poor people. It’s not that I thought I was better than them. Not anymore, anyway. It was more like I was entering their turf, and I was afraid of feeling out of place. I drew in a deep breath, reminding myself that this was Rosemary’s world and I desperately wanted to be a part of it.

  I knocked on the door, but there was so much noise inside that I had to knock twice more. Suddenly the door swung open, and a petite blonde girl stood there, looking at me curiously. She looked familiar, but I couldn’t quite place her.

  “Hi. I’m not sure if I have the right place. I’m a friend of Rosemary Sutton.”

  “Oh, yeah. She mentioned you were coming. John, right?”

  “Uh, Johnny. Yeah.”

  She nodded, then opened the door wider and stepped aside to allow me in. I got the feeling she wasn’t too thrilled to see me. The apartment was as small as mine but a lot cozier. It was warmer somehow, with framed pictures on the walls, a table with a tablecloth, and nice curtains. That kind of thing.

  I was unnerved to see that most of the people there were looking at me the same way the blonde girl had. Curious, and not entirely happy to see me. They must have known who I was. I was famous. Or maybe infamous was a better word. A lot of them had probably seen me on TV and online and stuff; it must have been weird to see me in person.

  “Johnny,” Rosemary exclaimed as she rushed over to rescue me. A wave of relief and affection washed over me when I saw her lovely smile.

  “I’m so glad you made it.”

  “Happy birthday!” I clutched the gift I’d brought close to my chest, so she wouldn’t see it yet.

  “Thanks,” she said, tucking her pretty, red hair behind her ear. “Oh, this is Erica.”

  Erica, the blonde girl who answered the door, smiled and shook my hand. She was polite but distant. “Nice to meet you.”

  I suddenly realized why she looked familiar. She was in the play with Rosemary. Thank God—I was worried I might have slept with her somewhere along the way.

  “Is that new cologne you’re wearing?” Rosemary asked.

  “Uh, yeah. It is.” The first thing I’d done after Rosemary left last night was run to the closest department store to buy the best cologne I could afford. Then I went home and dumped my old, expensive cologne in the garbage.

  Rosemary leaned in close to me, deliciously close, and breathed me in. “Oooh, I like it. Very manly,” she said with a warm smile.

  “Cool. I’m glad you like it. I promise I won’t wear that other stuff around you again,” I told her.

  “That’s so thoughtful, Johnny. Thank you.” She seemed genuinely touched by my gesture, and she gazed into my eyes for a moment. God, I loved it when she did that.

  When I finally tore my gaze away from Rosemary, I turned around and was met with the most hostile expression yet. I recognized the guy immediately. Ryan Dempsey. The annoyingly hot guy who co-starred with Rosemary in Thoroughly Modern Millie. As her love interest. They had amazing chemistry together; it seemed like they were in love onstage. Well, Rosemary was a terrific actress. I hoped to God that’s all it was with her and Ryan. Great acting.

  “Ryan,” Rosemary said with a hint of warning in her voice. “I’d like you to meet Johnny Creel.”

  “Good to meet ya,” I said, shaking his hand forcefully as our pissing match officially began.

  “You too,” Ryan lied as he looked me in the eye.

  You better watch out, you fuck. I don’t give a shit what you’ve got going with Rosemary. I’m going to make her mine.

  Rosemary looked nervously between the two of us, clearly sensing our immediate hate for each other. She didn’t seem surprised—it was like she’d expected it. Jesus, was this guy such a jealous prick that she wasn’t allowed to have male friends? Fury raged in me at the mere idea that he might be trying to control her.

  “Here, come meet Susannah,” Rosemary said, pulling me away from Ryan. I took it as a small victory that she’d grabbed my arm. I hoped her touching me really chapped Ryan’s ass.

  I liked Susannah immediately; she was the only one besides Rosemary who greeted me with warmth. She had soft brown hair, light blue eyes, and a sweet smile that made her even prettier. It was a relief to see a friendly face.

  “This is Susannah Peters. This is her place,” Rosemary said.

  I shook her hand much more than gently than I had Ryan’s. “Nice to meet you, Susannah. Thanks for having me on such short notice,”

  “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Creel,” she said.

  “Oh, good God. Call me Johnny. Please.”

  Her laugh was as warm as her smile. “Okay. Johnny then. And you can call me Susie. Can I get you a drink?”

  “Yeah, that’d be great. Thanks.”

  Susie led me over to the kitchen and past a bunch more people who were staring at me. I hoped that Susie and Rosemary would stick close to me tonight. I felt like I had been thrown to the wolves. Susie opened the fridge and I selected a beer.

  As I popped the top of the bottle, a horrible thought suddenly occurred to me. These people didn’t know me as the Johnny Creel, billionaire playboy. To them, I was Johnny Creep, Rosemary’s evil boss who had treated her like garbage. No wonder they hated me. If somebody dared mistreat her now, I’d fucking kick their ass. These people really cared about Rosemary; they had every right to hate me. Well, except Ryan. That guy was just a douchebag.

  I stood awkwardly sipping my beer, and watching Rosemary’s friends talk and laugh with each other, and I felt left out. It was odd, feeling lonely yet being surrounded by people. The truth was that a lot of people had been super nice to me because I paid them to be. Now that I was penniless, nobody had to talk to me if they didn’t want to.

  Rosemary was involved in a conversation with Erica and some of her other friends from the play. She kept glancing over at me like she felt bad for abandoning me, but had trouble politely excusing herself.

  “Please help yourself to the food,” Susie said, startling me a bit. “There’s plenty of it.” She gestured at the table full of chips and dip, cheese and veggies, and other munchies.

  “Thanks! Everything looks so good.”

  She watched as I loaded up my plate. “You okay?”

  I glanced at her, surprised at the question. Her kind face was filled with empathy.

  “I get the feeling I’m not wanted here,” I confessed quietly to her.

&n
bsp; “Oh, please don’t feel like that. Of course you’re welcome here,” Susie said with a smile. She hesitated a moment before adding, “The thing is, all we really know about you is that you used to be Rosemary’s boss and …” She was too kind to finish her sentence.

  “And I didn’t treat her so well.”

  Susie nodded. “Well, yes. But Rosemary says you’ve been nothing but wonderful to her, now that she doesn’t work for you anymore.”

  It was nice of her not to say now that you’re totally broke.

  “She says you two are friends, and that’s good enough for me.”

  “Thanks. I don’t think it’s good enough for everyone, though. I think Ryan wants to kill me.”

  Susie looked over to where Ryan stood in the corner, holding a beer and staring me down.

  “Yes, well, Rosemary is … Rosemary is very special to him.”

  My heart sank, and I nodded slowly.

  “Give it time,” Susie said kindly, patting my hand. “We’re a close group around here, and any friend of Rosemary’s is a friend of ours.”

  Rosemary finally got away from her group and headed straight over to me. Her pretty, green eyes were full of worry.

  “Sorry. Sorry! I didn’t mean to abandon you in a room full of strangers.”

  I smiled at her, feeling warm all over. “It’s okay, Rosemary. It’s your birthday! Have fun. Talk to whoever you like. I’ve got a drink, and I’m stuffing my face with delicious, and not to mention free, food. It’s all good.”

  Susie laughed, and so did a few of the others. Maybe they thought I was a snob because I used to be rich. It seemed to help my case that I had indirectly mentioned being broke.

  “Rosemary!”

  I tried my damnedest not to glare at that prick, Ryan, as he deliberately called Rosemary away from me.

  “Come here and open your presents already!” Ryan said with a smile.

  “Okay. Come on, Johnny!” She gestured for me to join the rest of the group as she opened her presents. Part of me wanted to stay where it was safe: with Susie and far away from the rest of Rosemary’s friends. I knew I had to fucking man up, though. I reminded myself that these people were important to Rosemary. I’d hurt her before, and they were probably concerned I would do it again. I had to earn their forgiveness and their trust.