My Favorite Mistake

by Wendi Zwaduk

  “No Austin?” Remy frowned again. “Where’s the rat bastard going to be?”

  “So I’m told, he’ll be there, too, but I saw the way Iris devoured him with her eyes. If he’s allowed in the room, I’ll be shocked.” She crossed her arms again. “Will you help me? We’ll have to get there at least an hour before Iris demanded I show up. If I have to do this all by myself, it’ll be a disaster. Think you’d be willing to help take pictures of hot men tomorrow morning?”

  “How early? I like my beauty sleep.”

  “Five in the morning, but I say we get there at four.” She held her breath and awaited his response. She loved him like a brother and needed him for the project, but if he decided to be moody, she could be screwed.

  Remy narrowed his eyes and cocked his head. “Austin was okay with this? I saw the way he looked at you at the store. It wasn’t the same way he looked at you last weekend.”

  “I have no idea how he feels about it, but Iris set it all up. I should’ve given him a chance to explain himself, but it was too raw. That’s part of why I need you around. I don’t know if I can face him. Something tells me it was tame and nothing to worry about, but I’ve been jacked over by him before.” She wasn’t proud of that point, but she had little control over her advertising partner. “If you’re willing, you’re in.”

  “I’m willing. It’s not like I had a date tonight anyway.”

  “No? Why didn’t you ask Dylan out?”

  “I never got the chance. We talked, had some wine and he bought takeout, but it was so awkward.” Remy flopped back onto the couch and held Molly’s hand. “I thought there were sparks, but who the hell knows? I thought Javier and I would work out and he’s got his dick buried in Hart’s ass.”

  “I’m sorry.” She understood how he felt. She’d fallen hard for Austin years ago and the weekend had only strengthened her feelings, but he wasn’t available. “Well, we can either worry about the men in our lives, or we can get ready for the photo shoot.”

  “Deal. I’m tired of giving my heart to guys who only want a quick fuck.” He patted her thigh. “Let’s gather up whatever you need and I’ll set the alarm.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  * * * *

  The rest of the night flew by in a blur. Molly flopped onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. She went through a mental list of what she needed to bring. Her portable lights, camera and laptop were bagged up and sitting by the apartment door.

  Remy snored beside her.

  With him making so much noise, she’d never get any sleep. Truth be told, she wasn’t going to sleep much anyway. Not with Austin on her mind. Although they’d only been together for twenty-four hours, she missed the way he’d held her when they’d slept and the taste of his kiss. She wanted to call him, or send a text to check on him, but why? He was holed up with Iris…probably.

  She grabbed her phone. The light blinded her for a few moments as she typed out the text. She couldn’t ignore him.

  You okay?

  She held the phone to her chest. She didn’t expect a response. He was more than likely to be naked with Iris and nowhere close to his phone. She checked the screen again. A message popped up. Her heart skipped a beat. Austin. Well, she hoped the person on the other end was him.

  Not okay. I miss you.

  Her hands shook. He missed her? What was she supposed to say to that?

  You’ll see me tomorrow.

  Not the smoothest text she could send back but she had to be cautious.

  Bet your ass I’ll be there. Want you in my arms, he wrote back.

  Hope blossomed in her chest. She shouldn’t give in to the hope but she didn’t have much of anything else left.

  Who are you with?

  Remy.

  She pressed the buttons to return the text when another popped up.

  I’m sorry I let you down.

  She typed out another message and sighed.

  You can make up for it later.

  Molly glanced at the clock. She had to be awake in a couple of hours in order to set the staging for the shoot. Time to get some sleep. She switched her phone to silent and placed it back on the nightstand.

  Molly closed her eyes and a vision of Austin came to mind. He curled up beside her and held her as she slept. With him, she was safe. She buried her nose in the pillow to muffle the whimper. But she missed him so much. Austin brought out a different side of her and sent delicious shivers through her body.

  Soon she’d get out of this predicament and be able to go on with her life. If that meant a life with Austin, then great, but if not…she’d deal with that consequence later.

  Molly flopped onto her back and opened her eyes. Once the numbers on the clock came into focus, she bolted upright. Shit.

  “Remy, it’s three-thirty.” She shook him awake. “Remy.”

  He grunted and rolled over. “I’m up.” His dick tented the blankets.

  She nodded. “No kidding.” Molly climbed out of bed and into the bathroom. If she rushed, she’d be able to shower and do her hair before they had to leave.

  “Don’t flip out,” Remy said. He marched past her and raked his fingers through his hair. “Give us fifteen minutes. You’ll be fresh and I’ll get clean clothes. No sweat.”

  “Whatever you say.” Molly hurried through a shower and tucked her hair into a towel. Ten minutes later, she’d dressed and put on some makeup. She wasn’t going to win any beauty pageants but she was passable. She used the blow dryer on her hair and pulled the tangle of curls back into a ponytail.

  “Cinderella’s gown officially poofed,” she muttered.

  “Cinderella didn’t give up,” Remy called. “She got all emo when the spell broke, but she tried to get the prince’s attention. You can’t give up on Austin.”

  “Sure.” She gathered up her bags and the lights. “Ready?”

  “I should be.” Remy slung the camera bag and her computer bag on his shoulder. “You go. I follow.” He tagged along behind her to the car and helped load the gear into the trunk. He didn’t say anything for the lion’s share of the ride.

  Molly looked at him a couple of times to make sure Remy was awake. He wasn’t big on being quiet and his lack of conversation bothered her. She pulled onto the drop-off lane in front of the hotel.

  She swatted Remy’s arm. “Stay here.”

  “I’m awake.”

  That’s what she’d thought. She closed the door and headed into the hotel. The three models stood by the counter. Molly squared her shoulders. “Boys.” She strode past them and up to the receptionist. “I’m here for a photo shoot. The paperwork should be in order. We’re supposed to be in one of the penthouses. I’m Molly Neff.”

  The receptionist smiled and pushed a piece of paper across the counter. “Sign this. The room is ready and under the name of Iris Sommerville, correct?”

  “Yes.” She scanned the form. According to the paperwork, she wasn’t liable for any of the damages—if there were any. She signed and handed the page back to the receptionist.

  “Here are your key cards.” The desk clerk slid the cards to her. “Good luck.”

  “I’ll need it.” She turned to the models. “I see three of you. Are the clothes up there?”

  The blond nodded. “Iris and Austin already went up there.”

  “You’re kidding.” She bit back her frustration. “Okay. I need to get my things and park the car. I’ll be right back.” She headed out to the pickup lane and her car. Remy snored in the front seat. She opened his door and thumped his arm. “Hey, you. I need your help. I’ve got three hunks at my bidding. Get up so I can get through this.”

  “Sorry.” Remy eased out of the seat and stood. He scrubbed both hands over his face. “I so want to kick Austin’s ass.”

  “Why?” She retrieved her things from the trunk and handed her keys over to the valet. The idea of relinquishing control of one of her prized possessions to someone she didn’t know bothered her. With Remy in tow, she made her
way back into the hotel. The models followed her to the elevator.

  She shook her head as Remy eyeballed the models. He could’ve looked a little less obvious. She elbowed him twice before the car stopped on the seventeenth floor. When the doors opened, she strode ahead of the others to the suite doors. She tapped her key card on the reader.

  Austin opened the door and eased into the hallway. “Everyone in.” He stepped out of the way as the models filed into the room. Austin waggled his fingers. “You too, Rem.”

  “Asshat.” Remy trudged past Austin then peeked back at Molly. “If he does something stupid, scream and I’ll kick his ass.”

  “That’s why I love you.” She met Austin’s gaze and considered his wince a small victory. Good. Let him feel a little uptight. She waited until Remy had disappeared with her gear into the suite then faced Austin. “I’m not allowed in?”

  Dressed in a white T-shirt that left little to the imagination, faded blue jeans and running shoes, he looked every inch the model. Austin wound his arm around her and headed back to the elevator.

  “Seriously, I’m not allowed in there?” she asked. “I thought—”

  “You’re fine,” Austin whispered. “I wanted some privacy and there’s none in there.” He stopped in front of the closed elevator doors. “Molly, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t need to be.” She folded her arms and faced him. “This is what you wanted—a pretty girl, a job where you don’t have to do much and can make a shit ton of money. I’m happy for you.” Liar.

  “You aren’t happy.” Austin groaned and scrubbed the back of his hand across his forehead. “Here’s the thing. When I texted you last night, I meant what I said. I wanted you with me.”

  “You were with Iris.”

  “She locked me out on the balcony. The only thing that saved me was it wasn’t that cold last night.”

  “Why?” Molly met his gaze. “I thought you were her new boy toy.”

  “She’s younger than me.”

  “Whatever.”

  “That’s just it. She thinks I am, too. The whole bursting in on our date and suggesting you be driven home was all her. I turned her down at the gala. You’re the one I wanted to be there with. Still are.” Austin enfolded her in his arms. “I screwed up. Yes, two hours before the gala I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go home with you or her. Yes, when she mentioned doing the modeling shoot, I jumped at it—but my main condition was that you were there. I’m not letting the other guy photograph me. I can’t do it.”

  “What do you mean, other guy?” She leaned back in his embrace. “There’s someone else here?”

  “The only way she’d agree to have you here today was if I agreed to have a second photographer.” Austin shook his head. “I thought I was helping.”

  She wasn’t sure what to think. Another person there. Good God. How many people were in the suite? “Then what’s my role?”

  “At the moment, everything’s stopped. There are three suites within that one. Iris has one, the main one is where the photography is taking place and the other is for the models to change.”

  “Except you,” she added.

  “Except me.” Austin rested his forehead against hers. “This is a freaking mess.”

  “Why are you losing your edge with her?” She needed to know.

  “Because I suck.” Austin bumped noses with her. “Okay, it’s because I dug myself a hole. I came on to her before we were tapped to do the Aura campaign. I didn’t know how you felt and I went with my dick instead of my gut.”

  She shrugged away from him. “Okay. I’ll see what I can do, but if that guy pushes in, I’m not sticking around. I know what I would do with this shoot and how I’d handle it. If you can work with me, we’ll get through it.”

  “I’ll do whatever you want.” Austin slipped his arm around her and pressed his belly to her back. “I dreamed about you last night. Fantasized you were with me. Christ, I nearly blew my load on the balcony.”

  “You’re terrible.” She sighed and leaned into him. “I slept with Remy.”

  “What?” He turned her around. “Really?”

  “Yeah. He snored beside me and I tossed and turned.” She smiled, despite her frustration. “Let’s get through this. We’ll figure things out. Oh, and I need some time to set things up. I don’t suppose Iris had breakfast planned for any of you.”

  “No, but I can see what I can do.” His eyes flashed and he smiled finally. “Molls. I’m not me without you.”

  “Or you’re a colossal mistake.” She shrugged then left him alone in the hallway. She’d get through the shoot and on with her life. All of his sweet words and kisses turned her on, but she needed a man who could make up his mind.

  Austin followed her into the suite and snapped his fingers. “All those ready to model, meet me in the next room. I’m ordering room service for breakfast.” He corralled the models then looked back at her and winked.

  Iris appeared in the doorway to the other suite. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m feeding the models.” Austin shut the door to the third suite. “Why don’t you join us? You’ve got to be hungry. Besides, Molly and Remy need time to set up. Nelson did a wonderful job photographing you, but for the photos you want, you need to give Molly the chance to work her magic.”

  Iris glared at Molly and narrowed her eyes but allowed Austin to escort her to the third suite.

  Once the door closed, Molly sighed and met Remy’s glance. “Where’s the other photographer?”

  “He got the hell out,” Remy said. “She wanted nudes.” He shuddered. “The female form is beautiful. Truly. But if you’re not expecting to see it, it’s a shock.”

  “You don’t want me to strip down?” She snorted. “Okay, so he’s gone?”

  “He’s outta here.” Remy took the light stand out of the bag. “What’s the game plan?”

  She surveyed the layout of the room. The first rays of sun crept over the horizon. Once the sun rose a bit higher, the warm glow would enhance the models. She yanked open the curtains to the balcony the rest of the way.

  “Mess up the sheets. I don’t want a made bed.” She rested her hands on her hips. “Let’s move this lamp and find a newspaper.”

  Remy nodded and sprang into action. “The models aren’t bad.”

  “Oh?” She arranged the pillows for a more lived-in look. “You got to know them?”

  “We talked. They’re just as confused by all this as you are. You weren’t kidding. Iris got this ball rolling in record time.” He turned his attention to the adjustable light. “I’m sure there were ulterior motives. The guys seem to think she picked her flavor of the month and wanted to show him off.”

  She snorted. “I’m not shocked.”

  “Well? How was he? I can see it all over your face, Moll.” Remy sat on the edge of the bed. “Was he worth all this trouble?”

  “Great—no.” She sighed and sank onto the mattress beside him. “Better than I expected and a far cry from the first time. Rem, I’m screwed.”

  Remy bowed his head. “You told him, didn’t you?”

  She didn’t have to ask for clarification. She knew what he wanted her to say. “I blurted it right out. I love Austin Dean. I’ve lost my mind.”

  “Nah.” He rubbed her back and his voice dropped an octave. “You’ve had a crush on him for as long as I’ve known you.”

  “It’s so fucked up and complicated. We danced, laughed, fucked in the coatroom and it was so good.” She glanced over at him and grinned. “Yeah, I did that.”

  “Roar.” Remy chuckled. “I thought that was just my thing. Go you.”

  “We went to his apartment and talked some more. Had sex again. Snuggled in his bed.” She flopped backward on the mattress. “His sheets. I could live in his sheets, just to smell him. He was better than my dreams.”

  “But?”

  She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. “That’s where it gets sticky. We went to the lakeshore to the park. H
e knew the way to my heart.”

  “Bought you an elephant ear, didn’t he?” Remy laughed. “I could go for one right now.”

  “We rode the Ferris wheel and he asked if I’d ever get married again.” She propped herself up on her elbows. “Do you believe it?”

  “Fuck.” Remy’s eyes widened and his eyebrows rose. “Really? What’d you say?”

  “I said I’d consider it, but the right guy had to come along. For a split second on the top of that wheel and then on the boardwalk, I actually let myself dream he could be the one.” Saying the words out loud to Remy gave the whole situation a finality. She could want Austin all day, but in the end he wasn’t hers for the taking.

  “He still could be,” Remy said. “I wouldn’t, but he’s not my type.”

  “If Iris has her way, it’ll be impossible.” Molly stood and crossed the room to her camera. She need to keep her hands busy. “It’s like she rules the world and there’s no way for me to overtake her.”

  “I know how you feel. I’m a rush-in-and-fall-in-love kind of guy and I seem to keep ending up alone. Normally, I’d tell you to kick her ass or something and demand what you want, but I think you should take things slower.”

  Molly pieced through what he’d said and nodded. So much made sense. She’d only been with Austin—if being with him was what they were defining the relationship as—for twenty-four hours. She was close and he loved not having to do much chasing.

  She snapped her fingers. “Proximity.”

  “Huh?”

  “I was the one with Austin at the gala. I was right there. Think about it. In the whole time you’ve known him, he doesn’t go after the girl. She chases him because he’s lazy. I was close so I got the golden ticket,” Molly said. “He falls in and out of love in an instant. I should’ve known.”

  “No.” Remy opened her laptop on the counter and shook his head. “That’s not it.”