“Well, doesn’t it?” Ava asked again.
Victoria shrugged her shoulders noncommittally and merely answered, “I’m surprised he didn’t list it on his resume.”
Ava waved off a waiter who came over with free drinks from a group of men attired in custom made designer suits. One had possibilities. In fact, just her type, tall, dark, and ready for her to strip off each piece of his three-piece suit. She’d leave on the tie to grab for better leverage.
“He’s married.” Ava stirred her drink.
And that ended that little fantasy. Her friend was also the resident expert on a man’s marital status. Victoria never hit the clubs without Ava. Like the American Express card, never leave home without her. As intent as she was on hooking her up with Russ though, Ava could be lying and Victoria would never be the wiser.
Over the rim of her cosmo, she peered at the entrance, and she nearly choked when she spotted him at the door smiling at Mildred, the seventy-year-old hostess, who grinned back, which was a feat. In the five years Victoria had been coming to Brooks, the woman had never cracked a smile. Had to be his accent. Better than Botox, the sound of his voice could make a woman of any age turn into a seventeen-year-old. And overlook the fact that he wasn’t wearing a tie.
He confidently strode toward her and Ava, maneuvering around tables and waiters. He should have looked out of place among the crowd of suits, but it was everyone else who seemed out of place. Russ had changed into black slacks, but kept the white shirt, and replaced the puka beads with a silver chain. His hair was disappointingly brushed back into a ponytail. Women turned their heads, wishing they could be on him, no surprise there, but he also received glances from men, wishing they could be him. Of course, there were probably a few men who wanted to be on him to, or rather behind him.
But Russ didn’t appear to notice, his gaze never straying from hers. “G’day, ladies.”
“You’re late,” she blurted, glad to remember her plan to be a pain in his ass. Which was a miracle, since all she wanted to do was pinch his.
“I didn’t know your job description included time keeper.” Russ flipped open the menu. “So Ava, how long have you two known each other?”
“Since college.”
“We’re sorority sisters,” added Victoria.
“Sisters.” Russ shook his head in approval.
A waiter appeared, looking down at Russ’s attire, sniffing into the air. “May I take your order?”
Victoria selected the grilled chicken with lemon, tomato, and arugula, Ava chose the Portuguese octopus, black olives, capers, and oregano, and Russ ordered off the menu asking for a burger.
“I’ll ask the chef if he can rustle something up for you.” The waiter rolled his eyes, snapping the menu out of Russ’s hand like he was child, and walked away.
“Wowser.” Russ shook his head.
Ava leaned forward, her elbow on the table with her chin resting on her palm. “What does wowser mean?”
“Straight-laced.”
“And Hoo-roo?” Ava’s eyebrows rose a notch.
Russ laughed. “Good-bye.”
“How boring. Tell us the good stuff.”
“The good stuff?”
Victoria picked up her drink. “She means the dirty words.”
Russ turned back to her and she squirmed under his stare.
“I don’t know, Victoria. I don’t want to be brought up on sexual harassment charges.”
Maybe it was better if he called her Vicki or even Vee. The way he said her full name was like that of a lover.
“Don’t worry about her. Victoria acts all wowsering but you’d be surprised,” offered Ava.
“I would?” His gaze that never left Victoria’s lit with interest.
Her cheeks flamed and she hoped her make-up hid the blush. “Not that you’ll ever find out.”
Russ’s beer arrived. “Ah, thanks, mate.” Ignoring the glass, he took a swig. The waiter sighed and left. “But to make it more interesting you have to guess.” He pointed the bottle to each of them. They agreed. “What is a franger?”
“A penis,” Ava said a little too loud.
Russ laughed. “No, a condom. Okay, how about root?”
“A penis,” Ava answered again.
Russ’s laugh deepened. “No, it’s the f-word.”
“For heaven’s sake, just tell her the word for penis,” said Victoria, upset that he was smiling at Ava and not her.
“Donger.” Russ took a pull of his beer but it was Victoria who swallowed hard.
Ava kicked her leg under the table. When Victoria tore her gaze from Russ’s wet lips she found Ava holding up all ten fingers. Victoria drained her drink and raised her hand for a refill.
“Have I shocked you?” He addressed his question to Victoria.
“Not in the least.” Victoria recovered and made a show of looking up to the ceiling in thought. “I was just wondering if the word donger was derived from the phrase ‘hung like a donkey.’” That’s it, no more alcohol!
Ava gagged on her drink and Russ’s smug expression was replaced by a deer-in-the-headlights look. Victoria wallowed in throwing him off balance. She fought the self-satisfied smile threatening to appear on her face.
“Bloody hell, I think you can handle me after all.” Russ thumbed the bead of moisture on the beer bottle.
An image of his thumb brushing across her nipple invaded her thoughts. “Got anymore?” Victoria challenged. The waiter rested a fresh drink on the table and she casually pushed it away.
“Okay … okay. It’s obvious you two sheilas can play with the big boys. What are white pointers?”
Ava and Victoria glanced at each other confused.
“Topless female sunbathers.”
Victoria tried to remain aloof but his smile made it impossible. Russ drew people to him without any effort. Trouble was, if she came out of her shell and started acting nice: one, he’d think she was bipolar, and two, he’d think she was ripe for seduction. But the idea of white pointers was just too funny and she started laughing.
“I’ve got one more.” The predator gaze was back in full force. “Australian kiss.”
Her eyebrows drew together trying to think of what an Australian kiss was, but she couldn’t think beyond what it would be like to kiss him, Australian or otherwise.
“Come on, think about it.”
“Got me,” said Ava.
“Me, too,” admitted Victoria.
Russ’s smile turned lethal. “It’s a French kiss, down under.”
Chapter 4
Russ leaned back in the chair like a man who’d just won a big hand of poker. All he needed was a cigar to enjoy the victory while he observed the play of emotions on Victoria’s face. The color of her eyes deepened into a sapphire pool, a blush stained her cheeks, and her mouth opened in an innocent gasp. But as Russ just learned, she was far from innocent.
He glanced at Ava’s shocked reaction, then back to Victoria who clutched the sides of the table like she was ready to dive under it. Perhaps he’d gone too far?
No way, not after that ‘hung like a donkey’ comment. No pressure there. Russ resisted the urge to grab his ‘donger’ for reassurance. Not that he’d ever had any complaints. Unless you counted ‘Oh my God, you’re huge!’ His smile widened.
Victoria spoke first. “Ava, I know where we’re booking our next vacation.”
“Oh, yeah. No wonder they call it the Land of Oz.”
Russ laughed as they clinked glasses. The two were so different, yet both so beautiful. Ava, blonde, tall, and vivacious—the type he usually dated. Yet, he found himself rethinking what his type was or at the very least expanding it to include tiny, ebony-haired pixies. Despite Victoria’s petite frame, she appeared regal and at times so reserved she looked like she was carved in marble. That is, until you got some alcohol in her.
The two had one other thing in common. They were both trouble. He pictured them letting loose in Sydney and causing a ruckus about t
own. “Let me know when so I can alert the ATWS.”
“What the heck is that?” asked Ava.
“Australian Tsunami Warning System.”
“What, for little old me?” Victoria said in what he thought was a mock Southern drawl, which sounded sexy as all hell.
“Especially you. In fact, wait until I get back and I’ll be your tour guide.”
“Oh, and when are you going back?”
Gone was the sweet, honeyed voice. Instead Victoria was all business. How could he forget she wanted him gone? How did she forget for all of the five minutes she acted human?
Who was the real Victoria Bryce? The uptight, all business, slightly bitchy, but intriguingly beautiful woman, or the carefree, funny, slightly inebriated, but intriguingly beautiful woman?
Lunch arrived with great flair that Russ found annoying and as his plate was gracefully placed in front of him he couldn’t help holding up the fork and asking the waiter, “What’s this for?” He played up his accent for show. The ladies giggled. The waiter didn’t even crack a smile as he left. “Why do you come here?”
“It’s the place to be seen.”
“And we like torturing the waiters,” added Victoria. “But so far, none have broken.”
“I was right, you two are trouble.”
“So, Russ, do you have a girlfriend back in Australia?” asked Ava.
He caught Victoria glaring at her friend. Interesting. “No.” He picked up his burger. “You’ve already told me Victoria doesn’t have a boyfriend—” Now, the evil eye turned on him. Man, she gave a whole new meaning to the expression if looks could kill. “—but how about you?” He bit into the burger.
“I’m dating Josh Grillo. He plays a doctor on Hospital Wives.”
With his mouth full, he shrugged his shoulders.
“It’s a daytime soap opera.”
He held back asking Ava for any possible auditions. Russ didn’t want to give Victoria any ammunition. Maybe when her precious Neil returned he’d ask Ava about any possible roles. For the hundredth time today, he questioned his decision to come to New York City instead of LA.
With the Pacific Ocean as its backyard, he’d feel closer to home and its laid back vibe suited him more. The endless jungle of towering buildings made him itch for the open spaces of the outback. Packed with people always rushing about, New York City’s hustle and bustle left him a bit stressed. He wondered what the bloody hell was the hurry? Americans lived to work while Russ and his fellow Aussies worked to live.
But he would give it time. His friend’s job offer at the club paid good money and would hold him over until he Americanized his accent, then he’d make his move to LA, and hopefully end up as successful as Hugh Jackman or Russell Crowe. I’ll probably have to change my name.
And then there’s this gig with the beauty across from him. The producers actually wanted him to play up his Aussie accent, which he wasn’t too happy about, but it was a screen credit. And Design Intervention had a huge following.
In the meantime, he could pursue his lovely, but prickly co-host. What would she say when she found out he dances for the Thunder Down Under Male Revue?
Would she have fit? Or buy a ticket?
His first show had gone well. Russ could’ve had his pick among the ladies, but jet lag and today’s meeting held him back. Now all he could think about was giving Victoria a private performance and then her returning the favor. Hot.
“Are you going to eat me or the burger?”
Damn, got caught staring.
“Ooh la la,” added Ava.
Russ thought a moment on a diplomatic answer, but it didn’t matter, he couldn’t help saying, “Darlin’, I didn’t know you were on the menu.”
“I’m not.”
“Too bad.”
He smiled as Victoria shifted in her chair. Oh yeah, I’m getting to her. Instead of picking up the burger, Russ lifted his beer and downed the contents. He winced, unused to the flavor of American beer. How he wished for a Victoria Bitter. How ironic.
From now on she would always be linked with his favorite beer. But would it be a smoldering encounter he remembered when he raised a pint or a stinging rejection?
Maybe he’d ask his brother, Brody, to ship a case of tinnies over. Hard work would be required in convincing Victoria to give him a go. As a former pitchman for several VB commercials, he knew, ‘For a hard earned thirst, you need a big cold beer.’
In the back of his mind he wondered if he’d ever quench his thirst for the first female to challenge him since Emily Turner kicked him in the balls in primary school. The thought of Victoria’s sexy spiked heels and the damage they could do would keep him in check until she came around.
As Ava finished she asked for the check. When the waiter placed it on the table she smacked Russ’s hand as he reached for the leather folder, snatching it away from his grasp. “But—” he looked to Victoria for help. “I asked you two out for lunch.”
But it was Ava who responded as she handed the folder back to the waiter with her credit card. “I know what the show is paying you. You got robbed.”
He shrugged his shoulders. “It was the screen credit that mattered.”
Victoria smoothed out a wrinkle in the tablecloth. “This town is going to eat you alive with that kind of mentality.” Victoria looked him in the eye. “Money equals respect in New York.”
“Hallelujah, sister,” agreed Ava.
Russ didn’t. At least it shouldn’t matter. It wasn’t all about the money. He was trying to build a career, not an investment portfolio. Of course, he wasn’t about to spend down his hefty bank account he left back in Sydney. It was his safety net in case America wasn’t the land of opportunity for him. Besides, being a struggling actor in New York City was part of the experience. But instead of waiting tables, he was stripping.
The waiter returned with the bill, frowning at Russ as Ava signed the slip.
“This still doesn’t feel right.”
“Don’t worry, it’s a business expense.” Ava flung the credit card along with her copy of the slip into her purse and pulled out a business card, snapping it in her long, elegant hand, before waving it in the air like it was a golden ticket. “I have another appointment, but when Neil gets back give me a call and I’ll see if I can’t hook you up with something more lucrative.” She handed the card to Russ and stood, smiling at both of them. “Now you two have fun,” she added a wink before strolling to the exit.
Russ examined the card to avoid the awkward silence that followed. He looked up when Victoria cleared her throat.
“Ava’s the best. Once you’re her client she’ll go to the mat for you.”
“Go to the mat?” He tucked the card into the pocket of his shirt.
“Fight for you.”
He shook his head. “So how far is your studio from here?”
“A couple of blocks, but it’s not necessary. You’ll catch on. Think of it as on-the-job training.”
Did she realize how obvious she was acting? She wanted him to fail and without even thinking how it would affect her show. Instead of calling her on it, he decided diplomacy was called for. “I appreciate your faith in me, but I think I should see the design plan. Know what I’m getting myself into.”
“Of course, but—” Victoria began to argue.
“Great, then let’s head back to your place.” Strange. Did he just see a fleeting moment of panic cross her face?
Chapter 5
Her place? The way his voice lowered, like a new found lover, made the proposition seem more like a tryst than a simple business meeting. Simple? Ah!
Her lunch settled heavily into her stomach. She was thankful the giddy feeling the one and a half cosmos produced had faded. Or was it from all the talk of Australian kisses and dongers that made her feel so? Or the sexual attraction radiating between the two of them? Probably a combination. No matter, with her brain now clear, she could deal with Mr. Aussie.
“Yes, to my studio,” sh
e said a little louder so the patrons of Brooks wouldn’t get the wrong idea. Little did they or Russ know that ‘her place’ was the apartment above Victoria’s Divine Designs. As they ducked out of the restaurant a photographer tried to take their picture. She raced down the block and left Russ to keep up with her. Victoria couldn’t understand the paparazzi’s continued fascination with her. Sure, her family was rich and the design show was a hit but she wasn’t a party girl. At least, not any longer. Okay, so she liked to go out every now and then. But did it have to be a headline? Did they have to print the most unflattering photos of her? She desperately wished Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan would do something, anything, so they’d leave her alone.
“I don’t get it. Don’t we want publicity for the show?”
She looked back just in time to catch him staring at her backside, but she kept on running as he jogged behind her. “Only if it’s planned.”
“Planned?”
“Controlled.” She turned again. This time he was shaking his head like it explained everything. He probably thought she was a control freak. He would be right.
“How do you run in those things?”
“It’s an acquired skill.”
“Impressive.”
She slowed as they reached a throng of people on the street. Russ placed his hand on the small of her back as they weaved through the crowd. Her spine stiffened at his touch. Oh, no, that tingling feeling is back. Go away.
“This is it.” They reached the storefront. As she sucked in some air, she wondered what Russ, who breathed unhampered, thought as he examined the display window. Though why she cared, she couldn’t explain, but was fully pissed that she did. His opinion should mean nothing to her. But as she scrutinized the monochromatic design she knew it was good, that half of her business was walkins was a testament to it.
“Bonzer.”
Victoria gave him a questioning look.
“Great or terrific.”
“Oh.” She held back a grin. She couldn’t let him see that his praise meant something to her, even as her stupid pride swelled at his compliment.
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