Chapter 10

Ten

“One of the deadliest combinations is butterflies and jealousy.

Then, you know your heart’s in real trouble.”

~ Emerson Chase

Logan’s last message renders me speechless. I know him well enough not to back down. Play the game and you won’t look like the fool who got jealous when you threw in that comment of him fucking all of Hollywood.

I’m standing in my wardrobe wearing my black-laced bra and matching panties, wondering what I should wear tonight. I really don’t want Ash and Logan to come, but I felt like I was backed into a corner. It’s not that I don’t enjoy their company. I just know Wes can be a dick and he’s never met Logan which means he will go out of his way to be an even bigger dick.

The texts between us are fun, but I’ve left it at that. Logan’s never showed interest in me before the night at the lake, and these flirtatious conversations are merely a part of everyday life from a man with a long belt. At least that’s what I continue to tell myself.

The black off-the-shoulder dress is calling my name, paired with some heels which lace all the way up my legs stopping just underneath my knees. I place the shoes on first, knowing it’s a mission to get these laces tied up. As gorgeous as they are they’re a massive pain in the ass to get on.

My phone is lying on the white carpet beneath my feet. Leaning down, I notice Mom’s name flash on the screen.

“What’s up, Mom? I’m literally knee-deep in this leather heel that’s a blessing and curse.”

“Are those the ones you wore to that award show where the rapper gave you his number, and you had to tell him he had food stuck in his grill?”

“Your attention to detail is priceless, Mom.” I laugh. “And yes, they’re the hooker heels.”

“Must be a special occasion.”

“Just a party at Scarlett’s house. Did I tell you Ash and Logan are coming?”

I hear the pause, followed by the sound of the oven timer chiming in the background.

“Your brother will be the death of me. Did I tell you I had a lengthy conversation with Alessandra, or how he likes to call her, Sandy?”

“Was it over the wet towels on the bed?” I cringe because my brother’s a slob. “Or how he cuts his toenails in bed?”

“It was over them having an argument when he left. It seems she doesn’t understand his lifestyle. The traveling part. I tried to explain it without getting involved. The last thing I want to be known as is the nosey mother-in-law.”

“How about the mother-in-law who writes about cowboys getting it on in the barn with the farmer’s wife?”

“You laugh now, but that bestseller paid for your ballet lessons which you gave up after one recital,” she points out.

“Yeah, yeah… thanks, Mom,” I tease gently. “Listen, I have to go. Wish me luck.”

“Luck?” she questions. “With what, kid?”

Dammit.I haven’t been honest with Mom about what happened with Wesley. Every time she brings him up, I quickly answer then steer the conversation to a different subject. I don’t know why I struggle with it. Usually, I tell her everything. A part of me honestly believes if I told her the truth, it will make it harder to live a lie in front of the cameras.

“Things have been difficult between Wesley and me. I hope tonight we can relax,” I half admit.

“I figured that,” she soothes over the phone. “I’m here, kid. No judgment. Okay?”

“I know, Mom.”

We hang up the call and I feel a bit better about how I left things with us.

With my shoes now on, I slip into my dress when Wesley walks in. He knows better than to walk in unannounced but disregards my wishes, standing behind me wearing his designer jeans and a dark gray shirt with his sleeves rolled up.

I hate that a part of me still desires him. The part which remains confused and hurt by his actions.

If only his hands hadn’t touched someone else.

If only he didn’t think that destroying our relationship was okay.

Taking a deep breath in, I turn around while placing my earrings on.

“You look good,” he says, adjusting his cuffs.

“Thank you. So do you, I guess.”

“You guess?” He places his hand on his heart, making a pained face with a smile. “Ouch. Okay, I deserve that.”

“You deserve a lot of things.”

“And not you, right?”

“You know where I stand with our relationship.”

Wes bows his head then lifts it again only for his eyes to meet mine and they’re full of desperation.

“It’s been weeks, Em, and the only time you’ve let me touch you is when we’re filming. Don’t you understand how sorry I am? I’d do anything to take it back, but I just can’t, okay?”

“This isn’t the time to talk about it. The limo should be downstairs waiting, and I forgot to tell you Ash and Logan are coming. We’ll pick them up,” I say quickly while grabbing my purse and checking my hair one more time, avoiding his apology.

* * *

It’s an awkward limo ride over to Scarlett’s house. I finally introduce Wesley to Logan and almost instantly there’s this weird tension. Thank God Ash talks about his restroom mayhem the entire ride over.

“Are you sure you didn’t order a different curry to mine?”

“Positive.”

“And you didn’t go to the bathroom once?”

“Nope. Iron stomach.”

“I just don’t get it.” He shakes his head.

“So, why are you both in town?” Wes places his hand on my knee, a gesture which generally wouldn’t bother me but right now, it does.

There’s a visible flush in Logan’s cheeks. His eyes follow the movement of Wes’ hand as they rest on top of my knee. With his mouth turned down he speaks through clenched teeth, “We’re trying out for the US soccer team.”

“Nice.”

I want to strangle Wes for being a stuck-up, arrogant jerk.

We carry on with some small talk about the latest movies and who’ll be at the party. Ash keeps the conversation rolling, talking non-stop so the tumbling tumbleweed won’t roll past us. I know how he feels about Wesley, but he’s never one to keep his mouth shut.

Ash switches topics to the relief of Wesley who looks bored with the conversation. “So, I guess I forgot to say congratulations. You know, with the engagement.”

Wesley keeps his smile fixed, not letting on we aren’t together. He slides his hand above my knee until it’s resting on my hemline. I wriggle to move it away, only for him to grip tight. “Thank you. Your sister is quite the catch.”

“Just take care of her, or else you’ve got me and Logan to answer to,” Ash warns in a serious tone.

“Right. Of course, I’d never do anything to hurt her.”

Wesley places his arm around me, moving my hair to the side and kissing the crook of my neck. Across from where we sit, Logan looks at me with deep curiosity. No other emotion on his face aside from that. His muscles are flexed underneath the navy, short-sleeved shirt he’s wearing, his fingers tapping impatiently on the headrest beside him. His expression turns to boredom then he stares out the window uninterested.

“We’re here,” I announce with some relief.

Scarlett’s mansion is a large, modern home hidden behind many trees to keep the property private. In the last few years, any movie she’s starred in has become a blockbuster hit. The tabloids are forever in a frenzy over her love life. She apparently dates actors and funnily enough, our friendship began when she was rumored to be dating Wes.

Stories like that never faze me, so when I ran into her during a red-carpet event, we had a good old laugh and ended the rumor mill right there.

Scarlett’s the most wanted woman in the industry. She’s barely in town, but when she has some downtime, we usually catch up for dinner or drinks. I admire her ability to juggle it all and I often seek guidance about how to cope with this demanding lifestyle we call showbiz.

There’s a small booth at the bottom of the driveway with two security guards checking the guests’ names off on a list. Our limo drives through and up the steep hill until we stop out the front of the house. I can’t be more grateful. There’s way too much testosterone in the car and I’m desperate to escape.

Our regular camera crew are already positioned out front. Scarlett has given permission for the network to use footage for our show providing she approves the final edit. She told them they can only film in the foyer, living room, and outdoor area, where most of the guests are congregated.

“Okay guys, we need you to walk into the house. We’ll film you entering from here.” Josie points to the statue that sits out front. “Then Karl will come in from the right.”

Ash waves goodbye, heading into the house with Logan beside him. I wait for Logan to turn around but he doesn’t. He’s looking too eager to join Ash and the loud music streaming from the house.

I take a deep breath while waiting for Josie to hook me up with the mic. She clips it on and tucks the rest of the unit into the back of my dress then does the same to Wes. I try to keep my shoulders poised as Wes holds my hand while walking into the foyer.

“Emerson,” Scarlett yells from the top of the stairs. She steps down, wearing nine-inch gold heels looking absolutely stunning in a white jumpsuit. Taking each step slow, she finally hits the bottom level and greets me with a double air kiss before leaning over to Wes and doing the same, careful not to smudge her signature red lipstick. “I’m glad you guys made it.” She walks us outside, linking her arms between ours. “Drinks are over there, make yourself comfortable, and please excuse the hoard of Playboy Bunnies that somehow got invited to the party.”

Its not difficult to find them. You only have to look at every man and where their eyes are directed to spot them huddled in the corner—fake boobies in tow. Wesley laughs, making some joke about ‘how many blondes does it take to change a light bulb.’ I’m not listening to his answer. Instead, my eyes move around the room until I find the only male not staring at them, but rather they’re staring at me—Logan.

I want to go and talk to him, but Wesley pulls me in the direction of the bar. He orders some drinks then becomes distracted talking to some friends of his. Thankfully, Scarlett’s beside me and ushers me to the table sitting by the pool.

“Okay, so we want you to talk about what’s been happening in your lives.” Josie lowers the camera, adjusting the lens and zooming in to where we sit, the boom mic held firmly above our heads and out of shot. “Scarlett, can you please move a little bit back?”

Scarlett adjusts her position as per Josie’s direction. Josie turns the camera on while I pretend she’s not there, jumping straight into conversation. “So, I’ve been offered a deal to expand the fitness line to Europe,” I tell her, proudly.

“Em! That’s great news. Does that mean you’ll be spending time there?”

“Umm… not too much time. I’d be lonely, my family’s back here.”

“Speaking of family… Ash and Logan are quite something.” She grins.

“Something, as in talented?”

“Logan Carrington,” she mouths slowly with a smirk. “Mister Sports Illustrated.”

I don’t know how we got onto this topic so quickly, and I hate being filmed while talking about Logan.

“And Ash modeling those sports boxers for Adidas... how do you sleep at night?”

“Well,” I say with a mouthful of champagne. “Usually great, but maybe not so much tonight since you brought up my brother in underwear.”

“Oh, I get it. But Em... your brother is sexy.”

I scrunch my nose, disgusted by her comment. I’ve heard many women talking about Ash like a sex object and it gets grosser every time.

“Okay, sorry.” She raises her hand laughing. “And Logan? Is he seeing anyone?”

I shake my head instantly. “I don’t know. You’d have to ask him that question. Soccer players talk about one thing only… the game.”

I’m well aware of the pang of jealousy which hits me. For all I know, he could be dating someone and all these flirtatious back-and-forths are merely to fill in his time. I scan my brain to find another topic to talk about, quick to change the subject to her latest movie. “I can’t believe you’re filming in Australia next month. I’d love to go visit.”

“I’m excited. We’re filming for three months in Sydney. I need to find me an Aussie husband.” She sighs.

“Oooh... that would be nice.” I smile.

“I love their accents.”

“And the way they call everyone mate.”

“So easy-going,” she says dreamily. “Like ‘hey, there’s a spider! No worries, mate.”

“You lost me at spider,” I tell her, with a shake in my voice. “I’ll take my American boy.”

“Your American boy, of course. Wesley Rich.”

Josie stops filming, telling the both of us to relax while she joins Karl for a short break. As soon as she leaves the area, I finally chill with some more champagne and a few other actors who join us.

After my third round of drinks, my voice becomes louder as we fight to be heard over the music. With a sudden urge to pee, I remove my mic and tell Scarlett I’ll be back.

Somehow, I stumble my way to the bathroom, waiting in line and chatting with a few people.

When I finish, my vision becomes hazy and I forget which way I have to go.

“Jesus, can’t take you anywhere.”

I hear his voice but can’t see him. When I turn around, he’s standing right behind me.

“Oh… there you are Mr. Hussy,” I tease, placing my hands on his chest for support. “Let me guess... you’ve screwed a Playboy Bunny already. Wait... maybe two.”

“You’re drunk.”

“I’m right, right?”

“I don’t like blondes or fake tits.”

“That’s not what your mom said.”

“What?” he asks in confusion.

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “I had nothing to come back with.”

“That’s not exactly a mom joke,” he chastises. “Stop drinking, okay? It’s like you’re nervous or something. In the limo you were all weird.”

“No, you were all weird!”

“Wait.” He pauses with a smile. “Another non-comeback?”

“Logan,” I say in a soft voice, suddenly tired. “I just need an escape from reality. Three shots and I’m almost there.”

He moves his head left then right, scanning the area then dragging me to a quieter section away from the bathroom. I notice his eyes appear slightly red like he’s tired or maybe it’s from the shots the Playboy Bunnies made him drink. “Are you drunk?”

“I had a few. Not as much as you, though. I thought you told Ash you were laying off the drink because the tabloids said you had a drinking problem?”

“Geez.” I lean on the wall, rolling my eyes at him. “Does Ash tell you everything? Don’t you have something better to talk about than me? What else does he tell you?”

“I don’t know.” He keeps his expression blank. “Are you hiding something?”

“Nope.” I hold his gaze. “I’ve pretty much told you everything. Wesley screwed some hookers, we’re pretending to be engaged for the sake of the show, and when I was eleven, I was the one who accidentally threw your ball over the school fence which got eaten by that psycho dog.”

Logan stares back in astonishment. “That ball was signed by a soccer legend, and you threw it over the fence?”

I lean in, playing with the lapel of his shirt, and sweetening my tone. “Accidentally.”

“How do you accidentally throw it over?”

With a pleasing smile, I alter my story to ease his pain. “My arm kinda slipped… over instead of under.”

“You owe me,” he threatens.

“Yeah, add it to the list, buddy.”

“Buddy?” He raises his brow with a smirk. “I thought we had a deal.”

Lowering my head to hide my grin, I cross my legs to ignore the delicious throb which began the moment he pulled me aside. Our petty arguments rile me up and now result in this—me wanting his tongue to run along the inside of my thigh.

You did not just say that out loud.

Shit!

No, wait... his face remains the same.

Stupid champagne.

During my internal argument with my brain, Logan’s closed the gap between us.

“The cameras have been following you all night,” Logan whispers courageously in my ear. “How will I get to prove my point?”

This is it.

There’s no phone between us to filter out the raging hormones.

My body’s betraying me, calling out like a desperate whore. My brain is slower to come to the party, chilling in a hot tub telling all the rational voices to sit down and have another drink.

“You know Karl? He’s easily distracted by good-looking men. Closet gay. When a model walks past him, he’ll forget I’m around. He chases dick like I chase chocolate.”

Logan’s amused, shaking his head at my comment. “So, what happens if you want dick and chocolate?”

“I’ve never been in that predicament,” I answer smugly. “Why? You got chocolate on you?”

“Are you saying you want dick and chocolate, right now?”

“How did we even get onto this?” I scratch my head, ignoring his cocky remark.

“Nice segue, Chase,” he says with a broad grin. “What about your other camerawoman?”

“Josie? She likes to talk… about her cats and her new boyfriend. He just moved in and told her he never expected to be around so many pussies.” I laugh instantly, remembering the moment Josie had innocently told us he’d said that. I swear she’s a virgin because the joke flew completely over her head.

Logan tries to keep a straight face until something changes and his smile becomes a frown. “And Wesley?”

“What does it matter?”

“He’s your fiancé,” he states, dragging out the word fiancé like it fucking means something.

“I told you. He isn’t,” I tell him for the millionth time. “You’ve got a choice, Carrington… prove your point or go run off with Ash and score some Hollywood bimbo looking to put an athlete on their resume.”

He keeps his eye contact firm, then slowly, they move and trace my mouth. I can’t help but bite my bottom lip, attempting to control whatever the hell is happening between us right now. I’m semi-aware anyone can find us, including Wesley. But deep down inside, the possibility only adds to the thrill.

“C’mon,” I push him. “What’s it gonna be?”

He places his finger on my lips, lingering, then runs it slowly down my body, against my skin and between my breasts. I’m sure he can feel the thump of my heart as it almost bursts out of my chest from the nerves of being caught. He continues to move down until his finger has grazed between my legs causing me to suck in a breath.

“You,” he whispers with fire in his eyes. “I choose you.”