Chapter 1

Chapter One

Landon

Listen to You’re my Best Friend

by Queen

I walked out from the meeting with the cast and producers and tried to ignore the sinking pit in my stomach.

I’d had a crap week after my encounter with Adam, so I decided to limit contact with everyone. I was slammed at Red, and Max seemed to lurk around every corner with smiles and a listening ear. It was as if he’d turned into Dr. Jekyll instead of Mr. Hyde. I’d gotten some heavy hitters at Red who edged the line of appropriateness, but they were rich, handsome, and harmless, so I buttered them up and took their crazy ass tip with a smile.

Usually, Max fumed, but he only made a joke and kept pouring drinks. His famous Maxtini Spritz cocktail was officially featured on the Red menu, but he didn’t even brag. He watched me flirt with Randy and joined me on breaks where he asked endless questions about the reality show and entertained me with stories from some of the customers at the bar.

I found I liked this new Max. I wasn’t stupid enough to imagine he wasn’t still trying to plead his case and hope for something sexual between us, but I didn’t care. He was a nice balm to the raw feelings I experienced with Adam so I decided to keep Max around. Besides, the group was happy about our resolution. Before I’d entered the janitor’s closet, I’d been happy, too.

My cheeks burned at the memory of what I’d done. First, I begged Adam to fuck me. Then I rode his leg like a whore and came all over his jeans. I’d shown no pride, doing what he commanded in the shadows of a closet next to the mops and brooms.

I’d loved every sick moment.

The scene kept playing over and over in my head. I shivered from the memory. At least, I’d managed to walk out with some dignity. I’d seen the mad lust in his eyes and carved into his face, so Adam didn’t fool me. He was just as caught up as I was. But I needed some space because his opinions on my career pissed me off.

I headed to the diner to meet Elle for lunch, relieved I could spill my worries about the show. I kept hearing Adam’s comments, about their goal to humiliate me to the masses for ratings. I thought of my parents watching and my stepsister. How bad would the show be? And if it was bad, would the hit be worth it to further my career as a model and influencer?

I entered the diner and found Elle at our favorite booth, sipping a seltzer. We hugged and I took the seat opposite her. “I’m so glad you were free. I just came from the meeting and my head is spinning.”

“Tell me everything and I’ll help you unravel it. Oh, do you want the ahi tuna salad? I can’t eat the whole thing so I figured we’d split?”

“Perfect. And a side of?—”

“Onion rings. I got you, girl. I needed fried food, too.”

I laughed, relaxing. Elle looked adorable in a cute sundress that showed off her long legs and golden tan. Her hair fell in straight, shiny strands and had grown longer, just touching the small of her back. There was nothing better than being with a bestie who knew your shit. I wished I could tell Elle about Adam, but I wasn’t ready. We were too screwed up right now to explain and I needed to figure that out first.

I sighed and focused on Elle. “Okay, I met the cast and I thought they were cool, but I didn’t get much time with them. One of the guys is super-hot and knows it. Another girl looks like she wants to be the leader. I’m definitely filling out the void for Barbie doll but with no empowerment. Guess they didn’t see the movie.”

Elle grinned and shook her head. “Ken is nothing, remember?”

“Not in our world. I was told they want to play up my helpless factor and lean into my influencer career.”

“What does that exactly mean?”

“I’m supposed to bring a million suitcases and dress in heels and short dresses, even when we work. They want me to flirt with all the guys. Stir up jealousy with the girls. Cause drama. This is all in my nondisclosure agreement, so you can’t breathe a word?”

“Of course not.”

“They’re not demanding I do any of that, but they highly suggest it.”

“They want ratings. Hate to break it to you, girl, but even The Bachelor is set up.”

“Not the final rose! Don’t lie!”

Elle cracked up. “No, but they highly suggest doing things during the season to get a certain outcome. Television is always like that, part of the tradeoff. What else do they suggest?”

I dreaded saying it aloud. “They want me to have a showmance with one of the guys. Clayton. Ugh, he’s not even my type. He’s cute but very nerdy. They think it’ll be a great hook. Beauty and the geek, you know? I’m supposed to teach him to kiss while we’re shoveling horse shit.”

Elle groaned. The waitress dropped off our plates and I immediately soothed myself with an onion ring. God, they were good. Crunchy and hot and full of grease. “That’s awful! But I’m not surprised. There are definitely possibilities of you two blowing up with a hashtag.”

I nibbled on my lip. “Elle, what do you think? Can it end up being a disaster? What if I say something fucked up and I’m cancelled? What if the public hates me and I become a villain? And I don’t want to be kissing this guy on tv when we’re not hooked up in real life. I’m starting to freak out.”

“Maybe you’ll end up liking him for real and it’ll be a love match?” she asked hopefully, dividing the salad between two plates.

“Doubt it. He’s sweet but not my type. Seems to get off on math equations rather than breasts.”

“He hasn’t seen your breasts yet.”

I laughed again. “Stop! I really need a solid opinion before it’s too late to back out.”

“Are you seriously considering saying no? I’m shocked. This is everything you always wanted.”

“I know. I want to make sure it’s the right move and won’t come back to bite me in the ass. Would you do it, Elle?”

She forked up a piece of tuna, chewed, and regarded me seriously. “I hear what you’re saying about the slant they want to take. It could definitely go sideways. I think it comes down to asking yourself what your goal is. A role like this brings attention—good and bad. It invites social media comments, more followers, diehard fans and diehard critics. It’s not safe, but the show will put your face out to millions.”

I sifted through her points. “Would you do it?” I asked again.

She sighed. “Yeah, I would. Maybe I’d regret it. Maybe I’d try to fight back on their plans to exploit me. But I’ve dreamed of being on tv forever. I’d take it and hope I’d eventually get something bigger. I’d look at it as an opportunity.”

My chest loosened. Elle was right. This wasn’t brain science. I’d just allow the network to do what they needed, and I’m sure it would work out. Maybe I’d say no to the romance part with Clayton and do the rest.

“Thanks. I really needed your opinion.”

“Welcome. Hey, how’s it going with Max? He seems to be on his best behavior.”

“Yep, so far, it’s been great. I’m still pissed at him but it was easier than I thought to try and move forward. I feel so adult.”

“Think he’s just trying to play you?”

I laughed. “Definitely. But Max should know by now he can’t manipulate me if I’m not interested.”

“Anyone else catching your eye lately?”

I shook my head and ate another onion ring to avoid her gaze. God, I hated lying. “Nope. Going to take some time by myself. See what happens.”

“You’re so healthy,” she teased.

“How about you? Is it going well with Coop?” Her face changed and I stared at her in concern. “Wait—are you okay?”

“Yes. I am. Better than okay. It’s just—” she stopped, her arched brows drawing downward. Elle struggled to find the words. “Coop and I are pushing some boundaries. I’m beginning to worry.”

I immediately relaxed. “You mean with sex?” She nodded. “Babe, as long as you both enjoy what you’re doing, and no crime is committed, anything goes. This is your exploratory stage anyway. You’re supposed to do kinky stuff. Do you see the things that go on in Red after hours? It gets wild.”

“You’re right. Last week I worked till close and a threesome was going on in the bathroom. No one cared and some people were watching. And I don’t even work in the private play areas! I can’t imagine what they do there.”

“You like the voyeurism? Or do you like getting caught more?”

She buried her face in her hands while I grinned. Elle was the good girl on the surface and the bad girl underneath. I knew exactly what she was going through because of Adam. No one had ever given me my fantasies and it was addicting. This was my time to support her and make sure she allowed herself freedom. “Caught. And watched. I’m starting to crave more, and Coop is excited to give me scenarios where we can do it.”

“Perfect. Just go with the flow and enjoy yourself, Elle. Don’t feel guilty. Normal is overrated and a lie. We’re all fucked up.”

She laughed with me and I was glad we both felt better after our talk. Even though Adam made a good point, I’d continue with the reality show, as long as they respected my boundaries. I refused to be told who to kiss. Especially if Clayton got ideas and I ended up looking like the heartbreaker.

No, thank you.

We finished up, paid, and headed out. We talked about shopping before our shift but then my phone beeped. I glanced at the text and my heart stopped.

It was Adam.

Let’s talk. My place tonight?

My stomach dipped and excitement flooded my veins. I casually typed back, Ok. I get off at 1am.

See you then.

I wasn’t sure if we were going to end it, talk, or fuck. But tonight, I’d finally find out.