“That bitch suggested that Harlow should probably watch her carbs when she ordered pasta for dinner and has spilled every one of our drinks. Not catty, deserved.”
Both Jarred and Cayden eye the part of my body they can see and snort at Max’s words. “Nothing wrong with what I can see,” Cayden drawls, and I watch as Max tries to control the shiver down her spine at the sound. Smothering a grin, I thank him.
“It looks to me that you can eat whatever you want, and even then, who’s to tell you what you can and can’t eat?” Jarred says, his voice just as seductive as Cayden’s. I hadn't realized he was English. Max must have been totally unprepared for that one too because she once again fails to hide her reaction. “Are you cold, love?” Jarred asks. “Cayden, shift a little closer so we can keep Max warm.” There’s a twinkle in his eye and an exchanged glance over her head that she misses, but I don’t. Looks like my bestie may have her hands full with these two, but I'm sure she’s up for the challenge.
They shift a little closer, both leaning in when Cayden asks her about her stunt riding. The three of them chat quietly, while on Declan’s other side, Sean gets up, phone in hand. “I’m just going to head outside and take this. It’s quieter.” He hurries away, leaving Declan and me alone as I watch the waitress carry a tray toward us again.
“Feel like causing some trouble?” I ask out of the corner of my mouth before she approaches the table. Her shoulders deflate slightly when she sees the other three in deep conversation, not paying any attention to her, but her eyes brighten again when she takes note of Declan. He gives the slightest nod as she places everyone's drinks in front of them.
“Remember I told you my boyfriend fucked me so well I needed to carb load for the next round?” She sneers but nods her head as I snuggle into Declan, forcing him to lift his arm up so that he can pull me close to his side.God, he smells good. “Well, I was just trying to convince him he needed to do it again so I could ride him like a cowgirl next time.”
Seriously, you could hear a pin drop before everyone bursts into laughter. The girl turns pink and hurries away, no snide glance or remark this time. “I bet we get a new server for the next round,” I say, sipping at my drink, the tart taste really hitting the spot.
Chapter Eight
Harlow
Afew of the tables are moved out the way, making the back dance floor even bigger as a small three-piece band sets up on the stage. The music is catchy, and soon the floor is full of people bumping and grinding.
“Would you like to dance?” Cayden asks Max, and again, she flushes before nodding her head. Cayden takes her by the hand, pulling her out of the booth, and together they walk to the dance floor before disappearing within the crowd. Jarred gets up and follows after them. You’d think in such a small place they'd be swarmed by fans, but the dancers either don't recognize them or they’re used to seeing them around since they’ve been filming here for about three weeks.
Sean still hasn't returned yet so that leaves me and Declan alone. “So, was I good?” He has a smirk on his face, and I’m momentarily stunned by his good looks and the flow of tequila through my body.
“Huh?”
“When I fucked you so good you needed to carb load for round two?”Fuck my life.When I said that to the waitress, I was all in petty bitchy mode, and it hadn't even occurred to me what the consequences might be.
“Sorry,” I mumble, but he laughs. “I was just so pissed. How dare she look down at me for being able to eat a decent meal! Both Max and I work freaking hard every day. We deserve to eat well. Or I usually do. I’ve been slacking since I’ve come to California, but I guess going for a jog is out of the question until the stalker is found.”
His smile turns serious. “I’d probably stick to the gym downstairs for a little while, yes,” he agrees and then jumps a little before pulling his cell out of his pocket. He keeps eye contact with me when he answers, not telling me who’s on the other end of the call. “Hey, man! How are you feeling today?”
My heart races. It must be Holden on the other end. Aside from checking out directions this morning, I've barely looked at my phone all day. I didn't know what I was going to say to him, and I knew it was only a matter of time until he tried to speak to me. “No, she’s right here. No, I don’t know where her phone is or why she’s not answering it. Okay, yeah, tell Dad I’ll make sure she turns it on. Yes, I’ll get her to message him.” Declan is frowning at me now like I’m a naughty child, and I feel like one too. “Tomorrow…. Yeah, hang on a second.”
He holds the phone out to me, and I shake my head. Despite the eye roll, his voice is more patient than expected when he replies, “You need to speak to him.”
“What if he hates me, Declan?” I whisper, hoping that Holden doesn’t hear. He sighs, looking exasperated.
“He doesn't hate you, Harlow, but youdoneed to speak to him. He’s worried about you, and he needs to be resting, not worrying.”
Now that he’s played with my guilty heartstrings, there’s no way I can dispute his reasoning. Taking the phone from his hand, I put it up to my ear. “Harlow! I can hear you breathing. You can’t avoid me, you know.” Holden's voice does something to me, and I burst into tears. Not those delicate tears that slide down your cheeks, sparkling in the light in such a way that authors can make some big romantic scene out of it that eventually ends in some kind of awesome sex. Nope, I’m jumping 10,000 levels ahead of that, straight into ugly crying with a sniffling nose and the world’s most pathetic lip wobble.Fuck. Me.Declan looks shocked for a moment, and there might just be a hint of panic in his eyes before he gathers me in his arms and pulls me close. His warmth is a much needed comfort in my wave of sorrow.
“Hey now, are you crying?” Holden coos. “Don't be like that, beautiful. I’m okay.”
“But it’s all my fault, and I'm so sorry,” I wail, and the chuckles I receive in response only make me cry harder.
“Shhh, it’s not your fault. The only thing I’m upset about is that you’re not here to kiss me all better.” Well, fuck, that has my tears subsiding as another kind of emotion raises its head. It doesn't help that Declan has me pressed against his chest. “Declan tells me you’ll be back tomorrow, and they're releasing me then, so I expect you to come and find me when you get home. The doctor has prescribed lots of cuddles from a sexy woman as the cure to what ails me.”
A smile crosses my lips as I wipe my face against Declan’s shirt. I can feel his chest shake with amusement, knowing he’s likely able to hear Holden considering I’m pressed against him for dear life right now, but I don't look at him. “Hmm, I think maybe you have your prescription wrong.”
He chuckles, and this time, the sound sends a wave of heat through me. “No, baby, but I am going to milk it for all it’s worth.”
Before we hang up and I return Declan’s phone, Holden and I talk for a little bit longer with me promising I’m safe and that I’ll come see him when we get home tomorrow. Declan doesn't remove his arms from around me, and I look up into his eyes, not understanding what the two of us are to each other right now. Not to mention, it’s been alongtwenty-four hours. “Ready to get out of here?” he asks, and I nod.
“Yeah, just let me write Max a note on a napkin. Will she be alright if I leave her with those guys?” A mysterious smile crosses Declan's face.
“Yeah, she’ll be fine. They've just verbally agreed to sign with Neighpalm, and they won’t want to jeopardize that, trust me.” Well, that’s all very cloak and dagger, but I’m too tired to push as to why.
Climbing out of Declan’s arms, I head to the bar. I really don't want to talk to the waitress again, so I take my chances with the bartenders. The guy I talk to smiles and quickly hands me a pen and napkin where I write Max a quick note. Passing it back, I thank him and settle out our tab.
