“If catching glimpses of the games playing at the casino bars counts as watching, then yes. I am an avid sports fan,” I laugh.
“Whatever, it’s your loss. Athletes are hot, but no athletes are hotter than hockey players.”
“How do you figure?” Ally asks, leaning forward.
“Most of them are tall and fit. Hell, the stamina it takes to be on the ice for that long makes me wonder how long they can last in bed.” Britney takes another sip of coffee before giving us a smirk. “Have you ever seen those stretches they do on the ice before the game starts?”
“I didn’t take you ladies to be such hockey fans,” a low, deep voice says from behind me. Turning in my seat, I find myself staring up at Aaron Blackwood. He’s dressed casually in jeans and a dark short-sleeved shirt, wearing a ball cap that says “Not Today.” I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so casual and laid back, at least not in the vicinity ofhis casino.
Aaron smiles at my friends as he says, “Britney, Ally. Pleasure to see you ladies again.”
“The pleasure is all ours, Aaron,” Britney purrs. Literally, her voice sounds like smooth velvet, and it’s clear from Aaron’s visible reaction that it’s had an effect on him.
“Hey, Aaron. Are you working today?” I gesture to his casual outfit with a smirk.
My question jolts his gaze away from Britney and over to me. “Ah, sort of, but not really. Clearly,” he says, gesturing to his hat and laughing. “I’m meeting up with Christian.”
“Ah, Ally just came from meeting with Christian,” I say, groaning under my breath as Ally kicks me under the table.
“So, he finally reached out about Travis?”
Ally tilts her head, rolling her eyes at me. “Not that it’s anyone’s business, but… yes. Mr. Frost has some concerns about image management for his son, so he reached out to me for some advice.”
“Oh,” Aaron muses. “I thought he was looking for more than advice.”
“Again, not something I should be discussing,” Ally says as she folds her arms over her chest, indicating she’s done with this part of the conversation. I admire her at this moment, because if someone as sexy and influential as Aaron Blackwood was chatting me up, I would probably have spilled all of my secrets.
“From someone who makes a living being discreet, I can appreciate that, Ally. I apologize. I didn’t mean to pry.”
From Britney’s purring and Ally’s awkwardness, this conversation is escalating quickly to discomfort. Switching the subject, I ask, “Where are you guys headed for lunch?”
Aaron nods back toward the Bravado. “He’s helping me sample some of the appetizers for the Adult Film Awards next week.”
“Speaking of… did you guys have any luck shopping today?” Ally asks me and Britney.
“Well, one of us found lots of things they were interested in,” I say, giving Britney a look. “And the other one found jack shit.”
“Oh, that reminds me,” Aaron says. “I mentioned it to Corey, but maybe he forgot to tell you? My sister, Jessica, dabbles in fashion design. I’m sure she’d love to connect and set you up with something for next weekend.”
My face burns at the mention of Corey. No, he definitely didn’t mention Aaron’s sister. I push the intrusive thoughts away and smile. “Corey didn’t mention it, no. But I wouldn’t want to impose.”
Aaron waves off the suggestion. “Not at all. I’ll send an email connecting you both.”
“That would be awesome. Thanks, Aaron.”
“No problem. And go easy on Corey. I can’t imagine the week he’s been having.” Aaron shakes his head. “I’m sure it’s easy to forget details when you’ve been contracted to film with your ex on such a huge investment for your own damn company.” He glances at his watch. “Shit, I need to head over there. Nice seeing you all again!”
His gaze lingers on Britney before he turns and walks away.
“What. The fuck. Did he. Just say?” Britney grits out, eyeing me with concern.
Ally is already on her phone, tapping furiously, searching for answers.
I just shake my head, faintly, wondering if I heard Aaron correctly. Ally slams her phone down on the table and gives me a guilty look.
“Is it true?” I ask quietly. “Is he filming a movie right now?”
She gives me a helpless look and Britney reaches for my hand. “Well, I guess we know why he’s been so fucking weirdthis week.”
