She throws her dark hair over her shoulder and laughs. “He’s a multi-millionaire rock star, I hardly think I’m his type.”
“Rhiannon,” I step closer to her, eyes pleading now. “You’re the most beautiful and infuriating woman in the world. Every guy in here is into you.”
She smirks. “You called me infuriating. Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“Yes. One that I would never give anyone else. You’re the only one who can affect me like this.”
She taps her finger against her chin like she’s thinking. “I’ll accept it.”
I chuckle. “And you’re humble too. Now come home with me tonight. Please.”
She shakes her head. “I can’t, sorry. I’ve got to get back to Brookhaven for a therapy appointment with one of my clients.”
“Take the appointment from my penthouse. I have an office you can set your equipment up in. You’re already familiar with the room.” I lower my voice. “It’s where you watched me jerk off while thinking about fucking your ass.”
She smiles like she’s trying to hold back a laugh. “Yes, I’m very acquainted with that room.”
My fingers fall to the hem of the jacket she zipped on when shooting ended. “Please.” I don’t care that I’m pleading. I’m not above pleading with this woman. I just want her; hell, I need her. She makes me crazy, and she still hasn’t given me an answer to my request for us to give this thing a shot, so I feel like I’m stuck in purgatory waiting.
“I’m sorry, I really can’t Cain. All my notes are back at my house.”
I sigh heavily, shoulders slumping because I get it. This is her way of keeping the distance that she desperately craves.
“Have you thought about what I asked?”
She bites down on her bottom lip. “Yeah.”
I nod because I can tell she’s not ready for an answer now. “Can we talk about it soon?”
She nods again. “Yes.”
“Do you want me to come with you to meet up with Rebel tomorrow?”
She shakes her head. “No, I’ll be fine. He might find it strange if his lawyer randomly shows up.”
“That’s what he pays me to do.”
“Not to vet the models.”
I sigh and give a nod, while hating the thought of her going on thisnon-datethat’s totally a date he’s planned.
“Hey, are you… are you alright? With the video and everything?”
For a moment, her expression falters, a wave of emotions flickering across her face. Then she exhales, shoulders slumping slightly like she’s just remembering what happened on set.
“Yeah, I’m good. Acting drains me but that’s all it was.” She forces another smile, rolling her shoulders back and standing taller now. “I’ll see you soon, Cain.”
And just like that, she’s gone, leaving me standing there with an ache I once again don’t know how to shake and a thousand words that I should have said instead.
Chapter 24 – Rhiannon
The smooth crooning of Usher’sConfessionsalbum pours through the speakers in my bedroom as I glide cocoa butter all over my legs, preparing for my dinner with Rebel tonight.?
There’s something about sensual music that always puts me in the right mindset—sexy, confident, and ready to conquer the evening. It’s something I always suggest with my therapy clients if they’re struggling to connect, too. Sometimes, music can help set the mood and fill in the gaps where confidence and fear linger.
It also helps that Usher had been my first crush growing up. I still remember hanging that shirtless photo of him from the inside of his album on my bedroom wall and swearing I was going to marry him someday.
Not that I need sexy Usher-level confidence tonight, this thing with Rebel isnota date, nor would I ever want it to be. It’sa potential business opportunity, which is something I’ve never been in a position to say no to, given our family’s tough financial situation.
