“Good, that’s what I want to hear.” She sticks her hand out to shake mine, and I take it. She grips my hand firmly, leans in, and says, “I’m Roxy. Her dad died a little over a year ago, so I’m filling in. I’m glad we had such a nice chat. You two have fun tonight. But not too much fun.”
I nod my head. I think I have a new level of respect for Roxy. That takes balls—to infiltrate my fan club and then blackmail me with it. I’m pretty sure she’s trying to intimidate me too. Not that I’d ever risk hurting Vivienne.
“Vi,” she hollers down the hall, all the while side-eyeing me, “we’re done with our chat. You can come out now.”
I stand up, putting on my best gentleman act—not because I was told, but Roxy’s right. Vivienne deserves my best. When she comes around the corner, I can’t help the giant grin that creeps across my face. I was planning to give her the smolder, but she looks hot in an effortless, sexy way. An oversized bleach-washed black tee hangs off one shoulder, exposing a splash of sun-kissed skin. She must be putting that pool to good use because she’s tan compared to the last time I saw her. I can’t wait to trace her tan lines with my tongue. I’m just about to tell her when I remember Roxy’s still here.
Fuck it. Let Roxy hear.
I take a step toward her, my eyes roaming over the long, never-ending legs that greet me until they find the hem of her skin-tight black shorts. “Hey,” I say, reaching for Vivienne, pulling her into my arms.
She lands against me with a soft thud but doesn’t push away. The addictive smell of her perfume sends me over the edge with need. Her body melts against mine as if she wants this just as much as I do. Her hands land against my chest, and fuck if I don’t wish Roxy was gone. It feels so good to hold her. I’ve been thinking about this moment since I landed.
“Hi,” she whispers, a little shyly, and it’s fucking irresistible.
“I’m going to enjoy tracing your tan lines later,” I whisper back.
“Good,” she answers with an adorable giggle.
I need to get a grip because she just leaned right against my crotch, and now I’m seconds away from fully moving in on her. I could just say fuck it—again—Roxy can watch.
Right on cue, she clears her throat. Vivienne jumps out of my arms, and I take a step back. “Um we should get going. We have reservations.”
“Where are you going?” Roxy asks protectively, pinning me in place.
“It’s embarrassing. I’m not telling you,” I reply.
“Well, now I need to know what could possibly be so embarrassing about dinner with my bestie.”
Vivienne rolls her eyes but turns on me, taking Roxy’s side. This isn’t going to end well for me. It’s two against one, and I don’t stand a chance. “I’m also curious.” She smirks.
“Fine,” I sigh, annoyed. “My manager’s assistant messed up everything. He rented a stupid minivan, made dinner reservations at BananaBees, and bought us movie tickets for later tonight.”
“Oh my god!” they both squeal.
“Chicken penne is the best!” Roxy shouts.
“I know!” Vivienne squeals.
“I’m totally ordering this for dinner now,” Roxy replies with a laugh.
“Twinsies,” Vivienne says.
Then Roxy asks, “So why is everything messed up?”
“A minivan. Do I look like I drive a minivan? You know what, never mind, don’t answer that. I also had to fly…on a normal airplane instead of the record label’s jet.” Before I can finish, Roxy interrupts me.
“Oh, poor baby. The rockstar had to fly with the peasants. Everyone feel bad he wasn’t on his private jet.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder.
Vivienne watches to see my response.
“I’ll have you know I was trapped in the middle seat, and that’s not even the worst part. There were these people three rows up who spent the flight taking hundreds of photos of me.” I expect them to admit defeat but instead I’m met with more snickers.
At this point, I’m totally taking credit for BananaBees—I guess Arty was right. Women will never understand what it’s like to get between a man and a fast car.
“Fine, I see how it is. Laugh it up. Since you aren’t worried about being seen with Cas Wilder in a minivan, let’s go.” I gesture to the door.
“Bye, Roxy. Lock up for me please,” she calls over her shoulder as she grabs my hand and drags me out the door behind her.
