Beautiful Entourage (10 page)

I didn’t know what to make of it.

***

“Duuuuude.” Troy bellowed into the phone the instant I answered. “Party at Cato’s. Get your ass over here.”

“Hello to you too.”

“Don’t be a bitch and just get over here.” He hung up without waiting for a response.

It was hard to tell when Troy was drunk because he acted exactly the same sober or wasted. But if he was at a party, he was probably drunk.

I headed to Cato’s apartment on the east side with a pack of beer in my hand. When I walked up the stairs, I heard the deafening sound of the bass from his stereo. If I could hear it from here, then his neighbors weren’t going to get much sleep tonight.

The door was open so I walked inside and moved past the crowd. Ice chests littered the ground in the kitchen so I tossed the beers in the first one I could find. I popped the lid on one and downed it like water.

“Duuuuude!”

I turned at the sound of Troy’s voice.  “When did you start calling me dude all the time?”

“Dude, shut up and talk to me.” He wore a gray t-shirt with jeans that hung low on his hips.

“Which one do you want me to do?” I asked. “Shut up or talk to you?”

“Well, you just talked so I’m going to go with the second one.”

I grinned. “Asshole.”

He laughed then clapped my arm. “So many hot chicks here.”

“I just walked in.”

“Well, they’re everywhere so just keep your eyes peeled.”

I took another drink of my beer.

“Hey, how’d it go with Laura? Are her tits real?” Troy always spoke his mind, to anyone.

“It didn’t work out.”

“I could tell she was snooty. If she leaned her head back any further, her nostrils would act as teacups.”

“We had a great time but when she found out I was an escort, she walked out without saying a word to me.”

“Seriously?” He looked thunderstruck. “She’s hot but not
that
hot.”

I shrugged and drank my beer.

“Whatever. Her tits weren’t even that nice anyway.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“I can tell.” He waved his fingers in front of his eyes. “I got x-ray, bro.”

A blonde in heels walked past us to the refrigerator.

Troy eyed her then turned to me. “She’s cute. Go for her.”

“I didn’t even see her face.”

“Who cares?” he said. “Her ass looks great. That’s all that matters.”

She walked by again and Troy did something I’ve never seen before.

He pulled his keys out of his pocket then threw them over his shoulder. They made a loud clank against the tile when they landed. It was heard over the music.

She stopped and turned around, noticing the sound.

“Did you drop these?” Troy asked as he picked them up.

She stared at them suspiciously. “No…”

“Good. Because they’re mine.” He positioned her in front of me then walked off.

I wasn’t mad because the sight was so humorous. “I’m sorry about that.”

She relaxed as she looked at my face, obviously liking what she saw. Her eyes took me in, and they settled on my shoulders for a long time before they returned to my face. “I’ve never seen you before.”

“I’m Rhett.” I extended my hand to shake hers.

She didn’t take it. Instead, she came closer to me, her chest almost touching mine. “Trixie.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I said politely.

“Likewise.” She twisted a strand of hair in her fingers while she batted her eyelashes at me.

“So, what music do you—”

“Are we going to make out or what?”

Cato knew the sluttiest girls. I wasn’t sure where he found them. Most of them were models, so I assumed they would have the confidence to play hardball. Sometimes it was nice to find an easy kill, a beautiful woman who would let me fuck her without having a single conversation about anything somewhat important, but I wasn’t in the mood tonight. And she was too skinny for my taste. “I actually need to be somewhere…” I moved around her.

“Dick,” she hissed.

I turned back to her. “If what you’re selling is always free, no one is going to want it.”

Her eyes narrowed in offense.

I kept walking and moved through the crowd. I really was a dick to her, but I wouldn’t be a nice guy to a bitch. If she wanted me to respect her, then she needed to respect me.

When I reached the living room, Cato was doing a kegstand.

Troy recorded it on his phone. “He’s not going to remember this tomorrow. I got to document it.”

I turned my head while I watched him. “Impressive.”

“You want to go next?”

“You think I want to suck on the same hose Cato is using?” I asked. “He probably has syphilis or something.”

He nodded. “Word.” He ended the recording then pocketed his phone. He eyed me for a moment. “Where’s that blonde I hooked you up with? Did you fuck her already?”

“Yeah…I was in and out of there in two minutes.”

He clapped my shoulder. “Aren’t there for the ladies, huh?” He wiggled his eyebrows.

Sometimes he didn’t get sarcasm.

“I wasn’t into her. She was too skinny and her breath reeked.”

“Like what?” he asked.

“Like beer and vomit mixed together.”

“Gross.” He cringed. “But you don’t need to kiss her while you screw her.”

“Why don’t
you
screw her?” I demanded.

He shook his head. “I’m not going to screw a girl that smells like vomit.”

I stared at him incredulously. “Then what makes you think I want to?”

“Well, that date didn’t go well, right? Which means you didn’t get laid.”

“I can get laid whenever I want and you know that.” I drank my beer then watched Cato lay on the ground after he inhaled a trough of beer.

He looked around the room. “You have your pick of the crop.”

I glanced around and saw a lot of pretty girls. But I just wasn’t in the mood for any of them.

“How did work go the other night?”

“Good,” I said. “It was pretty fun, actually.”

“Fun?” he asked in surprise. “Did you just say that?”

“Yeah. We went to this fundraiser, and that was pretty lame, but then we got ice cream and played Battleship. She kicked my ass five times in a row.”

“Battleship?” He looked at me like I was crazy. “Did you go on a date with a twelve-year-old boy?”

I shook my head and released a quick laugh. “No, she was actually really hot.”

“Hot?” he asked. “Like, how hot?”

“I’d say a nine point five or a ten.”

He whistled. “Damn, you got any pictures?”

“No, sorry.”

“Damn,” he said. “Why did I get stuck with a girl with a psycho ex but you get a hot chick who likes Battleship?”

“The world works in mysterious ways…”

He shook his head then downed his beer. “I don’t get paid enough for this shit.”

“Half a million a year isn’t a salary to bitch about.”

He stared at me with an angry look. “The guy went straight for the money maker.” He pointed at his face.

“There are plenty of plastic surgeons in the city.”

“I’m all natural, bitch. Maybe you should get some fake tits.”

I laughed, loving how mad he was getting.

“Are you escorting this girl again?”

“Yeah. She’s trying to take over a company from her father but he wants her to have a serious boyfriend.”

He rubbed his chin. “That’s weird.”

I shrugged. “The guy was a total dick so it doesn’t surprise me.”

“Did he like you?”

“He showed me more love in twenty minutes than he showed his daughter her entire life.” It worked me up when I thought about it.

“So, she has daddy issues?” He smirked like he had a plan on his mind.

“We can’t date women we escort. You know that.”

“Well, if she’s that hot and cool, then that’s a different ball park. Secondly, I’m not escorting her.
You are
. So, she’s fair game.”

I knew he was joking so I didn’t rise. “You couldn’t get her.”

“You bet your ass I could.”

“She said she isn’t dating right now. I can tell she’s picky about the men she spends time with. There’s no way she’d pick you.”

“All I’d have to do is turn on the charm and she’d melt right in my hand.”

I shook my head. “She’s out of your league, man.”

“No one is out of my league, dude.”

“Well, this girl is.”

“Now I have to see this chick. Get me a picture.”

“No,” I snapped. “I’m not going to take a picture of her like a creeper.”

“Do it when she doesn’t know. Set up a camera in her apartment.”

I gave him a look I’d been giving him since we were kids. “You want me to break the law and get thrown in jail?”

“Hey, some girls are worth going to jail for.”

“I’m done talking to you.” I turned away.

“Wait.” He grabbed my arm. “Does she have a big mouth?”

I gave him a confused look. “Why?”

“Girls with big mouths give great head.”

I rolled my eyes but laughed at the same time. “You’re going to hell.”

“And you’re coming with me.”

Aspen

The hours passed quickly since I had so many things to do at the office. My assistant informed me I had a meeting with investors in an hour, and on top of that, I had a pile of paperwork on my desk.

As busy as I was, I kept thinking about my night with Rhett. If he weren’t there, that evening would have been unbearable. He lightened the mood and didn’t make me feel alone. Most of the time, John just made me feel worse.

What did I ever see in him?

When the fundraiser ended and we got out of there, the night really picked up. Getting ice cream and playing Battleship was fun. We had a lot of laughs and had a great time. Spending the evening with a beautiful man who had a great personality was worth every cent. Even though we just met, I felt like I’d known him forever. He reminded me of a Disney prince, which made me wonder if he was real from time to time.

The fact my father liked him was a great relief. Now he would get off my back about John and my good image would be restored. My dad wouldn’t talk about it anymore and the scandal would remain in the past, where it belonged. While my dad still didn’t value any contribution I made to the company, at least he didn’t look at me like I was something stuck on the bottom of his shoe.

My assistant spoke over the intercom. “Mr. Lane would like to see you, miss.”

“Thank you, Jane.” I sighed then rubbed my temple. My dad played golf in his office and acted as a figurehead while I worked my ass off. I was the real worker behind the company. Why couldn’t he walk down here and speak to me? Why did he have to call for me like I was a dog? I took a deep breath and let the emotion pass. I’d become a master at controlling my emotions, thanks to the abuse of my father. An excellent punching bag, taking swings and moving with the inertia.

After I talked myself down, I walked to his office.

Like I expected, he was hitting a golf ball around on the fake green.

I hate him. I hate him. I hate him
. “You wanted to see me, sir?” The last conversation we had in this office hung above my head like a cloud.

You better not cry. You know how I feel about that.

I held my hands together at my waist and regarded him with a stoic expression.

Dad put down his club then abandoned his ball on the green. He crossed his arms over his chest while he regarded me like I was a stranger, not his flesh and blood. “You didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend.”

Why would I? It’s not like we’re pals.
“I didn’t want to say anything until I knew we were serious.”

He nodded then paced around the room. “I like him, Aspen. He’s a good man. I don’t know how you landed him but I’m glad you did.”

My eyes narrowed in offense.
I don’t know how you landed him
. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

“He golfs, knows his cars, and comes from money.”

“Yes, the only qualities that matter.” My voice was full of sarcasm but I doubt he picked up on it.

“And, I must admit, he’s a very good-looking chap. Where did you meet?”

“Coffee shop.”

“I don’t know how you charmed him but you did something right. It’s clear he’s really into you.”

He didn’t know how I charmed him?
“Surely, you must realize I don’t look like a troll and I’m a very pleasant person.” It took all my strength not to rip his head off.

He ignored my statement altogether. “I want to golf with him this afternoon. Set it up.”

That was short notice. I had to give Rhett’s office seventy-two hours notice in order to book a date with him. That seemed unlikely. “I’ll let you know.”

He picked up his club again. “Let me know as soon as possible.”

I wanted to beat him over the head with that damn club. “Of course, sir.” I walked out.

“Aspen?”

I turned before I closed the door.

“Where are those faxes I asked for an hour ago?” he demanded.

“I emailed them to you fifty-nine minutes ago. If you were at your desk, you would have noticed.” I shut the door and didn’t even feel bad for snapping. The dickhead deserved it.

***

I called Danielle with hesitation. She laid down the rules already and I signed that contract. She said seventy-two hours and I doubt she would make an exception. I’m sure Rhett had other clients he had to attend to, and if not, he had a life.

She answered. “Beautiful Entourage. How may I help you?”

“Hey, Danielle. It’s Aspen.”

Her voice picked up in excitement. “How are you? Is Rhett performing to your satisfaction?”

“He’s amazing,” I blurted without thinking.

“He’s quite popular with the ladies.”

“Shocking…”

She chuckled. “What can I do for you?”

I knew I shouldn’t even bother but I had to try. “I know you said you needed seventy-two hours notice but I was wondering if I could use Rhett this afternoon to play golf with my dad…”

There was a pause on the other end. “I’m sorry, Aspen. Rhett has other obligations, and plans his weeks accordingly. You’re paying for a high quality date, not someone who can change their life around to accommodate you. He’s not a dog.”

“That’s not what I was implying at all,” I snapped. I had a long day so my tolerance was low. I could yell at Danielle but I couldn’t yell at my father. “I just thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask. Geez…”

Danielle breathed into the phone. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to come off rude. Like I said before, I’m protective of my boys and I don’t let people walk all over them.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do. I thought if Rhett was free, by chance, it wouldn’t be a big deal.”

“I’ll give him a call,” she said with a sigh. “But don’t expect this treatment again.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate it.”

She hung up.

I got back to work, and half an hour later, my cell phone rang. “Hello?”

“Rhett is able to accommodate you. Just let me know the details when you have them.”

I was surprised it actually worked out. “I will. Thank you.” I hung up. Wow, I got lucky. I assumed Rhett already had another date to fulfill, and if not a date, he didn’t want to pick up an extra shift, so to speak.

My phone rang again but it was a number I didn’t recognize. I decided to answer it, curious whom the number belonged to. “Hello?”

“E3.”

My lips stretched from ear to ear. His voice was deep and smooth, and it contained a hint of amusement. His face came into my mind, and I imagined that smile I was so fond of and his bright eyes. “Miss.”

“I always miss,” he said with a laugh.

I loved listening to the sound of his voice. I’d pay big money just to have his voice on a CD that I could play over and over, as stalker-ish as that made me sound. “This is a nice surprise. I thought I wasn’t supposed to have your phone number?”

“It’s okay to break the rules once in a while,” he said. “And you don’t strike me as the crazy type so I think we’re good. Besides, Danielle can be a real mood killer.”

I laughed into the phone. “She just cares about you.”

“A little too much,” he said. “She’s the mother hen of our company. I’ve seen her pull a chunk of some girl’s hair right out of her scalp, and then slap her hard across the face.”

“Damn…”

“Don’t mess with her. If you need me for something like this, just call me.”

“Won’t she be upset you gave me your number?”

He paused for a while. “It’s my decision, not hers. So, your father wants to go golfing, huh?”

“I’m so sorry…”

“Hey, it’s what you’re paying me to do. And he’s not that bad…to me at least.”

“It’s going to be so boring and all he’ll talk about is cars and money…” I rolled my eyes just thinking about it. “You’ll fall right asleep.”

“How about you come along and keep me company?”

“My father didn’t invite me.”

“Who cares?” he said. “Tell him I invited you. Do you know how to golf?”

“Damn straight, I know how to golf.”

He chuckled into the phone. “Feisty…I like it. So, come with us then. We’ll get ice cream afterwards.”

“Are you trying to make me fat?” I said in a teasing way.

“Like you could ever get fat,” he countered. “You weigh what? A hundred and fifteen pounds?”

“One twenty, thank you very much.” I was surprised he guessed my weight so well.

“My apologies,” he said with a laugh.

“And that can change with enough sundaes.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” he said. “So, when am I golfing?”

“Two hours. Can you make it?”

“I’ll be there. Should I meet at the office or the country club?”

“Meet here,” I said. “Let me know when you’re in the lobby and I’ll retrieve you. The building is a little confusing.”

“Will do. See you then.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

“Wait,” I said.

“Yeah?” he asked.

“Thanks for doing this. I’m sure you have a million other things you’d rather be doing.”

His voice came out quiet. “Actually, I’d rather help you.”

***

Rhett was standing in the lobby wearing dark brown slacks with a black polo. Even in golf clothes, he was eye-catching. His shoulders were broad and noticeable, and the tightness of his shirt outlined his powerful chest and slender waist. His pants hung low on his hips and a belt was woven through the loops. I stared at him for a second, forgetting why I was there to begin with.

“Nice lobby,” he said. He put his hands in his pockets and examined the tile floor and expansive counter where the receptionist stood.

I suspected he looked away because my obvious gawking made him uncomfortable. I needed to learn to hide my attraction to him better. “The elevator is this way…”

We stood side by side as the elevator rose.

“How’s your day going?” he asked.

“It’s okay.” I crossed my arms over my chest so I wouldn’t be tempted to touch him.

“That bad, huh?”

“My father is just being a dick, nothing unusual.”

He put his arm around my waist and pulled me into his side.

My spine shivered involuntarily and I wanted to melt right then and there. Having a ridiculously handsome guy touch me like he loved me was every girl’s dream. I smiled like an idiot, living in the moment.

“You got me, remember?” he said. “You aren’t alone.”

“I suppose.”

The doors opened and we walked down the hall together. A few people in the office turned our way when they saw Rhett with his arm around my waist. I knew what they were all thinking.

Why is he with her?

Whatever. They were jealous because they weren’t me.

Rhett looked around as we walked. “Fancy…”

“Your office is pretty nice too.”

“But it’s only one story. This has to be…fifty stories?”

“Well, we employ a lot people.”

“I’ll say.”

We reached Dad’s office and I knocked.

“Come in,” he called.

Rhett opened the door and let me enter first.

I gave him a smile because I couldn’t help it. He was so charming and thoughtful. John never went out of his way for me.

Dad’s eyes lit up when he spotted Rhett. “There’s the man I wanted to see.” He shook his hand then patted his back. “Ready to hit the green?”

“I’m always ready, sir.”

“Excellent, my boy,” Dad said. “Let’s go.” He turned to me. “You can hold down the fort while I’m gone?”

I would hope so…since I do it every damn day
. “Yeah—”

“Actually, I invited her along,” Rhett said. “I’ve never seen her golf. Is that okay, sir?”

“Sure,” Dad said. “Why not?”

Rhett grabbed my hand and walked out with me. When we made it to the lobby, Dad turned to Rhett.  “Where are your clubs, kid?”

“In my car,” he answered. “Should we carpool?”