Danny (Models On Top #1) (41 page)

As we approach the blonde, I feel intimidated. She’s prettier than in the photos I’ve seen, hands down the most beautiful woman in the room. When she sees Danny, her face lights up and she excuses herself before rushing over. My hand is dropped so he can embrace her. If I were still in college, a major red flag of jealousy would fly up. But as soon as they part, he wraps his arm around my back and proudly pulls me to him.

Holli turns to me with a warm and welcoming smile. “I’ve heard so much about you, Reese. I’m so glad to finally meet you.” My hand comes out and just as I’m about to speak, she adds, “I’m from the south originally, so I’m a hugger.” Stepping forward, she hugs me just as tightly as she hugged Danny. Her kindness is contagious so I join in the hug fest and hug her right back.

When we part, I say, “I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about you. It’s so good to finally meet you as well.”

She hooks her arm in mine, and turns to Danny. “I’m stealing her away for a bit. We have lots to talk about.”

“Just give me the signal if you need rescuing, pretty, and I’ll be there.”

“What’s the signal?” I tease as we walk away.

Holli gives him a look that shuts him right up. “Ignore him. I’m not going to bite. I’m going to gossip.” And there’s the hint of mischievousness that puts me at ease.
Thank God.
She
is
human.

We head out back where people are swimming in the lagoon-style pool and lounging in chairs around it. She releases me and as if sharing a secret, she says, “Let’s go over here so we can talk.”

There’s a wooden swing with flowering vines curving over an arbor. When we sit, it gives us a good view of the large backyard. The landscaping gives the feel of a tropical island. I can actually hear birds in the distance. It’s a very nice property. We push off just enough for movement but not enough to make us feel like it’s an effort. “This is really nice.”

“Dalton built the arbor and swing when he came off tour last year.”

“Dalton?”

“Sorry. Johnny. Johnny Outlaw. He’s Dalton to me.”

Ahhh
. The rock star. I nod.

“He’s into construction.” She makes a funny face. “He’s always looking for new projects, for something to build. On tour he’s so full of adrenaline for months on end that when he comes home, I think he has to ease back into a stationary, quieter life. He builds me something each time to keep himself occupied, to keep his hands busy. This year, he built a tree house at our place in Ojai. It’s almost the size of my first apartment in LA.” She laughs, then lowers her voice. “And I will never complain. Not only do I get these awesome things he’s built, but his body. Mother of Zeus, his arms and body are insane. I mean, he’s hot anyway, but Lord almighty, I break a sweat just watching him while he’s breaking a sweat.”

The red flag disappears altogether. She’s not a threat to my relationship. It’s clear how much she cares for her Dalton.

“I can only imagine. Sometimes Danny works out on the front patio. It’s attached to Danny’s spare room. I’ve been working out of it and I’ve spent many an hour watching him break a sweat. He’s quite the sight.”

Laughing together, she says, “My office is that same room.”

“I forgot you own the place next door. You’re not there very much?”

“I can work from anywhere. Sometimes we’re here in LA. Sometimes in Ojai. I stop by my townhome when I need to really concentrate for a deadline. I like being near the beach, hearing the waves in the distance.” She pats my leg. “Enough about me. I want to hear about you. I read a little about the lawsuit. I’m sorry.”

Downplaying it, I say, “Don’t be. We were in clear violation. It sucks to hand over the money, especially to such scum, but it’s easier to just pay it so we can move on.”

“I agree. Lawsuits suck the life out of you. I’ve gone through a few. They steal a piece of your happiness away if you let them. Don’t let them, Reese. Stay strong.”

Sipping my drink, I look around. Holli’s done an amazing job of keeping her happiness. It’s seen all around and just by looking at her. “Can I ask you something personal?”

“Sure.”

“How do you handle the fans and groupies, the women throwing themselves at him, the videos? How do you not get jealous, or do you?”

Laughing to herself, she replies, “I love him and that’s part of his life. So I had to make the decision between getting my happily ever after with the man I love or walking away and making do for the rest of my life. I chose love. What will you choose?”

I don’t have to think on this and it’s not a trick question. “Love. I choose love.”

“Then you’ll learn to handle it, after a few more freak-outs. Then everything will calm down.”

She’s being so open so I raise another topic. “Do you mind if I ask you about your business?”

She doesn’t get defensive and no walls go up. She smiles and says, “Absolutely. What do you want to know?”

With most women, they’d hold their cards tightly to their chest, afraid of any competition. Not her. She’s open and honest. I see why Danny likes her so much. I’m starting to like her just as much. Wonder if she’ll be my new best friend? Maybe too soon to bring that up. I inwardly laugh, and then ask, “How did you know you wanted to start a business, that it was the right time?”

“I woke up one day and couldn’t shake the idea. I knew I had to pursue it or I’d regret it. Danny tells me you’re incredibly creative and quite the advertising guru.”

My cheeks heat from hearing Danny’s compliment from another person. I look toward the house and see Danny talking to a man close to his size, brown hair, tattoos sneaking out from under his short-sleeved T-shirt. They both have their arms crossed and look everywhere but at each other as they speak. It’s quite amusing to watch.

“I’m not a guru, but I’ve spearheaded some great projects. My friend is a fashion designer and he offered me a job since I quit the last agency. I could work for him direct. The pay is amazing, but I’m thinking I might want to start my own agency. Something small at first. Basically me, but grow it from there. My personal reputation may be shot after the photos of Danny and me were sold, but I can defend my career.”

“The photos will blow over, the lawsuit will go away, and everyone will forget about it. But what you do with your ads, that’s your portfolio and your work will speak for itself.”

“I haven’t told Danny yet.”

“Why not?”

We stop swinging, and I look back at him again, while the tips of my shoes drag through the grass. “I didn’t want to make a rash decision. I wanted this lawsuit behind us before committing to anything. But I know in my heart I can’t move back to New York without him and seeing him in LA, this is where he always belonged. He’s happy here. His friends are here. This is where he’s built his life.”

She follows my gaze and smiles. “His life is with you. You do what you need to do. If you need to go to New York, he’ll support your decision. He’s just that kind of guy.” When she stands up, she says, “But I think in your heart, you already know what you want to do. And Reese, there’s nothing worse than living a life of regret.”

Years of regret cross my mind. “I know a lot about that.”

“Then you have your answer. You’re ready to start your own business. If I can help in any way, just let me know.”

I stand up and take a sip of my drink. Danny nods his head, signaling me to come back to him. Sadly, I’ve missed him already too. “Should we join them?”

Holli and I head over. Danny wraps his arm around my back. “Reese, this is Dex. He’s the drummer in the band. Dex, this is my girlfriend, Reese.”

Hearing him call me his girlfriend fills my soul, seeps into my veins giving me strength. I shake hands with Dex, trying not to make a big deal about my new moniker, but my heart still leaps. I finally reply, “It’s nice to meet you.”

When I return to Danny’s side, Dex says, “I’m working on some songs I want to get back to. I’m going to find Rochelle, then head out.” He leans over and kisses Holli on the cheek. “Catch ya laters, Hols.”

“Thanks for coming and drive safe.” Holli pokes Danny. “Impressive. You got him to say more than five words. For someone who likes to be surrounded by people, he tends to be more introverted at parties.”

Danny shrugs. “We were shooting the breeze. Not talking about much. His music.”

She smiles. “He likes talking about his music. He’s changed a lot over the years. A good change. Or maybe it’s just you, Danny. You put everyone at ease.”

Leaning my head on Danny, I say, “Back in college, everyone loved him. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t get along with Danny.”

The living room behind us falls noticeably quiet and we turn from the sudden change. The rock star himself walks through the party, full of charisma, his presence overtaking all others, except for one—Holli’s. She stands confidently next to us, comfortable in her own skin, and asks, “Have you met Johnny Outlaw?”

I hear Danny exhale loudly through is nose and laugh. Okay, so there’s history here and the timing couldn’t have been planned better. Besides actually starting to sweat from seeing the famous rock star, now I’m nervous I might upset Danny if I get too excited. Plus I don’t want to look like a crazy groupie in front of Holli. But look at him. Oh my God. It’s Johnny freaking Outlaw. The Resistance is one of my favorite bands. I stalk with my eyes as he comes around Holli and whispers something in her ear that makes her laugh. She kisses him before turning back to us. “This is Danny’s girlfriend, Reese. Reese, Johnny.”

He reaches for my hand and I try to stop it from shaking so I don’t die from embarrassment. His smile is so kind it’s easy to feel comfortable around him. When our hands meet, he leans in, and kisses me on the cheek. “So you’re with him, huh?”

I laugh, a little too giddy. “I am.”

Danny mutters, “Jesus Christ,” making Holli laugh.

She takes Johnny by the arm, and through laughter says, “Is the pissing contest over because I’m sure Reese doesn’t appreciate being the prize. Why can’t you boys get along?”

Johnny speaks first as he grins at Danny, “We can. Right, old friend? How about I buy you a beer?”

“You’ve already bought me a bourbon,” Danny replies, holding up his glass. “But I’ll happily take another.”

We move to go inside. Johnny pats Danny’s back, and says, “The past is in the past. It’s time we all moved on.”

Truer words were never spoken.

ON THE DRIVE
home… home.
Danny.
My home.
I just spout it out. “I’m turning Vinnie down.”

“You are?” Danny asks, surprised.

“It never felt right because of our friendship, and though I love working with him, I want to do a variety of things and different campaigns.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am,” I say with confidence. “Absolutely positive.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I’m going to start my own agency.”

“Really? Where?” The concern is heard clearly in the last question.

“What do you think about me staying a little longer, maybe permanently?”

That smile I love so much crosses his lips. “I think that would be amazing.” He glances from the road to me. “What do you think about staying with me a little longer, maybe permanently?”

Reaching over, I run my fingertips through the back of his hair. “I was hoping you’d ask, but I didn’t want you to feel pressured.”

“Pressured? I’ve wanted you here since that first day at the Illustrious meeting. So hell yeah, I want you to stay.” His hand is on my thigh and he leans closer. I meet him over the gearshift and we kiss. “And I like the idea of your own agency. We can turn the other room into your office if you want.”

“You’d do that for me?”

He takes my hand and kisses it. “Don’t you know by now, Reese? I would do anything for you.”

“And I would do anything for you.”

WE WALK INTO
the meeting with Mark and Danny’s lawyer. We’ve been told not to say a word. They didn’t want me to come, but Danny said if he was basically pleading guilty and paying the bastard, then he was going to “rub it in his fucking face.”

I have my own reasons for wanting to be here today.