“I’m with Nikki. Go for it,” Michelle advises.
“Honey, try to find out about that gay cousin. I’m sure your Powerball has one,” Ray jokes.
“I’ll investigate and report back, Ray.”
He grins from ear to ear at my promise.
Nikki and I are still holding hands. She turns me around to face me and bends at the knees so our eyes meet. “Now, come on and get your ass back into that changing room and try the last dress I selected for you.”
“I surely hope this one is the one, because none of the others fit. I’m batting zero for four. Not exactly a stellar score,” I lament.
Nikki lifts her eyebrow. Clearly she’s displeased with my answer. “Don’t lose faith just yet.” She hands me the fifth design. “I tried this dress on when it came in and it looked okay on me. I mean with my A-cup breasts and flat ass, the dress was quiet and demure, but on you… with those curves and those fabulous boobs of yours… let’s just say I have a feeling Kevin’s friends will be tripping all over themselves when they see you tonight.” Nikki’s comment boosts my confidence like crazy.
“Nikki’s right,” Michelle agrees. “The second a famous actress, who shall remain nameless, brought it in on Tuesday, I knew it had your name written all over it. The two of you are similar in height. She doesn’t have as big tatas as you do. Still, the photos of her wearing it on the red carpet a few months ago are stunning. I know you’ll do a much better job pulling it off because the deep V begs for your ample boobs.”
“Imagine if the Powerball is there tonight,” Jessica cheers.
I’ve thought about it since Hunter dropped me off, but it’s unlikely. “I doubt it, Jess. You keep saying tonight’s party will be a parade of athletes and celebrities. Hunter is a former dotcom king turned successful rancher out in Colorado. He’s here for business with renowned restaurateurs. I don’t think he runs in the same circles as Kevin does.”
“Too bad.” Jess frowns and purses her lips together at the same time as if she’s solving an impossibly complicated algebra formula.
“Well, it doesn’t matter,” Nikki says. “Sounds like there will be plenty of studs tonight who won’t be able to take their eyes off of you. Call this a practice run.”
“What do you mean?”
“My gut says this little number I have for you will look so sizzling hot, you might want to wear it when you go on your second date with your Powerball.”
I beam at Nikki’s suggestion. “From your lips to God’s ears,” I can’t help but blurt out.
“I have a feeling she’s listening.” She winks. I’m so elated by Nikki’s comment, I nearly jump in her arms.
“I love the way you think, Nikki,” Jess says. “Now, go try that dress, Miranda. We still have to stop by Frills & Thrills to buy you some insanely sexy underwear before fighting our way through traffic back to my place to meet Kevin on time. He’s already reminded me at least fifteen times today that the limousine will pick us up at eight PM. Sharp.”
Suddenly I have a change of heart. “Maybe this evening will be fun after all.”
“You’ll see. We’re going to have a blast.” Jess lifts her hands up in the air and sways her hips in a little dance. Michelle joins in and I can’t help but laugh.
I’m still apprehensive about being set up with one of Kevin’s friends, but what the heck, I don’t have to take it much further than a dance or a drink, right?
CHAPTER FIVE
Hunter
Money definitely has its privileges. Since my housekeeper Juanita already picked up my suit from the tailor’s before swinging by the cobbler to grab my shoes for me yesterday, I’m able to spend the rest of the afternoon basking in the sun. I have a brutally busy week coming. I’m meeting a string of clients and if I’m able to convince them to buy our Angus beef, this additional influx in business could transform our already successful operation into a burgeoning empire. Taking time to chill out like this is a real treat for me.
After dropping off Miranda at her place, it was too late for me to drive up the coast to Malibu and back in time for the gala. Although I’m a guy and it usually doesn’t take me too long to get ready, tonight’s event is sure to bring out some heavy hitters and you never know when your path might cross that of an important business connection. Bottom line, I need to make sure I look the part. That said, I needed to do something with myself because my mind is churning too much for me to sit still by the pool in my backyard. I’ve been walking up and down this beach for an hour, surprised by the fact that I’m unable to stop thinking of the petite, curvy woman I spent the morning with.
“Damn, she’s so sweet,” I say under my breath.
Things might not get out of hand quite as much as they do in Sin City, but Los Angeles remains a place filled with irresistible temptations. You’re certain to find an attractive candidate more than willing to satisfy your dirtiest kinks. In the past week since I’ve been back, I’ve gorged on women like a gluttonous beast. I’m sure that tonight it won’t be too hard to find a couple of girlfriends who’d let me fuck both of them at the same time.
Fucking two women isn’t nearly as hedonistic as sharing one with my best friend, Jake. Now that he’s in a committed relationship, this is as good as it gets for me when I crave something a little more hardcore. The prospect of a night filled with wanton promiscuity should be enough to get me already hard, but for some strange reason, I’m not. The truth is, I would’ve much preferred spending the evening with Miranda.
“This girl is a far cry from the easy targets I’ve been with lately,” I mumble to myself, kicking a patch of sand.
There’s something about her that makes me want to take my time. Something innocent… almost untouched. I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but it’s sexy as hell. There’s no doubt in my mind that I intend on having this girl come all over my tongue a few times before mid-week.
* * *
The drive from Santa Monica isn’t nearly as nightmarish as I expected it to be. You never know on Saturday nights since a large number of people are heading out for a night of nonstop fun. The limo drops me off in front of the Hillcrest at a quarter to nine. This distinctive private venue is tucked away up in the hills and it’s the perfect location to entertain the three hundred fifty guests attending tonight’s fashion show and gala.
Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior—the action happens inside and in the backyard. Just like so many exclusive things in Hollywood, this is one of those addresses few people know about, let alone ever enter. I’ve been here a number of times for events, and I’m always blown away. The outside looks like an old art deco building, but inside is spectacular. The owners have kept the gorgeous and historic décor and they’ve enhanced it beautifully.
Jenner Andersen and Miles Felder could’ve been another sad statistic, but they escaped the dark shadow cast upon so many child actors when they bought their first investment property as their acting careers were fizzling. In numerous interviews, Jenner credits his single mother for the fortuitous transition. Since he and Miles had been best friends since the Mickey Mouse Club days, it was natural for them to go into business together. Today, they’re in their mid-thirties and they own some of the best addresses in the city, including this one.
I follow a crowd of people all headed towards a beefy security guard. After a quick body scan, he opens the heavy double doors to let me in. I walk straight in front of me until I reach the counter where an eager blonde with a huge smile frozen on her face awaits. “Welcome to the Hillcrest. My name is Genna. May I have your invitation?”
“Certainly.” I fish for my iPhone in the inside pocket of my jacket and pull it out. I turn it on, swipe a few times, scroll to find the invitation and hand my phone to the hostess.
“Thank you, Mr. Hunter Evans.” My name leaves her lips like a song. “If you don’t mind signing the privacy waiver, I’ll gladly get my colleague Viola to let you in,” she says, handing me a sheet of paper that feels premium t
o the touch and a Mont Blanc pen that’s easily recognizable by the unique logo on its tip.
“Sure. That shouldn’t be a problem,” I say. “I’m surprised you guys are doing this the old-fashioned way. Most venues now register guests via an iPad.”
“Rex wants the personal touch for his VIP clients.”
“I see. It makes sense.” I nod.
“Nice suit,” Genna coos, changing subject.
I frown at her. “It’s one of Rex’s. I suspect most guys here tonight are wearing one of his designs given we’re attending one of his events.” Something tells me she’s fed the same line to every man who’s walked through the doors tonight.
“Yeah, but you wear it particularly well.”
I smile. “Thank you. Why don’t I sign this?” I suggest, dropping my eyes to the paper I’m holding. “I’m sure the people behind me are also eager to get it.” I read the waiver and when I’m satisfied that it’s just the standard Hollywood stuff, I scribble my name. “Here you go,” I say, handing her back the document. “No phones inside past the doors?” I ask, referring to one of the clauses I just read.
“I’m afraid not. Rex has a strict ‘no photos and no phones allowed’ policy tonight because he’s unveiling his newest collection and his new line of men’s underwear. Since the collections aren’t scheduled to hit stores for another month, he doesn’t want to see them on the sewing boards of a sweat shop in Beijing by breakfast tomorrow morning.”
“It makes sense, but it’s going to feel like we’re cut off from civilization,” I point out.
Genna leans in and runs her red nails along my arm. She smiles at me and bats her lashes a few times before answering. “It’s only until the fashion show has taken place. Afterwards, you can pull out your phone to check messages, but no photos, since there will be quite a few celebrities present who prefer to keep their anonymity when the real fun is in full swing. If you know what I mean.” Oh, I do.
Jenner and Miles aren’t incredibly rich and successful by accident. They were smart and quite strategic when they were renovating this abandoned building. The Hillcrest is known by the few privileged who’ve ever been here as a place where anything and everything goes at the end of an event. The tight security and the waiver ensure you can enjoy yourself to your heart’s content. The very tall trees surrounding the massive property obstruct the view of the paparazzi lenses. This considerably reduces any risks of seeing unflattering or compromising photos splattered on the first page of popular gossip magazines, newspapers or websites the next day. This is one of the rare places in the City of Angels where the rich and Tinseltown’s who’s who can truly hide. In other words, it’s a publicist’s paradise.
“Of course.”
“Excellent. We’re all set, Hunter. Viola will let you in.” Genna flashes me a seductive smile as she hands me my phone back. I try to pull it away from her, but she’s still holding on to it really tight. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.” Her words are thick with suggestive undertones. “And I do mean absolutely anything.”
Genna is working hard to secure a cock tonight. It won’t be mine. She’s not my type. She’s quite pretty and her full, generous lips are very tempting, but she’s a little on the wafer-thin side for my liking. Had I had too many drinks in my system like I did a couple of nights ago, I’d be willing to bend my rules, but it’s way too early in the evening to even consider skinny Genna as a candidate.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” I say before following the very tall brunette who has been patiently waiting for me in front of another set of doors.
After a polite nod, the second hostess lets me inside the main party room. The entrance to the Hillcrest is very misleading because it looks like the lobby of any luxury hotel in the city, but once you pass the set of heavy large doors gilded with gold paint, the space opens up onto a massive area. I strut inside the room and stand at the door. It’s still early in the evening, but the place is already packed with well-dressed Los Angeleans. Once you pass this point, it’s showtime. I pull out my phone and text Collin to find out where he and Shane are hanging out when someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn and smile at the familiar face.
“If it isn’t Hunter Evans. Happy you could make it, buddy.” Rex Harrington extends his hand and I shake it warmly.
“Considering I’m just a rancher, it’s an honor that you’d have me on your VIP list for the third year in a row.”
“With your enviable height and well-defined muscles, I’m insulted you haven’t taken me up on my offer to be one of my models. You would’ve been the perfect candidate because I’m certain you would’ve worn my collection so well. Although I should say that what you’re wearing now is pretty impeccable and falls nicely on you.”
I bite off a smile before answering him. “It’s a Tom Ford.”
“I know you’re bullshitting me, Hunter, because as good a designer as Tom is, he doesn’t cater to tall man with an athletic build like yours or mine. Not to mention I’d be able to recognize one of my signature suits with my eyes closed. It’s all about the impeccable stitching when it comes to a top-notch custom fit.”
We both laugh.
Rex Harrington is an amazing high-end menswear designer. Just like Jake and I, Rex has embraced this second career with both arms. And just like his first, he’s aced it again. Few former professional basketball players other than Michael Jordan can claim this level of success. The company Rex started five years ago with his brother went public eighteen months ago and since then, Rex’s star has been rising.
When you stand six foot five inches tall, it’s quite challenging to just walk into a store and buy something off the racks. Since Collin presented me to Rex three years ago, he’s been my go-to guy. At a minimum of five thousand dollars a pop, his bespoke refined tailored suits are made to measure and worth every penny.
“You know I’d never dream of wearing anyone else’s designs,” I confess. “And to answer the question about modeling, I think my buddy Collin and his brother Shane have you recovered.”
“Yeah, the Dennison brothers are a force to be reckoned with in the world of social media and I’m grateful they’re willing to use their name to bring mine into the limelight.”
“Something tells me you don’t need much help anymore.” I grin.
He’s about to answer me when a gorgeous, lean black beauty approaches us. She’s wearing a purple dress that hits her right above the knee. It’s so well fitted it looks like it’s been painted on her. Her jet-black hair is pulled back low, showcasing her striking features. I furtively drop my eyes to the floor and can’t help but notice how her sky-high silver heels add to her stunning outfit.
“Ah, Monique, please meet Hunter Evans. Don’t you think he’d make for a perfect model?” Rex asks pointedly. He’s never been one to beat around the bush.
Monique brushes her dark ebony eyes from my head to my toes. After a few seconds, she meets my gaze. “I agree, Rex. He has the height, the broad shoulders and the looks. I’m sure he’s all muscle underneath that suit. He’s the kind of Adonis women would drool over, forcing their men to line up at the crack of dawn the next day in front of the stores that carry your collections, clamoring to order every item that touched his perfect body on the runway.” Jesus. Did she even take a breath between each word?
“Well, based on that flattering description, I might have to seriously reconsider my career options,” I joke.
We all laugh.
Monique quirks an eyebrow and extends her hand. “Mr. Evans, it’s a pleasure and if you do change your mind, I’ll gladly help you make the transition.”
I bet you would.
“Likewise, Monique,” I say, shaking her hand. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She turns her attention to Rex. “I’m really sorry to interrupt like this, but we need you backstage. I think Brad is about to have another one of his meltdowns.”
“What now?” Rex huffs.
“It’s nothing really, but you know how he gets right before a fashion show? And with the added pressure of the Asian press, he’s a bit… freaked out.”
“He’s such a perfectionist.” Rex shakes his head while rolling his eyes. “Tell him to calm down. Let me finish with my friend first, Monique.”
“Very well.”
Rex looks at me. “Brad is really amazing at what he does, but he becomes a basket case right before the first model gets on stage.” He chuckles.
“Tell me about it.” Monique smiles. “As you know, you’re the only one who can talk any sense into him. Your brother tried, but after ten minutes he washed his hands of it.”
“I’ll be there in five,” Rex says.
“I’ll let Brad know you’re on your way. Mr. Evans, enjoy your evening and I’ll see you around.”
“Absolutely, Monique.”
I watch as the black beauty wiggles her way away from us. Nice. I’d tap that.
“Hunter, duty calls. Enjoy the show and I’ll make sure to catch you later. I’ll send someone over to accompany you to a little party being held on the fifth floor right after the fashion show, unless you want to join us a little later.”
“The upper floors are open?”
“Finally. The owners started renovating the sprawling deck first then worked on the fifth, fourth and third floors. They still have to finish the last two floors. Jenner and Miles hired the best designer in town and it’s paid off well for them. There are beautifully decorated sitting rooms on each floor. I’ve reserved all three for a very private gathering happening later. We’ll only be twenty guests or so. No high-profile people, because I don’t want any drama. The Dennisons are invited, of course, but those two chase women like it’s Olympic sports. Who knows if they’ll show up?” Rex laughs.
“They make the rest of us look like inept teenagers when it comes to their impressive record with women.”
“I doubt that very much.” Rex smiles. Rex and I have partied a few times together. He’s no fool. “In any case, if you’re interested, your name is already on the VIP list. If you prefer to enjoy the after-party and then come up later in the evening, that’s not a problem. You can access the upper floors by making a left right before you hit the bar,” Rex says, pointing to a sign that reads Private. “Once the fashion show is over, this room will be empty and it’ll be very easy for you to come join us undetected. Each room carries a distinctive name. This one is the Brixton. Keep that in mind for later on. This entire venue will be packed and you might not remember which room is which. Viola, one of the hostesses, will be there to greet guests all night long.”
Fixated Page 9
