Fixated

by Scarlett Avery

  “I’ve met her already. She’s the one who let me in.”

  “Excellent. Enjoy the evening and I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for. The exquisite selections will definitely abound tonight.” Rex isn’t talking about fashion.

  “I’m sure I will. I’ll catch you later, man.”

  “Absolutely.” Rex pats me on the back and turns on his heel. As he disappears into the crowd, my phone vibrates. When I look down Collin’s message pops on my screen.

  Where are you?

  -----

  Inside the Hillcrest.

  -----

  Where? I’ve been walking around and couldn’t find you.

  -----

  Near the entrance. I was just talking to Rex.

  -----

  Shane and I are backstage with the other models. Come over and hang out with us. I gave the bouncer your name. We’re not due on stage for at least another half hour.

  -----

  How do I get backstage?

  -----

  Near the main bar, there’s a tall black dude. He’ll let you in.

  -----

  I’ll be right there.

  As I strut across the room, it’s impossible to remain oblivious to the number of gorgeous women clad in some of the most elegant designs. VIP events in this city are usually quite glamorous, but Rex has the magic touch when it comes to bringing the crème de la crème together.

  Before I reach the main bar, I’ve already spotted the tall and menacing bodyguard. Wow. He easily towers over me by two if not three inches, but he’s as wide as a door. Clearly his suit is custom-made because the guy is massive.

  “You’re a model?” he asks, stone-faced, as I approach him.

  “Not quite. My name is Hunter Evans and I’m one of Collin Dennison’s friends. He’s one of the models and he’s already backstage.”

  “Yeah. He told me you’d come by.” The bouncer takes a step forward, leans in and gets really close until he’s certain my eyes meet his. “You do understand there’s a no-photo policy tonight?”

  I clear my throat and distance myself slightly from him. “Absolutely, I do.” Suddenly the tie around my neck feels uncomfortably tight.

  “Good. I’d hate to have to throw you out on your ass if that wasn’t crystal clear.” If it’s his job to intimidate people, he’s crushing it. “You can go right in,” he says, opening a door.

  “Thanks.”

  I’ve barely stepped inside the room before Collin calls out my name. “Evans.”

  “Hey, buddy,” I say, giving him a brother-type handshake. “Nice pinstripe suit,” I remark.

  “Rex is the master. He’s able to make a fairly conservative style look sleek.”

  “Not that I need one, but I’m pretty sure I won’t leave here without adding a new suit to my collection if they all look this sharp.”

  “Come to the back, they’re just finishing fitting Shane for his first outfit.”

  I follow Collin through a maze of models, hairdressers, makeup artists, stylists and a slew of other people running around.

  “I can’t believe how frantic it is back here.”

  “I know,” he throws over his shoulder. “What a contrast from when you’re a spectator. It’s impossible to tell how much work is involved in this unless you’re on the other side.”

  “I have a whole new level of respect for what Rex does.”

  “So do I. Shane’s over there.” Collin points in front of him as we approach his brother.

  “Shane, good to see you,” I say, fist-bumping Collin’s older brother.

  “I’ve been so busy since you got back in town, I can’t believe it’s only now that we connect. I feel so bad I haven’t been able to make time for you.”

  “I know. It’s been crazy for me too between our expansion plans in California and spending my nights partying with your baby brother.” I laugh. “I’m still here for a little while so we have plenty of time to catch up.” I pause for a beat, admiring Shane’s suit. “You look pretty fierce in that.” He’s wearing one of the most perfectly tailored suits I’ve ever seen on a man.

  “It’s impossible not to look polished in one of Rex’s designs, but look who’s talking,” he says, eyeing me from head to toe.

  “Yeah, but I don’t have to strut my stuff all over the runway in front of the entire fashion press like you.” I wink.

  “Who cares about the fashion press? Do you know how many women will have their eyes on us?” Collin interjects. “Wait until they see me sporting one of Rex’s boxer briefs from his new collection of men’s underwear. That’ll get a few of them hot and bothered. I’m sure they’ll be throwing their panties at me on stage.” He grins.

  “Dennison, how is it that you always think with your cock?” I ask.

  “Sue me for taking tonight very seriously. You might be mocking me now, but I’m pretty sure you’ll thank me later for my forward thinking.”

  What is he talking about? “And why would I do that, Collin?”

  “I booked a suite at the Thompson Hotel not too far away. So did Shane. Let me know if you need the key for a few hours,” he says, elbowing me.

  I lift my eyebrows, surprised. “Really?”

  He nods. “Rumor has it that the after-party is going to be crazy good. Better than any of Rex’s other parties.” Collin waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

  “Why not take them back to your place or go to theirs?” I ask.

  “Nah. You know how much I hate morning-after drama. Not to mention, I want to wake up in my bed. A few hours in a hotel is all I need.” Collin is an absolute manwhore.

  “That’s what I’ve heard as well,” Shane adds. “I’ll concede my brother can be a little overzealous when it comes to his womanizing, but some of the most beautiful women in the city will be here tonight. I won’t lie. I intend on taking full advantage of it myself.”

  I’m no choirboy, but the Dennison brothers have an unapologetic carnal appetite that puts me to shame.

  “So you guys are skipping Rex’s private party on the fifth floor? He said it was by invitation only.”

  “I might drop by.” Collin is the first to answer. “It all depends on who I hook up with. It’s only going to be a handful of people. My gut says the action will happen down here.”

  “Rex’s parties have a very mellow and sultry vibe. I really like them, but I’ll play it by ear. I might pop by for a few minutes, but I doubt I’ll stay very long. I feel the same way Collin does. Why limit yourself to a few beautiful women when the main floor will be packed with a swarm of hotties? What about you, Hunter?”

  “Since I don’t have a hotel room already booked”—I pause to emphasize the fact that I’m making fun of both of them—”and Rex did mention he added my name to the VIP list, I might go up and check it out. I’m still not sure how hard I’ll work the crowd.”

  “I’m so looking forward to tonight.” Collin claps his hands together. “I took a nap before coming because I went back to Lola’s Paradise. I’m so pumped.”

  “You did?” I ask.

  “Yup. Let’s say it was a very tasty breakfast.”

  “The food is that good?” I mock.

  “That and the pussy.” He leans in closer, forcing Shane and I to do the same. “I hooked up with Nadine. We spent the morning and part of the afternoon together.”

  No way. “The waitress with the fake acrylic nails from yesterday morning?” I ask incredulously.

  “Damn right. She’s nastier than I could’ve ever predicted and she worked me hard for four hours. I could barely walk when I left her place.”

  “I thought you were going to the gym.”

  “I did. And then I did her.” Collin grins proudly.

  “You’ve got to be kidding.”

  “Hunter, you’ve been friends with my brother long enough to know he never jokes around when it comes to women.”

  “I agree, Shane, but you should’ve seen how desperate that girl was.”

 
“Aren’t they all when it comes to Collin?”

  “Good point,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief.

  “You’re just jealous because you weren’t able to hook up with your dream girl, Evans. Don’t blame me for having the balls to go after what I want.”

  Allow me to smack that smug look off your face. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. The reason I had to cut our conversation short this morning is because I literally bumped into my dream girl.” I pull my lips up in a mocking smile.

  “No way.” Collin’s eyes widen. I think he’s impressed.

  “Oh, yeah.” I nod. Now it’s my turn to be proud.

  “Did you fuck her?” Collin quips.

  “No, you idiot. There are other things you can do with a woman.”

  “So I’ve heard.” He shrugs. “What did the two of you do if you weren’t banging her?”

  Over the next twenty minutes I share the details surrounding my delightful time with the smart, witty, articulate, sexy and funny woman with the most beautiful amber eyes I’ve ever seen in my life.

  “Holy shit, man, I’m always up for a quick fuck, but what you’ve just described sounds pretty hot. I’m going to have to start ordering hot dogs more often when I’m out with a chick.”

  “Some girls you already know after a few minutes of talking with them if they’ll fall in the love-’em-and-leave-’em category or if you’ll want more than a fleeting moment with them. It didn’t take me long to know that Miranda falls in the latter category.”

  “Are you seeing her tomorrow?” Shane asks.

  “I guess it depends who he ends the night with. He might be too busy for Miss Innocent.” Collin smirks.

  I roll my eyes. “Just because you don’t bang a girl right after meeting her doesn’t mean she’s Mother Teresa,” I say before turning my attention to Shane. “She has plans with her best friend. I’ll see her on Monday. I have a meeting with Riley at Food TV late in the afternoon, so I’m planning on seeing Miranda that night.”

  “Speaking of the devil,” Shane exclaims. “I bumped into Riley as I was leaving the studio yesterday afternoon. She was wrapping up a very long day of recording. I still can’t get over her success.”

  “You and me both. Although she deserves it, it’s still pretty mind-blowing. Not to mention that you’re a rising star in your own right.”

  “I’m doing okay.” Shane nods, grinning from ear to ear. “Riley did mention you’d be at our studios on Monday.”

  “Yeah, she was able to arrange for a meeting with the main buyer responsible for—”

  A woman behind me interrupts. “I’m sorry,” she says, placing a hand on my arm.

  “Not at all,” I answer, turning to look at her.

  “Shane, Collin, it’s time for the two of you. We’re about to get started and all the models need to line up immediately.”

  “All right,” the Dennisons answer in unison.

  “Hunter, we’ll see you in an hour.”

  “I’ll be around. Good luck up there, Shane.”

  Collin taps me on the shoulder. “Evans, got to go. It’s show time.”

  “Knock ’em dead.”

  “I always do.” Collin shrugs his shoulders as if I’ve said the most preposterous thing ever.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Miranda

  After a delectable dinner at Shaye’s in Beverly Hills, Kevin, Jessica and I arrive at the infamous party. The food at the upscale restaurant was irreproachable. On my former waitress’ salary, even after factoring in the savings from not having to pay rent, it would still be inconceivable for me to indulge in a meal that would set me back three hundred dollars. That’s nearly my grocery bill for the month. There’s no way I’d drop that kind of money in one night. But Kevin is at the top of his game. More and more directors are willing to hire him without questioning his hefty fees. He’s particularly excited about tonight because he’ll be hobnobbing with many directors he’s wanted to work with for a long time, but he’s never had the opportunity to meet in person. One of the actors he trained recently for a particularly demanding role in a blockbuster movie promised to open doors for him. Fueled by the prospect of an even bigger career than he’s already enjoying now, my best friend’s boyfriend treated both Jessica and me to a five-star feast. Honestly, I’ve never tasted anything this amazing and I’m pretty sure it’ll be up there on my list of unforgettable meals for a very long time.

  “Is this the location of the party?” I turn and ask Kevin.

  “Seems like it,” he answers, looking out the window. “That’s the address on the invitation.”

  “This is it,” the driver of the limo says. “A lot of our guys have been driving back and forth to this place all night.”

  “All right. Thanks. We’re here, then,” Kevin says. I nod, excited.

  The driver crawls slowly up a hill behind a parade of other stretch limos until we reach the front of a building that looks abandoned. It’s tucked away in a part of the city I’ve never been to. Honestly, were it not for all of the sophisticated-looking people getting out of cars around us, I’d be worried.

  Once Kevin pulls Jessica out, he extends his hand to help me out. “Oops,” I giggle, falling back on the backseat. Between the two bottles of award-winning wine we shared at the restaurant and the free-flowing champagne in the limo, I’m slightly tipsy.

  “Let’s try that again, Miranda. And this time you’re supposed to work with me.” Kevin chuckles. “Or would you prefer it if I yanked you over my shoulder and carried you inside as if you were my prize for the evening?”

  “You wouldn’t dare,” I say, freaked out at the idea that Kevin would embarrass me that way.

  “What other choice do I have? If you can’t walk I’m not going to leave you in this limo. If I do, your best friend over there will never forgive me.”

  “And you know it. No man, or woman, left behind, remember?” Jessica says without peeling her eyes away from her phone.

  “Sweetheart, that holds a special meaning for the Marines. I’m a former US Navy SEAL. Not. The. Same. Thing.”

  “I can’t believe I always get those two confused.”

  “I’m so sorry, Kevin. I’m such a lightweight when it comes to booze,” I confess.

  “Honey, don’t worry. We’ll dance it off in no time,” Jessica chimes in. “Come on, let’s go, the two of you. I can already hear the DJ playing some of my favorite songs.”

  Kevin tries one more time to get me out of the car. When my feet are firmly on the ground, I attempt to take a step forward, but falter.

  “You’re okay?” Kevin asks, concerned.

  “I think so.” I nod. “These high heels may look good, but they’re torturous when you’ve had a little too much to drink.”

  “I’ll take your word for it.” He smiles.

  Kevin holds my hand to help me walk steadily, and all three of us follow a couple dressed to kill who are making their way to the impressive door in front of us where a very tall bald guy awaits. Both the woman and the man flash a pink neon wristband and the bouncer lets them in without asking any questions. When it’s our turn, the man raises a hand and stops us. “Can I see your wristbands, please?”

  “We don’t have one yet. We just got here,” Kevin answers.

  “This entrance is closed for guests attending the after-party. You’re going to have to go through these gates and follow the cobblestone pathway that leads you to the side glass doors. Someone will be there to greet you.”

  All three of us look in the direction the bouncer is pointing.

  “It’s easy to find, I presume?” Kevin inquires.

  “You can’t miss it.”

  “Thanks, man,” Kevin says before turning his attention to us. “Follow me, ladies. All the cool and hip people go through the side entrance.” He winks.

  Both Jessica and I giggle as we wobble through the gardens. I take a few steps and nearly trip. I have to steady myself to avoid landing flat on my face. Damn, cobblestones and high h
eels don’t mix. When I look up, Kevin and Jess have distanced themselves from me and I have to rush to join them. I decide to run on the balls of my feet to avoid getting my heels caught in one of the stones. Lucky for us, there’s only a very short line when we get to the glass doors.

  “Good evening, my name is Lana.” Yikes, that’s way too much collagen on those lips. “Welcome to the—” The tall Amazon with a blue bob and bright pink swollen pout is interrupted by a voice coming from behind her. A tall man walks straight up to Kevin, grabs his hand and shakes it emphatically.

  “O’Keefe, man. I’m glad you could make it.”

  I freeze. When Kevin said he worked with a very famous actor, he failed to mention it was Bo Derringer, the biggest action star in Hollywood. Celebrities don’t usually faze me—after all, I do live in Los Angeles—but I must admit I’ve had a crush on Bo since the first movie of the extraordinarily popular Thunderbolt series.

  “No way I was going to miss tonight.” Kevin claps Bo’s shoulder with his free hand.

  “I see you’re well accompanied.” Bo drinks up Jessica before eating me up from head to toe. He has no shame in devouring us with his eyes.

  “I’m one lucky son of bitch, for sure. Bo, I’d like to present you to my gorgeous girlfriend, Jessica, and the equally stunning woman next to her is her best friend, Miranda.”