“Evening, ladies.” Bo nods to both of us.
“Good evening,” Jessica and I singsong in unison.
“Ladies, how’d you get so unlucky to be stuck with a guy like Kevin?” We all laugh. “No seriously, without this guy I doubt the first Thunderbolt movie would’ve ended up being so huge and it surely would never have ended up being the first of a series of six successful blockbusters. Jessica, your man is oozing with talent.”
“He keeps telling me every day.” Jessica winks. “It’s a real pleasure to meet you, Mr. Derringer.”
“I’m just a movie star, I’m not royalty, so please call me Bo.”
Jessica flushes. Wow. She must be really impressed, because nothing makes her blush.
Bo turns his attention to me. “So if she’s taken, does it mean you’re single?”
“She is,” Jessica answers for me. I give her a down-girl look as she smiles innocently.
“I’m old enough to be your father, but tonight some young bastard will be real happy when you give him the time of day.” Now I’m the one who turns beet red. “I might as well stop while I’m still ahead or else I’ll flirt that sexy dress right off of you. Oops, there I go again.” Bo winks at me.
“You’re really good at this.” I say. Even though Bo comes on strong, it’s not sleazy like some guys who try too hard.
“Miranda, I’ve been working in this town well before you were born and I can charm the pants off of anyone. That’s the only way I can keep working at my age.” He winks. “Now, ladies, if you don’t mind, I’m going to steal Kevin away from—”
“I’m sorry, Bo, but they can’t go in until they all sign the waivers and go through the body scan,” the girl with the blue hair interrupts. She’s pointing to an iPad she’s holding in her hand. “It’s required,” she adds.
“Of course. I’m sorry about that, Lana. Guys, why don’t you scribble your names on that little device and then step into that little booth over there so they can X-ray the shit out of you.” Bo chuckles pointing right behind the hostess. “When you’re done, Kevin and I can go meet some big shots. Jim Dolton is on the third floor in one of the private rooms and I told him I’d introduce you.”
“He’s really here tonight?” I don’t know who this Jim Dolton is, but from Kevin’s reaction this must be a pretty big deal.
Bo grins from ear to ear. “Damn right. I have at least three other directors I want to present you to.” Bo takes a few steps, closing the gap between him and Jessica’s boyfriend. He puts a hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “Listen, when I say I’m going to make something happen, I usually do. Hurry up and sign your life away.” He chuckles again. “Jim doesn’t tend to stick around parties too late and you don’t want to miss him.”
* * *
After his meeting with a few bigshot directors, Kevin introduces me to a few of his hot friends. Some are MMA fighters, others are successful professional athletes and I’ve even met a few up-and-coming actors. They’re all demi-gods and gorgeous beyond belief, but I really didn’t click with any of them. After too many handshakes, Kevin is now hanging out with a few actors he’s worked with in the past at the bar while Jessica and I are scouring the room.
“Isn’t this an amazing party?” Jess asks.
“I can’t believe I’m in the same room as these people,” I say, impressed by the star-studded guests who surround me.
“So what do you think of the turnout?” Her undertone is quite telling.
“The delicious man candy parading in some of the most well-cut suits I’ve ever seen is dizzying.”
“Any of them catch your eye yet?”
“A few of them are pretty dreamy, but I’m way too shy to approach them.”
“I know I’ve said this a dozen times already, but honey, you look sensational tonight. Kevin confessed that a number of his buddies cursed him for keeping his girlfriend’s best friend a secret.”
I giggle. “Seriously?”
“Nikki hit a home run,” Jess says, waving her finger up and down me.
“It turns out that the last dress was the charm.” I’m usually never one to praise myself, but after admiring the transformation, I must concede I look quite beautiful. “I still can’t believe I let you talk me into buying these strappy gold sandals.”
“You’re always complaining you’re too short. Well, in these four-inch stunners”—she drops her eyes to my feet, forcing me to do the same—”you could stop traffic.”
“Well, I can’t say I dislike the new height. All right, you win on that one, but I still can’t believe I allowed you to coerced me into buying outrageous underwear no one will see but me.”
“The night is still young,” she says suggestively. “I bet tomorrow you’ll thank me. Don’t forget we’re going hiking early… just in case you decide to spend the night at his place.” As if.
“Jess, I didn’t come here to find a guy to sleep with,” I protest. “I’m here to have fun.”
“The two aren’t mutually exclusive.” Maybe for another girl, but not me. “You look like a sophisticated seductress in this knockout design. You’re the total package, Miranda, and you can have anyone you want. Have a one-night stand. Live a little.”
“Normally I’d cringe being in a room packed with so many drop-dead gorgeous, tall, model-like women, but I don’t know, for some reason in this dress I’m pumped with the type of confidence I never thought I had. That said, I doubt I’m audacious enough just to randomly pick a guy and… you know.” My voice trails off.
“Tonight is about you understanding your sex appeal, which you have by the truckload. Appreciate the true effect you have on men, darling. You may have been too shy to recognize it, but guys have been eating you up all night long. You radiate. I bet you the only reason they’re not approaching you is because we’re walking around in pairs, which can make it intimidating. Why don’t I go find my boyfriend before he spends the rest of the evening talking business and you go mingle? Alone. Without me,” she stresses. “I’m not far. Text me if you need me. “Shoo-shoo.” She waves me off with her hands.
“Wait,” I plead, grabbing her arm. “You’re not actually going to leave me here by myself?”
“You’re surrounded by three or four hundred people. I hardly think you’re alone. We’re twenty-two years old and between the two of us you’re the single one. Go out there and do something you’ve never done before. Get out of your shell. Strike a conversation with a stranger. It doesn’t have to be serious. Keep it light and for God’s sake, flirt.”
I swallow hard. “Jess, you know perfectly well I suck at flirting.”
Jessica takes a step closer and folds at the knees to meet my eyes. Even though I’m wearing skyscraper heels, she’s still far taller than I’ll ever be. “With that killer body you need to flaunt what your mama gave you without any self-consciousness. Men will drop to your feet when they take one glimpse of you in this showstopper. I can guarantee that flirting will come naturally once you notice how they react to you.”
“You really think I can pull this off?”
“I know you can.” Her confidence in my ability to succeed at this is greater than mine. “I’m telling you, you’re way too sexy for that dress. Now go get ’em, you man-eater.”
We both laugh.
My best friend hugs me and drops a soft kiss on my cheek before turning on her heel and heading to the bar. Her words boost my ego.
I so can do this.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Hunter
Shane and Collin’s popularity always baffles me. It never ceases to amaze me how women react to them. Many of their female fans nearly lost their heads when the Dennisons were on stage. Even though Rex enlisted a number of pretty famous athletes as models, Shane and Collin stole the show. I have to hand it to them, they sure know how to milk their fifteen minutes of fame. Other than Miranda, I’ve yet to meet a woman who isn’t completely enthralled by either brother when meeting them in person.
I tend to shy
away from these celebrity-packed events. There’s nothing wrong with them, but the bullshit flying in the air is too much for me to handle. That said, I’ll always make an exception for Rex Harrington. His events are well worth it. Although my career choice and lifestyle don’t bode well for me to buy one of his suits every other month, it’s pretty cool to be part of this particular crowd. Tonight, Rex’s best clients, the fashion press, a number of disgustingly rich businessmen and an impressive list of MVP athletes attended his fashion show. Once the last model walked down the runway, the evening came to life. Rex never has a formal sit-down dinner. He prefers something more laid-back. Copious amounts of fussy finger foods, hors d’oeuvres and desserts are artfully arranged on several tables throughout the spacious room. The spread is delicious and the setup allows for mingling and getting to know people much easier.
Although we were only fifty people attending the fashion show, there are now an extra three hundred people crammed in the space ready to party. The newcomers are a mix of actresses, models, aspiring talent and gorgeous babes. Rex’s wild parties are renowned not only for lasting until the wee hours of the morning, but also for some of the most hedonistic fun I’ve had to date. Things get so hot, the no-photo policy safeguards the identity of certain clients who choose to partake in some questionable acts.
The beats of the DJ’s club music mixes are pumping hard in the room located across from us. Sexy bodies are wiggling to the latest chart-topper. After walking around to take in the action, the three of us are hanging out at the bar in the hallway enjoying a stiff drink.
“There are a lot of fuckable options tonight, Evans.”
“I won’t argue, Collin.”
“I need to release myself inside three if not four women before sunrise. I predict we’re all scoring big time tonight.” Collin rubs his hands while licking his lips. He has a wicked expression on his face. It’s as if he didn’t already spend four hours fucking that waitress.
“I agree, bro. I’m not sure I’ll keep up, but I’m sure as hell not leaving here without one gorgeous babe on each arm.” Shane is also licking his lips. God.
Shane may come across as the more reserved one, but once you get a couple drinks in him, he’s as bad as his baby brother.
“Evans, given the fact you weren’t able to nail the curvy little waitress and you guys spent the morning talking instead of getting to know each other in the Biblical sense,” Collin mocks, “I’d say you need it more than the rest of us.”
“Fuck off, Dennison.”
“Ignore my brother. There’s way too much eye candy here tonight to waste your energy on him.” Shane smiles.
“You’re right. I should know better by now. He’s never going to change. He’ll remain a slut for the rest of his life.”
“Says the guy who banged two women the other night while I was downstairs in the living room.” We all laugh. “Whoa.” That’s Collin’s signal to let us know he’s spotted a woman who caught his eye. “Guys, check out that girl over there walking towards us.” Collin points with his chin.
“Which one?” I ask, extending my neck to get a better view.
“The bleach-blonde wearing a nearly see-through white dress. She looks like she’s been dancing nonstop for hours. Look at the way she moves. I know her type well. She likes it all night long. She likes to think she’s in charge by being on top so she can ride me at her own pace. I like that type. I’ll humor her and let her believe she’s the one leading until I flip her over and fuck the daylights out of her.”
“What about those two?” Shane says, pointing in front of him with his chin.
“Where?” I ask.
“Right there coming out of the bathrooms.”
“Oh, yeah. What about them?” I ask, not seeing the appeal.
“Let’s start with the tall one. The sandy blonde wearing the indecently short black dress with the red high heels likes it fast and furious. The way she’s rocking those hips with every step tells me she’s a thrill-seeker junkie. Her friend on the other hand is more reserved. She’s a little on the shy side. See how she keeps sweeping her mid-length dark-brown hair behind her ears?”
“You’re going to tell me that you have a Dennison theory for that as well?”
“I know you won’t believe me, but I taught my little brother everything he knows about dating. I’m just not as heavy-handed in my approach.” Shane chuckles. “As I was saying, the brunette is the type who prefers taking it slow. Basically in bed, she’s the exact opposite of her friend. I always approach the shy one first, which is sure to get the blonde one all worked up. I then apologize for creating a rift between them and compromise by suggesting I take both of them at the same time. It works like a charm. Every single time.”
“Damn.” Collin’s eyes bug out of his skull.
“What now, Collin?” I ask, scouring the room trying to locate the object of his desire.
“The one with short curly hair wearing the low-back green dress.”
“Whatever.”
“You passing?”
“Not my type,” I say, watching the girl walk by us inelegantly in her high-heeled shoes.
“Good. We won’t have to fight over her. What are the chances of my balls slappin’ up her ass tonight? I’d say the way she’s eye-fucking me it’s pretty much guaranteed,” Collin sneers, flirting like it’s nobody’s business.
“Knock yourself out. She’s all yours,” I say.
He shrugs. “I’m still not ready to call it a night just yet. I’ll meet up with her later unless I find a few better options.” And I’m sure he will. The novelty wears off very quickly with Collin and he’s already moved on to something else pre-occupying his mind. “I’m due for a refill. This Jack and Coke went down real easy. What about you, Evans?”
“I could go for another Old-Fashioned,” I answer, looking down at my empty tumbler.
“And you, Shane?”
“Yeah, I’ll have another whiskey sour.”
All three of us turn around at the same time, hoping to flag down one of the bartenders. It’s crazy busy. The number of people lined up waiting to order drinks is very deceiving. You’d think it’s an open bar, but it’s not. I’m swirling around the ice at the bottom of my glass when Shane hits my shoulder with his fist.
“Holy Jesus, check out the hot babe vying for the bartender’s attention,” he says.
“Where?” I ask.
“Yeah, bro, which one, bro? There are so many.” Collin is also extending his neck, trying to see past the crowd.
I turn to look at him and I freeze, surprised. Collin is more than willing to fuck anything that moves, but Shane is a lot more discerning and the way his eyes are popping out of his socket, whomever caught his attention must be pretty drop-dead gorgeous.
“Over there. The petite woman with the reddish-brown hair.”
“Nice,” I say.
I’m surprised a woman like that would be standing at a bar alone. How the hell is she able to fly under the radar of so many men? I’m definitely going to put an end to that idiocy.
“Fuck, her tits are so huge they’re practically sitting on top of the counter,” Shane exclaims.
“Whoa.” He’s right. I lean further forward, dropping both hands on the counter to catch a better glimpse at the mysterious stranger. Now she’s the kind of woman I’d take home tonight. She’s totally my type. I can only see her profile from where I’m standing. If her face is as beautiful as the rest of her curvy body, she’s worth it.
Suddenly the woman we’re all ogling at turns around and faces us.
“Holy shit. She’s fucking hot.” Collin takes a step back as if someone punched him in the stomach.
When the gorgeous stranger smiles at us, I’m instantly smitten. “Jesus.”
“Wait a minute. Is she waving at us?” Shane asks.
Her excitement can only mean one thing. “She is, Shane. Seems like she might be another one of your adoring fans.” I chuckle.
CHAPTER EI
GHT
Miranda
Two cosmopolitan martinis later and I’m on the dance floor shaking what my mother blessed me with. I’m lighthearted, carefree and unbothered. I’m never going to be a dance superstar, but I can definitely move to the sound of the music. Who gives a damn about a guy I lusted over for two years and honestly, how crazy is it to fantasize over a Powerball who might have already forgotten all about me? I’m having the time of my life and the night is young. Who knows? Maybe I’ll break out of my shell and I’ll meet someone new. I’m flying so high now on the buzz from my drinks and the vibes of the music, I feel invincible. Determined to force all thoughts of my disastrous past dating life out of my head, I bounce to the underground soulful beats, swaying my hips side to side. Suddenly, someone taps my shoulder.
I turn around and a very tall, buff, bald guy leans into me. “You’re way too hot to be dancing alone. Mind if I join you?” he shouts over the music.
I open my mouth to refuse, but then a song I absolutely love kicks in and a surge of temerity bubbles up inside me. I grab his hand, tugging him toward the center of the dance floor, and I let loose. I dance like it’s nobody’s business and for the first time in my life I truly feel like I own this moment. Glancing back, I see the brave soul who accosted me smile as he holds his own. He’s a pretty good dancer. When the DJ switches to a mashup mix that’s been topping the charts on YouTube for weeks now, I throw my hands up in the air and twist my body, dancing with my back to his front, wiggling my ass as I slide my dress up along my thigh in a provocative way. I’m inches away from his groin and I’m loving the way his hands skim over my hips. The attention he’s showering me with makes me feel sexy and daring. I doubt I would’ve ever had the guts to go this far with a stranger, but tonight everything is different. The lust I read in his eyes takes me by surprise. Too bad I’m not into him.
My rugged dance partner and I keep up our pace through a series of hot mixes and popular Top Forty Billboard singles until the heat in the room becomes too overwhelming to bear. The intimacy of our dancing for the past half hour only boosts my confidence. I smile at him and gesture to let him know that I’ve had enough and that I’m leaving.
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