I never thought I’d find cute sexy. Gerry was a sophisticated woman, hair always perfect, make-up pristine. Jody was the polar opposite, and she had me waking most nights with tents for pants and bugger all I could do about it.
I couldn’t make a move on her. The whole point of being in the States was to make my dreams come true, and settling down with a wife and kid did not fit into the plan.
I was an idiot to say yes to babysitting, but when I heard she wasn’t out on some hot date, I’d been so relieved I had to agree.
Rapping twice on the door, I rocked back on my heels, waiting for Jody to appear.
“It’s open!” she called.
I eased the handle and pushed the door wide, stepping in and surveying the living area. It looked pretty good. The dishes were drying in the rack, there was still a pile of unfolded laundry on the edge of the couch, but the house didn’t have that chaotic feel.
“Sorry, I’m coming.” Jody’s voice wafted from the bedroom and a few seconds later she appeared.
Oh, geez, I really was an idiot.
There was absolutely nothing cute about the image before me. Jody looked frickin’ hot, like flames on a barby...the kind you wanted to get burned with. She was wearing a deep red dress that plunged between her breasts and accentuated her curves, giving them a luscious, edible quality. The bottom skirt-part-thingy rose up over her knees and draped down lower at the back, swirling around her like water when she moved. She was wearing these strappy sandals that wove around her ankles and calves. They looked bloody uncomfortable, but who really cared. She’d taken fine to a whole new level.
Thank God I’d worn undies and jeans tonight. Hopefully the little general would stay on lockdown in the confined space.
Squirming in my pants, I tried to order the guy into submission while throwing a grin at Jody.
A whistle came out of my mouth as I nodded my appreciation. “You look amazing.”
“You think so?” Her nose wrinkled, her head tipping to the side, and I spotted PJ girl again. There she was under all that make-up. The little cutie.
My pants got tighter and I cleared my throat, crossing my arms and trying to draw her eyes north. “So, um, any instructions for me?”
“Oh, um, not really. Angel’s asleep already. She had a really short nap this afternoon, so was totally toasted.” Jody clipped into the kitchen. “If she wakes, just give her a bottle.” She opened up the pantry and showed me where everything was. “Feel free to help yourself to anything. Sorry, I haven’t had a chance to do any baking.”
“No problem.” I choked out the words, hoping she’d never find out I’d thrown her cookie-rocks away.
She smiled at me, her dark red lips familiar yet so incredibly different. It fascinated me that she could appear as two such distinct women. She scratched the side of her nose, a blush forming beneath her make-up.
Actually, not that distinct. She was still my Jo. Assistant, my assistant, Jo.
A knock sounded at the door, saving my life. Jody answered it quickly, and I waved at Morgan as her head popped into view.
“Hey, Leo.” She was still reserved with me, but at least her sharp face was smiling this time.
“Nice to see you, Morgan.”
“Mm-hm.” Her perfectly shaped eyebrows rose.
Jody flicked her a frown before turning to me, a sunshine smile beaming from her face. “Thank you so much for doing this. I’ll have my phone on me the whole night, so just call me if anything goes wrong.”
“It won’t. Everything’s going to be fine, trust me.”
“Yeah, but if she wakes and she’s upset. I mean, I told her you were coming, but she’s only like eleven months old so I didn’t, I wasn’t sure—”
“Jo, just go and have a good time.”
“Yeah, okay.” She gave me a sheepish grin, her eyes lingering on me for a minute.
I cut the contact, looking to the floor with an awkward swallow. I glanced back up in time to see her cheeks flame red, a scorching look of disappointment cresting over her face.
What was that about?
“See ya,” she mumbled, shutting the door behind her.
I didn’t have time to decipher more. I stared at the door for a few minutes, my body frozen as I tried to talk myself out of feeling this way. Jody didn’t need me roping her in and then ditching her. If an opportunity came up in New York, I knew I’d have to take it. The best thing I could do for her was to keep things platonic.
Besides, Jody wouldn’t be interested in some divorcé. She needed a stable guy with a good, stable job who could take care of her.
“Like she’d be interested in you anyway, mate.” I flopped onto the couch, my head landing on the pile of unfolded laundry. Sitting up with a sigh, I grabbed the wrinkled T-shirt off the top and began folding.
I’d gotten a fair assessment of Stefan. He was nothing like me—clean-cut, refined, sophisticated. He belonged on a Milan catwalk. Shaggy old me was probably the last thing Jody was interested in.
I laid the folded shirt on the floor and rubbed at my whiskers. Maybe I should be shaving more.
“Shut the hell up, you big dick.” I snatched a bright pink baby shirt off the pile, grinning at its cuteness before attempting to fold it. “You just bloody said you don’t want to rope her in!” I muttered to myself. “New York. New York. New York.” The words came out in soft whispers until my singing voice kicked in and the lyrics for “Empire State Of Mind” flowed out of me.
The music soothed me, reminding me of everything I was working toward. I couldn’t let cute little pink T-shirts and a sexy mama stop me from striving for that.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jody
“He called you Jo,” Morgan said as soon as we hopped into her car.
“Huh?” I buckled up, refusing to look at her. I didn’t want her to see my searing disappointment. Leo so wasn’t interested in me. I mean, yeah, he thought I looked pretty tonight, but even if he did like me, he wasn’t after anything. He had bigger dreams to pursue. I’d been a total fool to even let myself daydream.
“No one ever calls you Jo.” Morgan pulled away from the curb.
I shrugged. “He does.”
“You like it, don’t you?”
I sighed, leaning my head back and totally forgetting it was pinned up. I winced and moved forward again, fingering the do and hoping I hadn’t dislodged any pins.
“I like that he calls me something different. It’s nice to be in a completely different world. He doesn’t look at me as though I’m screwing up my life. He treats me with respect.”
Morgan changed gears, her expression folding as if she was about to cry.
I touched her arm. “Hey, what’s wrong? What did I say?”
She shook her head and slowed for the red light, turning to me once we’d stopped completely. “I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like a screw-up. You’re not, Jody. You’ve done so well with Angel and getting a job. You’ve set yourself up great, and you’re going to be just fine.”
“Thanks.” I forced a tight smile, feeling like none of it was true.
Okay, so it was partially true. Over the last couple of weeks I had felt slightly more in control. I was staying on top of my job and mostly parenthood, but setting myself up? For what? The future still seemed pretty bleak to me. The idea of maintaining an apartment building while raising a child on my own hardly thrilled me. I could feel the lingering depression creeping into my psyche again. I didn’t want it to win. I’d been feeling good lately. I didn’t want to dip back down again.
I pressed my lips together, forcing light conversation about the party. Morgan was all organized, feeling a jittery excitement. It was actually a surprise party for Sean, which I’d only just realized. Thank goodness I hadn’t seen him lately. I totally would have spilled the beans! No wonder she’d been nervous.
All Sean knew was that Morgan was taking him out for the night to celebrate his birthday. He was to meet her at Reynolds for a quick dr
ink then go from there. What he didn’t know was that waiting at the bar were all his closest friends and a few of his family.
Morgan had gone out of her way to make sure everyone knew (except clueless me!) that it was a surprise thing. She didn’t want the paparazzi showing up.
“Some of the Superstar cast are going to be there, so I really hope they’ve kept their mouths shut.”
“Is Travis coming?” I winked at my sister, giggling when she threw me an incredulous look. Travis had been her super-evil boss when she worked on set with Sean, and he’d nearly broken Morgan, something I never thought anyone could do. Thankfully she’d quit, and then Sean had put him in his place. Man, I wish she’d recorded that jackass’s apology. I would have loved to hear it.
We parked behind the building, next to Cole and Ella’s car. They’d reserved a spot for us. I jumped out and moved the cone then followed Morgan in the back entrance once she’d locked up. The kitchen smelled amazing. Cole and Ella’s staff was working tonight, catering the event, and Ella had actually managed to persuade Cole out from behind the bar for once.
I knew he would struggle with it. Reynolds was his baby.
Ella wrapped me in a hug and gushed about how beautiful we both were. She looked pretty damn hot herself in a black leather skirt and fitted red blouse, something made all too obvious by the fire in Cole’s eyes every time he glanced at her.
Those two.
I shook my head with a grin.
We spent an hour finishing off decorations and then people started filtering in. I was put on meet-and-greet, forcing plastic smiles to a bunch of people I only kind of knew. I used to be great at this role, but I just didn’t feel like it tonight. It sucked watching all these couples swan in, holding hands, laughing together as they handed me their coats and jackets.
Ella and I dutifully put them away while Morgan roamed the room.
“He’s coming!” Sean’s sister squealed from the door.
We took cover, crouching behind tables while Morgan dimmed the lights. A few seconds later, the door creaked open and Sean called into the darkened space, “Hello?”
We all jumped up with a roar, and as the lights went up we started singing “Happy Birthday.” Sean ran a hand over his buzz cut, looking sheepish as he grabbed Morgan to his side, grinning down at her before dipping her for a long-winded smooch. Everyone burst into laughter and cheered him on.
“Thank you, everyone!” He raised his hand, enjoying the applause, although still a little embarrassed by the surprise. His large hand splayed over Morgan’s side, and he murmured something into her ear. She giggled, her cheeks blushing pink before he kissed her again. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. Sean’s dark skin pressed against Morgan’s milky-white complexion was always so beautiful to me. They were like dark cocoa and white chocolate.
Cole got some music pumping. I was surprised there wasn’t a live band. Reynolds was famous for their live shows.
“We tried to get Chaos, but they had to cancel last-minute. Jimmy’s got the flu.” Ella looked sad.
“Aw, man, that would have been awesome.”
“I know, but he has to get better pronto. They’ve made the semi-finals for the show.”
“What show?” Great, more people making their dreams come true. Lucky them!
“Oh, did you not hear? They got accepted for Shock Wave. It’s kind of like a reality show, competition thing.”
“You mean like American Idol?”
“Kind of.” She nodded. “But for bands instead. The winners get a recording contract with Torrence Records—full album and a tour.”
“No way!” My enthusiasm was forced; I could feel it.
“Cool, right? Troy’s super-excited to have his baby brother in LA for filming.”
“Who’s Troy again?”
“Cole’s friend from high school. I thought you’d met him?”
I shook my head, my lower lip popping out.
“Well, I’ll have to arrange a big dinner or something, so you can meet everybody. I’ll make sure Chaos comes, as well.”
“Sounds good.” My smile became genuine, fueled by my best friend’s excited grin.
Ella and Cole had a very special connection to Chaos. Not only was Cole buddies with the lead singer’s brother, but they were the band that accompanied Cole when he serenaded Ella off her feet and straight into his arms.
It was the most romantic, swoon-worthy story ever. Singing in public to the one you love? It doesn’t get better than that. You know someone loves you when they do that kind of thing.
I crossed my arms, trying hard not to think about how loveless my life had become. Stefan may have sung for me, but only in private.
Leo had sung for me in public...but he didn’t want me.
Ella pulled me onto the dance floor, which was a total blessing, because I was on the verge of sinking into a puddle of tears in the corner. I forced my happy on, getting caught up in the dance music thumping through the bar.
About an hour or so into it, the music came to a halting stop and Sean called everyone’s attention. Cole handed him a mic while Morgan came to stand beside me against the bar.
“Hey, everyone. I just want to say thanks again for throwing this party for me. I feel very loved right now.” Everyone awwed and he batted his hand in the air, silently telling us to shut up. “I want to say a special thank you to my oh-so-fine woman, who I love more than anyone in the world.”
I squeezed Morgan’s arm, feeling all warm and gooey for her. Ella jumped in next to her, an adorable smile on her face. I grinned then flicked my eyes back to Sean, who was also wearing the sweetest look I’d ever seen. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at Morgan, and a song started playing through the loudspeaker. I gasped, recognizing the tune, and then Sean started singing “Marry Me” by Jason Derulo. I swear every girl in the room teared up instantly.
Morgan went rigid beside me, her eyes bulging wide.
“Oh my gosh!” Ella squeezed Morgan’s arm.
I glanced from my sister back to the stage area. Sean was getting into the song, sounding amazing as he danced and swayed to the thumping beat.
Morgan folded her arms. “This is so embarrassing. How can he ask me in front of all these people?”
“Well, he’s asked you in private and you keep saying no. He’s obviously trying new tactics.”
Morgan’s lips twitched. “I’m gonna kill him.”
My snicker was dry as I nudged her with my elbow. “And then what are you gonna do?”
“Say yes.” She looked straight at me, a smile taking over her face as she stepped toward the stage.
Sean grinned, dropping to his knees and sliding across the floor, finishing the move with a little spin that stopped right at Morgan’s feet. The song was still playing, Sean still singing when he dipped into his pocket and pulled out a black box.
My chest restricted, a combination of sheer joy for my sister and utter desolation for me.
I was the one with the kid. Shouldn’t I have been the one getting married?
The song came to an end. Sean slipped the ring on Morgan’s fourth finger, and she bent down to kiss him. The entire room erupted with applause, Sean and Morgan chuckling against each other’s lips as he rose from the floor.
I’d never seen her look so happy.
This was it. She was making a family of her own now and she deserved it.
Cole approached, wrapping his arm around Ella and whispering something in her ear. Her cheeks flushed pink and he laughed, kissing the top of her head. They gazed at each other adoringly. I knew what they’d be doing later.
What would I be doing?
I’d be going home to a cold, lonely bed to be woken at sparrow’s fart by a crying baby, who yes, I loved dearly, but...
With a grimace, I slapped the bar, grabbing the bartender’s attention. I ordered a straight vodka shot. He gave it to me without even hesitating, handing it over with a smile. I gulped it down and ordered a second one. If I had to stay
at this party surrounded by all these loved-up couples who were getting married and seeing all their dreams come true, the least I could do was dull my awareness of them.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Leo
It was getting close to midnight and Jody still wasn’t home. I shouldn’t have really been surprised. Midnight was hardly a late night out, but I was getting tired, and I wasn’t sure how Jody would feel about me falling asleep on her couch.
Angel had woken at ten, crying like a banshee. She was not impressed to find her mother missing, but I’d fed her a bottle, following the instructions on the formula tin to the letter. She’d guzzled it down and fallen asleep in my arms.
It was impossible not to feel totally protective of her as I walked her back to bed and laid her down. She stirred, her face puckering with an incoming wail, so I sang her a lullaby, “Jesus Loves Me.” Mum had sung it to all us kids when we were growing up, and I’d heard my sister-in-law, Deb, singing it to her little sprats, too. They all seemed to like it.
Angel settled down with a soft sigh, and I crept out of the room, my heart squeezing tight. Was it possible to fall in love with a kid you weren’t even related to?
I was just drifting to sleep with that question blurring through my head when I heard a sound in the corridor outside. I jerked upright and leapt over the couch, opening the door to the tall, dark-haired guy who’d helped Jody move in a couple of months back.
He was carrying Jody in his arms. She was a floppy mess.
My eyes bulged wide as he greeted me, reminding me who he was. “What happened?”
“Vodka shots.” Cole winced. “And before you ask, yes, I’m firing my bartender.” Cole leaned forward, obviously intending to pass Jody to me. “She fell asleep in the car. Are you good to carry her to bed? Ella’s holding down the fort on her own, and I’d really like to get back as quick as I can.”
“Yeah, yeah, of course, mate.” I took her in my arms.
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