#1 Crush

by T Gephart

  We met and spent maybe three minutes together tops. There were people before and no doubt people after, and out of all of them he remembered our brief, albeit crazy, encounter?

  “It’s not everyday someone molests my suit on the red carpet.” He smiled, looking down at the arm I had fondled.

  “Well to be fair, it’s a really nice suit.” I fought the urge to touch it—and him—again. I also didn’t add how incredible he looked in it. Yay me.

  “My suit thanks you.” The blinding grin was back and I had to grip the bar so I didn’t topple off my stool. “So, are you going to tell me your name?” Those eyes of his bored into my soul and I knew I didn’t have a chance. “I’m Eric, but I’m assuming since you knew my last name you probably know my first.”

  God he was charming. Seriously, he could have forgone the whole introduction thing, it was fairly clear I knew who he was. But instead he said his name, holding out his hand like a complete gentleman who was making my insides twist. So much for being an asshole. That plan was a bust.

  “Yes, I know who you are. I’m Tia.” I accepted his hand, keeping the crazy eyes under wraps despite the skin-on-skin contact. “Tia Monroe.” Because just giving him my first name clearly wasn’t enough. I guess I should be glad I didn’t volunteer where I lived, my social security number and pin code for my bank account.

  “Here you go.” The bartender returned, two highball glasses filled with mainly white liquid and ice placed on the bar in front of us. “Strong and no juice. I’ll get started on your next round.” He shot me a wink before leaving us again.

  “I didn’t get to pay him. The fifty was the tip.” I reached for my purse, ready to flag the bartender back over. “I have cash.”

  “It’s an open bar, the studio’s paying,” Eric leaned in and whispered, handing me a glass before taking one for himself.

  “Thank you.” I lifted the glass and took a sniff. Wowza.

  He wasn’t joking about it being strong, I’m pretty sure we could power the Space Shuttle on the contents of the glass. Oh well, too late now.

  Eric watched me as I lowered the glass to my lips and took a drink. Those eyes were mesmerizing as I swallowed almost all of it, giving my esophagus third-degree burns. Not sure why I felt the need to take it in one big gulp, probably because I lost brain cells when I looked at him, and the fact he was looking at me meant I was basically rendered stupid. Oh well, at least the alcohol should help me not be so uptight. Or not. I really hadn’t thought this through.

  “Wow, you must have been thirsty.” He laughed, taking a swig of his before lowering it back onto the bar. “Most girls I know sip their drinks through a straw.”

  “I’m from New York,” I offered in way of an explanation. Which made no sense at all other than giving him even more information. Seriously, what the hell was wrong with me?

  “Hmm.” He rubbed the base of his chin with his forefinger and narrowed his eyes. “And you’re an actress?” He seemed skeptical, smart man.

  “Mm-hmm.” I nodded unable to actually say words and perpetuate the lie, not when he was looking at me. Safer to keep my lips closed, lord knows what they were capable of.

  “Interesting.”

  “Not really.”

  “Is this where you tell me that you are a serious stage actress and look down on us lowly film people?” Eric baited, his lip curling at the edge. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

  “Oh hell no.” I lifted my glass and took another gulp. “Trust me, I am in no position to judge anyone.” And wasn’t that the truth.

  “Well, then you are in the minority here. See all those people?” His arms swept across the room. “Every single one of them is judging.” His eyes fixed on mine. “So if you aren’t . . . well, then that makes you the exception.”

  “Ha! If you only knew.” Abort, abort. What the hell was I saying? My lips pressed together in an effort to stop them. Rogue bastards couldn’t be trusted.

  “Now I really want to know.” His smile was hidden behind the glass, wisely nursing his drink instead of downing it like I had.

  “Oh, you know . . .” The heat prickled my neck as I fought for something to say. “I’m from New York.”

  “So you said.” He grinned seeming to enjoy watching me wriggle around like a worm on a hook. “What part, it’s a big city.”

  “Brooklyn,” I squeaked, shutting my mouth before I drew him a diagram of my neighborhood on a napkin.

  One thing was for sure, I still had no idea what he was doing talking to me. Other than to possibly get my name so he knew how to address the restraining order, it didn’t make sense. His girlfriend—the stunning model with perfect hair—must have arrived separately. I’d caught sight of her when I was making my way into the theatre. She had been draped around Eric for some photos at the start, but I didn’t see her through the movie and she was noticeably absent now.

  “Enough about me, let’s talk about you,” I scrambled, desperate to steer the conversation away from anything that might incriminate myself. “So, big night, huh? Your girlfriend joining you?” I looked around waiting for her to appear.

  Because I couldn’t leave well enough alone and just enjoy him. Nope, I had to remind myself that while he hadn’t been the disappointment I’d hoped, he was still very much attached to someone else. Well done. Ugh.

  “My girlfriend?” He looked confused for a minute before adding. “You mean Anna? You know each other?” His eyebrow rose, probably wondering what mental asylum I’d escaped from. Given the evidence he had in front of him i.e. my behavior, couldn’t say I blamed him.

  “No, no I don’t know her.” I tried to smile, the crazy eyes at risk of making a return. “I’ve just seen . . . you know, magazines and stuff.” Truly I wasn’t an idiot even though I sounded like one. “I mean, I know of her work.” Slightly better, at least I didn’t bring up the dartboard I childishly pinned her photo to. Thank you Jesus for small mercies.

  “Ahhh, yeah she had to fly to London. Fashion show.” He took another sip of his drink as two more glasses appeared on the bar. Awesome.

  “Well, that’s too bad.”

  Who was I right now? The new drink found its way into my hand and I once again swallowed it faster than I meant to.

  Oh God, not this again. My plan to drink it fast was not wise as I started to feel slightly light-headed. As appealing as it was to get drunk, I couldn’t trust myself not to make a bigger fool of myself than I had already.

  “Yeah, it is too bad.” Eric’s Adam’s apple bobbed slowly against his throat as he drank deliberately. And I was either drunker than I thought or ridiculously turned on, because I don’t think I had ever seen anything so erotic.

  “I’m sorry.” I’m not sure why I said it and what exactly I was apologizing for. Maybe for objectifying him. There was a list of things really, so a general sorry wasn’t out of place. New plan—stop drinking immediately.

  “Thank you.” He looked genuinely surprised, his eyes focusing on me like he hadn’t quite worked me out. “I think it’s your turn to tell me about yourself.”

  “Hey Larsson, we heading out?” A tall, good-looking guy sidled up beside Eric saving me from my turn. “I’m bored with this party already.” His eyes dipped to me before flashing me a smile. “Who’s your friend?”

  “Tia Monroe.” The way he said my name sounded so freaking sexy I had to remind myself not to groan. I also had to stop staring, and thinking how perfect it had looked coming from his lips. And how much I would love to see it again.

  “Well, Tia Monroe.” Mystery guy ignored Eric, giving me his full attention. “You coming with us?”

  No, of course not. I’ve just met you and nothing good can come of this. Is what I should have said. “Where?” I couldn’t help myself.

  “In-N-Out Burger. It’s sort of a tradition.” Eric elbowed mystery man. “And ignore Ryan, he has problems with social boundaries.”

  “Ryan? Your name is Ryan?” I didn’t even try to hide my eyes
almost bulging out of my head. What were the chances? Lila was right, there really always is a Ryan.

  “That’s me.” Ryan’s grin widened as he moved closer to me. “Have to admit that being with this guy,” he thumbed over his shoulder toward Eric, “isn’t easy. But that look you are giving me is doing wonders for my ego.”

  “Easy boy, this is a nice place and I’m sure Tia doesn’t want her leg humped. And there is nothing wrong with your ego.” Eric folded his arms across his chest; the fabric of his shirt barely containing the muscles I knew lingered underneath.

  It was like being in the twilight zone. Like I’d suddenly slipped through the cracks and got to see behind the green curtain. And let me be clear, I didn’t get to hang out with the cool kids when I was in high school—I was too much of a rogue—so hanging with them now made no sense. Any minute someone was going to realize the mistake and Ha-Ha me.

  “Now you’ve scared her, couldn’t stand that for once they preferred me to you.” Ryan waved his hand in front of my face. “Come back to me, Tia. I’m not ready to say goodbye.” He clasped my hand dramatically.

  “I’d love to come.” It came barreling out of my mouth before my brain had given it proper consideration. “A burger sounds great.”

  A burger sounds great? Why didn’t I just tell him I carried a watermelon and be done with it? And spoiler alert: I couldn’t be sure I didn’t look deranged as I scooted off the barstool, wanting to get a move on before they changed their minds. I was positive any minute the cool police were going to roll up and cite me for fraud.

  “You heard her, lover boy.” Eric tapped Ryan on the shoulder. “Go get the car and we’ll get out of here.”

  “Don’t fall in love with him while I’m gone.” Ryan gave me a pointed look before disappearing into the crowd.

  “Sorry about him. He was dropped at birth.” Eric laughed, not at all surprised by Ryan’s behavior.

  “No, he was fine. Excuse me a second, I think my phone just vibrated.”

  Of course that was a complete lie.

  I had messaged Lila and my sister while in the cab. It hadn’t been a detailed message but told them to expect a full report in the morning. Lila had sent me angry face emojis at the lack of details but didn’t call. My sister had told me she wanted to know as little as possible so she didn’t become an accessory after the fact.

  Also, it was in the middle of the night on the east coast, so anyone who would be messaging me would be asleep. However, I was about to get into a car and go “get a burger” with two men I didn’t know. Being hot didn’t disqualify you from being a serial killer, though I doubted Eric would risk fame and fortune to strangle a nobody from Brooklyn. So at least I had that going for me.

  But I had to at least tell someone, leave a clue so if I ended up in the trunk of a car hours from now, someone could locate me before my oxygen source ran out. I might have issues, but my brain was still thinking ahead. A quick text to Lila sufficed, letting her know that if I didn’t call her in two hours to call 9–1-1.

  Mental note. Call Lila in two hours if I didn’t end up in the trunk bound and gagged so she wouldn’t call the police.

  Eric watched me curiously as I typed out my message and set my reminder, the smile ever present on his face.

  I should have been panicking. That would be the normal reaction, but we’d already established I was somewhere on the end of that bell curve. Maybe it was the alcohol—possible—or maybe I had been hypnotized by those amazing lips and smile—likely—but as I looked at him, I knew nothing bad would happen. It was going to really suck if I ended up being wrong.

  “Wow, it’s almost midnight.” I smiled at him, finishing with my phone and slipping it back into my clutch. Not that I was tired, I had enough adrenaline pumping through me to raise Elvis from the dead.

  “Do you turn into a pumpkin at midnight?” His lips twisted in amusement, a waft of cologne assaulting my nose. Do not sniff him, I reminded myself. That would be bad.

  “Ahhhh. That’s a huge misconception.” And one a lot of people make. But I had studied fairytales at length—drove my parents insane when I pointed out inconsistencies—and knew this particular fallacy. “Cinderella never turned into a pumpkin, her carriage did. Her fancy dress disappeared and she lost a shoe. Which honestly could happen to anyone after a massive party. I see a lot of it Saturday mornings on the subway.”

  “Well, we’re both still clothed so I guess we dodged that bullet.” His eyebrow rose, a smirk spreading across his lips.

  “It’s probably for the best we leave then.” I nodded, wondering whose life I was currently living. “Be a shame for something bad to happen to your suit.”

  Like me licking it.

  Which is exactly what I wanted to do.

  Slowly.

  Oh God, why is he looking at me like that? Please tell me I’m not saying any of this out loud.

  We should definitely get out of here.

  Eric broke eye contact with me for a minute and retrieved his phone from his pants pocket. “Car’s out front.” Silencing the message without responding to it. “Ryan’s waiting.” His grin hinted there was more to the message than he was sharing. But short of tackling him down—okay, I considered it for a minute—and reading it for myself, I would probably remain in the dark.

  “Sure.” Did I follow him? Was I supposed to lead? No one should leave me in charge of these kinds of things because I end up standing there edging back and forward in place like I had some weird kind of Tourette’s.

  “This way.” His hand edged on my lower back as he directed me through the crowd. The weight of his palm was so delicious I actually closed my eyes for a second just to enjoy it. Imagine what all of him pressed against me would feel like? Dear. Lord. And. All. The. Saints.

  “What was that?” he asked as we stepped out into a service entry, the laneway empty except for an idling black SUV. “You sounded like you said something but I missed it.”

  Oh, he didn’t miss shit. I groaned. Like a feral animal or a cat in heat, some indescribable noise bubbled from deep in my belly and escaped from my lips.

  “Nothing.” Lies. I’d said so many tonight, what was an extra one. “I’ve never had In-N-Out Burger. I’m excited.” Our footsteps echoed off the concrete as we walked to the car.

  See, I was capable of telling the truth occasionally, especially when it came to food.

  “Well then. You’re in for a treat.”

  Yeah, tell me something I didn’t know.

  CAR ETIQUETTE WASN’T MY FORTE. Whenever a friend was driving, whoever called shotgun would get the front passenger seat. Slowpokes had to ride in the back. But theoretically it made sense for two friends to sit together. It would be weird for me to commandeer the front seat of a ride when I had only moments ago made their acquaintance.

  So rather than have a philosophical discussion about where best to put my butt, I slithered into the back seat behind Ryan. This also solved the dilemma of what I could do in case his intentions weren’t actually burger related. One ninja strike to the back of the skull and boom, I could incapacitate him and then roll out of the moving vehicle commando-style.

  Sure, I didn’t have any actual training. Minor detail. But my dad had brought us up on a steady diet of action movies growing up. And if Bruce Willis could take down a whole bunch of terrorists every Christmas Eve then I sure as hell could do this.

  Eric closed the door on my side before walking around to the other side of the car and sliding into the backseat beside me. The front passenger seat left vacant as he closed the door.

  “Asshole.” Ryan fake coughed, his grin hinting he wasn’t too annoyed. “So Tia, what do you do?” He glanced over his shoulder before putting the car in drive.

  “Oh this and that.” My lips pulled into a tight smile. Give them nothing, nothing my subconscious warned.

  “Ahhh, so you’re an out-of-work actress.” He laughed. “Me too. My agent tried to get me to take some bullshit Rogaine campaign,
but I said hell no. Who the hell would believe I needed it with this head of hair?”

  “It’s called acting for a reason, moron.” Eric laughed, rolling his eyes as he relaxed into his seat. “That’s literally what they pay you to do, pretend to be something you’re not.”

  “Nah, I’m saving myself for greatness.” Ryan laughed. “You shouldn’t settle either, Tia. Don’t let anyone tell you different.”

  “Thanks.” I bit my lip wondering if I should save everyone the trouble and incapacitate myself. Ninja strikes in reverse were tricky; I’d probably knock them both out in the process.

  “So.” I was in the car with him, I might as well talk to Eric and find out why we had left the party. Up until this point the whole expedition was still pretty much a mystery. “Is there a reason why you left your own after-party to go to a burger place? I mean, surely you have people who can get you a burger?” Not to mention booze, the open bar should have been a huge selling point to stay.

  “It’s a tradition.” Eric leaned forward. “When I started out, all we could afford was a burger to celebrate. Things are different now sure, but I see no point in messing with tradition. And I don’t need people to get me a burger. The day I turn into one of those assholes I hope my friends will kick my conceited ass.”

  “I’ll do it,” Ryan offered, raising his hand.

  “I’m sure you will.” Eric laughed.

  I had been so wrong. There wasn’t a chance he was an asshole or rude or any other offensive stereotype I’d imagined. Hell, I was more of a diva than he was.

  Goddamn it. Now I liked him even more.

  Girlfriend, I reminded myself. A gorgeous one.

  And I wasn’t her.

  “What about the people there who want to see you, won’t they be annoyed?” It would be hard not to notice the massive superstar you just spent almost two hours watching not being present at a party. The plastic boob parade would surely notice, unless they were auditioning for Rafe and Blaine. Always a possibility.

  “They’ll get over it.” He shrugged, rolling his head against the headrest. He didn’t seem concerned. “I said hello to everyone who’s important. The rest don’t give a shit whether I’m there or not. As long as they are photographed and get incredibly drunk, they got what they came for.”