Debt Collector

by Weston Parker

"Where are you going? Someone confronts you over a steak you mess up, and you quit? That doesn't sound like you at all. What's gotten into you? This isn’t how the real world works. It’s not a film." His words were far harsher than they should have been due to his tone and the ugly scowl on his face.

  "I'm tired, Gerald. Taking one more person's shit today is likely to send me into being postal. I thought it would be best to walk out instead of try and explain to the woman who was ripping me a new one that her order was right. That I didn't mess up, the kitchen didn't mess up, no one fucking messed up. She wants someone to beat down, and honestly, I'm too beat down by my own shit right now to take anyone else's."

  "That's stupid." He put his hands on his hips and narrowed his eyes. "Get back inside and apologize to her."

  "I'd rather eat a turd." I leaned down into the car and got my wallet out of the console. "Thanks for the last few years. I quit."

  "Don't ask me for a reference. Quitters don't get advances in life." He moved back as I pulled my phone from my purse and started toward home. It was five miles, but I was praying that I could get a hold of my best friend Charlotte, or if nothing else, my fuck-buddy Jace. Surely someone would be free.

  "Okay. Thanks for that. It was only three years of my life of never missing a shift, getting here early and always smiling no matter how much my life or this shitty job sucked." I shook my head in disgust and pulled the phone to my ear as it rang. He continued to yap, but I walked down the street with my chin up, ignoring him.

  How ready I was for a different life. I wasn't sure the life that Ethan lived was necessarily the one I was after, but one where I didn't have to search for change in the bottom of my car for gas or a loaf of bread at the store would be righteous. To have people pawing at me and worshiping the ground I walked on sounded horrid, but I would take that any day for a paycheck capable of pulling me out of poverty.

  Charlotte's phone sent me to voice-mail, and I growled loudly and called Jace instead. He answered on the first ring.

  "Hey, baby girl. What's up? Need me?" The laughter in the background told me quickly that he wasn't alone.

  "I'm stuck on the side of the road off Vance and Timmons. Can you come give me a ride or are you too busy?" I kept my tone light. Jace was a good guy with a healthy lust for women – all women. He didn't deserve my shit, and after us being friends with benefits since our senior year in high school, he didn't much put up with it either.

  "I'm good. Just leaving a barbecue. I'll be there in three minutes. I'm actually just down the road. Must be your lucky day." He chuckled.

  "Not really, but thanks." I dropped the call and stopped on the side of the road to find somewhere to sit. It was still chilly out, but would be warming up soon. Spring in Los Angeles was fantastic and half the reason I still lived there. The other half was the hope that I'd eventually make it as an actress, and it would seem I had.

  I still couldn't wrap my mind around the idea of being a part of a motion picture. One that people bought tickets to and gathered their friends to see. They would buy buckets of popcorn and a cold soda to sit down in a cold theater and see me. Well, see Ethan Lewis, but me too.

  Ethan Lewis.

  A long sigh left me as I brushed my fingers through my short strawberry-blond hair and tried not to ride that train of thought too long. Between his wavy chestnut hair and warm brown eyes, I was barely keeping my nose above the water. He had a million personalities that ranged from cheeky to sweet to insanely sexy to dominant. I wanted to know about each of them and get intimate with him in ways that would leave us both drowning.

  But... I was being unreasonable. I was a nobody for now. That would change over time, but even that scared me to think about. And even as a nobody, I didn’t look anything like the slutty blond he’d obviously taken to his bed after our meeting the week before, nor did I look like Trish Desmount. They were glamorous and I was plain.

  “And filthy.” I glanced down at my white shirt that was stained with food from my long shift at the restaurant.

  "Hey, sexy. You need a ride?" Jace smiled and waved me over to his navy blue mustang. "I got a car and a cock with your name on it."

  “You finally had my name tattooed on your jimmy?” I laughed as he scoffed.

  “Come find out, Riley.” It was a challenge I wouldn’t make good on for a little while the way my calendar was stacking up, but as soon as I could… I would. Having him paw at me sounded delicious, fun, healing.

  I gathering my stuff and realizing that my folder with my paper that was due was back in the employee locker room at the restaurant. "Fuck," I grumbled and walked to the car.

  "What's up, buttercup?" He reached over and cupped the side of my face, pulling me in for a long kiss.

  I melted into it as my eyes fluttered close. He was like coming home. How quickly I could see us turning into something more than we were, and where I wanted that a week back, I wasn't so sure anymore. Ethan seem to be working to take up more and more of my mental energy, and funny enough, he hadn't done a damn thing to deserve the space. He had actually done everything not to.

  "I left my paper back at the restaurant." I kissed him again and moved back, licking at my lips and enjoying the subtle peppermint flavor of his tongue.

  "Let's go get it." He watched me as if waiting for approval of his plan.

  "No. Just take me home. I have that big-ass party for the film crew tonight. They're going to do a press conference and announce me as the female lead." I shrugged. My excitement was pressed below the weight of having to work with Ethan after I lied about my intent. Hurting him the way I had seemed wrong and took the joy out of a moment in my life that I should have been beyond elated about. Between that and being tired from not sleeping, I was sucking at life.

  "You sure?" He gripped my hand and pulled it into his lap, stroking his erection with both our hands.

  I chuckled and pulled my hand back. "I'm sure."

  "I wanna go with you. Can you take a date?" He licked at the side of his mouth and gave me a sexy grin. "Might meet the woman of my dreams there."

  "I thought I was the woman of your dreams." I snorted and pulled out my phone, texting Charlotte to see if she was still going with me too.

  "You are baby, but you're taken." He reached over and ran his fingers up my thigh softly.

  "No, I'm not." I trapped his hand. "Don't. I don't have time for anything other than getting ready. I want to look my best."

  "You are taken." He pulled back and let out a soft sigh. "You belong to your career and the idea that I'll one day wake up a good guy."

  I rolled my eyes and reached for the door handle as he pulled up to my apartment. "You can come tonight with me if you want to. Charlotte is coming too."

  "Can I have you when we get back from it?" He reached over and brushed his fingers down my neck before gripping it softly. "Will you let me strip you down and bathe you with my tongue, fuck you with my fingers?"

  Warmth danced in the center of my stomach, but cooled quickly at the simple fact that he wasn't Ethan. For some odd reason my libido was convinced that my soon-to-be co-star was the only man who could make me writhe in pleasure. I obviously needed a reset.

  "Absolutely," I lied and leaned across the console of the car and kissed him hard and deep, letting my eyes close as he tugged me into his seat more. Our kiss turned into a quick petting session, and I was aching and dripping wet by the time I untangled from him and got out of the car.

  At least I'd proven to myself that it wasn't just Ethan that could get me going, or was it? I couldn't deny that Jace had become him behind my closed eyes.

  Chapter 3

  Ethan

  "Oh, you look much better." Deza stopped in front of me as I walked into the auditorium where the press was buzzing about in droves.

  "So I looked like shit before?" I glanced around and groaned as several of them headed my way. "I fucking hate these things."

  "Smile and be nice." She patted my chest like someone would a pet
.

  "And what's in it for me if I do?" I gave her a cheeky grin as she rolled her eyes and moved away from me.

  "Mr. Lewis. Do you have time for a question?" The reporter shoved his microphone in my face and bumped it against my lips. "Sorry about that."

  I hid my disdain and brushed my fingers over my mouth before smiling. "Of course. Make it quick though. I have no favorites and you're sure making it look like I do. Someone might run a story on me being in bed with your station if we're not careful."

  The guy laughed. "No, really, I just wanted to ask how you guys decided to go with a nobody for this role. America is amazed at your generosity and such, but this girl..." he glanced down and fumbled with his notes, "Riley something-or-other... she's just a college kid with a hard life. Why-"

  "Riley Phillips. She's a very talented actress," I barked, losing my cool. The little shit could suck a nut, as could the rest of the world. I might make a shit-ton of money and have the type of fame most people could only dream of, but to put Riley down and make her out to be nothing... nobody? Fuck that. "She came into the studio and stole our hearts. Not everyone gets recognized for their gifts or their talent. This profession is a game of luck most days of the week, but this time, it rolled in favor of a talented, beautiful woman."

  "Oh, of course. One more-"

  I put my hand on the mic and pushed back as she walked into the room from across the auditorium. Her cream-colored dress was dainty and made her look so much softer than I knew she was. My pulse spiked dramatically, and I couldn't help but move around the weasel in front of me and work to get closer to her warmth. Radiant was an understatement.

  A good-looking guy a little taller than me moved up on her left and slipped his hand into hers as she glanced up and laughed at something he said.

  "Shit. Who's that?" I stopped in my tracks and slipped my hands into my pockets. Was she dating him? She'd mentioned going out with someone when we first met, but through our brief interactions after that first encounter, I'd quickly deduced that she was single. It would seem that I was wrong.

  "What are you looking at?" Deza stopped beside me and chuckled. "Oh, I see."

  "Who's the jock with the shitty buzz cut?" I tilted my head to the side and let my eyes move down the soft curve of her breasts over her flat stomach to her long legs. The straps from her heels were wound up her leg to mid-calf. I wanted so badly to hit the floor and work them off of her sensually, slowly as she laid back and let me have her for the night.

  "No clue." She tugged at my sleeve. "Stop staring at her like you're a starving man who's finally found his first meal."

  "Not his first, but the buffet he wants to bury his face in." I licked at my lips and moved toward her as Deza slipped her arm into mine.

  "Please don’t be a dick tonight. I'm begging."

  "I love it when you beg." I glanced down at her and winked. "If you'd do it on your knees more often I might actually come anywhere you wanted me to."

  "You're gross."

  "It was your dirty mind that took my comment there." I laughed low in my chest, grateful for something to chuckle about as we approached Riley and her beau. "I was just being compliant with your wishes."

  "Riley. We're going to get started soon, so let's get you to the back and touch up your make-up for the cameras." Deza moved in front of me and blocked my view of her for a minute.

  I extended my hand to her rent-a-date. "I'm Ethan. Nice to meet you, man. You are?"

  "Hey. Great films. I've seen most of them." He smiled and I could see why she liked him. He had a bad boy appeal. I hated him already. "I'm Jace Dillon."

  "That name could score you a few films of your own." I shook his hand and slipped my hands back in my pockets. Nervous habit.

  "Hi Ethan!" Riley's pretty blond friend moved around Jace and stopped in front of me.

  "Hey Jade. How are you?" I extended my hand only to have her move in for a tight hug.

  Riley smiled as I glanced over at her. "You'll have to get used to this. She's part of the deal when you guys signed me."

  "I don't mind." I gave the girl a quick hug, but didn't take my eyes off my beautiful co-star. "Tell Deza to suck a dick. You don't need any help with your make-up. You look stunning already."

  She rolled her eyes and moved toward me, surprising me a little as she reached up, cupped my cheek and brushed her thumb just under my eye.

  "You're wearing some. I should too." She moved back with a sweet smile on her face.

  "I have to. The demons won't let me sleep at night." I winked and turned to Deza as she snorted.

  "Stop calling women demons. It's demeaning." She turned and beckoned Riley to join her. I wanted to as well, but it seemed silly.

  There was almost a flood of relief inside of me that Riley seemed back to being her old self. Having her upset with me, or tense in my presence in a way that wasn’t cheeky, was unnerving, and we’d just met. I liked our relationship the way it was. If she were willing to get over the small mishaps we had the week before, I could too. I’d even let the idea of her testing me go. It was a far better answer than thinking I had hurt her pride. Hell had no fury like a woman scorned. Even they would agree with that.

  "So you have a way with the ladies as well?" Jace asked and crossed his arms over his chest. I hated how quickly I was to judge him, but the poor guy didn't stand a chance with me. He was standing too close to the woman I wanted wrapped around me later that night. He had something I wanted - badly, and I wasn't too used to that.

  "Naw... I give them what they want from time to time and go about my merry way." I shrugged and pointed toward the drink table. "Jade, there're bottles of water over there. You want to grab a few for us?"

  "It's Charlotte, but sure." She smiled and walked with a pep in her step toward the beverage table. I wasn't trying to be a male chauvinist pig, but I needed some time alone with Bubba on my left to see what he thought he had going on with Riley.

  "I like that. You'll have to tell me how to get women to serve you so easily." The tall asshole chuckled.

  "It's not too hard." I rolled my shoulders. "Riley doesn't serve you, I guess?"

  He laughed loudly. "Riley? Fuck no. That girl wears the pants in her world. She's far too dominant to let a man tell her what to do. The only time she relents is in the bedroom."

  White-hot anger burned down the center of my chest, and I lost the ability to suck air into my lungs for a few seconds.

  "Here you go!" Charlotte, or Jade, or whoever Riley's friend was, extended a bottle of water to me and then to Jace.

  He shook his head and patted my back. "Nice to meet you, Ethan. I'm getting a beer before this shindig starts."

  "You too, man." I took the water and glanced down at the girl as she stared at me with stars in her eyes. "You look pretty tonight."

  "I do? Really?" She smiled and turned from me as a soft squeal left her. My stalker-dar lit up with a bright warning to run like hell.

  "Yep. Tell me more about Riley and Jace. Are they a couple? She didn't mention being with anyone, but it's totally cool if she is." I shrugged as she glanced back over at me.

  "It's complicated. You know?" She moved closer. "Are you dating someone?"

  "Nope. It's in my contract that I have to remain single. Sucks, but it's the way they do things." I lifted my finger as she started to ask another question. "If you'll excuse me. We'll catch up later. I think they're getting started."

  "Oh, sure. Of course." She moved out of my way, which was a relief I hadn't expected to experience. Most girls like her wouldn't let me go too quickly, at least not without pawing at me or getting in a few awkward selfies.

  "Let's get this part over with." Frank patted my back as he moved up next to me and walked with me up to the stage.

  "Agreed. I hate this shit," I mumbled and scanned the crowd. "Where are the girls?"

  "The adoring fans?" He gave me a warning look.

  "No, my future baby-momma and my pimp, Riley and Deza." I glanced back towar
d the restrooms to see her and Deza walking out.

  "Please don't do anything we're all going to regret later." He patted my back again and took his seat.

  I pulled out two of the chairs at the long table before me and waited until they got on the stage to offer a kind smile. I wasn't going to regret a damn thing other than never experiencing the beautiful creature who had effectively fucked up my world.

  "Ladies..." I winked and pushed up their chairs before taking mine between Riley and Frank.

  She glanced over at me and smiled. "I like the black shirt. It accentuates your masculinity, Mr. Lewis."

  I leaned over and pressed my lips to her ear and the cameras flashed all around us as I chuckled. Her compliment was odd and I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment at all. "You didn't need that make-up. You looked incredible the minute you walked in. The whole fucking room took notice."

  She turned and caught me off guard with her nearness. "I'm glad they did, but what about you?"

  "Did you want me to?" I let my eyes move down to the swell of her ruby-red lips.

  "Not a chance," she whispered as another picture was taken. She turned back to the front and rested her forearms on the table. "We should get this party started."

  The crowd of reporters laughed and clapped.

  She was worried about the world noticing her, and I was almost scared to let them. It wouldn't take long, and she'd be dancing along the clouds with the rest of us stars in LA. Little did she know that I'd be waiting in the wings when the dust settled and the illusion wore off. She'd need protecting, and I'd made her a promise I intended to keep - no matter what.

  ***

  "Are you just completely thrilled to be working next to ‘the Ethan Lewis’ like, the one and only?" One of the energetic reporters from NBC stood before me and Riley after the press conference portion of the night was over. Security was working to get all of them out the door so the rest of us could let our hair down and try to enjoy the party set up for us, but it was like shooing roaches. One disappeared to have two show up in its place.