“Tess, baby, wake up.” I slowly blink, trying to force the fog away.
I focus on dark denim legs. Rolling on my back, I look at Reed. His hair is wet and he smells yummy.
I can’t help but smile at him. He leans down, his strong arms caging me in. “You feel okay, Kitten?”
“Tired! How long did I sleep?”
“The whole trip. We’re getting ready to land.” Giving me a quick kiss, he swats my butt. “Come on. We need to get into our seats.”
Stretching, I say, “I need two minutes for a quick shower.” Standing up, Reed hands me my shoes. My top looks like it’s been left in the rain and a dog rolled on it.
“We’re getting ready to land. You can take a shower at the hotel.”
“Reed, you can’t be serious! You took a shower.” I blink at him. “Also, I can’t wear this blouse. Look at it.” The wrinkled yellow sheer shirt is a sad sight.
The phone rings and Reed motions for me to get ready.
“Hey, Charlie… I know. We’ll be right out. Thanks, man.” He hangs up. “Come on, Kitten. Your top is fine.”
“I can’t meet Logan looking like this,” I say, motioning to my wrinkled shirt and face. “Tell Charlie to fly around. I’ll be quick.” I pout.
He pulls me into his arms “Weren’t you the one wanting to fly commercial so as not to look rich? Now you want me to tell Charlie to fly around so that you can take a shower. Talk about spoiled. We’re already cleared to land. Trust me, Logan is not going to notice.”
I glare at him using my own words to his advantage. “Easy for you to say. You’re wearing a clean white button-down shirt and dark jeans.” Wish I could throw my high heels at him.
Instead, I hold on to his shoulder as I slip into my pumps. Grabbing my bag, I glance around the cabin to make sure we’re not forgetting anything.
I expect to see Julie; instead we’re alone.
Settling into the chair, I pull out my makeup bag and groan in frustration at my reflection. My mascara has smeared under my right eye.
“I look like Spot the dog.”
“You worry too much about your looks, Tess.” He pulls out his phone.
I roll my eyes at him. “I don’t understand why you didn’t wake me earlier.”
“I tried, and you didn’t move. Obviously, you need sleep.”
How can I argue with that? But come on… all my lipstick has been smeared off. And I don’t even want to get into my hair.
Crossing my legs, my eyes scan the area for Julie. “What did you do while I slept?” I cringe and wish I could take it back but it’s out there.
He cocks his head. “What’s going on with you?”
I rummage through my makeup bag not able to look at him or I might start crying. “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I asked you that.”
Reed stares at me then sighs as he shakes his head. “I talked with Charlie for a bit. Then I wanted to fuck my girlfriend. But she was exhausted, so I sat and watched her sleep for a while. After that, I decided to take a shower. Oh, wait… I also fired poor Julie. She cried if that makes you feel better.”
I groan, rubbing under my eye, trying to get the black mascara off. “Maybe I overreacted. I was tired. You can rehire her.” I glance around for her so that I can do it myself.
“Tess, I’m joking I didn’t fire her. That would be ridiculous. I did ask her to be more professional, and she apologized.”
Breathing out, I say, “Thank God,” and put all my makeup back into my bag. We’re landing and I can’t concentrate. Reed reaches for my pinkie finger.
“Relax, I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”
I look down at our pinkies locked together then up into his incredible eyes.
“I know.” Because I do.
Charlie, our pilot, brings the plane down like a pro. And a few moments later, I’m walking down the steps while Reed stops to talk to him.
Los Angeles and all her sunshine does not disappoint. Even on the private tarmac, it’s brighter.
Brance and a blond man are waiting for us. I scream and throw myself into Brance’s arms. He pulls back and looks me up and down.
“What the hell did he do to you now?”
I laugh. “Well, hello to you too. This time it wasn’t Reed. I fell asleep, and this is the finished product.”
Gesturing to my face and shirt, I add, “I looked great this morning if that helps.”
“Wait. You took a nap?” Pulling me back so that his dark eyes can sweep my face, he says, “Are you sick? You never nap.”
“Stop it. I was up super late last night writing a paper, silly.” I run my fingers through his thick hair. He must be letting it return to its natural color.
“I’ve missed you.”
“Miss you more. You sure you’re all right?” He arches his dark eyebrows.
“Brance! I’m fine.”
He doesn’t look convinced. Probably because I’m not convinced. The truth is I haven’t felt good for the last two weeks or so.
A nervous cough reminds us that we are not alone. We both turn to the man standing next to us. I go to hug him.
“You must be Logan. So wonderful to meet you.” He’s stiff at first then slowly relaxes enough to return my hug. Slightly shorter than Brance, he has sandy-blond hair with big blue eyes. His face is cute in that boyish, charming way. Brance grabs hold of his waist.
“This the man who has changed me.” He pulls him close for a full-on kiss. Logan is beaming.
“I hope he is changing you for the better. He has his work cut out for him.” Reed has somehow sneaked up behind me. He wraps a possessive arm around me.
Brance shakes his head. “Logan, this is the infamous Reed Saddington. Reed, Logan.”
Reed holds out his hand to shake Logan’s.
“Um, yes, nice to meet you.”
Brance purses his lips. “Shall we… Tess, my love, would you like me to fix you up in the car?”
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Sliding into the Ford Explorer, I ask, “Whose car is this?” I think this is the first time I have ever been in a Ford.
Logan turns before he starts it. “It’s both of ours.” His tone is chilly. He sounds insulted. Perfect, he hates me.
Brance enters on the other side of me and promptly goes to work on my face.
“I’m starving. I hope this place is good.”
Logan guns it, merging onto the famous 405 Freeway. I barely get a chance to look out the window with Brance doing my eyes.
“We love Osteria Mozza. Best Italian food in LA. And don’t get me started on the desserts. We go so often, we’ve become friends with the owner and the pastry chef.” Brance is happily saying all this as he starts to fix my hair. Logan drives quietly, listening.
We pull up to the valet and shuffle out. I feel better and Brance seems satisfied. We’re on the corner of Melrose and Highland. It’s like night and day from Manhattan. The palm trees swaying over my head are a glaring reminder that I’m finally here. I look up to the right and there it is: the famous Hollywood sign welcoming me. That, and the numerous hipsters wearing shorts and flip flops.
I squeak and grab for Reed’s arm. “Look, we can see the Hollywood sign.” I jump up and down in excitement. “And this weather, it’s so beautiful. I never want to leave.”
He looks around Melrose, his blues eyes sparkling at my silliness.
Logan holds the large door open. As we all file into the restaurant, I barely notice the teal-green walls and dark wood.
Turning to Brance and Logan, I say, “I’m starving! I want the whole menu.”
Brance chuckles. “Good. Something tells me you’ll be stuffed when we leave.”
He reaches for Logan’s hand. “Did I ever tell you that Tess is my personal Barbie?”
Logan looks confused. “Um, no you failed to mention that when talking about her.”
“Look at her. Tall, thin, clothes just weep for her to wear them.”
Logan clears his throat. Br
ance glances at him. “What?”
“I’m sorry, this is the first time I’m seeing this side of you.”
Reed snorts. “I wish I could say the same.” I pinch him.
“Hello.” A pretty hostess greets us. Brance steps up, taking charge. We follow as the hostess sits us at a square bar. I notice that it’s made out of Carrara Italian marble.
“Fantastic.” The smells make my mouth water.
“Yes, it’s a very enjoyable experience. This is the Mozzarella Bar,” Logan informs us, putting a napkin on his lap.
“You okay?” Brance examines his boyfriend, somewhat confused.
He nods. “Yes, I’m tired. I had a full day of work.” Brance places his arm around the back of Logan’s barstool.
“Logan recently opened his first of many yoga studios. He’s teaching a lot of classes, getting his staff ready.”
I look at Reed who is checking out the Mozzarella Bar. A cute curly-haired woman is making what looks like a plate of a big ball of mozzarella and bacon.
“We need to order that.” Reed stares at the mouthwatering dish.
I elbow him, bringing his attention back to us.
“Reed, did you hear what Brance said about Logan and his new yoga studio?”
Reed looks over at them. “Congratulations.” His eyes move back to the curly-haired woman and her new creation.
Brance laughs. “That’s Nancy, the owner. I’ll introduce you in a minute. Maybe she’ll have time for a glass of wine with us.”
The music is loud, and I can’t help but gawk at all the pretty people. Not that New York has ugly people—it’s just different. There is a lightness in LA that is appealing on so many levels. The bartender introduces himself and sets a couple dishes in front of us.
“Compliments of Nancy.” Brance and Logan thank him and request the sommelier to pair our wine with our food.
Then we start. Now, bread is my weak spot. And if I had one last meal on earth, I would ask for bread, or more specifically, this bread. Oh my God, it’s huge, grilled with olive oil I think. Then the mozzarella arrives with roasted cherry tomatoes. After that, the grilled octopus salad is placed in front of us. Reed takes one bite and promptly orders another.
Halfway through, I’m stuffed and on my way to being drunk.
“I’m in love with this food.” I lean in between Reed’s legs and he wraps his arms around me. “Wow, it gets busy fast in here, huh?” Looking around the large room, I recognize some big celebrities eating dinner. The vibe is energetic. “Give it Away” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers pulses through the space.
I turn in Reed’s arms. “I want to live here,” I speak into his full lips.
He chuckles, sipping a glass of red wine. “I know. You’ve been saying it all night. I thought you wanted to graduate?”
I wave my arms. “Graduate, shmazuate”
He laughs. “You’re drunk.” He motions the bartender for some water.
Gasping, I respond, “I am not. What comes next?” and glance around for the sommelier.
“Bed I hope.” Reed motions for our bartender. “Can we get the check?”
“Absolutely not, Reed! You must have dessert. Is Dahlia here tonight?” Brance asks the bartender. His handsome face is flushed with wine. Actually, his lips are purple. I almost tell him he should switch to white.
“She is. Shall I tell her you guys are here?” Brance nods and fills up his glass with more red wine.
“So, Logan?” I lean over, trying to make him like me. “Brance says you grew up here?” My voice is a little loud. After all, I have to talk over Brance’s head and all the other people in here.
He shrugs but keeps his voice low. “My parents live in Tustin, California. They are both teachers. I’m an only child.”
“That is so noble. I thought about being a teacher.” Reed and Brance look at me like I’m insane.
“What? I did for a moment.”
Reed shakes his head, pulling me close so he can kiss me.
“Brance mentioned you were studying Greek classics and French?”
“Um, yes, I’m still figuring out what I want to do.”
“Tess is majoring in Reed Saddington.” Brance laughs at himself.
Logan frowns and hands him my water. “Here, drink this. How are you going to function in the morning?”
“Logan, lighten up. We are celebrating,” Brance snips.
“We need the check.” Reed stands up, his arm still locked around my belly. I sway with his every movement.
“Reed, please sit. I have something important to tell you.”
My eyes get big. “Oh my God.”
“Not that important, Tess.” Brance motions for the bartender to refill his wine.
“What is it, man? Tess is fading fast. Drink your water, Kitten.” Reed brings the crystal water glass to my mouth.
“So, Logan has been going to Malawi in Africa every year. He helps teach English, builds houses and schools.”
Brance takes a breath and smiles scooting closer to Logan. “Now, I know you two are going to think I’m crazy, but being with this incredible man has made me want to be a better person.”
“Meaning?” Reed sips his Hendrick’s and tonic the bartender brought over a few minutes ago.
“That I have money. I have decided to join Logan. We’re going to build houses, schools. They need electricity, clean water, vaccinations. You name it, we are going to do it.”
Both Reed and I must look shocked because Logan puts his hand on Brance’s as if for support.
“I’m sorry, did you say you are going to one of the poorest areas in the world to help?” Reed looks at Brance like he has horns growing out of his head.
He lifts his glass to drink, setting it down with a dramatic flair. “I know it’s hard to believe, but I’m actually excited.” He and Logan share a tender glance. I almost don’t recognize him.
“But you hate dirt. And being dirty and—”
Reed cuts me off. “He needs your support, not pointing out his dislikes,” he whispers in my ear.
“That is amazing, man. Tess and I want to donate. Let me know how much and it’s yours.” Reed sounds genuinely happy even if I’m struggling.
Logan has tears in his eyes. “You have no idea how many lives you will be saving.”
I stare, astounded and uncomfortable. Logan is a saint! I shift in between Reed’s legs suddenly feeling inferior.
“You okay, Pretty Girl?” I look into my best friend’s eyes and see complete understanding.
I clear my throat and take a sip of water. “I’m surprised, that’s all, and… I feel slightly guilty.”
“Yes.” Logan sighs dramatically. “This dinner.” He indicates with his finger. “This alone could probably feed ten families for a month.”
Now I definitely feel guilty. Talk about a buzzkill.
Brance rubs his back. “Easy, Tiger, they only met you a couple hours ago.”
An uncomfortable silence falls over the four of us even with the loud music and people laughing on all sides of us.
“Logan is very passionate about saving the world.” Brance gives us a tight smile.
Reed’s grip on my stomach tightens. “So, we’re done. Ready for the check?”
Brance stops the bartender. “Don’t be ridiculous. We haven’t even had the Butterscotch Budino.
“Brance, I’m stuffed and slightly drunk. We should be going.” My eyes plead with him.
“No… I’m not leaving until we have dessert!”
Great, he’s drunker than I am and starting to get mean. Glancing up, I notice Reed is silently assessing the situation.
Logan sniffs. “Look, I don’t know you people. I’m sorry if the truth hurts. I grew up with pretty much nothing. But people are starving all over the world, including in our own country.” He keeps preaching.
Reed’s jaw is clenched. “Logan, I have already said we want to donate. Do not think because we are wealthy that we are ignorant. Or that we don’t c
are. My mother donates to so many charities, I think even you would be speechless.”
Logan sits with his mouth open.
“Reed, you’ve made your point. Now sit down for fuck’s sake. The desserts here will help us all,” Brance mumbles, looking into his empty wineglass.
I suddenly feel sorry for the poor pastry chef. Her desserts better be mind-blowing because without a doubt, the night has taken a turn.
“Hello.” A petite woman with salt-and-pepper-colored hair and cute glasses walks up to us. She’s tiny and looks delicate in her white apron.
Brance jumps up, nearly knocking over a glass of wine to hug her. I want to too; her timing could not have been better. “Tess, Reed, this is the famous Dahlia Narvaez. She is the best pastry chef in the world.”
She laughs. “Well, let’s not go overboard. You look like you have been enjoying yourselves.” Her eyes take in our plates and wineglasses.
Turning to us, she says, “Hi, I’m Dahlia. Welcome to Mozza.” She shakes my hand first then Reed’s. Now, I don’t care if her desserts are crap. The fact that she acknowledged me first instead of my hot billionaire boyfriend makes her my new best friend.
“Thank you,” I gush. Even Reed smiles. I can almost feel Brance relax beside me.
“So, what are you guys going to do while you’re here?” she asks.
“I think we are going to eat and sleep. Hang out at the pool, maybe do some shopping.”
She nods as her crew brings out five different desserts. “Well, that sounds nice. I hope you enjoy your vacation.”
She smiles at us, turning to Brance and Logan. “See you two soon. Enjoy.”
After she disappears back into the kitchen, I turn to Reed, sighing into his neck. “I love LA.” He laughs.
“Oh my God, you have to try this.” I snap my head up quickly enough for Brance to spoon some lusciousness into my mouth.
“Holy God, that is divine.” My eyes roll back in my head. All of us are feasting and sharing, even Logan. When the check comes, Reed grabs it. Logan thankfully averts his eyes as Reed pulls out his American Express Black card and pays.
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