The Last Boyfriend

by CMJ Publishing

  “You don’t even know me.” I looked at him incredulously. “I’m no one. You don’t have to prove anything to me.”

  “I’m going to sound crazy right now, but have you ever just met someone and knew?”

  “Knew what?”

  “Knew that they were the one?”

  “I don’t know.” I bit my lip. “I think that’s lust.”

  “Lust is immediately knowing that you want to get into bed with someone.” He laughed. “I’ve felt that many times, but that’s not what I felt when I saw you for the first time.”

  “Oh?”

  “You looked so innocent at the party. You stood out among all the other girls. I saw you cringe when Evan started talking to you. I saw the red creep up your face, and I saw the look of thanks as I came to save you.”

  “Thank you for that, I wasn’t sure how I was going to get away from Evan.” I faked a shudder, hoping he would change the subject.

  “And as soon as you looked into my eyes, I felt a connection with you.” Braydon chuckled again. “I feel like I’m in a movie right now. This has never happened to me before.”

  “It does feel like a movie, doesn’t it?”

  “I’m going to be honest, Lucky, I’ve never been the best guy. I’ve done things that I’m not proud of, but I’m serious about wanting to settle down.”

  “This isn’t a proposal, is it?” My voice rose with fear. I knew that I sounded crazy, but I had read enough celebrity magazines to know that actors moved fast when they wanted to. Braydon seemed like a nice guy and I wanted a guy who was looking for a serious commitment, but I wasn’t a desperado.

  “A proposal?” Braydon looked taken aback and I laughed.

  “Okay, no need to have a heart attack. I was just checking. You never know with you guys.”

  “I’m coming on pretty strong, huh?”

  “You could say that.” I sipped some of my drink. “Let’s just enjoy some good food. I think I’ve had too many intense conversations today.”

  “Okay. That sounds like a plan.” Braydon looked bashful and I felt bad for him, but I was not in the mood for another life-defining moment.

  “I guess it would be too much to ask you what other intense conversations you had today?”

  “Yes, yes it would.” I racked my brain for something else to talk about. “So what made you want to be an actor?”

  “My parents.” He laughed. “My mom was obsessed with Hollywood. She had tried to be an actress for so long, but she never made it, and so she ended up marrying my dad instead. And from the age of six months, she paraded me to every agent there was. I suppose it helped that I was a cute kid.”

  “With your thick blond hair and big brown eyes.” I laughed.

  “Yeah.” He grinned. “I got lucky actually.” He laughed. “No pun intended. The blond hair and blue eye babies were a dime a dozen, but the blond hair and brown eye kids were pretty hard to come by.”

  “You were a diamond in a store of sapphires.” I groaned at my analogy. “Well, you know what I mean.”

  “Yes I do. And you’re correct. I was lucky and got cast from an early age and there’s been no looking back.”

  “Now, you’re Braydon Eagle, successful movie star.” I smiled gently, still slightly fazed that I was sitting across the table from him. I felt a bit troubled that I wasn’t able to enjoy the moment more, as my mind was still on Zane.

  “Well if you think riches equal success, then yes. But if you equate success by good friends and love, then no.” He sighed.

  “Well you have one, and hopefully, the others will come soon.”

  “I hope so as well.” He looked at me intently. “It’s funny. They say that one man can’t have everything. But I want to prove them wrong.”

  “You mean the career and money versus love debate?”

  “Yeah. I used to think for a long time that love was closed off to me. Being an actor, you never really know who you can trust. I thought that I would just have to accept the groupies and accept that I would have a trophy wife. But now …”

  I didn’t want to ask him, but now what? In all honesty, he was starting to get on my nerves. He had only known me for a day or so. I’m not a bombshell and I didn’t think my conversation had been that witty either. I mean, I know I’m pretty friendly, but I don’t think I’m great enough to warrant the endless stream of wonder and praise that was emanating from his mouth. Perhaps his real goal should be to move from acting and become a poet. He certainly knew how to wax on. I started laughing to myself at my wax on thought and Braydon looked at me curiously.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be funny. Am I boring you?”

  “No, of course not.” Yes, you are boring me, I thought. Let’s talk about something else. This isn’t a Hollywood movie. We don’t have to fall in love in five seconds and have 2.4 kids in as many years.

  “I’ve been accused of being a bit too serious in relationships.”

  “Oh?” Relationships? What was he talking about? I kept a pleasant smile on my face, but I was starting to think that Braydon Eagle was bonkers and perhaps on drugs as well. I giggled and kept my head down. Shit, I thought to myself. The alcohol was getting to me. I was a pretty light drinker and I was pretty sure that this drink contained a high level of alcohol. I could feel in my head that I was a little tipsy and I was scared that I was going to tell Braydon just how ridiculous he was acting. And I didn’t want to do that. There was something about Braydon that I liked, deep inside. He seemed like an honest genuine guy. And I was surprised that I wasn’t in awe of him.

  “What are you thinking right now, Lucky?”

  “I’m thinking that this is a totally cool moment.” I grinned. “I am here sitting with a huge star and I feel like I’m out with a regular friend.”

  “I like that.” Braydon smiled and we both laughed as a woman ran up to the table and asked him for an autograph. As Braydon smiled at the young lady and signed her napkin, I wondered at how down to earth he seemed. He was the sort of guy that I felt could make me happy. He was a forever sort of guy. I sat back and smiled to myself. Maybe everything was going to work out after all.

  ***

  “I’m so sorry for getting you home so late.” Braydon parked his car and turned to me. “I didn’t think we would be out this long.”

  “It’s okay.” I hiccupped and closed my eyes. “I shouldn’t have had so much to drink.”

  “You only had three.” He laughed.

  “I’m pretty sure each drink was like two and a half normal drinks.” I sighed. “I only hope that I don’t have to be up too early tomorrow morning.”

  “What time is Zane picking you up?”

  “I forgot.” I started to shake my head and groaned. “Oh my gosh. I need to go to bed. I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

  “Oh no.” Braydon jumped out of the car and ran to open my door. “Maybe you should get out?”

  “I don’t want to puke in your Fiat.” I agreed.

  “It’s a Bugatti.”

  “Huh?” I frowned. “But it looks like a Fiat because it’s flat.” I laughed. “You have a flat Fiat and a big hairy cat and it’s sitting on the mat wearing a woolly cap, no, no, wearing a woolly hat. The cat in the hat on the mat in the Fiat.” I laughed and fell against Braydon as he helped me out of the car.

  “You’re really drunk, aren’t you?”

  “Nope.” I hiccupped again. “I’m just relaxing before Zane takes me to LA to be his assistant.”

  “Yeah.” Braydon frowned. “You don’t have to go you know. If you need a job you can be my assistant.”

  “Really?” I looked at him in surprise. “Would I get a Fiat as well?”

  “I don’t …”

  “Wait til I tell Shayla and Maria that I’m getting a Fiat.” I laughed and then stopped still. “Oh nooo, I can’t remember if I called them and told them about my new job.”

  “I’m sure you can do that in the morning.”

  “I’m so bad.” />
  “I’m sure they will understand.” Braydon held onto my waist as we stood on the pavement. “Are you sure you don’t want to work for me instead of Zane?”

  “Zane brings a different girl to the diner every week. Can you believe that?” I shook my head. “A different beautiful girl every week. He is a player.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  “I have no interest in him, you know that?” I shouted. “I do not want him to kiss me.”

  “Can I kiss you?” Braydon leaned in towards me and I stared up into his brown eyes.

  “If it’s a kiss you want, you may have it,” I sang loudly and stuck my face up into the air with my eyes closed.

  “What’s going on here?” I heard Zane’s deep gruff voice and opened my eyes, feeling disoriented. Was I so drunk that I was now having hallucinations?

  “Zane.” Braydon sighed and stepped back from me. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came to make sure Lucky got home safely.” Zane growled at Braydon as he glared at him. “I’ve been trying to call her all night.”

  “Zane?” I peered at him. “Is that you?”

  “Are you okay, Lucky?” He walked over to me and stared down into my eyes. I felt like he was trying to look into my soul.

  “Is that you, Mr. Big Tipper?” I laughed and touched his arm. “Oh you’re real.”

  “Are you drunk?” He sighed and I bobbled.

  “And I need to go to bed.”

  “I was just taking her inside.” Braydon glared at Zane and attempted to push him out of the way.

  “I think I’ve got it from here, Eagle.” Zane grabbed my arm and turned his back to Braydon. “Lucky, are you always this reckless?”

  “Huh?” I frowned at his angry tone.

  “Last night you drove home late at night in a car you knew was faulty, and tonight you get drunk on a dinner date with a guy you barely know.”

  “I know him.”

  “You met Braydon before the party?”

  “Well no, but I know him from movies.”

  “Lucky.” Zane’s voice sounded really angry, and I cringed.

  “Lucky, do you want me to escort you inside,” Braydon interjected.

  “I’m okay.” I shook my head and held onto Zane. “Thanks for a great evening. I’ll see you soon.”

  “Yes. I will be in Los Angeles very soon.” Braydon smiled at me sweetly. “And think about my offer as well. I would love to have you work for me.”

  “I will.” Hiccup.

  “Let’s go.” Before I could say a word, Zane was pulling my arm and dragging me away from Braydon.

  “That hurts,” I groaned.

  “What job is Braydon talking about?”

  “Huh?” I frowned and closed my eyes. “My head hurts. I just want to go to bed.”

  “Lucky, what if he tried to sleep with you?”

  “Who?” I yawned, overcome with sleepiness.

  “Braydon.” He sighed.

  “You smell good.” I buried my head into his chest.

  “Is this your door?”

  “Yes.” I smiled up at him.

  “Where are your keys?”

  “My keys?” I closed my eyes again and put my arms around his waist. “You are so warm.”

  “Lucky, your keys.” Zane pulled me away from him and I groaned.

  “They’re in my purse.” I pouted and then giggled as he took my handbag from me and took out my keys. I stared at him as he opened the front door and I wondered at how handsome he was. He was too good-looking. “You’re too hot, you know that?”

  Zane ignored me and dragged me through the front door. “Okay show me to your room.” He closed the door quietly and looked at me seriously.

  “Are you going to carry me?” I giggled.

  “No.” He frowned and sighed again. “What would you have done if I wasn’t here, Lucky?”

  “Nothing?” I frowned back at him. “Why?”

  “Do you know what Braydon could have done to you?” His voice was angry again. “Do I have to watch you 24/7?”

  Something in his voice reminded me of something that had been in my brain since I had seen him. “Why are you here?”

  “I told you. I was worried. I wanted to make sure you were okay.” He led me up the stairs. “And don’t try and change the subject.”

  “I’m not a baby. You don’t need to check up on me.”

  “I’ve been calling you all night.”

  “Oh my battery died. Stupid phone.”

  “It’s irresponsible to go out with a dead phone battery.” Zane growled. “Especially when going out with a guy like Braydon.”

  “All Hollywood guys aren’t bad.”

  “I hope he didn’t drug you.” He hissed. “I’ve never seen you like this before.”

  “But you’ve never seen me out.”

  “I saw you last night.”

  “But I wasn’t really drinking.” I hiccupped. “I knew I had to drive home. I don’t drink and drive.”

  “Well that’s good. I also advise that you don’t drink when you go out on dates with shady guys.”

  “Why do you dislike Braydon, Zane?” I asked him seriously. “Wait this is my room.” I stopped suddenly.

  “Okay, let’s get you into bed.”

  “You want me in your bed like all the other girls, don’t you?” I winked at him.

  “No I don’t.” Zane shook his head, and I felt a wash of disappointment run through me. Even now, when all my inhibitions were gone, Zane Beaumont didn’t want me.

  “I wouldn’t sleep with you anyway.”

  “Oh yeah?” He looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “Why’s that?”

  “Cos Braydon likes me and he could be my last boyfriend.”

  “Your last boyfriend?” Zane looked confused.

  “The guy I’m going to marry, duh.” I fell onto the bed.

  “You’re going to marry Braydon?”

  “I don’t know.” I yawned. “But it’s a possibility. So that’s why I can’t sleep with you.”

  “Okay, that makes sense,” he drawled. He stood there, awkwardly next to the bed and I grabbed his arm and pulled him down next to me.

  “You are so handsome but you always look so serious.” I stared at him. “But you are also so nice. You’re one of my favorite customers, you know. And you fixed my car. But you’re a real asshole as well.”

  “You sum me up so perfectly.” He grinned and pushed me over. “If I’m going to lie on your bed with you I need a bit more space.”

  “No fair. You made my head hurt.” I groan.

  “Let me make it better.” He kissed my forehead and brought me close to him. “How does that feel?”

  “Hmm.” I closed my eyes and pushed my head against his chest. “So nice and cool.” I felt his arms around me and I snuggled into him. “You are so warm and yummy.”

  “Oh Lucky.” He sighed.

  “Yes, Zane.” I purred against him.

  “You’re going to be the undoing of me,” He whispered and held me tightly.

  “I’m the best server you’ve ever had.”

  “Yes, you are.” He laughed and I felt his hands rubbing my back as I drifted to sleep.

  Chapter 7

  My head was killing me when I woke up. I tried to stretch, but my arms hit a solid wall. I opened my eyes slowly and yawned widely as I was still feeling tired.

  “Oh,” I exclaimed, as I awoke to Zane’s gaze. He was staring directly into my eyes and he had a bemused expression on his face. “What are you doing here?”

  “I think your first words should be thank you,” He said, with a deadpan expression.

  “Thank you?” I frowned, trying to remember what had happened the night before. And then it all came crashing down. “Thank you? Are you joking? You frigging embarrassed me last night. Poor Braydon. What must he be thinking right now?”

  “I hope he’s thinking that he better not bother you any more,” Zane growled.

&nb
sp; “What?” I squinted at him. “He better not be thinking that. I hope he doesn’t think that we’re hooking up.” I groaned. “Man, you may have just ruined everything.”

  “Ruined what?” He made a weird expression. “You don’t seriously think you’re going to marry him? I thought that was the alcohol speaking.”

  “I never said I was going to marry him.” I sighed. “I just said that, perhaps he could be my last boyfriend.”

  “You confuse me, Lucky.” He sighed. I studied his face and wondered how it was that he could look so handsome first thing in the morning.

  “I confuse you? Is that a joke?”

  “I don’t understand you.” He frowned and ran his hands through his hair.

  “What’s to understand?”

  “Everything.” He turned away from me and looked at my walls. “I like your room. You have nice style.”

  “You mean, for a poor person?” I laughed, thinking about his lavishly furnished house.

  “No, for any type of person.” He pointed at some posters on my wall. “I love Monet.”

  “Me too.” I smiled. “I thought about studying Art History for a while.”

  “But you decided on British history?”

  “British history?”

  “You know so much about King Henry VIII.”

  “Oh yes. I forgot about that conversation. I changed my focus from the reformation to the Civil Rights Era.”

  “Oh yeah. My civil rights expert.” He grinned. “You’re one smart cookie.”

  “Not really, but I guess I am compared to the other girls you date.” Oh no, why had I said date. We weren’t dating. We weren’t even friends. He was my boss now. And he was in my bed. I wanted to groan out loud. What was going on here?

  “Well you know. I have to change it up.” I felt his arms around my waist and he pulled me towards him. “Let’s see if you’re a better kisser as well.”

  “Wait, what?” My eyes widened as I felt his hands on my ass. “Uhm, what’s going on here?”

  “I am going to see if you are better than my other girls in every way.”

  “Zane.” I spoke his name quietly, my lips were mere inches away from his, and I was aching to feel them on mine.