Tough Enough(42)

“As, uh, tempting as that sounds, it’s just not a good time.”

The heat in her eyes fades just enough that I know she’s finally getting the hint. “Is this about Victoria? Are you two back together?” She steps away. No one wants to be on the receiving end of Victoria’s claws.

“No, it’s not Victoria.”

Now she just looks confused. I’m sure a girl like this can’t fathom any other explanation for being turned down. I doubt rejection is something she even considered when she was driving over here.

Her eyes narrow and then widen, like she just thought of the only possible reason I might not want a no-strings-attached bang. “Are you gay?”

I would laugh if it weren’t so pathetic. She’d rather chalk it up to me being gay than just not being interested. “Hell no, I’m not gay.”

“Then, what?”

“I’ve got other plans tonight. With someone else,” I say gently, trying my best to protect her ego. I don’t need any more claws pointed in my direction. Damn, these divas are complicated!

That only makes me appreciate Katie that much more. Only Katie’s not here. And my guess is that she’s not coming.

I’m relieved when my phone rings, interrupting what is becoming an increasingly uncomfortable situation. It gives me an excuse to get rid of Rayelle, which I do immediately.

“Thanks for coming, Rayelle, but I need to get this.” Without further explanation, I close the door in her shocked face and tap the ANSWER button. I don’t really give a shit who it is, but I want to thank the caller with an expensive bottle of scotch.

Until I hear the voice. And then I want to thank her with a long, hot kiss and three hours of worshipping her body.

It’s Katie. I put my number in her phone last night. I’d hoped she’d use it. Or better yet just show up. At least she’s doing one.

“Rogan?” she asks, uncertain.

“Damn, am I glad to hear your voice,” I tell her honestly.

Her laugh is light and pleased. “Why is that?”

“Besides the fact that it sounds like warm honey in my ear, you just saved me from getting devoured.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Surprise visit from Rayelle. Unexpected and not at all welcome.”

“Poor you. What a chore it must be to fend off the advances of beautiful women.”

“It is when there’s only one beautiful woman that I’m interested in. Are you coming over?”

Shit, bro, could you be any more anxious?

“No, that’s why I’m calling. Mona needs me to run some errands for her. It’s important. I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it.”

“You can come after. Sunset over the pool would look amazing on your skin.”

“Uhhh, thank you, but I’d better not.”

“I assume there’s nothing I can say to change your mind.”

I’m disappointed. Very disappointed. I wanted to see her again. Hell, right now it feels like I needed to see her again.

“No, I’m afraid not.”

I don’t push Katie and I certainly don’t tell her my plan, but I will be seeing her tonight. I just need to get ahold of Mona to find out where she’ll be.





NINETEEN


Katie

I’d already been nervous about agreeing to see Rogan again today, so when my phone rang, I was relieved that it was Mona. I wasn’t really looking for an excuse to back out of my date tonight, but when my friend practically handed me one, gift-wrapped, I jumped on it.

“White had me arrange a party for some of the cast on his boat. He wanted to spend the day out here and then take them all to that little private island for the rest of the night. The problem is, the liquor for the bar hasn’t arrived. Ronnie is on the island now, setting up sound and some of the other stuff White wanted. He said the bar is still empty, though, and I’m freakin’! I mean, what’s a Hollywood party without alcohol?” she’d explained. There was panic in her voice, which is the biggest reason I agreed immediately.

“Okay, just calm down. What is it that you need me to do?”

“Could you go to the liquor store and pick up the things on the list I just texted you and bring it to the island? Please, please, please, please, please!”

“Mona, I don’t have a boat. How am I supposed to get it there?”

“It’s not a real island. They just call it that because it sticks out into the lake like an island. There’s a gated drive that leads to it from Downton Drive. Do you know where that is?”

“I know where it is. Give me an hour to get it and have it there for you. Will Ronnie still be there to help me unload it?”