Gorgeous Consort (5 page)

One of my rules was not to give out personal information. It just made things easier. But I didn’t see the harm. I hung out with Nate because he was my friend, not just because he was paying me to spend time with him. “Sure.”

***

Rhett and I sat together in a booth with our beers in front of us.

“How’s it going with Battleship?” I asked before I took a long drink.

“Great.” He didn’t smile but his eyes gave him away. It was obvious it was more than great, and it was clear he was more than happy. Ever since he found her, he’d disappeared from the nightlife and parties. He’d rather spend the evenings at home with her. While I missed him, I was glad he found happiness. In the back of my mind, I knew it would end in heartbreak down the road, just like my relationship with Alexia. But I didn’t want to be a downer so I didn’t remind him of that inevitable fate.

“That’s all you’re going to give me?” I asked incredulously. “Just great?”

“What do you want me to say?” he asked. “If I tell you how in love I am with her you’ll call me a pussy.”

“You
are
a pussy.” I gave him a teasing grin.

“Thanks for proving my point.”

“Come on, I really want to know.”

He studied my face for sincerity before he spoke. “She’s the one, man.”

“The one?”

“Yep.”

That summed up everything in a nutshell. “Are you going to propose soon…?” I really hoped not.

“No,” he said. “I’m happy with the way things are. And it couldn’t come at a worse time since she’s taking over her father’s company. She doesn’t have time for that and a husband.”

“And she doesn’t care you’re an escort?” I found that hard to believe. Perhaps I was just paranoid after Alexia, but I wouldn’t want my girlfriend to be anywhere near another man.

“No. She trusts me. And she should.”

Seeing how happy my friend was only reminded me how depressed I was. Alexia was my tormentor, and no matter how much time had passed, she wouldn’t go away. Was I doomed forever? What did I do to deserve this?

“What about you?” He drank his beer and watched me.

I gave him the response I always gave him. “Nothing.”

“You’ve been saying that for almost two years.” There was a tone of disappointment in his voice.

I didn’t want to talk about it, not even to him. If I just pretended everything was okay, then everything would be okay. Wouldn’t it? Rhett was my closest friend but I couldn’t tell him all my thoughts and emotions. That would be…too girly. “Well, there’s nothing to tell.”

He didn’t seem convinced. “Harper is cute.”

“She is.” There was no doubt about it. That pretty blonde hair would feel good in my hand while I fisted it and kissed her hard on the mouth. She had the perfect height and perfect body. I’d always had a thing for short girls. It made sex a little awkward because I was so tall but that didn’t make it any less enjoyable.

“That’s all you’re giving me?” he asked incredulously.

“What?” I demanded. “I’m agreeing with you.”

“I thought something might be going on between you.” He searched my face for a reaction.

“No,” I said immediately. “I figured it would piss you off if I slept with her.”

“How’d you figure?”

“She’s Aspen’s best friend…who’s your girlfriend…”
Did he really not see where I was going with this?

“I’m not talking about sleeping with her and never calling her again,” he said. “Why don’t you just ask her out?”

“Like, on a date?”

“No, deep sea fishing,” he said sarcastically.

Dating was the last thing I’d ever do. Relationships were stupid and I wouldn’t put myself in that situation again. I wished I could start sleeping around again, and eventually that day would come. But for now, I wasn’t there yet. So, there was nothing I could have with Harper at all. “She’s not my type.”

He put his beer down on the coaster and sighed. “Okay, this has gone on long enough.”

“Huh?”

“We need to talk about what happened with Alexia. I’ve been waiting for you to bring it up on your own, but the wait is over.”

My heart kicked into overdrive and my palms were immediately sweaty. Did I not fool Rhett into thinking I was happy and moved on? Did he see right through everything? Did I have a false sense of security this entire time? “There’s nothing to talk about.” I spoke so quickly I was borderline incoherent.

Rhett didn’t back off. “Dude, what happened?”

“Nothing,” I said defensively. “We broke up. End of story. The end.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “You’re really pissing me off right now. Just talk to me. I’m not going to judge you if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“You’re really pissing
me
off right now.”

“Did she cheat on you?”

He hit the nail right on the head but I wouldn’t admit it. “I don’t talk about my personal life because there’s nothing to talk about.” I slid out of the booth to leave.

“Then why are you running away?”

“I have a slut to fuck.” I threw my cash on the table.

“I know for a fact you haven’t slept with anyone in over a year. You think you’re fooling everyone but you aren’t.”

I froze on the spot and suddenly felt weak. Did my plan completely backfire? Was I going around spreading lies when in actuality everyone knew I was talking out of my ass?

“Every time we’re at a party together, you throw me at some girl and pretend you’re hooking up with some chick, but when I find you, you’re always doing something else. Why are you hiding from me? Just talk to me. How long have we known each other?”

I felt defensive that he knew my secret. But I would never admit he figured anything out. “You’re totally off your rocker, man.”

“Yeah?” Disbelief was in his voice.

“I can’t even count the number of chicks I’ve been with. But that’s none of your business. Why don’t you just get off my case? Maybe you’re happy in a relationship, but that doesn’t mean I need to be in a relationship too. Not everyone is the same.” I knew I was being unfair to my friend but I was too upset. It was easier to forgive someone for being wrong than for being right. I walked off without another word.

“Troy.” Rhett calmly tried to get me to come back.

I kept going and walked out into the cold night air.

***

At lunchtime, I went to a nearby diner that had the greasiest and most delicious hamburgers in the world. Today was a cheat day, and I knew exactly what I would eat on my cheat day.

I walked inside and headed to the counter where I picked up my order. After I paid for everything I waited for them to return with the food. The curly fries alone were enough to make me come all the way down here.

While I was waiting, I scanned the diner and my eyes fell on a cute blonde sitting alone in a booth. With one hand, she held the huge burger and took a massive bite. Her eyes were downcast on a magazine and she wasn’t even paying attention to what she was doing. A pickle fell out of the burger and fell on the plate. She didn’t even notice.

Then I recognized her face.

It was Harper.

She wore dark denim shorts and a white top. Her skin was slightly tan from being outside, and her hair was pulled up in a casual up do. Her bright eyes looked dull as she concentrated on the words she was reading.

Since I was waiting for my order, I decided to pay her a visit. “Hey, sweetheart.”

In mid-bite, she looked up at me. Slight surprise was in her eyes. After she recognized me, she took a big bite and chewed for a long time.

“You look like one of those hot chicks on those Carl’s Jr. commercials.”

She finished chewing then swallowed. “Like those models have ever had a burger in their life.”

“Maybe you can be the first.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her.

“Thank you for the compliment but I prefer to be a little chunky and be happy instead of starving myself.”

“A little chunky?” I asked incredulously. “You’re a perfect ten, sweetheart.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“I haven’t found a nickname yet.”

“Well, you better pick one out soon. I’m about to knee you in the balls.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “You would be doing a disservice to all the women in Manhattan.”

She rolled her eyes. “Like any women have seen your balls…”

I bypassed her comment. “You want to be the first?”

She gave me an annoyed look that clearly said, “Go to hell.”

I chuckled. “What are you doing?”

“Eating,” she snapped. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

“Alone?” I asked. “Don’t have many friends, huh?” A teasing tone was in my voice.

“I’m on my lunch break,” she said. “And I’m too hungry to wait until I get my food to the office.”

“What do you do anyway?” I asked. It never came up so I didn’t have a clue.

“Interior decorator.”

“I didn’t know that,” I blurted.

“That’s probably why you asked…” Sarcasm was in her voice.

“That’s pretty cool,” I said sincerely.

“Yeah?” Distrust was in her eyes, like I was about to make a joke.

“Yeah,” I said.

The worker came over with my bag of food. “Here you are, man.”

“Thanks.” I grabbed it and set it down. “Since you don’t have any friends, can I join you? I feel bad making you eat here all by yourself.”

“How sweet of you,” she said sarcastically.

I moved into the seat across the table and devoured my food. “This place has the best burger ever.”

“A cheap diner?” she asked incredulously. “You really need to try the upscale restaurants here.”

“Too snooty for me.” I grabbed my burger with both hands as I shoved it into my mouth.

She watched me eat, a disgusted look on her face. “Did your parents not teach you any table manners?”

“At least they taught me not to stare.”

She rolled her eyes then returned her gaze to her magazine. Then she picked at the fries on her plate.

We sat in comfortable silence. I ate while I watched her across the table. I noted the curve of her lips, the quality that always got my attention. Her upper lip reminded me of the curve of a bow. They looked so soft and full. I had the distinct feeling she was a good kisser. Too bad I would never know.

“Look who has a staring problem now.” She kept flipping through her magazine without directly looking at me.

“What else am I supposed to look at?”

She tossed a magazine at me.
Home and Whole.

I cocked an eyebrow. “If it’s not
Playboy
or
Maxim
, I’m not reading it.” I didn’t subscribe or read either one of those magazines, but she didn’t need to know that.

“Maybe you should branch out a little bit. Just some friendly advice…”

I grabbed her magazine out of her hand then put it down. “How about you talk to your guest instead of ignoring him?”

“You’re the one who sat down uninvited.”

“No, I asked if I could join you.”

“And what did I say?” she challenged.

Actually, she didn’t say anything. But I wouldn’t admit I knew that. “How long have you been a designer?”

“A few years,” she said. “My business didn’t take off until the past year, however.”

“You have your own office and everything?” I asked in amazement.

“Yeah.” She looked at me like I was the first person to show any interest in her profession. She was practically on guard, waiting for me to take a jab. “You really think that’s cool?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” I asked seriously. “Opening up any kind of business is hard in Manhattan. The fact you did it is totally badass.”

Emotion overcame her face and she didn’t try to hide it. She seemed to be in shock, floored by the words coming out of my mouth. She suddenly stiffened then looked down at her hands, like she was remembering something.

What did I say…?

It reminded me of Nate and every other person I helped. She just wanted to be loved and accepted like everyone else. “Well, I think it’s really cool. You shouldn’t care what they think because they’re obviously idiots. You’re badass, Harper. And really hot.”

She gave me a genuine smile that reached her eyes. She was suddenly in a much better mood, like life had steamed inside her body and healed her. Like a wilted flower brought back to life with water and sun, she held herself high and proud. “Well, thanks.”

“No prob.” I kept eating, noting the sudden change in atmosphere. We were slightly hostile to one another before but now there was a comfortable connection between us. I studied her face while I ate, and even though she knew I was watching her, she didn’t make a comment.

“Want to see my portfolio?” she asked.

“You carry it with you?”