Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
He sipped his coffee, considering. “All those touristy things can be too much for some.”
I opened my mouth, then shut it, confused as to why I was feeling so irritated. It was a perfectly neutral observation, and yet not, because it had a patronizing edge to it. Maybe I was losing my mind or deliberately pushing him away. I’d been told that Rowan had fears about letting people in, but maybe I did too. At least when it came to him. Holding him at arm’s length kept my emotions in check but not always my logic.
Thankfully, the next week would be absolute chaos because of a rescheduled photo shoot. Kendall would be returning to her home in Laurel Canyon for a long weekend, where she would welcome a photographer from a home-and-garden magazine. That meant lots of prep for Rowan, so we’d both be distracted enough to move past what we’d done.
“Turns out you’ll be accompanying me to California,” Rowan said just as I took a long sip of my coffee, which was still on the hot side. It went down the wrong pipe, and I coughed a lung out as my eyes watered. Rowan handed me a napkin but kept his distance like I was a leper, even though his tongue had been down my throat just a few nights ago.
When I could finally speak, I stared at him. “When was that decision made? I would’ve appreciated more notice.”
“Kendall requested it.” He shrugged. “She apparently likes you. Consider it an honor. She doesn’t invite just anyone to her home.”
I was speechless. Of course it would be cool to travel to California. Except for New York, I’d never been anywhere outside of Stockton. But something about the timing was niggling at me.
“What are the accommodations?”
“We’ll be staying at her home in Laurel Canyon, along with a select few others.”
I swallowed hard. Holy shit. I knew she lived in a swanky area in the hills, but I would’ve been just as happy to stay at a hotel.
“What are the dates again?” I pulled up my calendar.
“We’ll leave Thursday and return Monday.”
My stomach bottomed out. “But Friday is Casey’s opening night. He was getting me tickets.” Now I just felt like crap.
“The show will still be running when you return.” He waved flippantly like it wasn’t a big deal. “I’m sure he’ll understand.”
I walked away without a reply, frustrated that I’d ever done anything intimate with that man, and then sleepwalked through the rest of the day, acting excited when Kendall asked me about the trip and thanking her profusely. The plans did sound amazing, but I was conflicted. I didn’t want Casey to think my job came first—though it did because hello, paycheck. But also because I always spouted off about resigning at the end of the season whenever I was frustrated. And especially now that I’d hooked up with my boss. Not that Casey knew about that.
On the way to grocery shopping that evening, I told Casey about the California plans. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay.” He bumped shoulders with me. “Besides, you get to travel, and that’s really cool.”
I frowned, wondering if he was only acting upbeat for my benefit. “Are you sure?”
“Of course. What are you going to do? Quit now just so you can come to opening night? I’ll get tickets for another time, and we can go together.”
It was true that Casey’s set design duties essentially ended after opening night, so it did sound a bit more enticing to go another time with him. He could point out all the things he’d been excited about building the last few months.
“Okay, as long as you’re sure.” Now that Casey seemed okay with it, I allowed myself to get a little more excited about the trip.
Once we’d put away the groceries, Casey and I Googled the area Kendall lived in and marveled at the scenery. Damn, it was gorgeous.
But that was nothing compared to what Laurel Canyon looked like in person. We’d flown in on a private jet, which was another first-time experience, and Kendall chuckled anytime I pointed out the panoramic view.
As the driver took us up the winding canyon road to her home, I was beside myself at the beauty. Not necessarily the scenery—Missouri was prettier in some ways—but the pure lavishness. The houses and sprawling properties. It was unreal.
My jaw dropped when I stepped inside the museum-like foyer with marble statues and stucco walls in earth tones. Then we were ushered to our rooms by Naomi, who’d stayed mostly invisible on the ride over. She led us up a winding staircase and down a long hallway. Tony, along with other staff from the show and two of Kendall’s close friends who’d also been on the plane, all scooted by me and went to their rooms like they’d done it a hundred times before.