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)
Naomi left me in front of my door, which was across from Rowan’s, before hurrying off, no doubt with plenty on her agenda before the photo shoot on Saturday. Kendall had insisted that today was an opportunity to relax before everything kicked into gear tomorrow. That would include me tagging along on shopping trips with Rowan, so kill me now. I’d swear part of his evil plan was to torture me with more showrooms and snooty designers.
“You’re practically drooling,” Rowan said as I took in my guest room with the canopy bed and small balcony. “Be sure to soak it all in before we get down to business tomorrow.”
“You’re ridiculous. I can be excited about something and be professional too.”
“When you get distracted, you make mistakes.”
I hated that he knew me so well.
“Don’t worry. I won’t topple a statue or anything.” Kendall might never forgive me or give me this opportunity again. I glared at him, then shut the door behind me, tired of his scrutiny.
I washed up, then lay on the silky bedcovers, studying every little picture frame and doodad in the room. When my stomach growled, I remembered there was food waiting downstairs that Kendall had catered for us, so I stepped into the hallway again, sneaking a peek at Rowan’s open door. His room was a similar style to mine, but who could tell with his stuff already spread across every surface.
We ate outside on the veranda with a view of the valley below and just a hint of the Hollywood sign in the distance. I listened to Kendall’s laughter ring out with her friends as I made my way to the railing near the back of the property.
“Amazing, right?” Tony said as he approached.
I smiled. “Totally.”
“So hey, we all have different plans tonight. I’m meeting my friends at a bar in WeHo. Want to come?”
“Are you serious? I would love to.” I’d learned that West Hollywood was a gay mecca from a famous reality show Rowan would likely turn up his nose at. “Just let me check with Rowan to make sure it’s all cool.”
“I’d tell you to invite Rowan along, but it wouldn’t be his thing.”
“Tell me about it,” I muttered, recalling my club conversation with him.
I went in search of Rowan and found him busy texting someone. He was standing near the beverages, and I reached for a water as I said, “Hey, um…are there any plans for tonight, or am I free to do whatever?”
His eyebrows drew together. “Why?”
“Tony invited me to a bar in WeHo.”
“Of course he did,” he griped under his breath. “Did you bring your club clothes?”
“Sure, and my PrEP.” I rolled my eyes but didn’t miss how he stiffened. I told myself it wasn’t jealousy, just him being uptight. So why did my stomach feel all strange and twisty? “Geez, I’m kidding. Loosen up. Why don’t you come with me?”
“I’m actually meeting friends for dinner in Santa Monica.” He tapped his chin in thought. “How about this? Tag along with me and then meet Tony after.”
“I don’t want to infringe.” But damn, I was curious about his friends.
“You wouldn’t be.” He threw me a stern look. “Just…no club clothes.”
“Why not? A crop top would look good at your swanky restaurant.”
“Not swanky at all. Pretty casual, so feel free to dress accordingly.”
“So cutoff shorts and a bare midriff would work well. Got it.”
He shook his head before walking over to Kendall and her friends, whom he seemed to be friendly with.
After lunch, I spent time by the pool, still not believing my eyes. I snapped photos and sent them to Casey and my mom. I knew Casey was probably too busy to reply, but he did anyway, which I appreciated because of the residual guilt about his opening night.
Soon enough, it was time to get ready for the evening. I’d packed what I considered my best clothes, which included jeans that fit me well in all the right places and a trendy patterned button-down. Rowan had taught me well, even if it was a knockoff.
“How does this look?” I bit my lip as I stood at his bedroom door.
He arched a brow. “You suddenly care about clothes?”
“Well, yeah, this is…” I shuffled awkwardly. “Never mind, it’s stupid.”
His eyes softened briefly as he finished slipping into his ultramodern leather shoes. “You look presentable.”
I snorted. “Gee, thanks.”
“You look good.” He wouldn’t meet my eye. “Now stop fussing, and let’s go.”
We could hear Kendall and her friends laughing near the pool as we went out the door. It made me wish I had a close friend with me right then. On the other hand, I’d gotten quite comfortable being in Rowan’s space, the way we moved around each other with ease, so yeah, totally confusing.
But as the driver took us back down the canyon, I was mesmerized by the sights again and didn’t mind the relaxed silence between us.