Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 75626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Alex stands behind me as the elevator to Noah and Peyton’s climbs. The view of the city as dusk turns into night is spectacular. After living in New York City for so long, I thought I wouldn’t be able to love another city, but I do. I’m certain it’s because I’ve met Alex. If I hadn’t, I’d be home right now with my red pen, marking up a manuscript. He’s shown me so much of what the City of Roses has to offer, and I’m so grateful for him.
Our ride comes to a stop, and he kisses my neck. “We won’t stay long,” he whispers against my skin. To me, it’s already long enough. I want to go home and spend the rest of the night in his arms before my workday begins tomorrow and we’re thrown back into the same routine. Alex tells me that come February, life changes. He’ll have time off to do whatever, except I won’t. I don’t have the luxury of taking weeks, or even months, off. I don’t know if it’s foolish to think that far ahead, months from now, and expect us to be together, but I’m hoping.
The elevator door opens. Alex tugs on my hand, but I hesitate. It’s weird walking into someone’s home without them welcoming you. As if Noah senses my hesitation, he comes around the corner with a grin on his face.
“Perfect timing,” he says as a way to greet us. “My dad just put the meat on the grill. Dinner should be ready in a few minutes. Let’s grab a drink.”
His dad!
Nothing fazes Alex, and I wish I could be like him. He’s used to this, the glitz and glam of entertainment. I spent more time than I care to admit looking him up on the internet again and saw just how many events he goes to. One thing I learned is he looks damn fine in a tuxedo. I also figured out he’s camera shy and prefers to keep his head down. He doesn’t like the limelight or the attention. Can’t say I blame him.
My feet stumble and Alex looks at me. He shakes his head with a smirk and then we’re walking again. This time out to the balcony where Liam Page is. Not only is he out here, but so is Harrison James.
The dads!
Alex clears his throat, and the men look in his direction. Every fiber of my being ignites with nervousness. “Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Kelsey Sloane.” Alex smiles at me and then says, “Kels, this is Liam and Harrison, Noah and Peyton’s dads.”
Their dads. Not members of a famous band or two extremely hot musicians. Tonight, they’re fathers who are in town to visit their kids.
Liam is the first to shake my hand, and then Harrison. I’m tongue-tied and the words I think I should say don’t make it from my brain to my mouth.
“Hi,” I pause and clear my throat, along with giving myself a mental pep talk. I can do this. For God’s sake, they’re normal people. “Hi,” I say with a bit more umph. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“You too,” Harrison says. “Peyton told me you’re new to town?”
“Yes, I moved here from New York for work.”
“What do you do?” Liam asks.
“I work for Willamette Publishing as an acquisitions editor. I acquire manuscripts for publication.”
“No shit?” Harrison says. “I’ve thought about writing my autobiography. I have a story to tell.”
Liam bends over and lets out a roaring laugh. “You! Write a book?” he continues, with everyone watching. When he finally composes himself, he wipes at his pretend tears and straightens. “Okay. Yeah, you should do it.”
“What in the hell was that?” Harrison asks.
Liam shrugs. “I had to pretend to be JD since he’s not here.”
“You’re such an ass,” Harrison says with a big grin on his face.
I watch the back and forth between them and wonder just how long they’ve been friends. The question is out of my mouth before I can stop it.
“I met Harrison shortly after I moved to Los Angeles. I was eighteen, almost nineteen.” Liam tells me.
“And you’ve played together ever since?”
Harrison nods. “I used to be the house drummer at a music bar. This guy comes in one night to sing and the rest is history.”
“And your kids meet and fall in love? That’s just so . . . romantic.”
“Yeah,” Liam adds. The air between us shifts. It becomes thick with tension as Liam looks from me to Harrison, and then to the grill. “Not exactly how it’s probably playing out in your head, but we’ll run with your version. Makes things less messy.” Liam takes the meat off the grill, turns off the gas, and walks into the penthouse.
“I said something wrong,” I mumble these words to myself, but Harrison hears me.