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“Immensely. What are you doing later? Can we get together for drinks or dinner?” Oh, how I wanted her to say yes.
“I have plans. Besides, Cal wanted to welcome you to L.A., so he bought you a ticket to our box at the Vipers’ home game.”
“Hockey? Jeez, I haven’t been to a game in years. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Oh. No, he won’t be there. But you won’t be alone. Some actors and famous people are always in our box. It’ll be a good chance to rub elbows with them and start introducing yourself around.”
“I can think of someone else I’d rather rub—” The elevator bell dinged, and the doors opened, halting his thought. I chuckled as we stepped out.
“My office is this way.” I pointed.
“Listen, before we go further, is there a restroom, um…?” He asked. I motioned down the hall and eyed his nice gait as he walked away. Definitely an attractive man, and I warned myself, no matter how complicated this got, I had to keep my heart from getting in too deep with him. If things went my way, I wouldn’t need my heart involved.
The floor was quiet, as my staff must have been out for a late lunch. Lucky with good people who have worked for us for years, they all got along well, like an extended family I had never had. I leaned over the reception desk and reached for my messages and mail, rather than walking around it like a normal person.
“Dream Waves studios always has the best of everything. Like your nice ass.” I yelped at the sound of Edward’s voice coming up behind me, and righted myself, squaring off with him.
“What are you doing here?” My eyes shifted toward the bathrooms with no sight of Buddy yet.
“Visiting Cal to continue our negotiations.” His gloating irritated me, so presumptuous he’d gain power over my studio. “He just left for a meeting, but Delta and I had a lovely chat about what I’d do to change things around here once this studio is mine. In fact, your mother’s office would be the first thing I’d remodel for my office.”
“Don’t you dare.” I shrieked and raised a hand to slap his smug face, but he intercepted. He grabbed it and twisted it behind me, turning me in the process. His groin and—ew—pathetic penis ground into my ass.
“Oh, I’ll dare. Any damn way I please. Because once we’re married, you’ll do as I say.”
“No! I’ll never marry you.” I screamed.
“Honey? Is there a problem here?” Buddy suddenly appeared, planting his tight fists on his hips, broadening his expanse, and Edward let go of me.
The two men were similar in height and build, although something told me one hit from Buddy and Edward might fold and run. He wouldn’t want his pretty face all smashed up for the sake of his pricey nose job alone.
Edward jerked back. “Who the fuck are you?”
I quickly explained. “This is Buddy Rodgers, my fiancé. He just arrived in town so I could introduce him to Cal.” I inserted my left hand into Buddy’s elbow andwagged my fingers so Mom’s ring would shine off the lights.
Buddy noticed the ring, too, his eyes doubling, clearly something he hadn’t noticed me wearing before. As tan as his skin normally presented, the color almost drained from his face. I implored him silently with my eyes to go along with it.
“Ah. So, this is the guy you’ve been telling us about? I really thought you made him up. Yeah, Cal can’t wait to meet you,” Edward rudely remarked with a smirk.
“And who might you be?” Buddy snapped his attention back, playing along, and to his credit, he didn’t make me look like a fool. This could easily have turned into a difficult situation if he’d balked bout my lie of him being my fiancé. I believed Delta was right, Buddy could very well solve my problem with Cal’s ultimatum.
Edward got right up into his face. “I’m the King in Hollywood, and that’s all you need to know, newbie.”
“That’s enough, Edward.” I shoved his shoulder, surprised that it actually did some good, pushing him back a little. I got between them. “Whatever you’re doing here, leave now before I call security.”
“What I’m doing here is visiting Cal. He and I are sure getting along great these days.”
“Is there a problem here, Ms. Adams?” Thank God for Buck, our head of security coming upon us, appearing out of nowhere.
“Yes, please escort Mr. King off the lot. And he’s not welcome back, so remove his security clearance, please.” I fidgeted with the ring, spinning it over and over. Whenever I felt anxiety coming on, this simple act helped to ground me.
“Fine, I’ll go. But you better believe we’re not done yet.” Edward brushed by my shoulder, and I faltered a step back. This angered Buddy, and he lunged for him, but I grabbed his arm to prevent it. Not that I wouldn’t have loved to see Edward pummeled into the ground by my…hopefully future fake husband.
The Pitcher
HONEY
“Are you okay?” Buddy turned to me after Edward left with the security guard. With his palms touching my arms, more heat and tingles worked through me.
