Page 182 of Off Limits Mogul

“Shane, what’s up?” I walk to the couch before sitting down.

“You’re dominating the entertainment news, my friend.”

“It’s wild. My hashtag is squashing Beckett’s and your brother Collin’s.”

Shane lets out a laugh.

“I never thought I’d see the day,” he says.

“You and me both.”

“Is pretty boy Beckett able to handle it for a day? After all, he’s the media’s sweetheart.”

“Barely,” I say. “I guess it’s the same for your little brother.”

“I’m pretty sure it is. Since we’re talking about Collin here, I’m sure he’s plotting a devious way to steal the media’s attention away from you.”

Be my guest.“I’m sure he will.”

“On a serious note?—”

“Oh, because you didn’t call just to razz me?”

“Nah. That’s Collin’s forte. I’m the supportive Dennison brother, remember?”

“True.”

“In any case, the last time we talked about Keira, you seemed troubled. Torn, even. The photos of you locking lips on camera flooding the internet suggest you decided to go after the girl.”

I nod into the phone even though he can’t see me. “Our conversation was a wake-up call. I decided to man up. The only blip was Noah landing in LA unannounced before I had time to tell him I was seeing his sister.”

“No shit,” Shane says.

I tell him everything.

“I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of Noah’s fury. I consider myself fit and invincible, but next to him, I’m nothing. The guy could break me in half without even trying.”

“That’s exactly how I felt. Breaking the bro code has its consequences. I was more than willing to pay the price, but I’m grateful he didn’t rearrange my face.”

“Another thing to celebrate,” he says. “Let’s add it to the list.”

“What do you mean?”

“When I bumped into you at LAX on the day Keira arrived, I promised her a Cuban meal. I was going to keep it casual, but there’s too much to celebrate. One, the news of you two dating. Two, her becoming the face of SCORE Yours––great choice, by the way. Three, pretty boy Beckett is off the market––proof God works in mysterious ways. Four, your headphones were dubbed the best thing since Edison’s light bulbs––which is a pretty tall order. And five, the announcement of an upcoming red-carpet event to kick off SCORE Yours.” He pauses. “There’s a hell of a lot happening in your neck of the woods. Low key doesn’t cut it anymore.”

“You’re right, there’s a lot to celebrate. A Cuban meal sounds great, Shane.”

“I called the boys, and everybody can make it. I’d love for you and Keira to come over to my place on Saturday afternoon. We’ll stretch out the celebration until the wee hours.”

“I’ll check with my girl, but I don’t see why we shouldn’t be there. Thanks for the invitation. I can’t wait.”

“A heads up. Ihaveto invite Collin. He’s my baby brother and my neighbor. If Iforgetto invite him, I’ll never hear the end of it. It’s best if you prep Keira in advance. He’s been drilling me to find out if she has a long-lost twin or a sister he doesn’t know about.”

“He’s lost it.”

“Pretty much,” Shane says. “And even if she did, I’m sure Noah wouldn’t be thrilled about my brother dating his sibling.”

“Noah would veto the relationship,” I say with a laugh. “Your brother is something else.”