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I shook my head no in response, but my eyes were trained on Ryan. He was talking to a group of ridiculously attractive and scantily clad fans outside the venue.
“It’s always one of the best locations, in my opinion,” Gareth continues. “I’m so glad we get two Cali stops this time.”
He drones on, completely unaware that I’m barely paying attention.
One of the fangirls talking to Ryan hands her phone to one of her friends and positions herself next to Ryan for a picture. The first one is innocent enough. But then she presses her lips to his cheek for the second one, her back arching so much so that it almost looks painful. His arm snakes around her waist as he hams it up for the camera, the act made complete with a devilish smirk.
The perfect imprint of red lips left on his cheek from her kiss makes me seethe.
My vision tunnels and rage floods my veins.
Why was he letting her touch him like that? I’m not one to let my emotions get the best of me, especially in a public setting, but it was taking everything in me not to react.
“Jules?”
I force myself to look away and back to Gareth, who’s finally noticed my distraction. “Yes?”
“I was just asking if you had any plans for the rest of the afternoon?”
I could play the same game as Ryan if I wanted to. I could go with Gareth. I know what it would do to him.
But that was the problem. I don’t like playing games. It’s just not me. And unfortunately, the only person I wanted was Ryan fucking Knox.
“Oh, yeah. I have some phone conferences lined up with other clients from back home.”
He looks disappointed but smiles. “Well, we’re going to the club tonight if you finish up work in time and want to join.”
All of them?
I wonder, but don’t ask aloud.
“Yeah definitely, I’ll let you know.” I force a polite smile on my face.
“Okay, but you really should come. Touring with a rock band is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you know? Don’t work so hard you forget to live, Jules. You always go back to the hotel early. We want you to party with us every now and then.”
If only Gareth knew just how much I was experiencing this.
“Yeah,” I sigh, knowing he’s right, “I’ll try to come, okay? Promise.”
He flashes me that million-dollar smile and gives me a quick nod before walking off.
Olivia’s SUV pulls up to the curb, and I slide into the back seat.
We’re having lunch to discuss my latest ideas for the band, including an expansion on the raw and stripped footage I shot in the hotel room. The video did so well and the fans are essentially begging for more.
I pitch shooting more videos of the guys with the same vibe but in various places: the tour bus, backstage, and even the hotel lounge.
There is something interesting about seeing the guys returning to their roots and having a jam session without all the bells and whistles that seem to appeal to the masses.
Olivia selected a small bistro with outside dining for the two of us, and with the slight breeze, I’m glad I snagged my cardigan before leaving the hotel.
Gareth’s comments from before replay in my mind as I move pieces of lettuce around my plate.
Maybe a night out with the band isn’t such a bad idea after all.
???
I like to consider myself a fairly confident woman, but maybe it’s just the sudden public visibility of this job or just working with such hot famous people, but I was feeling self-conscious as hell in this tiny black dress.
