THREE
Riley pulled up to the gate surrounding Alex’s mansion on Star Island and entered the key code, letting herself in and driving down his long driveway. Alex’s house was a far cry from the small apartment in Miami where Riley lived, but she was used to her best friend’s wealth. He had his main house here and a luxury apartment in Tampa for during the season. He needed his privacy, and thanks to the one road in and out along with the guardhouse at the entrance, Alex was away from the prying eyes of rabid fans.
She parked in a guest spot on his driveway, and a few minutes later, she and Alex sat on the floor in his man cave, as he called it, eating pizza he’d had delivered.
“You’re really a good friend, letting me cry on your shoulder like this.”
He shot her one of his patented, are you an idiot looks. “Like you’d do anything different for me?”
She stretched her legs out in front of her, leaning her head back on the couch behind her. “I just can’t believe it. I worked so hard for so long. And everything came down to one long shot.”
She grabbed a soda instead of a beer, knowing she had to drive home later.
“You’ll find something. You’re talented, and you’ve got a kick-ass resume,” Alex said in an attempt to reassure her.
She smiled at his unwavering support. “I’ll give myself a short window to wallow in self-pity, and then I’m picking myself up and moving on.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you. When things get rough, you never give in.”
“Nope.” Because if she had, she’d have become like her mother, and the one thing Riley had promised herself was, she would never be any man’s doormat.
“I could make a few calls. Get your foot in the door at—”
“No. Thank you, but no. I can find something on my own.”
Alex frowned. “Yet you had no problem calling him.”
She raised her shoulders, unable to explain why she’d used Ian’s name to try and save her job, even to herself.
“Never mind. You were desperate. I get it.” Alex repeated what he’d said the first time she told him what she’d done. She’d been so upset with herself, and she’d felt worse when he hadn’t even gotten angry. He’d merely pulled her into a hug.
When Alex was being rational, his jealousy and bitterness over how Ian treated him didn’t come into play. She’d always sensed Alex would be more open to Ian and his brothers if Ian would do the same.
Alex took a long pull of beer. “The least he could have done was return your call.”
“Well, maybe it’s for the best. You know how much I hate asking for help. This way, I don’t owe him anything.”
An annoyed sound rumbled from deep in Alex’s chest. “Yes, your best friend who makes millions knows how much you hate asking, taking, or even accepting help.”
She shrugged, knowing how much she frustrated him, living in her one-bedroom apartment without a doorman. He considered her like one of his sisters and wanted her to move to a better neighborhood, but she was happy in her space and wanted to live on her own salary. She’d always felt the need to prove she could stand on her own, was worthy on her own merits, no matter what her father used to say.
“You’re a pain in the ass,” he said.
“At least you know I love you for yourself.”
“Amen to that, sweetheart.” He tipped his bottle her way. “I still can’t believe the SOB didn’t call you back,” Alex said, returning to the subject of Ian. “It’s not like I left the damn message,” he muttered.
Remembering that kiss and the electricity that had practically crackled in the air around them, she was surprised too. Hadn’t Ian been at least curious about what she’d wanted? If she weren’t so upset about her career and her future, her feminine ego might be hurt.
“I nearly kicked his ass today,” Alex said.
Riley choked on her soda. “You did what? Where did you see him?” She sat up straighter.
“I headed over to the draft hotel. I figured he needed to know what a selfish ass**le he is.”
“Alex,” she groaned. She closed her eyes and leaned back against the sofa. “Couldn’t you have left it alone?” Embarrassment already filled her at the thought of Ian’s ignoring her call, let alone Alex confronting him over it.
“No, I could not. He needed to be taken down a peg. But don’t worry. Dad was there, so we didn’t get violent.”