we get our happily ever after, or do I settle for less than I need? Those are my last thoughts before I fall asleep, curled next to his body.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“What are your intentions concerning my brother, Trevor?” Feeling vulnerable in my relationship, I want to make sure Chris won’t end up in the same boat. Loving someone emotionally unavailable is heartbreaking.
“My intentions are to have lunch with him today and see where that takes us. I haven’t bought the engagement ring yet if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I don’t want Chris to get hurt. You jumped all over the chance to meet the drummer of Reluctant Capitalists. Don’t lead my brother on. If you like him, then great, but if you plan to toy with him, quit now.”
“Kat has her claws out. What’s going on? Bad night?”
This has nothing to do with my night, and everything to do with taking care of my family. “No, I’m protecting what belongs to me. I don’t want you pursuing my brother if you’re chasing Rylan.”
“I get you a job, and now you think you rule the world,” he jokes. “Give me more credit than that. I’d love to meet the drummer because he’s hot, but I’m a realist. Do you think I’d be anything more than a quickie for him? I told you, I’m looking for the one. Not the one-night stand.”
I hug him. He’s a good guy, and I feel terrible thinking his motives were less than honorable.
“I’m sorry I doubted you. So much has happened in such a small amount of time, and I’m trying to wrap my brain around everything.” I pull the invitation Damon gave me out of my bag and offer it to him. “When you see Chris today, will you give him this invitation to the grand opening?” I touch his arm. “Have a great lunch and tell him hello for me. He likes sweet tea. Just a hint in case you get there earlier than he does.”
Lunch with Damon goes well. We relax and fill the time with conversation and laughter. He regales me with stories of other openings. It’s amazing what people will do or wear. His funniest story is about a guest who wore assless chaps. After several drinks, the man stumbled and fell against the buffet table, where his bare flesh came in contact with a lit Sterno can. Zenith no longer uses open flames.
The man sued Noble Enterprises, but the judge threw the case out when he found out the man knowingly dressed in bottomless pants.
I laughed so hard when he told me the judge’s words to the plaintiff as he walked out of the courtroom were, “Watch your back … end.”
“I’m leaving early today,” I tell Damon after lunch. “I’m cooking dinner for us tonight and need to stop by the grocery store. Do you mind if I go into your house without you there?”
“You practically live there. I’ll have a key made for you.” He takes his house key from his ring and hands it to me. “Use this for now. I’ll stop by the hardware store and have one made.” He hems and haws. “Did you decide about tonight?”
“No, I’m considering your request and will let you know when you get home.” After a quick peck on his lips, I rush for the door. “Got to run. Need to stop at Ahz and make sure things are on track. See you tonight.”
Driving in downtown in Los Angeles is like entering a war zone. No one wants to be on the roads between six and ten in the morning or any time after two in the afternoon.
The freeways are death traps, and the seven-mile trip takes forty-five minutes. Thank God for parking privileges. If I had to hunt down a parking space, I’d waste another thirty minutes.
I enter and find most of the construction workers gone. Only a handful of people remain to take care of last-minute details.
The VIP lounge is ready for the elite list of guests attending. It’s strictly A-listers, ranging from professional athletes to movie stars and politicians. Inviting only one hundred VIPs and their guests is smart. There wouldn’t be enough room for more egos.
Once I’m comfortable with the preparations and the storage of the gift bags, I leave to prepare dinner and change into a miniskirt and heels.
It’s strange to be in his house by myself. Though I’ve become familiar with it since I spend half of each week here, it’s empty without him.
The baked chicken,