Baby Daddies - Tara Brown Page 0,1
through my hair. His eyes meet mine and hold them hostage as he refuses to let me move.
“Say cheese,” he says and plants his lips on mine as the doors open and I hear the click of cameras. He whispers against me, “You’ll regret messing with me, Jenny.” He slips his hand in mine and walks us out.
“Why are you doing this?” I ask as we enter the dining room where everyone is already getting seated.
“Saving Natasha’s reputation by putting the focus on you, you mean?” he asks innocently. “Your hands are sweaty.” He lets go and walks to the table where the actors cast in the movie are seated.
But the cameras leave him alone, they’re all on me.
Trying not to seem upset, I find my seat with the reps and put my game face on.
“I guess dinner with me is off?” Angelo leans in and whispers.
“He’s punishing me for spinning the story,” I whisper back.
“Of course he is. I told you he’s a diva.” Angelo laughs and nudges me. “You doubted my opinion, didn’t you?”
“A little. But I’ve learned my lesson and will never doubt you again, oh wise one.” I smile and try to shake off the rage and vile hatred I have for Liam.
Dinner at the rep and agent table is pleasant enough. It’s business talk filled with laughing and commiserating over our hardships in a funny and lighthearted way. But I’m barely able to focus, thinking about what Lawrence is doing right now. My heart is racing and eating is impossible, but I manage to get some drinks in.
I’m wondering how to fix things when a miracle occurs. A text from my brother hits my phone. It’s meant to be funny and creepy but it’s what I need to hear.
I can see you.
I search the restaurant, finding him in the foyer of the dining room. He’s wearing sunglasses inside, at night, and is dressed down the way indie musicians do.
“Excuse me,” I say to everyone, and get up, hurrying to where he is. “Joshy!” I hug him and inhale the familiarity and safety his embrace always offers. He leads me away from the dining room to the lounge where we sit and grin at each other like idiots while his bodyguards keep prying eyes and ears away.
“Tell me you’re not dating Farringdon. That guy is king shit of turd island,” he finally speaks.
“No.” I giggle. “Actually, I’ve had the weirdest couple of weeks in the history of weird weeks.”
“Yeah, I assumed as much when I got the number-change text. I want details.” He’s firm and older brother-ish. I am not getting away without telling him everything.
“Okay.” I get comfortable and begin, starting with the trip home all those weeks ago, where Judith was a complete dick, Ben, the wedding, Lori, and end at the elevator punishment-molestation tonight. I don’t skip details, beyond the sex.
As I finish the sordid story, Josh swallows hard and nods. “Okay, so firstly, I’m putting a hit out on Ben. I knew that guy was a dickwad. Secondly, are you telling me you like this Eckelston hockey player? Even though you’ve sworn never to date one? Ever? Mortal enemies and all?”
“Yeah.” The sighed answer is easy to admit to my brother.
“You don’t think this is a bit sudden? You break things off with Ben on a Tuesday and replace him with a puck on Thursday?”
“You don’t get to slut shame me. I met Marla Lopez at the wedding.” I lift an eyebrow.
“That’s a fair shot.” He shrugs it off. “She still a smokeshow?”
“Yeah. Totally hot. Judith’s age but hot.”
“Nice. She’s possibly my favorite groupie still.” He sits back and relaxes a bit. “So you like Eckelston?”
“I do.” Heat creeps up my cheeks. “We’ve started dating. It began as sort of a fling and it’s moving into something else.” I pause. “Something I can say I never had with Ben in three years. Lori’s so real. It’s impossible to not be yourself with him.”
“I see. Does that mean I’m killing Farringdon?”
“No. I’ll lose my job.”
“Because of the free apartment? Jenny, your job sucks. I’ve wanted to say this for a while. Quit and I’ll buy you an apartment and you can find a better job.”
“I don’t want your money, Josh. We’ve been over this. And I didn’t want the free apartment. I feel sick enough about that one and I’m paying rent.”
“Why can’t I spend money on you?” He leans in. “Crusty old Stan Levisohn can buy your affection and love with an