33

I continued to stare at the photo, placing Brett on speakerphone. "How long are you there for?"

"Until they wrap and move locations."

I saved the picture and turned back toward the window, seeing the skyline of LA. "Not a bad gig. Your view is certainly better than mine right now."

"The only thing it's missing is James."

That guy had gone from being one of the biggest players in Miami to moving to LA, so he could become a whipped husband-to-be. He had a pool full of half-naked chicks in front of him, and he was missing James.

Is that going to happen to me?

Once again, I shoved that thought far from my brain.

"Yeah, yeah," I replied. "Your cheesiness is making me fucking queasy."

He chuckled. "Any message you want me to relay to Kendall while I'm here?"

Merciless bastard.

"You need to get off my fucking tip. I'll see you later," I said and hung up.

Within minutes, my phone was ringing again, this time Ford's name on the screen.

"Talk gently," I said, holding it to my ear. "Everything hurts."

"I'm not surprised. The three of you were fucking wrecked last night. Mom and Dad had Everly for a sleepover, so I swung by the club to have a drink with you guys. I'm shocked you even remember I was there."

I held my forehead, the pressure helping with the ache. "I don't. Brett told me you showed up. I just got off the phone with him."

"Listen, I don't have much time to talk. I'm in Malibu and about to run into a meeting, but I'm calling to see if you have plans on Saturday."

Saturday, Saturday.

I could barely think straight, but nothing was coming to mind.

I pulled up my schedule to be sure. "I'm free. Why?"

"I have to fly to Vegas to meet a client, and my nanny is on vacation all week. You know I wouldn't ask you to take Everly on a weekend unless I was in a real pinch."

"It's no problem. I'll take her."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, of course."

"You're a lifesaver. Everly is going to be so happy when I tell her."

My phone vibrated once more, and I looked at the screen. This time, the shot Brett sent was of Kendall in the pool. Her back was against the edge, holding what looked like a skinny margarita. The red suit showed her perky, hard nipples, those little peaks fucking taunting me.

I wanted nothing more than to lean forward and bite them.

Her profile was aimed toward the camera, a smile growing across her gorgeous face.

"I've got to run, Ford. Tell my favorite little girl that I'll see her in a couple of days."

I ended the call and held the coffee to my mouth, flipping through the last three pictures.

"Damn it," I growled to myself, taking in her curves and the flatness of her navel, the way the bathing suit dipped over her cunt.

"What the fuck are you doing to me, Kendall?"

Me: I got the contract you sent over for the endorsement deal on the sunglasses. Told you they'd start rolling in the second you started filming. Anyway, today got away from me, and I didn't have a chance to look at it, but I will by Monday.

Kendall: Someone wants to hear the words … you're right. ;) Take your time, especially if that means you're going to negotiate the deal and get me more money.

Me: That goes without saying. Things going well with filming?

Kendall: Having a blast. I thought of you the other night while we were shooting at Nobu. I remember you saying at some point that it was your favorite restaurant.

Me: That's the only reason you were thinking about me?

Kendall: Are you flirting with me, Mr. Dalton?

Me: Would you like me to?

Kendall: I'd like a lot of things …

Kendall: Have yourself a good evening. Try not to dream about me.

NINETEEN

KENDALL

F

ive straight days of filming, and I finally had a Saturday off. It was time to get some extra sleep and do laundry and get caught up with life. Since we shot at multiple locations each day, running home in between, I was constantly changing my clothes and getting glam done, and my apartment had definitely taken a beating. Clothes were all over the floor of my closet, shoes hadn't been put away, and my kitchen counters held the remnants of every snack and meal I'd tried to scarf down until I ran out of time and had to leave for the next shot.

I'd always been so neat and tidy.

I didn't know what the hell had happened to me this past week.

After making a full pot of coffee and filling the largest mug I could find in the cabinet, I threw on some yoga pants and a tank top, twisting my hair on top of my head to get started on the kitchen. Not having a single moment to cook, everything I'd eaten since I'd moved in was takeout. There were delivery boxes everywhere in addition to the empty wine bottles from when my costars had come over, water bottles, and granola bar wrappers.

I finished the dishes and organized the condiments and leftovers in the fridge, making a list of everything I wanted to pick up from the grocery store. I left the list by my purse, so I wouldn't forget it, and I went into my room to attack the laundry.

I separated the piles and carried them down the hallway to the laundry room. There were several machines, and most were available, so I loaded the colors into one, the whites into another, and while I was putting the towels into a third, there was someone whispering behind me.

When I'd walked in, I remembered seeing a couple standing in front of the dryers, folding their clothes on the closed lid. The sound had to have come from them.

I finished dumping in the soap and turned around, waving once I made eye contact.

They waved back, and the woman said, "Are you Kendall Roy?"

I was surprised to hear my name. "Yes."

"I thought so," she said. "I'm Elizabeth, and this is my boyfriend, Doug. We live five doors down from you."

I smiled. "Nice to meet you both."

"We saw you filming in the lobby the other day," Doug said. "When is the show going to air?"