Chapter 23
Keira
My phone rings, interrupting me just when my mystery thriller is getting good.
Darn.
I drop my e-reader on the chaise lounge and grab it.
“Hey, you,” I say, answering Michaela’s video call.
“Hey, Miss California, how’s life in La La Land? Working on your tan?”
“That, and my reading challenge.”
“How about the hot roommate? Are you two talking again?”
“We’re doing a hell of a lot more than talking,” I say. That’s all it takes for my face to break into a huge grin. “And FYI, he’s no longer my hot roommate… he’s now my hot boyfriend.”
“What?”
“Yup.”
“Wait a minute, the last time we talked, he was avoiding you.”
“Not anymore. I have his full attention now, if you know what I mean.”
Mikki squeaks out a thrilled noise. “Details. I want details.”
I’m too happy to spill my guts.
“Your big girl crotchless panties did the trick?” Her laugh bursts through the line.
I join her.
“See what happens when you listen to wisdom,” she says and points at herself.
I roll my eyes.
“Seriously, I’m taking full credit for this,” she says. “Thanks to me, you finally got your man. If we lived in the same city, we’d totally have to go out for drinks to celebrate.”
“You’re right.”
“Does Noah know?”
“Not yet.”
“Now that you have your man, you guys should enjoy each other first. You can tell your brother later.”
“Yeah… he’s all mine…”
She furrows her eyebrows, her eyes narrowing. “Why do I feel a but coming?”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m elated. And I still have to pinch myself to believe it’s true. I’ve lusted after my brother’s best friend for so long I was starting to accept the fact we’d only be together in my dirty fantasies––”
“You guys are dating. Reality trumps fantasy.”
“That’s part of the problem.”
“I can only assume the California sun hit your head hard because that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.”
“Rhys doesn’t date, but he’s been around. A lot.”
“Okay…” Michaela nods.
“You know what they say… once a playboy… always a playboy.”
“If you two are dating, then Mr. Luva Boy hung up his gloves. End of story.”
“My fear is one day soon he’ll wake up and realize I’m just Keira—a girl who’s inexperienced and drifting with no particular aim. He’s a successful billionaire.” My eyes lift to the luxurious mansion. “I have nothing to offer, Mikki.”
“You make it sound like the guy is settling by being with you.”
“It feels like it.”
Her jaw drops. “Where do all these insecurities come from? You’re like a bulldozer. Nothing stops you. Nothing frightens you.”
I share everything Arianne told me about Dark Compulsion.
“All those insecurities were soft whispers all day yesterday, but when I visited the private club’s website this morning, it hit me. He’s used to women of a certain caliber.”
There were no photos on the website, but the description was clear, where LA’s finest comes to play.
Mikki stares at me, incredulous.
“This is about a bunch of female tycoons, socialites, actresses, models, and singers?”
“Women who are a lot more daring in their sexuality and have a purpose in life.”
Mikki considers me for a few beats.
“For the daring sexuality part, you have a secret weapon at your disposal.”
I frown.
“Crotchless panties,” she says. “They work every single time.”
I laugh.
“I’m partially joking,” Mikki keeps talking. “The crotchless panties are a symbol—you took a chance, and it paid off big time. It’s clear that episode at French Appliqué was a big turning point for both of you.”
“I think so.”
“You know so, Keira.”
“It was.”
“You know his weak spot. Use it. That should keep him interested.”
Her response surprises me.
“As for you being aimless, it’s bullshit.
I heard you singing a cappella. You don’t need auto-tune, skirts so short they leave nothing to the imagination, or colorful wigs to get the world to pay attention.
I may know nothing about the music industry, but your real voice—not the fabricated sound imposed by your former record company—moved me to tears every single time.
You were born with a gift, Keira. Don’t keep it bottled up. ”
I’m speechless.