Chapter 27
Closing Time
MASON
“The last few offers I had were basically for me to play the same character all over again.” Greyson crosses his ankle over his knee. A few of us sit in a small seating area off to the side. Aiden and Greer disappeared into the house a few minutes ago. “I need something more substantial, that I can really sink my teeth into.”
Wyatt and Zoe stand off to the side of the pool with Holden and some guy I haven’t seen around before. It’s not uncommon for the young actors to have an entourage or a few buddies they bring to these types of events.
I invited Holden because he’s got an it factor and a work ethic. He’s not letting his fame go to his head. I just hope Zoe doesn’t fuck him up.
Roarke has attracted an audience as usual. He’s in his element, flirting with women, impressing men, telling stories that make people laugh. He and Aiden balance each other at parties. Aiden plays Roarke’s straight man well.
“I’d love to do something like what you have going.” Greyson’s voice draws me back in as I realize he’s looking at me. “I hoped my agent would get a look at your project.”
“Casting finished months ago.” Everyone knows this is our pet project. The one that Wyatt, Roarke, Aiden, and I worked on for years to put together. It all came down to timing and when we were all available. “If we have any last-minute cancellations…”
I let the statement hang in the air. I can’t promise him anything, and I won’t. We’re set to start Monday, and I’ve worked hard to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
My attention wanders to Wyatt as he walks into the house. Zoe is still flirting with the boys as usual. I’m surprised she hasn’t left yet. This isn’t her typical Friday-night scene.
“I’m sure if Mason had a part, he’d offer it to you.” Rita’s sweet voice has always grated on my nerves. She has a tendency to try to fix things that aren’t broken.
“Dear, maybe you’ve had enough to drink,” Sawyer says softly.
“Mmm, the champagne is really divine. Don’t you think so, Mase?” Rita’s green eyes latch onto me. If Sawyer is like a father to me, Rita definitely plays the part of the evil stepmother. She likes to twist conversations and situations to suit her. But she plays at being nice so well that not everyone sees it.
“I like to stay clearheaded, but the champagne was good.” I switched to sparkling water an hour ago.
Siobhan walks out of the house over to where we are. She’s stiff. “Grey, I’d like to go now.”
He grins that affable grin of his. “Siobhan, come sit with me. We’re talking movies and champagne.”
Siobhan’s eyes flit to me for a moment. “Grey.”
He shakes his head. “The woman wants what the woman wants. It was a pleasure talking with you all. Mason, I hope to hear from you on future projects. We should really work together sometime.”
I nod as he stands. Siobhan glances at me, almost in embarrassment, before she turns and heads out. Greyson hurries to catch up. A couple of clingers wander away since Greyson is gone.
“Siobhan, such an odd name. Oh, what was the petite thing’s name, Sawyer? The girl at the front?” Rita almost tips her glass, but Sawyer grabs it at the last minute. “It was so unusual for someone her age.”
“Greer?” I offer, only knowing one petite thing that was at the door.
“Yes.” Rita grins and touches Sawyer’s arm. “So unique. And just a little doll.”
“How does Aiden know her?” Sawyer meets my gaze with his unreadable eyes and a voice that almost sounds like he’s bored and searching for a subject to talk about.
The thing is I know Sawyer. I know he stays with Rita out of loyalty, but that she often drinks too much so he has to leave her at home. I know he has a woman he sees frequently named Mary. Even met her a time or two. Very nice woman.
I also know when he’s interested and wants to seem uninterested, like now. With Greer. And that makes me curious.
“She works for us.” I also know that if he’s going to fish, I’m not giving him all the answers until he throws in his largest bait. The remaining couple sitting with us leaves when someone calls them over.
“What happened to that Michael guy?” Sawyer sets Rita’s glass on a passing tray. The dark-haired female server keeps moving like nothing happened, leaving me, Rita, and Sawyer alone.
“Michael decided he could make more money offering Aiden drugs.” I glance around the party and see Roarke. Then Zoe and the two guys. But not Aiden, Wyatt, and Greer. My gaze lifts to Greer’s room. Her lights are out, but Aiden’s room is on the other side of the house.
“How do you know this girl will be any better?” Sawyer asks. His wording is careful.
“What do you really want to know, Brick?” I breathe out and meet his dark eyes. “And why are you so interested in Greer?”
“Such an unusual name.” Rita smiles. “You don’t hear it much these days.”
Sawyer winces. “I think it’s time we went home, dear.”
Taking the easy way out.
“But the champagne is lovely.” She looks around for her glass but can’t find it. She lifts her hand like she’s going to call over a server, but Sawyer takes her hand instead.
He gives me an apologetic smile. “We’ll talk this week.”
Rising with them, I follow leisurely as he takes her into the house to leave. It’s not uncommon for Rita to focus on one thing, but Sawyer usually tries to redirect the conversation, not lean into it.
His interest in Greer makes me wonder how he could know her. Greer also looked warily at Sawyer a couple of times.
“Mase!”
I turn to find Zoe walking toward me. The two guys follow after her.
“Zoe.” I nod when she reaches me.
“Holden Jamison, sir.” Holden holds out his hand to me. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you. I love your work.”
I shake Holden’s hand and look to the last guy to join our group.
“Oh, this is Tripp Carter.” Holden smiles. “He’s my friend.”
Tripp doesn’t hold his hand out, so I don’t offer mine. His gaze takes me in. He’s tall and obviously early twenties. He’s got the air of a bored rich kid. His dark hair is artfully messy, and his green eyes keep scanning the party. Who is he looking for?
Zoe sighs. “I can’t find Wyatt.”
“Okay.” Not sure how this is my problem, and I’m not about to tell her I saw him go into the house.
She cocks an eyebrow like the spoiled brat she is, but she slips back into easygoing party girl for the sake of the two guys.
“Holden, Tripp, and I are heading out to hit a new club.” She looks at me expectantly.
I return her look.
She breathes out an impatient breath. “Could you tell Wyatt I’m going? And say goodbye to Greer. Tell her I’ll call her.”
At Greer’s name, Tripp glances toward Zoe.
“Send her a text. I’m not your message service.”
She sticks her tongue out and probably would have stomped her foot if Holden wasn’t watching her. “Fine. But I fulfilled my family obligation to Wyatt. Tell him that.”
I shake my head. I almost wish she was still a toddler that I could hand a toy to and get her to go away.
“I hope next time we’ll have more time to talk.” Holden realizes this is a networking opportunity, even if the cute girl wants him to go out partying.
“Maybe at one of our smaller gatherings,” I suggest. Because I am interested in spending more time getting to know him. He has real potential.
Holden smiles. “I’d like that.”
Zoe blows out a breath. “Okay, let’s go. Let the old people do their thing.”
“Thank you for the invite, sir.” Holden holds his hand up as he and his friend follow Zoe into the house.
Roarke claps his hand on my shoulder. “Mason, my friend, where are the others?”
“Inside somewhere.”
The crowd thins as people move on to other parties.
“You don’t think they’re having a party of their own?” Roarke rubs his jaw as he looks up.
“Maybe.” I look at him out of the corner of my eye. “Jealous?”
Roarke shrugs and grins. “Just wish I could watch.”
I blow out a breath and look around. Even after the last guest clears out, the cleanup crew will arrive. “I still have that camera set up in Aiden’s room.”
Roarke’s eyes widen, and his grin grows.
The camera was necessary with Aiden. Yes, he did six months in rehab, but it’s harder out here. We needed to make sure he was okay. I needed to make sure he was okay. He agreed to the camera, but we never discussed when to turn it off.
“During cleanup?” Roarke rubs his hands together.
“There might not be anything on it. They may be sitting in the living room, talking.”
“Shame if that’s all that happened.”
Movement at the door draws my attention. Wyatt leads Greer and Aiden out of the house. Greer’s cheeks are flushed. Wyatt leans down to say something into Greer’s ear. Her eyes widen and she gets even redder.
Wyatt grins and takes her hand for a quick moment.
“I’d say they look a lot more relaxed now.” Roarke grins and hits my arm. “I want to watch that video.”
I do too. They make their way over to where we stand.
“What do we think? An hour? Two?” Wyatt turns and looks over the remaining guests. Most are in small groups talking, settling in.
“Definitely two,” Roarke says.
Greer’s eyes dart around, but then she visibly relaxes. Who was she worried about? Sawyer? I’ll need to get to the bottom of that, but not tonight.
“We can move to the seating area inside,” I offer.
Greer’s soft brown eyes finally collide with mine. She immediately ducks her head. Shy about something. They were gone for a while…
“So, poppet, let’s talk about this crush you have on Holden Jamison.” Roarke rubs his hands together.
“Had a crush,” she says quietly.
As she and Aiden turn to go back into the house, I step forward and redo her hook and eye. She shivers at my touch and tips her face toward me with wide eyes.
I chuckle because there’s no reason it should be undone. “Details, mouse.”
#
GREER
We’re spread out in the living room. People come in and talk for a while before they leave, usually for another commitment or to head home. These are Wyatt’s, Mason’s, Aiden’s, and Roarke’s lives, so different from mine.
I lean against Aiden’s arm, feeling sleepy after upstairs. I guess tonight was about crossing lines. Aiden kissed me and I didn’t technically fuck Wyatt, but there definitely was penis-in-vagina action. And the whole thing was so fucking hot.
I was completely naked while they were mostly clothed.
Even now I get heated thinking about it.
Roarke moves into the seat next to me and takes my hand. He moves in close to my ear. “What dirty thoughts are you having, poppet?”
Mason talks quietly with another gentleman across the room, while Wyatt talks to the man’s wife. Aiden’s attention is on a group of actors who are apparently also in the movie with them.
Aiden’s fingers keep absentmindedly brushing against my thigh. No one is paying me any attention, but I like it that way. I turn so my mouth is beside Roarke’s ear.
“What makes you think I’m having dirty thoughts?”
His dark chuckle makes my panties dampen. “Ah, poppet, I can’t give away my secrets.”
The blond server moves through the area with a drink tray to collect glasses. I back away from Roarke, feeling my cheeks heat. He’s trouble.
“Another, Mr. Flynn?” She bats her eyes at Roarke.
Smiling, he sets his glass on the tray. “Not for me, Claire.”
She blushes at his use of her name. I get it. He’s a lot. I still find myself just watching him sometimes. Like none of this is real. His hand is currently holding mine, but it still doesn’t feel real.
“Is there anything else I can get you, Mr. Flynn?” She looks so damned hopeful.
When I look at Roarke, a divot forms between his brow even though he’s still smiling. “No, love. I’m finished.”
Her blush deepens, but she takes the hint and wanders away to collect other glasses.
“I’m sorry, poppet.” His blue eyes meet mine as his thumb brushes over the back of my hand.
“For what?”
He cocks his head to the side as he squeezes my hand. “I didn’t mean to encourage the server.”
A laugh slips out. I cover my mouth, but his quizzical look makes the laughter bubble up in me until it spills over.
“Not what I was expecting.” His voice is low.
I finally rein the laughter in and say quietly, “You’re a flirt, Roarke.”
His brow furrows.
“It’s who you are. Honestly, I’d be worried if you weren’t flirting with the waitress, or someone’s wife, or the chef, or even some of the men. I’d worry you were ill.” My cheeks hurt from the laughter and the smile that I can’t make go away.
“Doesn’t it bother you?” He pulls my hand onto his lap.
I shake my head. “It’s just part of who you are. Do I think you’re going to have sex with all the people you flirted with tonight? No. I trust you, Roarke.”
He straightens, still a little confused but getting it. I may be having difficulty remembering this is reality, but I’m not completely lost.
I lean in close and search his eyes. “Are you going to have sex with the server, Roarke?”
“No, poppet.” His thumb rubs the back of my hand, and I realize how close we are.
We haven’t discussed how we should all behave around others, but I’m not the one who approached Roarke. He came and sat next to me and took my hand. He makes my pulse race and butterflies launch inside me.
“Honesty is all I need.” I glance over my shoulder at the people talking to Aiden. They can probably overhear our conversation, but I want Roarke to know I’m okay with this. I don’t want a cheater, but I’m not going to police every interaction he has. “We can talk more later if you’d like.”
His slow grin spreads, and I know he’s not thinking of talking. His eyes grow heated, warming my insides. “Or we can go find a quiet place to discuss your dirty thoughts from earlier.”
My lips part, and heat rushes through me. My gaze lifts and collides with Wyatt’s. Will it always be like that? Staring into one man’s eyes and kissing him while the other is fucking me? Wyatt’s smile is knowing.
It’s not like I’m a virgin, but having even the tip of him inside me makes me wonder why I am waiting. What am I waiting for? Permission? From whom? I get to make my own decisions.
Am I waiting for feelings? Fuck, no. This is about sex, not feelings. So why am I pushing them away when all I really want is to feel them inside me? I want the fantasy Wyatt spelled out, him inside me while Aiden fucks my mouth. I want to be Mason’s good girl and his naughty slut. I want Roarke to hold me against a wall and fuck me until I scream.
“Poppet.” My gaze shifts to Roarke. His blue eyes are so stunning. I could spend hours falling into them. His eyes widen at whatever he sees in mine. But then determination locks in his with a cocky smile. “Right.”
His hand squeezes mine. “Give me ten minutes, poppet.”
I cock my head to the side, and my brow furrows. What does that mean?
Roarke leaves my side and walks over to join the group of six people sitting across from Aiden. I turn back to Aiden, and he takes my hand while he chats. His thumb skates over the back of my hand, lighting little sparks of awareness.
For a minute, Roarke joins in the current conversation. A lull gives him an opportunity.
“What’s everyone doing for the rest of the night?” Roarke asks the group.
Various answers fill the space, and a few people look at their phones to see the time.
Aiden leans into my ear. “Did you put him up to this?”
I shake my head. It’s like a domino effect as soon as one person realizes they have somewhere else to be. One by one they all get up and leave, excited to start filming on Monday.
Roarke winks at me before infiltrating Mason and Wyatt’s small group.
Beth Stevens stays behind and reaches her hand out to Aiden.
“It’s good to see you doing so well.” She lowers herself to sit beside him on the couch. “I’m so glad we finally get to work together. It always seems like we should have worked together before this.”
Her red hair is long right now, and her blue eyes are always captivating. She’s been in a lot of films. I’ve seen a few, and she’s good, but tonight she hung back even in the group chat. Was she hoping to talk to Aiden alone?
“I’m hoping it will be amazing.” Aiden squeezes her hand before releasing it. He introduced me earlier to everyone, but I already knew some people’s names. Of course, I’m his “friend” tonight, but everyone on set will find out I’m his sobriety companion come Monday.
“How’s this going to work on Monday?” Beth settles into the seat on Aiden’s other side.
The noise rises from the other side of the room, and the people Wyatt and Mason were talking with are now leaving. Roarke catches my eye and smiles like the Cheshire Cat.
My lips quirk into a smile and he lights up. He’s chasing away the holdouts, one by one. His determined gaze falls on the last guest, Beth.
“I’ve got Greer, who will keep me from falling into a bottle.” Aiden’s words bring me back to their conversation. “Otherwise, it will be filming as usual.”
Beth’s gaze narrows on me, and for a minute, it feels like she’s sizing me up to see if I’m any competition. She smiles when she turns to Aiden. “That’s good. I’m glad you found someone to replace the other guy.”
“You know Aiden really needs his rest to recover.” Roarke holds his hand down to Beth. “How about you and I act like we’re hot for each other?”
Beth shakes her head but takes Roarke’s hand. “I’m not sleeping with you again, Roarke. One time was enough.”
“Was it?” He smirks and she laughs. “You wound me.”
“I get it. Time to go.” Beth waves to Aiden. “I’ll see you on set.”
“I’ll see you on set, too, Beth.” Roarke winks. “You know there are a few nudity scenes, and I always do my own stunts.”
“Good night.” She shakes her head as Mason escorts her to the door.
They pause at the door, and whatever Mason says, she agrees with, because she keeps nodding.
“Did you sleep with Beth Stevens?” I ask when Roarke sits next to me.
He smiles slyly. “A few years ago. New Year’s Eve party. We were both wasted. She told me it’d never happen again, and it hasn’t. Jealous, poppet?”
“Of course.” I give him a sly smile. “I’d totally sleep with Beth Stevens.”
Roarke’s eyes widen, and then he smirks. “Can I watch?”
Grinning, I shake my head. Mason approaches us as the servers finish cleaning up.
“Everyone’s gone.” Wyatt stands looking down at his phone.
“Good.” Mason holds his hand out to me. “We need to talk in my office.”
My heart skips. I slip my hand in his and he helps me stand before leading all of us down to his office. Am I in trouble? Did I do something wrong? Did Sawyer tell Mason about me?
Am I going to lose another home? Fuck. I’m not ready to leave. I should have fucked them all sooner.