Chapter 26 #2
“Call it my gift.” She rushes over and stakes our claim.
I place my clutch down. “Are you sure they’re going to let us drink tonight?”
“My agent said they won’t card us if we keep our wristbands on. If they do, we’ll have to find someone to get one for us.”
“Then let’s go try.”
“You go and I’ll watch our purses.”
“Okay. What do you want?”
“Whatever you’re having.”
“Wine or vodka soda? I can’t decide.”
“Wine.” She takes a seat. “No, make it a vodka soda. Wine has too much sugar in it.”
“For that comment, you’ll get what—”
The sexiest man I’ve seen in a while has his back to me and snags my attention. I have to check him out.
His ass is round and firm. It connects to nice, thick thighs that are solid and stable. His shoulders are broad and his waist is trim. That man definitely works out.
I bet he could throw me around like I was nothing but a feather. I tilt my head to get a better view as I salivate over him.
He turns my way and I gasp. A zing strikes through me, and my core releases a wave of sexual desire.
“Holy shit.” I grasp the top of the chair to stop myself from falling over.
“What?”
I swallow and glance at Gia as I shake off the attraction I have for the man who causes me to have wild reactions to him. “Nothing. I thought I recognized someone, but it turned out to be someone else.”
“That happens to me all the time.”
I nod and press my lips together. The last time I saw Jaxon Crowne, I made a pass at him and he flat-out turned me down.
He told me I was just a young lady who had a crush on a man because I couldn’t have him.
Fuck!
First Callum and that stupid video and now Jaxon Crowne, who thinks I’m some pathetic little girl. The rejection stabs me in the heart.
I grab my clutch off the table. “Gia, I need to use the restroom. I’ll get us a cocktail on the way back.”
“Sounds good.” She places her phone inside her purse. “I’ll be right here waiting.”
“Um-hmm.” I beeline to the bathroom and slip into a stall.
Thankfully, I have my stash with me and I can forget all dumb men for the night. Marco gave me a few capsules of Molly to try and I can’t think of a better time than now.
I take one out and leave to find some water. As I’m coming back into the party with the drugs cupped in my palm, a tall, handsome man with dark hair joins me at my side.
“Hi.” He dips his head to acknowledge me. “I noticed you were alone. Would you like some company?”
“I’m here with a friend, but you’re welcome to join us.” I gesture to the bar. “Would you mind if I stop and get us a drink? I promised to bring her one once I returned.”
“By all means.” He offers a guiding palm.
I let him steer me to the line.
“I’m Mateo Beckett and I believe you’re Livianna Hemings.”
“You would be correct.” I face him as we wait. “I’ve heard about you, Mateo.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Good.”
“Phew. For a second, I thought meeting you might end poorly.” His brown eyes gleam down at me.
“I try not to judge anyone I haven’t met.”
“That’s a great rule to follow.”
“People lie all the time, so I never take anyone’s word about how they feel about someone.”
“Is that coming from personal experience? I can’t imagine what it was like for you being a child star.”
I shrug. “Growing up in the spotlight wasn’t easy. Most of the crap said or written about me is nothing but hearsay.”
Another extremely good-looking guy comes up to Mateo and pats him on the back. “Mateo, it’s great to see you.”
“You too, Hunter.” Mateo shifts to make space. “This is Livianna Hemings. Livianna, this is Hunter Efron.”
I shake his hand. “Hunter Efron? As in the CEO of Efron Worldwide Casino Corporation?”
“That would be me.” He takes a quick glance over my body. “I love your dress. Is that one of your designs?”
My eyes widen. “Yes, but how do you know about my label?”
“Anyone with a sense of style knows you’re the newest and hottest thing to hit the fashion industry.” He shows me a sincere smile.
My heart swells and I catch a glimpse of Gia sitting alone while I’m mingling with two of the most eligible bachelors of our time.
“Hey, would you two gentlemen mind getting me and my girlfriend a drink? You can join us. We have a table over there and she’s waiting for me.” I point to Gia.
Both men turn and check her out. They face me and accept my invitation. I tell them what to order and strut away to let Gia in on our amazing twist of fate.
“Jesus to Betsy.” I slide into the chair next to her. “Girl, luck is on our side.”
“Jesus to who?” Gia’s nose crinkles up.
“It’s something my mom says. That doesn’t matter.” I peek over my shoulder to find Mateo and Hunter talking as they keep their eyes on us. My gaze goes back to Gia. “We’re about to have a night of sexy fun.”
“Oh, Livianna. What have you gotten us into?”
“It’s all good. Don’t worry.”
“That means I should be concerned.”
“Why?”
“Does this have anything to do with those two?” She tips her head to the side and tries to coyly motion to the bar.
“Maybe. Is it a problem if I say yes?”
“I should’ve known you’d do this.” She groans and buries her face in the palms of her hands. “Ever since you and Cash broke up, you’ve been like this.”
“Like what?”
Her wary eyes connect with mine. “Please tell me you didn’t take any drugs.”
“I haven’t.” I shrink in my seat and toss the Molly I have in my hand on the floor. It was free, so it’s no loss to me. “Why are you acting this way?”
“I adore you, Livianna, but I don’t want to have an orgy in our suite tonight.”
“Livianna.” Jax steps in behind a chair and lifts a brow. “May I?”
He sits when I nod.
He flashes a genuine smile. “I thought that was you. What a pleasure it is to see you here.”
Well, that’s a surprise. He wants to spend time with us and he seems to be in a good mood. Maybe the timing is right and I can lure him in.
This night keeps getting better. I bite down on my lip and try to hide my elation.
Who needs drugs when three fine men are about to surround us? My stomach does cartwheels and I balloon out of my chest.
I toss Gia a hopeful smirk. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind?”