Chapter 17 #2
We wandered to the back patio, softly lit with tiki torches and candles on every available surface.
California had dramatic seascapes, but this property topped them all.
Rocky cliffs were edged by swaying palms and rows of blooming flowers.
Houses tucked into the nearby hillside lit up the scenery like a sparkle of fireflies.
I could stare at the view all day from up here and never get bored.
“I’m so glad you guys could make it,” Jared said as he walked towards us in a slim black suit and no shoes. No surprise.
Once the greetings were done all around, he motioned for a server. With drinks in hand, Jared led us over to the two tables set up near the house.
“Come and meet everyone. You already know Aiden.” He gestured to the edge of the patio, where the lawyer was sipping on a drink and glaring at a blonde woman who clutched his arm tightly as she talked.
We were too far away to hear what they were saying, but I could tell by his body language and his killer gaze that he wasn’t amused.
Aiden finally got a few words in, and suddenly the woman snatched her hand back and all but ran away.
He raised his glass when he saw us, a smirk on his angular face as he sauntered over.
At just over six feet and broad to boot, people moved out of Aiden’s way when he cut through the crowd.
If he wasn’t a successful lawyer, he could’ve easily been on stage.
Charisma, presence, whatever you want to call it, Aiden had it.
An aura of confidence surrounded him, especially when he turned those hazel eyes on you, always lit with a curious twinkle.
You knew a bawdy joke or a smart retort was about to be launched, and if you were sensitive, look out.
Aiden was an expert marksman, his aim quick and deadly. He never missed.
Aiden sidled up to us and moved in close to Jared in particular. An unspoken communication flashed between them, Jared’s relaxed pose growing rigid. I couldn’t decipher what the deal was, and I was pretty good at reading people.
Aiden broke the silence as only he could.
“While I appreciate the invite, Jared, please tell me you haven’t sat me next to that vile woman during dinner.
All she wants to do is get in my trousers and obtain free legal advice on her pending third divorce.
No bloody way on the former, and as to the latter, family law is legal hell that I never wish to endure.
” He took a large sip from his drink. “I thought this was going to be an exclusive event with stimulating conversation. Not idiotic tattle from someone with more Botox than brains.”
“Never fear, Aiden. We’re here to save the day. Or evening, as it were,” Ro commented, and Aiden groaned out loud.
“Save the day? Really, Rowan? Did you wear your superhero tights under that suit?” He rolled his eyes. “My mistake, there’s obviously no room under those pants of yours given the outline of your rather hefty?—”
“Aiden,” Jared interrupted with a warning tone, running a hand through his long hair and pulling on the ends.
“I’ve seated you between Andrew and Dylan, so hopefully this satisfies you.
Otherwise, feel free to stand with Alex and the rest of the security staff and watch over us while we enjoy a five-course meal. ”
Aiden shrugged his shoulders and took another sip of his cocktail. “Fine by me. Did you see the arse on that man? I’ll gladly stand beside him, or rather, behind him, any day. How the fuck do you get any work done with him hovering over you day in and day out?”
“He’s singularly immune to my presence,” Alex interrupted as he walked by. I didn’t think that statement was true at all as Jared and Aiden both swiveled their heads to follow Alex. The rest of us watched in interested silence.
This was turning out to be more entertaining than I had imagined. God only knew what would come out of Aiden’s mouth next.
I snuck a curious glance over Alex’s body as he wandered into the house and sure enough, the man did have an ass that deserved the spotlight. I felt a sharp elbow to my ribs, and turned to find Max giving me an irritated look that told me he caught my little eye-venture.
Did you look? I mouthed to him, and he shrugged in return. I leaned over and brushed my lips against his ear, “Don’t be jealous, Doc. Your ass is the only one I dream about.”
Max coughed and his face turned bright red.
I had no fucking idea what had prompted me to say that here of all places, but out it came. Was there something in the air? Max’s blush had me wanting to lean closer, but then I remembered why it would be a bad idea. Thankfully Aiden opened his mouth again and distracted me.
“Are you really immune to that man? You’d have to be Jesus to resist that,” Aiden said as he set down his glass. “Then again, with your hairstyle and your unending need to champion every cause, it’s entirely possible you are.”
Jared stared at Aiden as calm as ever, unflappable. The only sign of stress was the faint flush of color on his face and neck. He was used to dealing with actors and their tantrums, so nothing fazed him, least of all Aiden.
“I like my causes,” Jared smirked. “And my long hair. I’ve had no complaints from my lovers.”
“They’re too busy choking up a hairball to say anything.”
Chuckles and coughs erupted in our circle. I tried my best to stifle my own laugh but failed. I glanced at Max again, and he seemed to be enjoying the show, watching it all with rapt attention. Probably taking inspiration for his next book.
“While all this has been highly entertaining, Aiden, I’m done being your verbal pinata for the evening,” Jared replied sharply with one last side eye at Aiden.
“I have to check on something, but dinner will be served shortly so feel free to find your seat.” He smiled as he turned on his heel.
Aiden was unusually silent as Jared walked away.
“Aiden, I’d like you to meet Max Lowell. He’s the ghostwriter for my book,” I said, trying for normal small talk.
“Nice to meet you,” Aiden said as he shook hands with Max and glanced between us. “Are you two fucking or is this strictly a work thing?”
“Oh my God.” I covered my eyes, but thankfully I heard Max laughing beside me.
“It’s strictly a work thing,” Max answered, and my stomach dropped in disappointment.
But really, what did I expect him to say? We kissed once and that was it. “Are you in France for a legal case or just running your mouth?”
Aiden barked out a laugh at Max’s comeback and shook his hand. “Dylan, switch places with Max so I can sit beside him at dinner. I’ve found a new friend.”
“You mean your only friend,” Andrew piped up with a cheeky grin and got an eyebrow raise from Aiden in return.
“You know, Andrew, you’ve picked up a rather unsavory habit. Outside of Rowan, I mean.” Aiden paused and smirked at Andrew as everyone chuckled. “Attempting to punt witty retorts to me when you know I can lob them back faster than you. You’re bound to lose. I’ve had much more practice.”
“Well, you are a lot older than me,” Andrew replied with a straight face.
“Ooh, burn, baby,” Rowan high-fived Andrew as Aiden gave them a choice middle finger.
“Sorry to interrupt, but guests are taking their seats so we should probably join them,” Max commented, pointing to the dining table.
Andrew and Rowan made their way over and Aiden, Max, and I in our turn.
Two long tables filled the space, the gentle glow of candles illuminating the setting.
I chatted with a few of my fellow actors sitting nearby, and our host re-joined us at the head of the table.
I noticed Alex hovering in the background, leaning up against the house, watching us intently.
A silence descended as Jared stood up and raised his glass.
“I’d like to make a toast and then we’ll enjoy our dinner.
First off, I want to thank the hardworking cast and crew for a great shoot to date.
Second, even though the press have descended, a shoutout to my excellent security team for keeping them as far away from our filming as possible.
” Jared paused and looked at Alex, giving him a nod. The bodyguard remained stoic as ever.
Jared turned back to his guests. “And finally, as some of you know, this is going to be my first independent film. It’s also likely to ruffle a few Hollywood feathers when it’s released.
So I may need to lay low for a while. But I promise not for long.
I have many more films in the queue.” Jared ran a hand through his hair.
“Anyway, thank you all for being here. It’s time to eat and enjoy! ”
Jared sat down and the catering staff began to serve dinner.
One course was more delicious than the next, but halfway through the meal my restlessness took hold.
I shifted in my seat while the loud hum of chatter surrounded me, my left leg tapping out a rapid rhythm under the table.
Without saying a word, Max gently grasped my knee and squeezed.
Then he rubbed his thumb up and over my thigh in a lazy pattern, and I nearly swallowed my tongue along with my soup.
I looked over, but he was talking to Rowan and Andrew across the table as if nothing else was going on.
I turned to my right to ask Aiden a question, and he gave me a shit-eating grin.
Just work, my arse, he mouthed.
Fuck.