Chapter Fourteen

Present Day

“Are you sure everything is alright?”

I want to shout no, I can’t find my best friend, but I lie instead: “I’m great…why do you keep asking me? You’ve asked that about ten times. Are you ok?” I tease, trying to get Caleb to ease up on interrogating me. I don’t want to talk about Anna, if I do the floodgates will open and I won’t be able to shut it off.

“Glad you asked because I am not ok. I haven’t been for quite some time.” He places the glass cup on the counter and walks around towards me. Not again. “Do you want to know why I am not alright?”

Not really, but I nod.

“Five years ago, the love of my life walked out my life. Five years later, she is back in my life…briefly. Just two weeks ago I thought she was back for good, then a week ago she cut all communication with me.” He scratches the back of his neck. “I saw her interview with Diane and thought everything was back to normal…something must have happened after she stepped off the stage because she never replied to my text that day. So, tell me why should I be ok when I feel like my heart is being gutted again?” His eyes are piercing, and I feel like he can see straight through me.

“Maybe she had gotten a huge role and needed time to study her lines.”

He places his hands on my waist, hooking his thumbs in my waistband, slowly pulling down my sweats and panties. Kneeling now, he is eye level with my navel. “I think that is a bunch of bullshit.”

One leg goes over his shoulder. I can feel his breath hitting my pussy lips. Good Lord, this is not happening right now. I am mourning the loss of my best friend. I brace my arms on the countertop.

“It’s the tru—”

“Don’t lie to me,” he whispers against my tender skin. He puts his mouth on my pussy and gives it a few licks. I feel one finger slip inside of me, and I clench down on him. I moan, tossing my head back as he gives me a firm lick. Another finger slides inside of me. If he keeps this up, I am going to come undone before he even starts.

A third finger enters me and his mouth attacks my clit. The pleasure is just what I have been yearning for. I look down at him the same time he looks up at me, still licking and sucking. I know my cheeks look flushed, and my breathing is coming out in quick puffs.

“I can’t hold it. I’m about to come.” I toss my head back.

He plunges his fingers in and out of me faster, harder, and deeper. Just how I love it. I cry out as my pussy clamps down on him. He doesn’t ease up one bit. He rubs my G-spot, making my climax longer. I try to push him away, but it only causes him to lick faster and pump his fingers deeper.

Finally, he lets me down from my high. He pulls his fingers out of me and puts them into his mouth, licking them clean. That is the sexiest thing I have ever seen. He leans back over and gives my pussy a few more licks.

“Caleb.” I take my leg from off his shoulder. He stands up yanking my shirt down, my breasts on full display. His mouth immediately goes for my hard nipple. Slowly, he sucks from one nipple to the other. I hear him unbuckling his belt, and then his pants are on the floor. He moves backward, taking me with him. Next thing I know, he’s lifting me into the air, wrapping my legs around his waist. I feel the tip of his cock pushing upwards. I am going to let him fuck my troubles away, just this once. I am going to be satisfied and enjoy every minute of it before reality sinks back in. Tonight, I was going to come alive and throw caution to the wind.

“I know you are hiding something.” He pushes deeper inside of me. We both moan, my face pressed in the crook of his neck. It feels so good. He feels so fucking good. His muscles are hard everywhere and fit perfectly with my soft, curvy body. He thrusts into me once more; I tighten my arms around his neck, moaning into his ear.

“Caleb,” he slows his pace, teasing me. Each stroke is slower than the one before. “Caleb, I need you.” I murmur as he pulls back out of me again.

“I need to know what you are hiding.”

Is he really doing this now? In the middle of us having sex?

“Seriously, Caleb? Now?”

He nibbles on my earlobe. “Not now, but later. Tonight, I am going to make you come undone. I am going to fuck you to the point of insanity. Selena Lane, tonight you are mine, and I am going to have my way with you.”

All I can do is whimper and nod my head. The look in his eyes tells me what he is saying is true. Caleb the football star was a far cry from college Caleb in the bedroom, and I don’t mind it one bit. The dominant role he plays in the bedroom is what I need, what I have been longing for.

***

I roll over in the bed, expecting to find Caleb, but it’s empty. We made love all evening into the early morning; it was like we were finally becoming one in a sense. Caleb finally let me recuperate once I told him I was sore. He cradled me in his arms and we fell asleep together. I feel the side of his bed and it’s cold. He’s been gone for some time now.

Slipping out the bed, I grab my robe and head downstairs. I can hear his voice, but it doesn’t sound happy. I reach the wall right before entering the living…I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I do.

“…I need you.” His voice sounds desperate. “You can’t do this to me.” He pauses. “Evelyn…” That was all I needed to hear. I turn back around and walk quickly and quietly back upstairs. I should have known. The sex between us is amazing, but I don’t think I really have his heart anymore. He is a smooth talker, and I fell for it again. I let him back in when I shouldn’t have. Having sex with him won’t make him want me as his life partner. What’s that saying? Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?

I climb back into bed, my thoughts racing a mile a minute. He will never leave Evelyn. She probably came and picked up the pieces when I left. I broke him, and she built him back up to the man he is today. The man I am blindly falling in love with, again. I hear his footsteps coming; turning my back to the door, I try to even out my breathing.

He moves around in the room. There is a lot of shuffling going on. The bed dips and his lips connect to my cheek.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers on my cheek. “I should have never come here. I love you.” Does he know I am up? His warmth is gone; he must be standing still because I don’t hear any movement.

“What the fuck am I going to do?” I hear him say before the bedroom door closes. I stay still just in case, but the sound of the front door opening and closing is all I need to know he isn’t coming back.

Five minutes I lay in silence.

Five minutes I let the tears roll down my face.

Five minutes of nothing.

I got played.

***

“I have a venti iced caramel macchiato for a Selena!” the barista shouts, sliding the coffee onto the counter. I drag myself to the counter, thanking her with a small smile.

Another hand reaches for the straw at the same time as me. I move my hand out the way, “Sorry.”

“No, I am the one who should be apologizing. You were here first.” I look up into the most dazzling brown eyes I have ever seen. Wow, he is handsome. “Here you go.” He hands me a straw.

“Thank you.” I blush turning away. I see Rosa and Vivian walking towards us with their lattes in hand. “Thank you.”

“You kind of said that already.” He smiles, and his dimples appear. “My name is J.” He extends his hand and I take it.

“Selena.” I let go of his hand, my attention turning to Rosa and Vivian cutting in between us to get straws. Very well played you two, I smirk. “Well, I should be going. I have work.” He doesn’t need to know that. I reprimand myself.

“Right. Well, it was nice to meet you, Selena.” He smiles, exiting the coffee shop. Vivian waits till the door closes before giving me a look.

“What?” I ask.

“Chocolate in the morning? Not bad, boss.” She takes a sip of her drink.

“I was just being friendly.” I push open the coffee shop’s door. I really do need to get work.

“You do know who that was, right?” Rosa asked, holding the car door open for me.

“No, and I don’t want to know. Today I meet my new assistant, and I am dreading it.”

“We miss Anna too. A friend of mine heard she is doing some photography work in New York. Maybe, you should visit her sometime.” Rosa quickly glances at me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring her up.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s just been two weeks without hearing a word from her. I thought she would at least call or text me. She walks out my life and then so does Caleb. I am just fine without them two.”

“Right.” Vivian sucks her teeth. “You don’t have to lie to us. We’ve been with you just as long as Anna had been. We know you. So, when you meet this new assistant of yours, be nice. Don’t let the stress of Anna and Caleb not being here get the best of you and take it out on someone else.”

Vivian is right, somehow, she is always right. I start back shooting for Barista of Honor today, and my new assistant Jordan will be there. I told Karina I didn’t need an assistant anymore, but this Jordan comes highly recommended. Ugh.

“Remember, be nice.” Vivian smiles as she and Rosa head off to wherever they go when I am in my dressing room. I can hear movement in the room. Great, Jordan got here first. Taking a deep breath, I open the door.

“Finally, you arrived.” Karina stands up from the couch. “Selena, this is Jordan, your new assistant.”

Sweet baby Gaga. There goes that smile again. His plain white t-shirt is like a second skin to him and his muscles. He must be in the gym every day. I clear my throat, mentally shaking my head. Now isn’t the time to start fantasizing over your new assistant.

“I thought Jordan was going to be a woman. No offense.” I can’t bring myself to look at him again; I’m going to strangle Anna when I get my hands on her.

“I thought you might need a change of sex, Anna agreed as well. So, she thought he would be perfect for the job.” Yeah, I know what job she was thinking about alright, I say to myself. “Come in and get to know each other. I have to run…another big meeting about the Coca-Cola commercial for you. Call me if she gives you a hard time.” Karina smiles at him—she fucking smiles at him. I’ve never seen her smile at anyone before. I guess I wasn’t the only one thinking about what I would do to him. She collects her purse and leaves.

“We meet again,” he says, clearing his throat. “Now, I know what kind of coffee you like when I need to go get it.” He chuckles and my core tightens. This isn’t going to be easy at all.

Anna, you are so dead when I see you again.

“Jor—Jordan, I am sorry about the whole straw thing this morning.” I mentally slap myself for that. I’ve now apologized like a billion times about the straw. Get over yourself, it was just a straw.

“Once again it’s no problem. So, boss, give me the rundown of things. I like to keep a work-life balance.” He takes a seat on the couch and gestures for me to sit down too. “My spouse likes to have me home around a certain time.” He winks at me.

Good Lord, he is taken. At least that makes it easier for me not to cross the line with him.

“Right.” I sit next to him. “So, what would you like to know that Karina and Anna haven’t told you already?”

“Well, no one told me the hours. Anna said my hours would be different from hers. She is your best friend…Assuming that’s why she was always with you.” He clears his throat.

“Yes, she is my best friend. Your work hours will be from five in the morning until five at night when I have early morning call times. The night call times vary so I can’t give you exact hours for that. Otherwise, you will work the usual eight to five. Sometimes you will get off early if I don’t need you.”

His eyes widen.

“Will that be a problem?” Just say yes so I can fire you. A man like him is a walking temptation whether he is taken or not. The way Karina looked at him can only mean trouble—and that is what I am trying to steer clear of.

“Of course not. I’ve never had a boss who doesn’t want someone waiting on them hand and foot all day and night. I think I will like working for you.” He places his hand on my bare knee.

“Right.” I move away from him. “Well, I have to study my lines. Normally, Anna would leave me alone.” I look to the door and back at him. He doesn’t get the hint. He unbuttons his blazer, laying it on the arm of the couch.

“Maybe I can be of some assistance with that. I took theatre when I was high school. My last boss loved when I went over scripts with her. She found it very productive.” He is flirting, I know it. I’ve dealt with a fair share of men to know when one is flirting. Did he not say he was taken less than a minute ago?

“Who was your last boss?”

“Rina Kay.”

“Rina Kay? The actress who only does sex movies?”

He nods his head.

“You do know she rarely had lines?” I give him a confused look. Rina Kay is a lovely person, but the movies she stars in are a bit much. I mean, she should just be a porn star.

Her last movie was called Office Toy. She played a secretary, and her longest line consisted of, “Yes sir, please fuck me with your big cock." I never judge anyone by their work, but she always has those types of roles. Her agent is a great one too, so I’ve always been confused about the roles she would get. I would fire Karina in a heartbeat if she only found me sex roles.

“I know that.” He looks over at me and smirks.

“So, your girlfriend didn’t mind?”

“I don’t have a girlfriend.” He leans over to me, placing his hand on my knee, gripping it lightly. “My boyfriend, on the other hand, doesn’t mind who I do.”

“Holy shit,” I speak slowly. “You’re gay?”

“I wouldn’t say gay. I don’t like labels, but if you need one to help you sleep at night, I’m bisexual.” He slides his hand up my thigh and I jump up off the couch.

“I think you should leave. I will have Karina call you tomorrow—to let you know if you still work for me or not.” Sweet baby Gaga, he has lost his damn mind. Leave it to Anna to pick this one.

“I am sorry, I thought you were interested. I saw the way you were looking at me in the coffee shop.” His eyes widen and he clears his throat. Was I really giving off the come-hither look?

“I was only window shopping. I have a boyfriend.” The second part was a lie, and he wasn’t going to be my personal assistant long enough to learn it was a lie.

“Window shopping leads to trying out the merchandise,” he states, standing up. He looks like he wants to come closer but, then again, I could just be paranoid looking for a reason to scream bloody murder.

“I think you should go now, or I will call security.” I pick up my cell phone. Where the hell did they find this guy, really? He is the last person I want with me alone.

“Look I am sorry. I can’t lose this job—I can’t lose another job or my boyfriend will leave me.”

“That sounds like a personal problem. Leave.” I point to the door. “Now, Jordan!” I raise my voice a little bit louder. Hopefully, it will get him going, and it does.

“I am truly sor—”

“Karina will call you.”

He takes his blazer and coffee and walks out, slamming the door behind him. What the hell? I run my hands down my face, shaking my head. Can this day get any crazier?

I take my coffee and sit at my vanity, looking at the magazines covering the table, and find the answer to my question. This day just got crazier.

Caleb Hemsworth knocks up model girlfriend, Evelyn Kinberg.

Evelyn and Caleb expecting first baby together.

Every magazine has almost the same headline. The ringing sound of my cell phone brings me to. I look down and see it’s an unknown number. I accept the call, putting it on speaker.

I use a faux British accent. “Hello?”

“It’s me, Sel, you can drop the accent. It’s horrible by the way, and you are supposed to be an actress. Are you ok?”

“Anna? Is this really you?”

“Of course it is…who else sounds like me?”

“Right. I’ve missed you so much. How are things in New York? Where are you staying? Are you ok? When I am free, I will come out to visit you. I need a break from LA.”

“I’m alright. It’s you I am worried about. Did you see the magazines?”

“Yeah, I just saw it. We were together last night. I thought everything was looking up for me since you left, that we were going to make it this time. Then in the middle of the night, I hear him on the phone with her. He told her that he needs her.” I recall the moments from that night for her. It is good to talk it out with someone outside of my head.

“You know that saying: ‘You should never assume. You know what happens when you assume. You make an ass out of you and me.’” She laughs. Why is she laughing?

“This is serious, Anna.”

“No, it’s not. Did you speak to him? It’s Evelyn we are talking about. I saw her the other night at club Vee out here and she was drinking like she wasn’t pregnant. I mean that bitch was knocking them drinks back! Hold on.” She’s ordering her food, I assume. “Have you spoken to Caleb at all? I take your silence as a no. I think you should talk to him. He probably sounded desperate because he didn’t want her to run with a bogus story. He is madly in love with you.”

“When are you coming back? I miss you,” I tell her. She is my rock.

“Soon. I really like it out here. My photography is going so well. I have a show coming up in a couple of weeks. You should come out. I’ll text you the address.”

“Why did you leave? Was I horrible boss or best friend?”

“Of course not. I think I needed to find myself. I am only twenty-five, Sel. I need to see what else is out here. You will always be my best friend; nothing will ever change that. I just had to spread my wings a bit. Your name is clear now, and you are free.”

“Thank you for that too. Are you going to give me your new cell number or not? I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide from me anymore.”

“There you go assuming things again. I will text you from my cell. Then you will have it. I just needed to clear my head and make sure I was doing the right thing for me. Having any contact with you at that time would have had me back on the plane to LA. Hey, I have to run, but I’ll see you soon, and don’t forget to talk to Caleb. You both are grown and need to face your problems head-on.”

“When did you get so mature?”

“New York City will do that to a person. Gotta run. Love you, Sel.”

“Love you too, Anna banana.”

“Oh wait.”

“Yes?” I slid the magazines into the trash bin.

“Tell Rosa to loosen up a bit with her tight ass. I saw her in one of your photos in OK Magazine and she looked real anal.” She laughs. “I thought she would have at least lightened up a bit after—” Someone calls her name. “Hey Sel, I gotta go. Text me if you need anything. Ciao.”

“Ciao Bella.” Shit. I should have told her about the sicko assistant she found for me. I’ll save that for another time.

There is a knock on my dressing room door.

“Yes!” I shout.

Rosa pops her head into the room. “Shooting for today has been canceled. The director and the crew seem to have come down with food poisoning. Everyone is shitting their guts out. What happened to Jordan?”

“So, you knew he was going to be my assistant?”

“I did. Karina had me pick him up from her condo a couple of times. Told me to keep it a quiet because she didn’t want you to know about your new assistant, but now that he is your assistant I don’t have to keep it a secret.”

“Her condo?” Why the hell would he be at her condo—oooh. She was sleeping with him. I mean it makes sense why he would come on to me so strongly. If my agent was letting him blow her back out, he probably thought birds of a feather flock together. Oh boy, how wrong he was about that. “Never mind, do you know how long shooting is canceled for?”

“The next three days.”

“Great, we are headed to Kansas City tonight.”

“You saw the headlines?”

“I did, and now I want answers.” Alright, Anna, I am going to take your advice—I just hope it doesn’t bite me in the ass.