Page 26 of Rivals

I look at the schedule and once more the anxiety and panic start to build. “Will you be at the club tonight?”

“Yes, unfortunately I have to be present in case the two of you run into any issues that could cause us bad press.” Jowanna gets sidetracked with her phone after that.

I look out the window to take in the city, but I don’t really notice much. My mind is reeling from all the information I was just handed. I’m trying to just breathe when I feel his eyes on me again. “You’ve got this. They’re going to love you.”

I scoff. “I’m not so sure about that but at least Jowanna is great at her job, so if I mess everything up too bad, she’ll be able to fix it and I’ll be sent home.”

“I won’t let that happen. You’ll do great. If we stumble into some odd territory just let me handle it. I’ve been in this situation before,” Rathe offers.

“I don’t need a babysitter.” My tone is much harsher than I anticipated.

When I look over at Rathe, I can see he’s caught off guard. He raises his hands in surrender. “I wasn’t trying to imply that you did. I just remember how nervous I was on my first press tour and I was just trying to help.”

I rub my temples as I feel the dull throb of a headache start to set it. “I’m sorry that was rude, and I wasn’t trying to be. I’m just stressed in general.”

“No worries, I understand. If you decide at any time tonight you need my help or whatever, just let me know.” Rathe turns to look back out the window. I feel like an ass but what’s done is done. My bruised ego is making this harder than it has to be. Kissing Rathe McCall was a bad idea. Now, I need to learn how to separate everything and keep it strictly business.

Once we arrive at the multi-story hotel, a bellhop appears and collects our luggage. Rathe and I follow Jowanna into the grand hotel. The lobby alone causes me to lose my breath. It’s large and exquisite. High vaulted ceilings with a large silver chandelier hanging directly in the middle above a large, solid glass table with a bouquet of black and white flowers in the middle. The black tiled floor is so shiny you can see your own reflection. I’m so mesmerized by the beauty of the hotel, that I don’t even realize that Jowanna has already checked us in until a key is shoved into my hand and I’m told to follow her. We ride up the elevator to the sixteenth floor. Jowanna is a handful of rooms down from Rathe and I, who are next door neighbors. I swear I’ve pissed karma off at some point. That’s the only explanation for this arrangement. I let myself into the room and the bellhop follows behind me to drop off my luggage.

I step into the room and it’s just as amazing as the lobby. It’s large and spacious, decorated in black, white and gray. The king size bed sits in the middle of the room beckoning me to just fall into it, but I know if I lay down now, I’ll never get up again. The large flat screen television is directly across from the bed. All the furniture is black and the gray carpet in the bedroom area is plush and thick. I take my shoes off and step onto it. Instantly, I sink into it, it feels just how I would imagine a cloud would feel. The far wall has white French doors that lead out to a small balcony. I can see the city beyond, it’s mesmerizing. I never thought I’d see anything like this in my life. I turn on the TV and find something to give the room some noise while I unpack.

After unpacking, I quickly climb in the shower before going to the corner of the room where dresses are hung on a bar and boxes of shoes, clutches and jewelry are scattered around the floor and desk. The bathroom is just as nice as the room itself. A large walk in, glass shower sits in the corner with a waterfall showerhead. The other corner has a white clawfoot soaking tub. Both call my name, but I know to truly enjoy the tub I need more time, so I decide to go into the shower. Once my skin starts looking like a prune I climb out of the shower and wrap myself up in the plush robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door before heading over to the clothes.

There are so many options and I already know I’ll never be able to make a decision, so I fish my phone out of my bag and Face Time Evanna. “Well it’s about damn time I was starting to get worried about you.”

Crap, I was supposed to let her know once we landed, but I literally forgot. “I’m so sorry. I just got caught up and overwhelmed by everything around me.”

“From what I can see of your room I’d say that’s totally believable. So, how was the flight?” Evanna asks.

I shrug. “Better than I expected, but still not my favorite thing in the world. So, I have to pick an outfit for tonight’s launch party. It’s a night club and I have a handful of dresses and accessories to pick from, but I need help.”

Evanna laughs. “Then you called the right girl. Show me what you got!”

Fifteen minutes later Evanna has my entire outfit planned for me. Each piece lying on the bed. “You’re the best.”

“I know it! Now, make sure you take a picture and send it to me once you’re ready. I need to see my mad skills put to the test.”

I shake my head and roll my eyes. “You’re impossible, but I love you anyways. Thank you for the help.”

She waves her hand in dismissal. “You know I got your back. Go get ready. Don’t forget my picture.”

“Okay, okay, I will get you a damn picture.”

Evanna blows me a kiss. “Love you boo!”

“Love you, too.” I end the call and turn to look at the outfit. It’s not at all like anything I’d pick out for myself, but I guess that’s the point. This entire tour is me stepping out of my comfortable shell and moving into the new phase of my life. This is my life now. I take a deep breath just as I hear a knock on the door. I check the time and realize it’s time to get this show on the road.

Twenty-Seven

Rathe

I’m more of a t-shirt and jean type of guy, so having to get dressed up and let someone fuss over my hair isn’t really my thing but I sit in the chair and play along like a good little boy. It’s annoying as hell, but I learned pretty quickly it comes with the territory. Once the girl whose name I’ve already forgotten, because Sutton is the only female on my brain lately, I stand up and study my reflection in the full body mirror. My hair is perfected into the messy style that is so popular right now, my beard trimmed close to my face, and the black dress slacks with the midnight blue button up shirt completes the look along with my shiny black dress shoes. I suppose I look nice, but I’d much rather be in my clothes.

I check the time and realize it’s close enough to time that I can go ahead and make my way down to the lobby. As I’m making my way towards the door, I decide to stop and spray just a little cologne. It won’t make a lot of difference once I’m in the club, but Sutton will definitely smell it on the ride over. There I go again acting like there’s a chance for Sutton and me. The damn contract is haunting me now. Shaking my head, I step out of my room and turn around to make sure my door is fully closed when I hear the door over from mine open. My eyes start at the feet where silver, sparkle heels are, traveling up toned legs until I reach the hem of a short, tight black mini dress. It has long sleeves and there is silver sparkle design throughout the dress. My mind is running a thousand miles a minute as it drinks in Sutton. She turns and I swear the world falls away. The dress may have long sleeves, but the neckline is cut to mid-stomach. Large silver earrings and a silver choker complete her outfit. The silver makes her stormy blue gray eyes stand out even more. They hold me captive, hooded with dark eye makeup and shiny lips. She looks like perfection. You would never guess she was an Indy race car driver. She gives me a small smile. “You look nice.” I know I need to say something, but my mouth doesn’t seem to know how to work. Her long dark hair is down and styled with simple, long curls. It’s almost as if she’s a different girl. Sutton cocks her head to the side. “Cat got your tongue?”

“You’ve got my tongue,” I fire back, without a second thought to the fire I’m playing with.

Her eyes widen just a centimeter but it’s enough to let me know I still have an effect on her. “Yeah, sure I do.”

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