Page 27 of Triggered By Love
Larry sipped his gin and tonic, considering her with hooded eyes. “You owe him a private showing. His health isn’t the best, and it’s better if he doesn’t mix with a lot of germs.”
“I’ve been so busy, but I can make sure he gets a video after the event.”
Larry thumped the glass on the counter, and his easy smile was replaced by a thin line. “Really? You’re not dating anyone, are you?”
“I don’t have time for dating. You know that.” A nagging feeling of unease tightened her belly. “As for why I’m here. Mrs. Bonet thought I should live a little. I’m usually watching the late-night show with her.”
“Then Dad will be glad to know you can spare some time to visit. He says I’m too easy to beat.” Larry was referring to Orson’s love of backgammon and cribbage. What he didn’t know was that Orson played differently with his models and students, both male and female.
“Sure. I’ll pencil him in. I’ve a busy weekend, and he should know how hectic it is the week leading up to the show. Plus, I have a new model I have to break in. Teach him how to pose, walk, and turn.”
“Shouldn’t models be up on those basics already?” Larry swirled the rest of his drink before downing it.
“This one’s not a model. I couldn’t find a guy big enough to fit in Brando’s britches.”
A sneaky grin crept on Larry’s shiny face, and he pointed both index fingers at her. “I knew it. You’re dating again. Told Dad you only went for the biggest men. So, who’s the lucky guy?”
Avery wasn’t sure if Alida wanted gossip to get around before the staged event, so she shrugged. “Trade secret. Watch the buzz sites.”
“You’re cooking up something. Better let Dad know ahead of time. You know how he hates surprises.” Larry’s voice took a darker tone, and not for the first time, Avery wondered if he knew.
“I know how to cater to the big donors,” she said. “Don’t worry. I’ll give him a call. If you see him first, let him know I haven’t forgotten our arrangement.”
“He’s definitely not forgotten you.” Larry checked his watch and pushed away from the bar. “He’d like to host a fundraiser for your dad alongside a private fashion show for you in the fall run-up to the election. Hit the big donors in the checkbook with one stone.”
“I’m not sure this new model of mine can make it. He has other obligations,” Avery said.
“Go to any boxing club.” Larry straightened the lapels on his jacket and took out his sunglasses. “You know my dad’s tastes.”
“Sure, good suggestion.” She waved him off and watched him weave his way toward the exit. Did he come to the bar only to talk to her?
And what did he know about his father’s strange appetites?
She squeezed the lemon wedge into her beer and took another swig, wondering what happened to Saul. Not that she was disappointed or anything. The kid probably picked up a fare or couldn’t find a parking spot and left.
She turned back to the counter to order another beer, and another shadow fell over her.
“Avery, do you mind telling me who you were talking to?” Jason’s growly voice ruffled her senses with a cocktail of annoying possibilities. Her first instinct was to tell him it was none of his business, but the warmth of the beer in her belly and the way his presence made tingles dance over her skin had her intrigued.
“Why would you care?”
“I’ll tell you if you let me buy you a drink.”
“I’m not stopping you.” She handed him the empty Corona bottle, and he signaled the bartender. “Now, you tell me. Are you stalking me?”
“Would you care if I were?” He broke a peanut shell with one squeeze and popped the contents into his mouth.
“Better you than others,” she conceded. Here was a man who’d seen her at her worst, and there was absolutely no chance they’d ever get together—not when his appearance triggered memories of the worst moment in her life. He seemed protective of her, and maybe it was a good thing. He was obsessed with solving the cold case, and she could use a friend—someone younger than Joan Bonet.
He ordered another Corona for her and a Molson for himself, then settled in on the barstool next to her. His gaze swept over her—watchful cop eyes that missed nothing. “Tell me about the others. Any of them have you worried?”
“Not to be full of myself, but when you’re notorious like me, in a town where everyone knows my father and what happened to me, there are always people watching me or trying to catch me in a bad moment.”
“I’m sorry it has to be that way.” He glanced around before putting his hand over hers. “You have nothing to worry about because I’m going to keep you safe.”
“Thought I told you not to come around until you’ve caught the guy who wants me dead.” Her nerves were jumpy at how bold she was getting. Was she flirting or plain afraid, now that Larry had reminded her of her obligation to his father? Or was it the creepy feeling she got around even innocent guys like Saul when he offered to walk her up to her apartment? She looked over at Trent and the woman hanging on to his arm. Even she looked suspicious, like she was sizing up the competition, or was she watching her to report back to someone else?
Her attention returned to Jason when he squeezed her hand and caressed her palm with his thick thumb. “The best way to catch someone who wants you dead is to get in the way.”
