Page 56 of Hollywood Undercover
Rosa has to know he’s gay,right?
Or, maybe he was in the closet. Either way, she didn’t want to talk to her father’s girlfriend about something that might be Sebastian’ssecret.
“It doesn’t matter either way, Rosa. I have to get back to LA where Ibelong.”
“You still belong here too. I can tell you’re at home here, and we both enjoy having you around. Music is your first love, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find time for other things that make youhappy.”
“This will always behome—”
“Take my advice on this, Alexandra.” This time she interrupted Alexandra. “I waited a long time before getting together with your father. When the doctors weren’t sure he would make it, I regretted every second I waited. Don’t make the mistake of doing what you think is best for others at the expense of what’s right for you. That’s all I’m going to say aboutthat.”
Alexandra understood where Rosa was coming from, but she wasn’t ready to open up toBash.
Rosa left it at that. She got up from the sofa and started to leave the living room. “I’ll get dinner started,” she called over her shoulder. “Why don’t you take off for a bit, and get out of this stuffy old house? You’re so pale. You could use some sun,love.”
She had an idea what Rosa meant. They probably needed one-on-one time in thehouse.
* * *
“Igot kicked out.”Alexandra shuffled her feet, looking down at theground.
Bash stood at his open front door, arms crossed and a smile on his face. “I doubtthat.”
“Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating. Rosa suggested I get out of the house. Apparently I look like I need to get some sun. I figured I’d come see what you’re upto.”
“Come onin.”
She walked casually into the house when Bash stepped aside, and followed him from the foyer after he locked the front door. He was wearing athletic shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt. She couldn’t take her eyes off his tight, firm ass as he led her into his living room. She had to tear her eyes away and force herself to look around the room. It occurred to her she never objectified a man this intenselybefore.
“I just got back from a friend’s house,” he mentioned. “I’m glad you droppedin.”
“Thanks.”
“Uh-oh,” he saidominously.
“What?”
“You tell me. You sound bummed out. Here, have aseat.”
She sat in the closest armchair and shot him a look. “I know, I know. I’m always going through one thing oranother.”
“Would it have anything to do with that ‘crazy’ ex who was blowing up your phone thismorning?”
“Wi—Wynona?” She almost said Wilkes’ name. “I’m trying not to think aboutit.”
“Why? Whathappened?”
“It was a big mistake. She cheated on me. And now she’s crawling back, asking me to getmarried.”
He gave her a confused look. “At your age? Twenty one seems a little young to be considering marriage, don’t youthink?”
He smiled. Something made her feel he was only teasing. That smile on his face, for one. Bash was the sexiest guy she had ever laid eyes on. The attraction hit her like a ton of bricks. She looked away. There was no help for this magnetic pull. She couldn’t denyit.
Bash has a hold onme.
And we’re destined tofail.
“I might be exaggerating about the marriage part,” she told him, finally meeting his gaze. “It’s not only about the crazy ex thing thistime.”
