Page 41

Story: Notorious

“You charm everyone you meet,cariño mío,” he paused before he glanced at everyone else and said, “And I met him first. He’s my boyfriend, and no, I’m not sharing.”

My brow furrowed as I wondered if he had shared partners with any of them before, but I shook my head. It wasn’t my business.

“Lee told me you’d be here, but not why,” Connor said.

“Spencer wanted help with a script he likes, so I offered to read it after I finished writing this morning.”

“Come on up, I’ll show you his office,” Connor glanced at the guards. “Ollie has clearance to come and go as he pleases. Can you make him a badge so he can bypass security and head straight for the elevators?”

George said, “Already on it. Stop by when you leave, Ollie, and I’ll have it ready for you.”

“Thanks George. It was nice meeting all of you.”

Connor cupped my elbow and ushered me toward the bank of elevators, pressing the up button. When the doors closed after we walked in, I said, “You didn’t have to give me special privileges.”

Pressing me against the wall, he tilted his head and kissed me, causing all thoughts to flee and leaving me with only need. I clung to his shoulders as he plundered my mouth, and it felt exhilarating.

As he pulled back to breathe, his arms caged me in as he leaned his forehead against mine.

“I missed you,cariño mío.”

A startled smile burst wide, and I clutched his waist, pulling him against me as I nuzzled his neck with my nose.

“That’s sweet to hear. I’m glad I saw you here. I am happy you’re not on location all day.”

“Yeah, they had it handled.”

The ding signaled we arrived, and with reluctance, I dropped my arms and waited for Connor to lead me off. Instead, he captured my gaze. His expression was as serious as I’ve ever seen it. Before I could ask, he stood upright and reached for my hand, leading me into an opulent reception area.

“Oh.”

Connor turned his smiled toward me. “You like it?”

“It has more personality than the marble and chrome downstairs, but I understand why it looks utilitarian down there.”

He nodded and led me to the curved wooden desk, half the size of the one in the lobby.

“And this is Andy, knower and seer of all around here. Andy, this is my boyfriend, Ollie.”

I raised my hand to wave when Andy jolted to his feet and came around the desk, his face beaming with a smile. As small, yet powerful arms wrapped around me, I hugged back, amused at the warm welcome.

“Oh, my goodness. It’s so nice to meet you, Ollie! I’ve heard all about you from Connor and Spencer, and I’ve read all of your books. They are spectacular.”

It was unfortunate I had the same reaction whenever someone said they enjoyed one of my books. I peered down and blinked until the wetness dried up.

“That’s very sweet of you to say, Andy. And it’s wonderful to meet you. How’s your day going?”

Connor wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, his chin on my shoulder.

“Spectacular now that you’re here.”

Liking Andy’s energy and seeing why the actors hired him to be the face of the entire production studio, I asked, “Maybe when you’re free, we can get coffee and talk?”

I never made friends as easily as I had since coming to California, but with the genuine happiness and an energy I liked, I accepted his business card and I promised, “I’ll text you.”

The phone rang then, and with one last squeeze of my hand, he headed around and answered. Connor led me around the desk and to the right, where I glanced around. There were two conference rooms with frosted glass on either side of the reception area.

“Staff offices are to the left, while Spencer and Lee share the big office, and Kaid and I have separate spaces next door. There’s a full service kitchen with several coffee options in between the conference rooms. Do you want a coffee?”