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CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Emerson

“It’s a quick mil,” the guy’s voice fills the SUV.

Looking up into the rearview mirror I see Kelton looking back at me.

Quickly reverting my gaze, I twist my hands in my lap and do all I can to avoid looking back up.

Though I want to, honestly I could look in his eyes every single minute of every day and never tire of them.

They are the most unique shade of green, like an emerald, with tiny flecks of gold.

“Jerry, can we talk about this later?” Kelton asks.

“They need an answer,” the guy that I now know must be his agent pushes. “They gave us a week,” he adds. “It’s been a week and three days. I can’t hold them off.”

“Not sure I want to be known as the face of hemorrhoid ointment,” he says grumpily. I hear Liz snicker and peek up just in time to see her cover her mouth, trying to muffle her laughter.

“Is this a bad time?” the guy asks, and I sense the humor is his question.

“I don’t think there is ever a great fucking time to discuss hemorrhoids.” This time I tuck my chin and hold my breath. I’m on the verge of losing it and by the tone in Kelton’s voice, he isn’t far behind. Only his isn’t from humor, poor guy we are all laughing at his expense.

“Maybe we should ask your company?”

“Jerry,” Kelton warns.

“I’d like to hear what she has to say.”

“Do you have to demonstrate the application process?” Liz is doing everything she can to keep a straight face. Kelton glares at her, his nostrils flaring in irritation. “Or just stand there and look pretty while holding a tube of butt cream?”

“I like this girl.” Jerry chuckles.

“This girl is about to disappear in the mountains never to be seen or heard from again.”

“Probably not the best choice to threaten off your date, James.” The man no longer seems like he’s having a good time.

“Chill,” he tells his agent. “It’s my sister and her friend.”

The conversation continues and I hate how hearing him refer to me as his sister’s friend makes me feel. I am, but him saying it makes it seem so inconsequential.

“Well sister and friend, thank you for the laugh. I take it the answer is no?”

“Suck it up, buttercup.” Liz smacks her brother playfully. “A million dollars to pretend for a short commercial clip that you have hemorrhoids. Give me ten grand and I’ll explain in very specific detail the way to apply and cleanup after.”

“Kelton James’ sister, this could work.” Jerry laughs. “Give me an hour.”

“Fine assholes,” Kelton says. “I’ll do it!”

They chitchat for another five minutes, going over dates and times, and I stare out the window, lost in my own thoughts. The SUV suddenly feels so much smaller.

We pull up in the back of a restaurant, one a lot of the team frequently visits and a man opens the door.

“Mr. James,” he nods, “we have a table in the VIP area waiting for you and your guests.”

Liz doesn’t wait and jumps out, jogging around the front of the GMC. Kelton opens the back door and I climb out refusing to look up. I’m still sour over the friends thing, though I don’t have the right to be.

When I feel his hand rest on the small of my back leading me inside, I try not to react.

Safely tucked inside, we find our way to the designated area, several people turning to look as we are shuffled by. Some phones are lifted, a few photos snapped and none of it seems to phase Kelton. This is normal for him, the life he lives.

Dinner is filled with Liz hassling her brother, and though I may feel on edge I can’t help but smirk on occasion.

“These endorsements are bank. God forbid you get hurt and can’t play anymore, you’ll be thanking hemorrhoid cream or erectile disfunction medication.

” I choke on my wine and quickly grab the napkin, covering my mouth.

Kelton smirks, and Liz keeps going. “Who cares what people think, they want your face on their brand. That money is building your nest egg.”

“I draw the line an penis drugs,” he says flatly staring at his sister. But then he looks over at me. “Mine works perfectly.”

If I hadn’t bit my tongue, I very well may have swallowed it. And he notices, grinning.

“I don’t need to know about the function of your...” Liz shivers regaining his attention.

“You are the one that involve my...” He points to his lap. “I just wanted it to go on record that my penis operates like a king, strong and sturdy.”

“Gross.” Alizabeth holds up her hand to stop him.

“All I am saying is don’t turn anyone down while they still want your face. One day you may regret it.”