Page 23 of The Hot Shot

I might not be famous, but I feel the same sense of isolation, as if I’m going through life underwater and everything is muffled and distorted. When I get within a few feet of Finn Mannus, there is clarity. It scares the hell out of me, because I need stability, too. But I can’t lie.

I clear my throat. “It makes sense.”

He smiles then, pleased and happy. And it takes my breath. His expression turns earnest, his eyes scanning mine. “I want to know you, Chess Copper. I don’t know why, I just do. I could make a play to get in your pants, but I don’t want to. A one-night stand with you doesn’t appeal to me.”

“Oh, well thanks.” It’s one thing to agree that sex is a bad idea. It’s another to be told you’re unappealing.

Finn shakes his head as if I’m slow. “Pay attention, Chester. I said I want toknowyou. I don’t get to know my hookups.”

“So we’re going to... what? Be friends?”

He looks almost boyish then. “Yeah. We are.” His eyes spark. “Fair warning. I’ll still be picturing you naked half of the time. So get used to a bit of leering.”

“You just had to go and ruin the moment, didn’t you?”

“Probably should get used to that, too.”

Four

Finn

“So?” Jake gives me an expectant look.

I have to hand it to him. He waited a whole two minutes before pouncing, the nosy bastard.

“So what?” I maneuver my pickup around a plodding bus.

Jake snorts because he knows as well as I do that I’m stalling. “You tap that, Manny?”

“She’s not a keg, Ryder.”

“Okay, fine.” He rolls his eyes. “Did you hook up with Ms. Chess?”

“Nope.”

“Bummer.”

“I told you I wasn’t trying to get in her pants.” I feel his stare drilling into me, and I glance over. “What?”

“You’re attracted to her. Anyone with eyes can see that.”

I give him a lazy shrug as we stop at a red light. “Not denying it.”

“You want me to believe that you’re fine with striking out?” He says it with such incredulity, as if the possibility of not having sex with a woman is sacrilege.

“I didn’t strike out. I didn’t even try. She made it clear she wasn’t interested.”

“I’m pretty sure you could have persuaded her to change her mind.”

We pull up in front of a squat cinder block building on St. Charles. “I don’t want to persuade a woman into bed. Jesus.”

Jake nods. “You’re right. It’s not like either of us has to go searching for it.” He looks me over in clear confusion. “So you just walked her home and that’s it?”

“You’re awfully curious about my business.”

“I know, right?” He grins happily. “I’m like a kitten over here.”

“I think I’m going to need an antacid. Where’s my bag?” I reach behind me to grab it, and earn a flick on the ear. My head rears back. “You did not just...”