“Not my monkey, not my circus.” I sing. A headache pulses behind my eyes. This shoot was taking forever. With time almost up we needed to get a few final shots before we wrapped for the day. However, the band and our models had developed a severe case of ADHD once the newness of being on set wore off.
“Jase!” I call, and pull him from a heated discussion with Steph. “Control your whores.”
“Kate. Play nice, kitty cat.” He releases a frustrated breath and stomps over to Big Booty. Patience thin, I’m over today. Glancing at my wrist, I pray we’re almost done.
“How much longer, Steph? We only have another thirty minutes booked.”
“We’re moving as fast as we can. Get your boys in line. They’re stalling our time between takes.”
“Tell me when and what and I’ll get it done, Steph, but I can’t read minds here.”
“Get pretty boy back on his mic. We’re ready to run another take. And where’s the drummer?”
My eyes flick to Trent. He’s leaning against a large cargo packing crate, arms wrapped around two of our bikini girls. The girl in pink rests a hand over his crotch, stroking her fingers while she whispers something in his ear. The other pulls his head down mere inches from her double Ds, playing with his longish locks. Jealousy flares. It’s an unfamiliar feeling.
Strutting over to the threesome, I stop a few feet away. I’ve caught Trent’s eye. One brow lifts. “Can I help you?” he asks.
“You can start by acting like a fucking grown up and get back on set. They’re ready for another take and you’re more concerned with…” I wave my hand, “Socializing.” My words lace with disgust despite my attempt to remain indifferent.
“Oh fuck! Where’s your man card, Trent?” Austin laughs from behind. I glance over my shoulder. Didn’t realize I’d gained an audience. Placing my hands on my hips, I meet Trent’s glare. I refuse to back down.
“I think Kate’s got it. Didn’t take you for being whipped.” Sean laughs and I can hear them high five. Trent’s blazing eyes don’t leave mine. Thing one and thing two haven’t left his side, ignoring my presence and still exploring his body with their manicured fingers.
“Kate, will you whip me next? I love kinky shit.” Austin chuckles. I roll my eyes. I’m too old to play babysitter.
“And where the fuck is Derek?” I practically shout.
“You rang?” Seemingly out of nowhere Derek rejoins our little soiree, tucking his phone into his back pocket with a grin.
“Enough jacking around, you guys need to get back to work.” A chorus of laughs and oohhhs sound from the band. They think this is funny and I’m providing them with entertainment. Shoot me now.
“Now. I mean it.” I grind.
“Watch out. She means it, guys.” Austin mouths off in a voice that supposedly resembles mine.
“Oh, looks like someone pissed off Queen Bee. I miss all the fun.” Derek jokes.
Channeling my best elementary school teacher, I try once more. “Get your rock and roll asses on set. Now.” Realizing they’ve pushed me too far Derek, Austin, and Sean cease their laughter. Trent brushes off the talons and steps away from the girls.
“What a bitch.” One of them speaks loud enough that we can all hear.
“Let’s go, guys. Enough fun for now, we’ve got a video to make.” Austin steers everyone back to the set like it’s his idea. Ass. Trent lingers before approaching.
“Kate… Babe…”
“No. Don’t babe me. I’m not yours,” I warn, but he steps closer and wraps his hand around one of my arms.
“But maybe you want to be?” He smirks and I shrug off his touch. I’m not sure I do. He steps even closer, invading my space. Even in my heels he’s taller so I straighten my spine and look over his shoulder.
“Because I’m telling you, these fake bitches mean nothing.” He lifts my chin with his finger, eyes blazing with heat. “They only want to fuck me ’cause I might be famous. But you. You’re a wild one, not easily caught or tamed.” His fingers drop, barely skimming the skin of my neck before grazing across my breasts. My nipples harden in response. His lips drop to my ear. “Now, you. You’re what I want.”
He takes two steps back, a cocky smile at his lips. “Saturday night, babe.” He winks before he turns and jogs back to the set. Unease settles in my gut. Two more nights until the gala and I invited that man to be my date. I close my eyes and settle my breathing.
“Kate! We need you!” Steph barks.
Snapping my eyes open, I push my feelings to the side. No use worrying over that right now. I’ll deal later. Head held high, I make my way back to the madness. Just two more days. I can do this.
SHE’S AVOIDING ME. SHE MUST be.
I know I’m an ass. Something I can’t seem to control in her presence. It’s just that we spent all weekend together and she was amazing. Put her life on hold. For me. Expected nothing in return. It was humbling, but it was also an honor, because Kate doesn’t do that for many people.
My thoughts drift to last weekend as I pull the pan from the oven, placing it on a rack to cool. Kate kept me from slipping into a dark place. Dangling that glimpse of hope after the storm. I started to hope that maybe… Then fucking Trent rock boy squashed that hope.
Peeling open the foil fresh lock lining, I fish a knife from the drawer and slather sugary goodness over the still warm pastry. Damn. I should’ve let this cool better. The vanilla frosting melts on contact and slowly rolls from the center of the pan. I can’t believe she wants to take that asshole to the gala as her date. Does she not see his self-absorbed pretty-boy attitude?
This is stupid, but I’m trying anyway. I stick the cake in the fridge to cool before adding the final touch. I head back to my room to change clothes.
I lashed out. I need to apologize. I want to. But she’s never home. Maybe to sleep, but even then I’m not sure. There’s no car when I get back from surveillance and none in the morning when I leave for my run. I know she’s okay, though, because she sends Evie texts every day.
“Oh, wow. Kate is my BFF but sometimes I hate her.” My heart rate picks up at the mention of Kate. Evie sighs from her desk. I twirl my chair to catch the playful grin that plays on her face. Cell in hand she’s texting furiously.
“What’s that?” I school my features with a look of boredom.
“Hmm.” Evie laughs before pulling her eyes from the screen to meet mine. “Oh. Kate’s working with Three Ugly Guys. I’m sure she’s told you about it.” My jaw clenches and I bite back a smart reply.
“Yeah. I’ve heard.”
“Well, just look at this!” She shoves the cell in my hands and I’m greeted by a photo of Kate slathering a shirtless Trent in baby oil. A wide smile plays on her lips. The caption, “My job doesn’t suck” is written below. I can feel my face twist into a scowl, yet I don’t try to hide it.
“I think I threw up a little.” I stare at the screen as three more photos come through, captions with each. Evie slides her chair closer and claps her hands as she squeals with laughter.
“Little drummer boy.” Now she’s oiling the chest of Derek. He’s using his hands to make the rock sign, pinkie and index fingers extended while the others remain in a fist. His studded tongue extends from his mouth. Classy.
“Boom” Now it’s Sean’s turn, he wears an intense glare as Kate oils with one hand, making a silly duck face with her lips.
“Austin doesn’t think we’re funny.” The lead guitarist is shirtless, hands on hips, with a scowling face as Jason beams, mid-pour, oil to hand preparing to lather Austin. Okay, that shit was actually funny.