Beckett
admire people who go at it alone. I would’ve never been able to do this without my business
partner. Today, I’m feeling Rhys’s absence. My day was already packed, but I had to tack on
important meetings he couldn’t attend. That not only meant I was away from the office, but it also
prevented me from catching a glimpse of my new friend.
As I get out of the chauffeured car and make my way to the garage’s elevators, my phone rings.
“Rhys,” I say, picking up. “Are you dying of heat yet?” “Don’t get me started. I’m fucking sweating
my balls off,” he says. “The humidity in Vietnam is oppressive.”
“Better you than me—” “Things aren’t looking good for us, Beckett,” he says. “Talk to me.” “It’s
worse than I thought. This strike has no end in sight.” “Good thing you planned on heading to South
Korea.” “Our production costs are going to skyrocket over the next few months.”
“It may mean smaller profits for a short period of time, but we can handle it,” I say. “Business has
been on fire.”
“That’s the only glimmer of hope preventing me from losing my shit.” “That bad?” “Leland waited
way too long to warn us. We could’ve had this shit nipped in the bud a week ago.”
“The strike has been going on for a week?” “Two. Going on three.”
“What?” I’m dumbfounded. “If our production schedule wasn’t so far ahead, we’d be screwed.”
Jesus. “You have it under control?” “Not yet, but I’m working on it. It means I’m going to be stuck
in Asia for longer than I thought. This also means you’re going to have to shoulder a lot more
work.”
Shit. “That’s why we’re partners.” “On another note, I called Cesar to apologize for my absence.”
Rhys changes the subject. “Glad to hear you were r epresentin’ last night at his engagement party.”
“I had to st ep up to the plate,” I say. “Rumor has it you have a lady friend now? I told Cesar he was
drunk, but he assures me otherwise.”
“Are you calling me to give me a hard time?” “Are you skirting the question?” “I went out for
dinner with Arianne. She’s new to LA and her best friend is overseas,” I say. “Diana’s
birthday-slash-engagement party slipped my mind. It was only gentlemanly of me to take Arianne
along. It would’ve been rude to dump her.”
“I understand, but you two looked like long-lost friends on the selfies Cesar texted me.”
You have no idea. “It was a big night. What did you expect me to do? Frown at the camera?”
“Don’t twist my words, Christensen. You know exactly what I mean.” “No, I don’t.” “What about
those photos of you two dancing? That looked pretty intimate.”
“It’s salsa. Every couple at that club was dancing the same way.” “I’m sure I don’t have to remind
you of our agreement.” “You’ve done a stellar job at reminding me.” Every. Single. Damn. Day.
“So, you’re still committed to your vow of chastity?” More or less. “My cock hasn’t been inside a
woman’s pussy in the last fourteen days. And before you ask, no, I haven’t fucked anyone’s ass
either.” Using Arianne’s crease wasn’t on your list of no-nos.
“Any blowjobs or handjobs?” I purse my lips. “What do you take me for? Arianne just started
working for us. Do you actually think I’d ask her for a blowjob or to jerk me off on day two of her
contract?” He doesn’t need to know of my recurring dream of Arianne on her knees in front of me
with my cock between her plump lips, sucking me dry until I come like a fucking animal in the back
of her throat.
“Has your cock been between a woman’s tits?” My nostrils flare. “You’re irritating me.” “No get
your boxer briefs in a bunch. It’s a legitimate question.” “I’m incensed you’d think so little of me,
Hartford.” “You think with your cock, Christensen.” “Says the guy who can match me fuck for
fuck.” “Don’t even go there with me. Other than Collin Dennison, no one in our entourage fucks
like you, Beckett.”
He’s right. My buddy Collin surpasses me. “Your sexual appetite is legendary.” It is. “That’s until
you cock blocked me.” “Someone had to rein in your dick before it accidentally created another PR
scandal. Speaking of which, did you find a new publicist?”
“No. And to your earlier point, you’re making way too much out of the photos floating on the
internet.”
“I’m double checking.” “Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Dad,” I say. “Now you sound like a
five-year-old who should be grounded.” “Fuck off, Hartford.” “I have good reason to worry,” he
says. “I saw the way you were looking at Arianne when she first started. I’ve never seen you look at
a woman with such intent.”
“You said it yourself, she’s a gorgeous woman.” “Yeah, and I also said you have a weakness for
gorgeous women. I must admit, I’m a bit surprised you haven’t tried anything sneaky. I even
checked with Arianne to make sure—”
“You talked to Arianne?” “Yes.” “When?”
“Earlier today. I wanted to know how the tour at Tekknika went. She told me she got a lot out of it,
and then I shifted the conversation to last night.”
“What did she say?” “She said she had a great time. It was a real treat you took her since she’s a fan
of both Cesar and Diana’s music.”
“I see.” “I also wanted to catch up with her. I miss not seeing her gorgeous face.” The amusement in
his voice is unmistakable.
Fucker. “I’m still playing by your rules.” While finding as many loopholes as possible.
“I’m impressed, Christensen.” “You should be.” “I guess I’ll have to get used to the idea of living
without my cherished bike.”
“Guess so.” I hope I don’t crack before the thirty days is up. Gliding between Arianne’s sweet
cheeks was hot as fuck.
“My only consolation is knowing you still have sixteen long days of suffering to go. I hope your
wrist will be able to sustain the strain.”
“I have to go. I have a business to run.” He explodes in laughter.