Page 88 of Spring L.A.W.
He scribbled something down, looked at Rick, and handed him the paper. “Do you know where this is?”
“Yeah, it’s about thirty minutes from here in good traffic.”
Gold spoke to the caller, asking him to wait at least an hour, thanked him, then hung up.
“What’s that address?” Joell asked before he could volunteer the information.
“That’s the pharmacy. Gabriel’s doctor was asked to call in a replacement prescription.”
Rick said, “I’ll change into my jeans and t-shirt and get right over there.” He headed for the elevator.
“Whoa. I’m coming too,” Joell called after him.
She grabbed Crowe by the scruff of the neck, plopped him back into her Louis Vuitton, and ran after him.
“No, it’s too dangerous.” He pushed the up button a few more times than necessary.
Joell jammed her hands on her waist, sending the slinky red dress swishing. “What do you think I am? Helpless?”
“You’re wearing a dress. I’m riding a Harley.”
“And?”
Oh wonderful. Rick was about to find out what arguing with a brick wall would feel like. The elevator arrived, and the doors whooshed open.
“Stay here,” he said, “I’ll be right back.”
“Ha. If you think I’m falling for that, you continue to underestimate me.” She stepped into the elevator at the same time he did.
They eyed each other as they rode to his floor. No glares this time. Crowe sensed some curiosity on both sides, as if trying to size up the other. It was more than that, though. The tension had changed. No longer posturing for dominance, one would almost think they were ready to cooperate.
“So, are you going to follow me into the bathroom while I change too?”
One side of Joell’s mouth rose, and she looked as if she might be picturing the possibilities.
“No need to leave the room on my account.”
Obviously, Crowe was missing something here. Like the throwing down of some sort of gauntlet.What is a gauntlet anyway? If it’s an article of clothing I wouldn’t be surprised to see these two throwing theirs off into a pile on the floor.
When they arrivedat Rick’s room, and he opened the door, Crowe noticed a big difference between this room and those of the “real” models. The small room felt claustrophobic. One double bed took up most of the room, and a dresser filled the rest. He didn’t even have a small table and chair set in a corner, as so many rooms do.Ah, New York. So much money. So little space.
Joell plopped onto the bed, then reclined, bracing herself on her elbows. At least the maid had been there, so it was neat, and the linen smelled fresh. Rick reached into the dresser drawer and grabbed his jeans and a T-shirt.
Hesitating at the bathroom door, he looked at Joell with a saucy smile and said, “Sure you don’t want to come in with me?”
“Why? Do you need help with something?”
It was at that moment that Crowe noticed the huge bulge in his black pirate breeches. His witch had probably spotted it long before he did.
He chuckled. “Ah, there she is.”
“Pardon me?”
“The sassy, insulting woman I met yesterday. I was wondering where she went.”
Joell fell silent for a few seconds. In a soft voice, she asked, “Was I really insulting? I’m sorry. Sassy, yes. Speaking my mind is sort of my thing, but I know how it feels to be outright insulted. I didn’t mean to?—”
“Forget it.” Rick lowered his zipper and kicked off his shoes.
