Page 85 of Fate In Fiction

Walking into the suite, the sweet smell of Josie’s bath bombs hits my nose, luring me into the bathroom.

“You’re naked.” I smirk, admiring her bare, glowing body.

“And you’re back early.” Her legs pull toward her as they open so her pussy greets me. “Join me.”

“Fuuuck,” I groan as my cock attempts to reach her through my pants. “I have to leave. I’m not flying private.” Walking over, I lean down to give her a kiss. My hand travels down between her breasts, then over her stomach, until my fingers brush over her clit. “Don’t touch yourself tonight. Stay this worked up for me until I return.” When I stand back up, she whimpers.

“I cannot promise you that.” Her fingers begin to rub her pussy as I shake my head and reach down to remove her hand.

“Honestly, I promise it will be worth it.” My voice rasps as I fight like hell to keep my restraint.

“At least you’re honest.” Huffing a laugh, her hazel eyes soften. But they’re kitten-like, full of needy hunger, and I’m about say fuck it to the L.A. event.

“You and I have been honest from the start. That’s what I love about us.” Blinking, she looks away as her hand lifts out of the water.

“Go. I’ll try to hold off for the night.” She shoos me away with the wave of her hand as I grab my pre-packed suitcase and head downstairs.

“Emmett,” Clyde calls out to me as I walk past the lounge.

“I’m gonna be late for my flight.”

“Alone?”

“Uh, yeah.” I pause, unsure where this is going. “Can it wait?”

“I’ll text you later. Enjoy LA.” I don’t remember mentioning my trip to anyone, but Josie spends more time in the lounge with Clyde than I do.

* * *

Los Angeles is just as busy as I remember. Which is why I’ll never live here. Trying to fly under the radar, my rented Honda sits in traffic as I head toward the hotel. The movie premiere starts in a couple of hours, which allows me enough time to down a drink and get ready. With the car at a standstill, I tap my phone screen, and it lights up with the photo of Josie and me baking cookies. A smile stretches across my face at one of the first moments I became vulnerable with her and shared a childhood memory. We’ve gone through so many levels of emotions in such a short amount of time, but I’m happy she downed the shot at the bar that first night and introduced herself. My life has been lived for the better since. Clyde still hasn’t texted me, which means nothing major was going on with the bar to worry about. The freeway slowly opens back up as I arrive where I’m needed.

Connor:

Looking forward to seeing you tonight, Emmett.

Me:

Happy for you, bud. Not exactly sure what to say when walking the carpet and doing press, but I’ll wing it for you.

Connor:

You’re my friend- who went off the radar as of late. This is good for you and your hotel business. Throw the media a few things they’ll want to hear.

Me:

Come on, I’ll charm the pants off everyone tonight. See you on the carpet.

I replay possible questions about my family in my head. Especially since my sister has been making headlines. I’ve been thinking about how to approach Josie if I’m asked about her too. I’m not ready to share her with the world, and don’t think I ever will be. She’s too precious. Since taking over the Aspen location, staying off social media had become the new norm. I’m proud to say I have no idea what is trending. Proving myself to be taken seriously starts with not posting your shirtless party photos online every few days. Though, I’ve been too busy trying to learn the ropes of the job and left the party scene behind.

Changing into my event outfit and tossing back a shot of whiskey in honor of Josie, I climb into the awaiting car in front of the lobby and head to the premiere. Still no text from Clyde. And Josie must be busy reading, or with friends, since I haven’t heard from her either. The pull at my heart makes me wish I was at home with her.

The car stops and the bright lights are a real thing. Screams of the crowd can be heard for miles as my door opens. My stomach turns, wondering if anyone will even recognize me. I remain frozen for a moment until I see Criselda step out of the car behind me. For fuck’s sake, she isn’t even in this movie. But she comes with the territory. I’m in her world now. My feet step forward before she gets a chance to reach me. The carpet host greets me with a smile and a chain of compliments before heading to the next station for the photo op and interviews. I spill my answers to the first interviewer that greets me, keeping my eyes forward in an attempt to go unnoticed and out of the chaos. The movie is decent, but typically one that was predictable, and its main magnet is Connor shirtless through most of the film.

The after party, and Connor, do not miss my absence as I head back to the hotel when the premiere ends. Giving Josie a call, her voicemail picks up. A few minutes later, a text comes through.

Josie:

Have Emery and Clyde taggin along on a history and hike night with adventurous clients. Things are fine don’t worry.