Read Hollywood Princess Online
Authors: Dana Aynn Levin
Hollywood Princess (30 page)
Malibu is quiet and private.
It’s rustic, a place for solitude. This condo pool deck was the opposite, urban and sophisticated. Three towers surrounded the enormous yet perfectly designed, pool. And lining the boulevard was an endless line of similar hotel and condo towers.
It was late in the day, but several doze
n people remained at the pool. Music I had not selected played from hidden speakers. It pulsated, as did the well-tanned bodies. I might enjoy a week of this, but the beach I wanted for life was Malibu.
The book I
was reading before I called Elizabeth sat where I’d left it, on the small teak table beside my cushioned lounge chair. In this environment I had only been able to read a few pages. I didn’t feel guilty by deceiving Elizabeth into thinking I had actually been reading. What Eli didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.
What I
was guilty about, although not guilty enough or it wouldn’t be happening, was the leggy blonde model I met earlier. At this point nothing had happened beyond flirtatious conversation, but it was only the afternoon.
Noticing a line at the bar, I sent Reggie for drinks so I could call
Eli. Reggie. Her name even sounded like a model. Happy hour was starting early for me!
Regg
ie would soon be returning. I needed to wrap up my call with Elizabeth.
“Babe, you have a fun afternoon with Randi.”
“I wish it were with you instead.”
“I do
too. We’d be at the beach planning an evil evening.” I meant it too, even if my eyes were monitoring Reggie in her bikini as she paid for the drinks with the money I had given her. If Eli were here, Reggie would not even be on my radar.
“I wish.”
There was longing in Elizabeth’s voice.
I felt a tinge of guilt.
I was one hundred percent certain that Eli was not even contemplating finding a substitute for me while we were apart. A good thing too, for if she did, I would have to break up with her and I didn’t want that.
I tried to cheer her up.
“I can picture you in the bikini you wore in Aspen. Just the thought of it drives me crazy.”
“I’m sure there are lots of girls in bikinis in Florida.”
Shit! I hope I wasn’t busted already.
“Baby, non
e of them are as sexy as you.” And I meant it.
As if on cue, Re
ggie returned with our drinks. I took a large sip of the fruity rum concoction. I was on vacation in Florida, after all, and I placed it on the table. I motioned Reggie that I would be a moment.
“Danny, I love you.
You always know what to say.”
“E, I should let you go.
I don’t want to anger Randi.”
Reggie perched herself
on the lounge chair facing me. She smiled prettily trying to act as though she didn’t hear the intimate conversation I was engaged in. I didn’t really care. Reggie needed to accept that she would at most be a vacation fling. If not, c’est la vie. Either way, I was going home to Elizabeth.
“Okay.
I can’t strand Mom in the middle of Rodeo Drive.”
“With Zac!” I added
, and we both laughed. I love Eli’s musical laugh.
“Poor Mom!” Eli laughed some more.
“I’ll call you tonight. It’ll be late. I’m going to a party with the guys.”
“What should I wear
?”
“Surprise me, darlin’.”
“I’ll buy something new.” Eli was excited and that pleased me.
“For a phone call?”
“Danny, you’ll see,” she said seductively.
“Babe, what are you planning?
Am I in trouble?”
“I sure hope so, Daniel.”
“Baby, I’d better go. You have no idea what you’re doing to me.”
“I can imagine,” she giggled.
“I love you, Danny.”
“I love you too,
baby,” And I pushed the off button.
I reached for my drink, taking a lo
ng sip of its frosty goodness. Reggie leaned forward exposing what her bikini top hid. In contrast to Eli, she had little to hide.
“Who was that?” she purred.
“My girlfriend,” I answered.
It certainly wasn’t my mother. When you end a call by saying, “I love you too, baby” it’s pretty obvious you’re talking to your girl. Reggie’s smile dropped a fraction, taken aback by my frankness.
I
saw the wheels spinning in her head as she rapidly processed this information. Perched by my side, Reggie had less than thirty seconds to reach a decision. Finally she smiled again.
“
Dan, I appreciate your honesty. Most guys here for spring break don’t tell you they have girlfriends at home.”
“Reggie, I didn’t come for fun. If it happens, it happens. If not, oh well.
If you don’t like my status, my friends are unencumbered.”
Reggie squinted her face, confused by my voc
abulary. She didn’t know, but had I been available, Reggie had failed the first test. A girl who couldn’t keep up with me intellectually could never be more than a temporary diversion, no matter how beautiful they were.
“Whatever. It doesn’t matter
,” she said.
“I’m glad that’s clear.” I smiled at Reggie.
The girl might have peanuts rattling inside, but she was breathtaking to look at. My hand rested on Reggie’s thigh leading her to smile in what she believed was triumph. I raised my glass to her.
“Here’s to some fun in the sun,” I toasted and we tapped our drinks together.
True to her word, Reggie brought a few friends t
o keep Shane and Cam occupied. Later, she and I slipped out to spend quality time at her condo. A glossy, ultra-modern one-bedroom with walls of glass leading to a wide ocean-view balcony, Reggie had been eager to show me her home. It hadn’t disappointed.
I left Reggie at around one, content, sleeping under the covers, and returned to the
party. It was going strong with wall-to-wall attractive, tanned young people.
After one more beer and a couple of dances, I wa
s drained and needed my sleep. Cam, Shane and I staggered back to the condo.
“I
’ll be in soon,” I told Shane. Shane and I were sharing a bedroom. Cam had his own. The master, belonged to his parents. “I told Eli I’d call her.”
Shane stopped in his tracks.
“Aren’t you on the outs?” he asked.
Shane’s question
surprised me. “Of course not. Everything’s great with Eli.”
“Then what’s with the blonde?
Or do you enjoy living dangerously?”
“
Reggie’s a charming amusement for the week,” I answered.
“Danny, y
ou already have the hottest girlfriend. Why risk it?”
“There’s no risk.
You and Cam won’t say anything. What happens in Florida stays in Florida.” I was being arrogant.
“And if someone sees you?”
“I’m being careful. I won’t do anything to hurt Eli. I love her too much.”
“Do you have any idea how insane that sounds?”
Shane exclaimed. “I love my girlfriend. I won’t do anything to hurt her,” he mimicked. “Except I’m screwing a gorgeous model which of course would most definitely hurt Elizabeth if she found out. Why are you doing this?”
“If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with?” I flippantly quoted the old song.
“This isn’t funny, Danny. Elizabeth would be devastated.”
“Eli will never find out.
Besides, I never promised to be a good boy.”
“I give up!”
Shane threw up his hands in frustration and went off to bed. I took out my Mac and set it on the dining table. Tonight I felt like Skyping.
“Ring. Ring! Ring!” I willed my phone to ring.
I didn’t expect the phone to ring. Danny was at a party. He certainly wasn’t going to glance at his watch and tell the guys, “Gotta go. Eli’s expecting me.”
The evening had been deadly quiet. Since about ten I had been reclining on my bed channel surfing. Nothing kept my attention.
My favorite singer! Danny! At the concert, Shane had recorded Danny’s love song, and I had made it my ringtone. Now my phone was singing.
Tossing aside the remote, I snatched the phone. My love!
“Hey, you!” I answered cheerfully.
“Hi, baby,” came Danny’s beautiful voice. “Let’s Skype.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
“Afraid you’ll forget what I look like?”
“Sure. Like that’s ever going to happen. No. I have a surprise to show you.”
“Can’t wait, darlin.’ So get off the phone and get over to your laptop.”
I crawled across the bed at warp speed and tore across to my desk. The laptop was waiting. All I had to do was access Skype, and I did so with alacrity.
“Much better,” Danny said as I settled into my desk chair. “Eli, you’re what’s been missing from my day.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
Holy shit! I tried not to visibly react to Danny’s appearance. But his eyes! They were puffy, and dark circles made them appear almost sunken. Had I not known, I would never have guessed at their usual brilliant blue. Danny looked exhausted, too.
“Oh, honey! What have you been doing?”
“It’s two in the morning, Eli.” Danny showed his annoyance.
“Danny, I’ve seen you at two in the morning.” The haggard face on the screen was disturbing. What had he been doing?
“That’s because when I’m with you at two in the morning, I’m snug in our bed cuddled up with you, dreaming of the fun we’ve just had.”
“Danny, what’s going on?” I demanded.
“Eli, they have wicked parties here. I was out misbehaving.”
“Daniel!” I groaned, disappointed. When would he grow up and stop thinking it was cool to get blitzed?
“Please don’t get angry, Eli. I love you, baby.”
“I know you do. And I love you, which is why this worries me.”
“I don’t want you worrying.”
“Please be careful, Daniel. You don’t know the people down there. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”
“I won’t. I miss you terribly, honey.”
Danny sounded so sad. “Are you okay, Danny?”
“Elizabeth, I’m scared,” he said forlornly.
“Scared? About what?”
“I’m afraid I’ll do something stupid and you’ll be disappointed.”
“Danny, you could never disappoint me. I love you.”
“Eli, every day since you left, I wake up feeling lost. I have to psyche myself up to believe I can be the man you want even though we’re apart. I don’t feel worthy.”
“Danny, get it through your thick skull. I love you. There is no man for me but you.”
“I have a hard time accepting that. Eli, you’re too good.”
“Are you drunk?” I asked.
“Somewhat, babe. But I really miss you.”
That explained his melancholy.
“I miss you too.”
“Are you angry?” Danny asked in a little boy voice.
“I never stay angry for long. Honestly, you’re like an overgrown child at times.”
Then Danny grinned, knowing I could never resist his smile.
“Eli, you’re so beautiful tonight. That’s a great color.”
I was wearing a new deep orange polo shirt.
“Thank you, honey. I wanted to be beautiful for you.”
“Baby, you never disappoint. What else are you wearing?”
I giggled, knowing what he would see. The hem of the cropped polo hung just above my naval. All I had on below was the navy thong bikini I wore in Aspen.
“Eli, you’re not wearing anything!”
“Yes, I am.” I laughed. “I’ll show you.” And I slowly turned, knowing he would be seeing mostly skin.
“Eli!” Danny gasped. I grinned. “Can I touch?”
“I wish,” I answered. “Oh god, how I wish.” My pulse quickened.
“Is anything on under your shirt?”
“Maybe,” I giggled.
“Maybe not? Okay, Eli. I’m completely sober now.”
I laughed. “You’re such a man.”
I pulled my shirt over my head revealing bare breasts.
“E, you’re killing me.”
I wanted him so badly.
“Glad you approve, Daniel,” I purred.
“God, I wish I was with you.”
“You’re surrounded by girls in bikinis all day. I wanted you to see the one girl you’re missing.”
“Point made. I haven’t seen any girl who can compete with you. Oh, babe! You’re gorgeous.” Danny’s eyes glowed. “You know what I’m thinking about?”
“That night in Aspen?”
“You, me and the hot tub, our fantasies about to be fulfilled,” he sighed.
“Until Steve showed up.”
Danny laughed. “I need you, babe. I’m lonely here without you.”
