The Hills Party (The Hollywood Twins #1) (4 page)

“Hanna,” he said firmly as he looked her directly in the eyes. “I am flattered, really, but you're just not my type.”

Hanna frowned as she glanced down at her figure, then back up at Kyle. “Are you gay?” she asked with surprise. That would certainly explain it.

“No!” he growled and crossed his arms with irritation. “I’m just,…interested in someone else.”

Hanna sighed with disappointment. She admired his honesty, but she still thought it was unfair that he was not even giving her a chance. She was sure she could seduce him if he would just stop looking at…

“Rachel?” she gasped out when she followed his line of sight. He instantly blushed and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Oh good luck,” Hanna laughed and shook her head. “My sister doesn't care about good looks, fame or wealth. She believes in true love,” she laughed and returned to the music she was playing.

Kyle stared longingly at Rachel as she was kept busy by all the drink orders. He had been keeping a secret for a long time. He believed in true love too.

*~*~*

As the night wore on, the party grew wilder.
Everyone was intoxicated by both the drinks and the music. Soon they began to spill out onto the back deck where a large pool was illuminated. It didn't matter that they had not brought bathing suits. People stripped down to their underwear and jumped right in, some even wearing nothing at all on.
Hanna laughed and cheered as she watched the chaos unfold. This was her kind of party. She loved it. Rachel on the other hand, was overwhelmed with drink orders and feeling rather exhausted. She was disappointed after seeing Kyle with his arm around Hanna. She knew it was to be expected considering that her sister was the one who always got the guy, but still, she had thought she felt a connection with Kyle.

“Can you take a break?” Kyle's voice drifted to her from the side of the bar.

She glanced up with surprise. “No way,” she smiled. “The orders just keep coming.”

Kyle frowned nervously. It was hard for him to tell if Rachel liked him or not, as she was so shy.

“Well, do you mind if I just hang out here for a bit?” he asked as he glanced over his shoulder at the sound of another splash. “It's getting a little crazy out there.”

Rachel felt her smile grow. Maybe Kyle really was interested after all. “Of course you can,” she offered him a drink. He accepted, but his eyes remained on her. She tended to a few other customers before returning to his side.

“This is not really my scene,” he admitted as he leaned a little closer to her so that she could hear him. “I'm guessing it's not yours either.”

Rachel shook her head and scrunched up her nose slightly. “It's a little wild,” she admitted, hoping that would not turn him off.

“My friend is having a party tomorrow,” he said hopefully. “It will be a lot more laid back than this. We might get a chance to actually talk,” he grimaced as he wondered if he was coming on too strong. “I'd love it if you would join me.”

Rachel stared at him awkwardly. She was not sure how to say yes without seeming too eager. “I would like that,” she finally said quietly.

“Really?” he asked, his fingertips lightly brushing against the back of her hand as she took his empty glass. She blushed and nodded, biting into her bottom lip.

“Can I get your number then?” he asked, meeting her gaze intently. It was the moment of truth. If Rachel didn't like him she would never give him her phone number. He found himself counting his heartbeats.

Rachel smiled faintly and scribbled her number on a napkin. She pushed it toward him. He accepted it, folded it neatly, and tucked it into his pocket. “I'll pick you up around six then?” he asked. Rachel winced at the idea of him seeing her tiny apartment, but she nodded.

“Sounds good,” she murmured, still feeling that this must be some kind of dream. A man like Kyle had just asked her out on a date. It was unexpected, and it was thrilling. She did not have too long to dwell on it though, as the drink orders kept coming in. The party ran late into the night, with the last guests straggling it after three in the morning. Hanna and Rachel were exhausted but they managed to make it home, three thousand dollars richer
.

“I can't believe you would go for someone like him,” Hanna mumbled as they shared a cup of coffee. It was already past noon the next day and the sisters had slept in to make up for how late they were up the night before.

 
“What do you mean?” Rachel countered. “You seemed to think he was pretty hot.”

Hanna nodded as she sipped her coffee. “Yes of course, but he's not your type.”

Rachel smirked a little as she studied her sister. She could always tell when Hanna was jealous. “Well, I think he's interesting, and I want to get to know him better.”

Hanna frowned as she looked up at her sister. “I know, but just be careful,” her frown deepened. “These Hollywood types are usually only looking for one thing.”

Rachel didn't want to agree with her sister, but she knew that she was right. Most actors wouldn't waste their time getting to know a woman, and maybe Kyle's sweet demeanor was just an act. She would have to be careful.

"I don't think he's like that," she said quietly. But the truth was, she really couldn't be sure. He was a very wealthy and soon to be very famous person. He could have his pick of any woman he laid eyes on, it didn't make much sense to her that he would be interested in a woman who fumbled over her own words and was not sure if blue shoes matched a black purse. She brushed her worries aside. After all, she was no longer concerned about the finances for the month and she was looking forward to her date with the most interesting guy she had met in months, if not years.

*~*~*

By the time the afternoon came, Rachel had all of her clothes spread out across her bed. She had no idea what to wear. After what Kyle had seen her in last night, she hoped he would not expect the same revealing style of dress. Since she was going to a party in West Hollywood, she had to at least wear something that wouldn't embarrass him.

"Hey, you ready?" Hanna asked as she poked her head in the door of Rachel's room. When she saw the pile of clothes scattered across Rachel's bed, and her sister's distraught expression, she smiled. "I have just the thing," she promised. Rachel was wary since most of Hanna's clothes were not a style that Rachel liked.

Hanna led Rachel to her room and reached into the very back of her closet. She pulled out a light blue dress. It had rounded sleeves that stopped just below the shoulder and a fitted bodice. It flowed loosely from the waist but offered a sleek look, rather than a poofy skirt. It was a deep shade of blue that would enhance the dark shade of Rachel's hair.

"It's beautiful," she whispered as she looked up at her sister.

Hanna smiled sadly. "Yes well, you're not the only one that dreams of being a princess," she said mockingly and smoothed down the skirt of the dress. Hanna had bought the dress for a special date that had never happened. It was one of the things she did not like to think about in her past.

"It'll look wonderful on you," Hanna insisted and handed the dress over to Rachel. Rachel did not notice the slight sadness in Hanna's eyes as she was so dazzled by the sight of the dress.

Once she had changed, she paused in front of the floor length mirror on the back of her bathroom door. She had to admit that she looked stunning. For once she did not look like the clothes were wearing her. Her figure filled out the curves of the dress nicely, and the skirt fell perfectly, ending just below her knee. She had twisted her dark hair up into a stylish clip at the back of her head, and straw colored tendrils drifted downward from it framing her soft features pleasantly. She smiled at her own reflection. Hanna had been right; she did feel like a princess. She pushed that thought away quickly, not wanting to come across as silly when Kyle arrived.

"Oh Rachel, you look gorgeous!" Hanna squealed when Rachel stepped out into the living room. She did a little spin for her sister's sake, and they both ended up laughing. Hanna hoped that her sister would have the great time she deserved. She would often mock Rachel for being so shy, but the truth was, she was glad she didn't get mixed up with some of the guys that were out there. She would rather see her sister be alone than hurt.

A few minutes later the doorbell rang. Rachel's heart was racing as she answered it. Hanna made herself scarce, but peeked out through the crack in her bedroom door.

"Hi," Rachel said awkwardly when she opened the door to find Kyle standing outside of it. He was dressed in a simple black suit with a white shirt underneath. His sandy hair was combed carefully back and he looked as handsome as she remebered.

"Hi," he replied, his face literally glowing with the smile that spread across it. He kept sweeping his eyes across the dress and back up to hers. "You look amazing," he breathed out, unsure if that was the appropriate thing to say. Rachel could only smile in return.

He led her down the steps to the parking lot, where he had parked his sleek black motorcycle. It was the type that was low to the ground with a wide seat. A Harley Davidson. Two helmets were perched on the seat. He offered one to Rachel.

Rachel realized that she was never going to be able to wear it with the fancy clip she had in her hair. So she reached up, released the clip, and let her hair tumble down around her shoulders. Kyle stood back, staring in amazement at how beautiful she was. Rachel did not seem to notice his admiration as she slid the helmet on. He helped her onto the bike and then slid on in front of her. Rachel laid her hands lightly on his hips, afraid to hold too tightly.

"Like this," he murmured without looking back. He drew one arm around his waist, and then folded the other over it, so that Rachel was laid against his back, feeling the smooth material of his suit jacket against her skin. She was glad that he could not see how deeply she was blushing as she rested her cheek against his back. They roared off out of the parking lot, and Rachel was sure that her heart was pounding louder than the deep low roaring sound of the motorcycle's engine.

He turned into the parking lot behind Sunset Plaza. "I thought we would have dinner first, if that's okay?" he asked as he helped her off of the motorcycle. Rachel nodded in agreement, still too shy to look directly at him. When she did look up, they were standing in front of a nice French restaurant. She had heard about the restaurant and was sure the food would be delicious. Once they were seated and had ordered, Rachel forgot all about the food. She expected to be so nervous it would be unbearable, but instead the moment Kyle started talking she grew very comfortable with him.

"I am so glad you agreed to a date," he grinned. "I wasn't sure if you were interested or not."

Rachel bit her lip to keep from asking who wouldn't be. She smiled at the shimmer in his dark brown eyes. He was not playing it cool like most men did. He was happy to be out with her, and he wanted her to know that.

"I am glad you asked," she smiled in return.

“You and your sister did a great job yesterday. Hanna is very entertaining I must admit, jumping around behind that mixing desk.”

“Well yes, she sure does get out there,” Rachel admitted.

“Personally I prefer girls who are more relaxed and who show interest in other things, than just being at the best parties or clubs. In this town I find that there are so many small minded people, who couldn’t care less about stepping on their peers, just to get one step closer to the fame they so much desire,” Kyle said seriously and continued. “I’m looking for someone who is genuine and whom I can trust completely.”