Page 22 of Stuck with a Billionaire Rockstar

I clear my throat and flash the hostess my best smile. “How long is your wait at the moment?”

She looks at the brightened screen in front of her, then up to me with a less enthusiastic smile. “About forty-five minutes to an hour.”

My stomach rumbles loudly, nearly able to be heard over the loud voices surrounding us, and I rest a hand over the noise as if it will block it out. I shake my head and nod curtly to her. “Thank you, but we will try heading somewhere else for the night.” She doesn’t bother objecting, simply turns her attention to the next group of people waiting in line while Mallory and I head back through the double doors.

While I stop in the middle of the sidewalk to try to figure out where we are going to go now, Mallory walks ahead of me in silence and comes to a stop beside the rental car we brought here. I sigh and walk up to her slowly. “Okay, Mal, what is it?”

She glances at me with her eyebrows scrunched together, trying to claim innocence, but I can see the irritation hidden in her gaze. “What are you talking about?”

“I know something is going on,” I mutter while placing my hands on my hips. “You’ve been quieter than normal, so tell me what’s up.” The fact that she doesn’t feel comfortable talking to me about whatever it is makes my stomach churn.

Since when did we get to a point where we couldn’t confide in one another?

Mallory shrugs. “Nothing really, just weird how Brent acted with you earlier today.”

“That’s what this is about?” I ask, followed by a loud snort that doesn’t sound at all ladylike. “He was helping us out with those guys, there’s nothing more to it than that.” I’m not going to admit to her that seeing him get all protective and alpha male on me was a huge turn-on.

There was something incredibly sexy and raw about the emotions going through Brent that made me want more of him – much more than I’ve gotten since we started this thing.

“You’re probably right, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry about you.”

“What do you mean?”

Mallory scoffs and waves me away from her, forcing me back a couple steps to create distance between the two of us. “Jules, he doesn’t care about the same things as you do. He’s only going to get your hopes up and I don’t want to see that.”

Her comment on the situation has my veins boiling and I cross my arms in front of me with a frown. “You do realize I’m capable of handling myself, right? Even if he did have intentions towards me, I’m a big girl.”

“Jules, it’s just not who you are. Brent is the type to screw them and leave them, and that’s just not you. Hell, you can barely go on a single date let alone jump into someone’s bed for a one night stand.”

I clench my jaw tightly at her last words, my head screaming at me to tell her exactly how wrong she is, but my heart wins over and keeps me silent. The moment I spill everything to Mallory I can’t imagine her response will be much better than it is now, and that’s without knowing about the deal I made with Brent.

“Thanks,” I mutter with a shake of my head, adding a scoff at the end. “Really appreciate the honesty, Mal.” I shouldn’t be surprised that she has to bring up my luck with dates, but I had truly hoped for once she would let it go.

She clamps her mouth shut and sighs, rubbing her forehead like this conversation is draining her, then says, “You know I don’t mean anything rude by it, Jules.”

I throw my hands in the air and chuckle. “Do I, though, Mal?” She blinks at my outburst, her eyes darting the area surrounding us, but I don’t care who can overhear the fight right now. I’m sick of her constantly bringing up my love life, or lack thereof, and it’s about time I be more open. “It’s every single day that you mention how sweet and innocent I am or that I’ll end up getting hurt by guys I find attractive because they don’t fit the mold you assume I want. That you make jokes based on the stories I tell of my dates.”

“Jules,” she chokes while reaching a hand out to me, her eyes shining back at me with unshed tears.

There’s no way I’m letting her emotions stop me from getting these feelings out. “No, Mal, you don’t get to do this. Will you ever see me as anything other than the friend who can’t seem to date anyone to save her life, or will those comments be a constant for the rest of our friendship?”

Mallory narrows her eyes. “I’m just trying to look out for you, Jules. It’s the fact you aren’t comfortable with dating, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s why I wanted you to have fun on this trip. Let loose and get yourself out there. You’re awfully defensive over something that isn’t happening, though, care to explain why?” she asks with her arms crossed in front of her chest.”

I shake my head and rub at my temples, then sigh… “I don’t mean to be so rude, Mal. I’m sorry for getting worked up, but it’s all the time, and I hate the way your comments sometimes make me feel. Can we be done with the conversation? Maybe save it for when I’ve had a chance to calm down?” I’d love nothing more than to drive away from her and leave her alone in the parking lot, but that’s not an option when both of our names are on the rental agreement. “I’m not really feeling up for food anymore. You can drop me off at the resort entrance, though, and do whatever you want.”

She silently slips into the passenger seat, me following behind her, and I drive the short distance to the front entrance, fuming at her words. If only she knew what me and her brother were doing behind closed doors, how heated his eyes get when he sees me, and it’s taking everything inside of me not to blurt all of it out.

Nothing good would come of it, though.

While I get out, about to head toward the entrance, Mallory grabs my wrist and pulls me to stop with a frown on her face. “I don’t mean to make you feel bad, Jules. I’m only looking out for you, but I’ll try to tone the jokes and comments down if it makes you uncomfortable.”

“Thank you,” I say. “And I’m really sorry for blowing up back there. You know I love you like a sister.” She nods, the smile on her face a little brighter, and I give her a reassuring squeeze in response.

Mallory slides into the driver’s seat while I walk through the large glass double doors ahead, and the tires squeal loudly as she speeds away from the curb. I only shake my head, then turn back and head through the large glass double doors. My phone pings from my purse, and I curse at myself as I fumble for the device while continuing to walk toward the elevators.

That same random number from the night before flashes on the screen, wondering what I’m up to. My anger gets the best of me before I can think clearly about my response. I could’ve simply texted back to let the person know they had the wrong number, but instead, I told them I’m having a really bad day and don’t feel like dealing with people who can’t type numbers in right.

A couple of guys standing in front of me head into the elevator, their hands shooting out to let me slip through before the doors close, and I give them a small smile in thanks before turning my attention to the bright red numbers.

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