Page 1 of Torrid Passion
CHAPTER 1
Lochlan
You know you’re taking adulting way too seriously when you’re standing behind a long line of caffeine-deprived souls at seven o’clock in the morning at But First, Coffee. Instead of waiting it out like everyone else, you decide to knock-off as many emails and text messages as possible before you head to the office for another twelve-hour marathon day.
I’ve turned into a freaking workaholic.
I’m exactly who I promised myself I’d never become when I made the transition from roadie to music video exec. I’m even wearing a damn suit. Bespoke to boot. That’s all I wear these days.
“You’ve been so busy on that phone, you haven’t even noticed me,” a voice says in front of me.
I pull my eyes up to meet her eager ones. “I’m sorry?”
“I said, you haven’t even noticed me.” This time she almost seems shy about it. Almost.
How could I have missed her? Damn adulting.
“You must be a big mover and shaker,” she adds, pointing at my phone.
“Do we know each other?” I ask.
“Not yet,” she allows for a pregnant pause then arches a meticulously shaped eyebrow, “but I’m hoping that might change.”
Clearly, she drinks coffee for the taste because she doesn’t need it to jolt her day. This woman is already lit up.
“I see,” I nod. “You work in Culver City?”
Judging from her barely-there dress, plunging V neck, face covered with an inch-thick of makeup, coiffed blonde hair and super high open toe heels, I can’t help but think she doesn’t belong in the area. Culver City is where a lot of movies and TV shows are produced. The women I know who work on a set tend to select a more practical and subdued wardrobe. Same goes for the serious models and actresses I see around here.
“No. I’m here for Lagree.”
“Lagree?”
“It’s the best thing ever,” she says before taking a step back. I take one forward.One step closer to coffee.“You’ve never heard of Lagree?”
“Have I been missing out?”
“Big time! Think Pilates, but a million times better. Lagree changed my life. It combines core, endurance, cardio, balance, strength and flexibility training in every move. It’s the hottest workout in Hollywood!”
“I see.”
That’s a lot more than I needed to know.
“My trainer is the best in LA. She’s on set all day in a studio in the area with one of her A-list clients. She met me at Studio Flex gym at five-thirty this morning so I could squeeze in a much-needed workout,” she says, sliding her hands down the length of her body.
“You’re dedicated.”
“Very,” she gives me a onceover before adding, “In. Everything. I. do.”
Gotcha.
“Great ethics.”
“I know, right?” she smiles and extends her hand. “I’m Chelsea Hadder, by the way.”
“Lochlan.”
She narrows her brown eyes at me. “Just Lochlan?”
