Page 30 of Wonderlust

“Good. He’s amazing with his fans and the press. It was pretty effortless.”

“You’re starting to see all his layers then?”

“He’s pretty messed up, but I don’t think he’s beyond saving.”

“He copes with his life the best way he can. I’d go a little crazy if I had to deal with all the shit that he does.” I shuddered, suddenly realizing I wasn’t wearing that much. “Are you cold? My jacket is on the seat next to you.” Stretching across, I picked up his jacket and slipped it on. “He gave me a grilling about beingtoofriendly with you last week.”

“He didwhat?!”

“It’s okay. I set him straight.”

“I…I…”

“It’s okay, Nat. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, but I am extremely attracted to you.”

“Shane, you’re a great guy…”

“Here comes the ‘but.’” As he pulled onto the driveway that led to the mansion, I gazed at him. The moonlight was caressing his face. He was a good-looking guy. Any normal woman would jump at the chance to be with him, but I’d never been normal. When it came to relationships, I seemed to like them as complicated as possible. Why else would I be single at twenty-nine?

“I can’t see us being anything other than friends. I’m sorry.” He took my hand in his, stopping me from playing with my silver clutch.

“It’s fine, Nat. I’m good with just being friends.”

“Really?”

“Really.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Do you feel up to a game of pool?”

“Sure.” It would kill a bit of time until Diego and Alex got home later. They’d both be drunk and end up waking me anyway.

“You’re pretty damn good at this,” Shane mused, leaning on his cue as he watched me sink a ball.

“I played a lot at uni.” I hadn’t changed yet, but his jacket covered me better than my dress did, so I’d kept that on.

“What did you study?”

“Communication and Media in London. It was a great course. I joined Flavour Records right after I graduated.”

“So this is only your second job?” Shane asked while I positioned myself over the table to hit another ball.

“Yeah.”

“What about your man back in London? Did you meet him there? Is he flying out to visit you soon?”

“I seriously doubt it. Things between us are…complicated.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I assumed the two of you were…”

“Working for Rock Records is my dream job. I had to choose this over him.”

“But you got Alex as your boss. Maybe you should have stayed in London with your man,” he snorted. I missed a shot, thinking of David asmy man. That would never have happened.

“It didn’t turn out too bad. I’m here playing pool with you,” I grinned as footsteps came from behind me.

“You’re still up?” Alex was at the doorway, and to my surprise didn’t appear drunk.

“I was just playing a game of pool with Shane. You’re back early,” I commented, looking at the clock. It wasn’t even midnight.

“I didn’t feel like partying so I left Diego there.” Oh! Why did I suddenly feel so uncomfortable standing between Shane and Alex? “I’ll leave you two to your game. Sorry for interrupting,” he muttered, walking away.

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