The Unidentified Redhead (Redhead #1)(11)
Author: Alice Clayton

“This is good fruit, by the way—farmers market?” she asked, spearing a blueberry.

“Yep, I stopped by the other day and stocked up. Speaking of fruit, are we still on for dancing with Nick tonight?” I asked, pulling my hair up into a tight bun on top of my head.

“Oh, yes. I can’t wait to shake this ass al over West Hol ywood tonight. I am channeling my inner hag,” she answered, shaking her ass right there in the chair.

“It should be fun, although I’m not allowed to have too much to drink tonight. Cut me off after two. Maybe three,” I warned.

“That’s a deal. I don’t want to have you lying around like third base all day tomorrow,” she agreed, finishing her coffee and grabbing her bag for work. I leaned in for a quick peck on the cheek.

“No third base, got it. Love you, bitch. See you at eleven-thirty,” I said as I put her dishes in the sink.

“You’re a dick. I love you, too,” she shot back, and off she went to work.

After a grueling yoga class, I showered and got ready at the gym. I changed into a clean pair of black yoga pants, and a fresh white camisole, then wrapped a hot pink tracksuit jacket around my waist and called it good. Holly and I were going out for coffee, so I didn’t feel the need to get super dressed up.

Her offices were in a new space off Wilshire. It was close to all the museums and the La Brea Tar Pits, close to where we had shared our first apartment. You could even see the E! building from her window. She said it helped her focus during the day.

After parking, I walked through the lobby and made my way up to her offices on the fifteenth floor. She had half of the floor, and when I walked into reception, I saw Sara, her assistant, at the front desk. She was young and pretty and sweet—a bit fluttery, but nice. Speaking of fluttery, she seemed very on edge this morning.

“Hey, Sara,” I started, before she let out a little scream and turned around.

“Oh, Grace! I’m so sorry. I didn’t hear you come in. I’m a little out of it today,” she stuttered, looking like she was about to pee her pants.

“No problem. What’s going on? You look a little crazed.”

“Do I? Shit, I was trying to play it so cool,” she sighed, sitting back down at her desk and then banging her head against it.

“Hey, hey! Stop that! Who is here?” I hesitated, knowing that must be why she was shrieking. Sara had a tendency to get a little star struck. Once a rather famous movie star came in to take a meeting with Holly, and she freaked all over reception making an ass of herself. She actually tripped and went head first into a potted fern. Holly had been working with her on her self-control, which she needed, especially if she wanted to continue a career in the industry. I found it funny watching Holly lecture anyone on control, because I once saw her chase Donnie Wahlberg across a Carl’s Jr. parking lot to get an autograph. New Kids were definitely her Achilles’ heel.

“Your new boyfriend, that’s who’s here! I almost died when he asked for your phone number the other day. How the hell did you land Jack Hamilton?” she asked incredulously while I groaned.

Dammit, you really have to start wearing nicer clothes when you come in here.

“First of al , I did not ‘land’ anything. Nothing has been landed on, no one is landing anything. Second of all, I barely know him,” I assured her, trying not to look too conspicuous as I ran my hand through my hair, fluffing up my ponytail.

“Sheridan, I’m hurt. Did my booty call mean so little to you?” I heard a ridiculously lovely voice say from behind me.

Before turning around, Sara mouthed the words “Booty call?” at me silently, and I shook my head. “Shut it,” I mouthed back and turned.

Fuck, he’s pretty.

Jack was wearing light-colored jeans with the same Doc Martens he’d had on the other night. His white t-shirt and gray sweater were tight enough that I could see his slim, yet firm build underneath, but slouchy enough that it didn’t look like he was trying. Thankfully, he wasn’t wearing the demon ball cap, and those curls were begging me to run my fingers through them. Actually begging.

He grinned at me unabashedly, and I couldn’t help but grin back.

“Huh. Fancy meeting you here,” I teased. “I recall telling you that I had a meeting with Holly this morning. Coincidence?”

“Sheridan, that’s rubbish. Are you insinuating that I only came here in the hopes of running into you? I happen to have had an appointment as well,” he taunted.

“That’s crap, you stalker,” I deadpanned, moving in closer to him. He raised an eyebrow, watching me.

“Really, I have an appointment. Ask Sara to check her book,” he challenged.

I looked to Sara for confirmation, as she was watching this little exchange with the same interest she reserved for reality TV.

“It’s true, Grace. He had the appointment right before you,” she replied, trying not to get worked up again with him so close to her. I knew the feeling.

Jack shot me a cocky half grin, thinking he’d won this round.

“Sara, when did he book this appointment?” I asked, not taking my eyes off Jack, who suddenly looked at Sara in conspiratorial panic.

“Um, let’s see. There was an email from him this morning when I turned on my computer,” she answered, still looking dazed.

“What time was that email sent?” I asked, with my own cocky grin beginning to form across my face.

Sara clicked around a few times and then said, “Two-oh-seven a.m.”

“Shit,” Jack said quietly while I laughed aloud.

“I knew it! You are so busted, Hamilton!” I cried. I was teasing him, but inwardly I was dancing like an imbecile.

He totally came up here to see you. Girl, you are on.

He laughed and ran his hands through his hair, biting down on that damnable lower lip as I heard Sara gasp audibly. I had trouble controlling myself as well. He was that hot. He grinned sheepishly and said, “OK, you caught me. I wanted to see you. Is that so terrible? I’m bored, and you’re fascinating.” He was smiling, but I swear I saw a look of nervousness flit across his face.

Before I knew to look for it though, it was gone.

“Well, I’m glad I can amuse you. You’re mildly entertaining to me as well.

Although, as Holly can attest, I can become a lot to take,” I answered, suddenly becoming shy. Sara had answered a phone call during our latest round of banter, and I found myself alone with him.