Shit. Ryan never called him Chandler. Always Chan or buddy. Still, there were some things even his best friend didn’t comprehend.
“All my money couldn’t buy me my dream.”
“Money never can. You know that.”
Chandler sighed. This wasn’t news to him. He knew his money couldn’t get him where he wanted to go, and he hadn’t depended on it. He had worked his ass off, but to no avail. “Ryan, you know I’ve never expected to buy my way anywhere.”
Ryan sat down next to him. “Yeah, I know that. You’re a good guy, Chan. You always have been. But right now you’re being a little shortsighted and you know it.”
Yes, he knew it.
“Jane didn’t cause what’s bothering you.”
“But—”
“It doesn’t matter. It wasn’t her. You’re a rational person. You’re letting this one failure blind you. Do something nice for someone else. It is, after all, your fault that the agent didn’t stick around the other night.”
“Thanks for the salt in that wound.”
“What do you expect from me? Lies? I wouldn’t be a friend if I let you get away with this self-indulgent crap. You fucked up, and Jane paid the price. Now you can fix it for her. This isn’t a hard decision. It’s not a decision at all. It’s something you have to do.”
“I don’t have to do anything!”
Ryan stood and raked his fingers through his dark tousled hair. “True enough. I’ve had my say. I can only hope you come to your senses. You’re not a selfish person. You never have been. I’m proof of that. So don’t let one event color your life.”
Chandler said nothing.
“If you don’t come to your senses, I swear I’ll come and drag you by the hair if I have to. You’re not going to let her down, Chandler. Especially if you feel something for her. Grab the brass ring, bud. Don’t let her go.” He walked away.
Chandler buried his face in his hands. Envy. Jane had said she envied him. Why shouldn’t she? He’d had it all—the money, the education—but where had it gotten him? Here. It had gotten him here. Sitting on a wooden bench feeling sorry for himself.
Truth be told, he envied Jane. Her break was coming. He was sure of it. Lisa Taylor would sign Jane Rock and the Stones. She’d be a fool not to. Jane not only had the voice of an angel, she had charisma, she had intelligence, she had drive. Not to mention a rockin’ body and the most incredible pussy he’d ever had the pleasure to taste.
She had it all, including him. Fuck, yes. Him. He wanted to see her again, but she’d never agree. He’d made sure of that.
Damn it! He had nothing.
He wiped his brow, rubbed his eyes. For the first time in his life, he had no idea what to do.
Chapter Five
He’d better not let me down!
Jane glanced at her watch. Chandler hadn’t made any promises. He could easily not show. He’d already missed warm up. Lenny had offered to do what he could one-handed. She’d take him up on it if she had to.
Damn you, Chandler!
“Hi, Jane.”
Not Chandler’s voice, but familiar. Jane turned to see Ryan standing in the door of her small dressing room. She hadn’t realized she’d left it open. “Ryan. Where is he?”
“He’s coming. I swear I’ll see that he doesn’t let you down.”
“Do you know where he is?”
“I can always find him. I’ll personally deliver him to you if he doesn’t show up. But have some faith, Jane. He’s not a bad guy. He’ll do the right thing.”
Not a bad guy? Jane’s feelings for and about Chandler boggled her own mind. She was wildly attracted to him. He made her skin heat, her pussy pulse. She got wet just looking at him, and making love to him—correction, fucking him, he’d been very clear about that—had taken her places she’d never been.