“What’s a book boyfriend?” I ask.
Lex humors me, cutting Charlie off before she answers. “It’s a man, usually a male lead in a book. Quite often, he’s handsome, tall with a muscular build, light eyes with a sharp jawline. He has a tattoo inked somewhere on his body. Most often, he’s rich, CEO… oh, and who could forget… extremely hung.”
I burst out laughing. Charlie shakes her head as she chuckles along with us.
“Oh, he’s described it just right.” She laughs. “Basically, your dream man but on paper.”
I turn to Lex. “Should I even ask how you know this?”
“Both Charlotte and Presley enlightened me one evening. From a marketing and sales perspective, it makes sense. The books we published that had these strong male characters of that description are our bestsellers. Don’t underestimate the power of a horny reader.”
“Book boyfriends, huh? Interesting. So, you think she’s attracted to me? I’m a book boyfriend?”
“Oh, c’mon, Noah. Don’t play coy. The women fall at your goddamn feet, which is why you’re in LA in the first place. I’m your cousin, so to me, you’re gross on so many levels, but you do have that charm women seem to fall for.”
“Gee, thanks for the confidence boost,” I drag out.
“All right, not to come across wrong. You’re young, handsome, and have a successful career. Women love that. The thing, though, is whether or not you’re attracting the right woman,” she informs me. “This Morgan doesn’t seem to be the right one. You need to meet Scarlett. She’s more your type. I even googled some facts.” Pulling out her phone, she continues, “She’s a Lakers fan, and so are you. She dates only guys who have brownish hair, that’s you. So, see… match made in heaven.”
I look at Charlie with a bleak face. Really? How on earth is that a match made in heaven? “I’m not a relationship guy. I like to fuck women, that’s it. I don’t crave anything else.”
“We had a deal,” Charlie reminds me.
“Yeah… yeah. I haven’t forgotten. I can’t guarantee you that Scarlett and I are the perfect match.”
“Don’t listen to Charlie,” Lex interrupts. “If you want to fuck women, then go for it. Most men would love to be in your shoes.”
Charlie turns to face Lex, and he’s quick to shut her down. “Not me, so don’t give me those devil eyes. I fought long and hard for you. You’re stuck with me for life.”
That seems to lift Charlie’s mood. She leans her head against Lex, then plants a soft kiss on his lips.
“Hey,” I warn. “No PDA at the tea party.”
Up until this moment, I had no interest in anything but fucking women. But as I look around me and see the love in this house, the two beautiful daughters plus another on the way, and the bond that Lex and Charlie have, I question whether or not I want a life like this. Isn’t this the end goal in life, to find someone to grow old with? I know I have plenty of time. My so-called marriage clock isn’t ticking. Anyway, isn’t it all about finding the right person?
I made a mental note to ask Kate these questions later during our midnight sessions via text.
And then her face pops into my head, Morgan Bentley, the bane of my existence. The woman who left me alone with that thought planted in my head. She loves to receive.
My mind wanders to places like her sweet—albeit uptight—pussy. This woman clearly has a degree in being a cock tease.
Seconds later, I’m distracted by a vibration in my pocket. Pulling out my cell, I see a text from her.
Morgan: Meeting tomorrow with Scarlett Winters. Address to follow.
That’s all the text says. Is this seriously all I get? It’s so cold and impersonal coming from someone who’s shared intimate details with me. She’s got a hungry pussy that loves to receive. Her words, not mine.
My hand grips my cell tight, the urge to throw it across the room curbed only moments later. I don’t even respond. Screw giving her the satisfaction of knowing she’s on my fucking mind.
Focus on this—you’ll finally get to meet Scarlett.
I should be breathing a sigh of relief.
I should be bouncing off the walls.
Tomorrow will finally be the day.
But what if after all this time, this isn’t what I want?