Unrivaled (Beautiful Idols 1)

“Why not?” She narrowed her gaze. “It’s the only thing we have in common.”

“We both like Zeppelin,” he said. It was a pathetic attempt, but he was eager to return to a more peaceful state. He hated confrontation. Especially when he had no idea why he was being confronted. “What’re you doing?” he asked, watching as she leaped from the couch and inexplicably made for the door.

“This was a bad idea.” She ran a hand through her white-blond hair and frowned. “Competition and friendship don’t mix.”

“But—you barely drank any of your beer.” He pointed stupidly at the mostly full bottle as though that was enough to convince her to stay.

“You finish it,” she snapped, her mood shifting so quickly he could barely keep up. “Like you said, you handle it better.”

Without another word, she let herself out. Leaving Tommy to wonder what the hell had just happened.

THIRTY

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

Madison sat on the patio at Nobu gazing out at Malibu Beach, enjoying the feel of the soft breeze brushing over her cheek. Ever since she’d moved to LA, the ocean had become a welcome retreat. Watching the waves continuously lap at the shore was her favorite way to meditate. She’d thought about buying a place by the water, but with all the public access, beach houses were tough to safeguard. Besides, for the moment, all her dreams were on hold until her problem was handled.

“Was that James I just saw?” Ryan bent to give her a perfunctory kiss. “You know, the bouncer at Night for Night? Could’ve sworn I just saw him tipping the valet and collecting a sick matte-black CTS-V coupe.” He shook his head. “Didn’t know being a bouncer paid so well.”

Madison shrugged like she had no idea what he was talking about. Ryan didn’t need to know about her arrangement with James or anyone else on her payroll. What she was about to divulge was revealing enough. She could only hope he’d cooperate—that their time together hadn’t resulted in complete animosity.

He claimed his seat reluctantly, wearing an expression of wary distrust. Well, they’d have to find a way around all that. Now more than ever they needed each other.

“So, what’s this about?” He centered his green eyes on her, his voice surprisingly brusque.

She gazed out at the sea, watching the sun slice through glorious bands of purple and pink as it dove toward the glistening silver-blue water. “Remember that night when you wanted to come here for dinner but I chose to stay home, so you said you were going out with your friends but you really went to see Aster Amirpour at Night for Night?”

His eyes widened, but he soon got control of his face and switched into neutral.

“I was just wondering—exactly how serious are you about Aster?” She leaned back in her seat, observing him closely. Watching as he shook his head, clutched the sides of his chair. He was just about to bail when she reached toward him and said, “Please—no more games. Let’s be straight for a change.”

He flashed her a dubious look, shot a hand through his tousled blond hair. The silence stretched between them until he finally relented. “I don’t know.” He splayed his hands on the smooth wood tabletop, studying his fingers as though trying to recall the lines that went with this scene. “I guess my interest lies somewhere between not very and very.”

Madison nodded. “And what is it you see in her, aside from the obvious?”

He ran a hand over his face, gazed at the other diners, before returning to her. “Mad, come on.” He flipped his hands on the table and frowned. “What’s this about?”

“It’s about getting to the truth.”

“Jeez, I . . . this is really uncomfortable, okay?”

Madison nodded, encouraging him to continue.

“Fine.” He focused on his fork, pressing the tines with the tips of his fingers. “According to my shrink—”

“You told your shrink?” She knew he saw a shrink, everyone did, but she didn’t realize he actually confided in her. She figured he was just there for the medical marijuana prescription she’d written for him.

“I thought it was like confession—that I was supposed to confide all my sins.” He shrugged. “Anyway, according to her, my attraction to Aster is about her needing me in ways you never could. She also says I’m acting out because of my show getting canceled. Trying to bolster my ego and feel important again.” He looked away, as though it pained him to say it.

“And what if I said she was wrong?”

Madison observed him placidly, knowing she’d clinched it when he tilted his head, nodded for her to go on.

“What if I told you I do need you—more than you could ever guess?”

Ryan licked his lips and leaned toward her, clearly aware that a deal was about to be struck. “I’m listening.”

“Good.” Madison grinned, settled deeper into her seat. “Order us some drinks, and I’ll explain everything. But first you have to promise not to tell your shrink, your priest, or anyone else what I’m about to tell you.”