Shine With Me (With Me in Seattle 15.5)

“I’m nice,” I mutter as we file downstairs to the kitchen. “Burrito?”

“I’d love one,” Zane agrees. “It was an early flight, and I haven’t eaten much. So, you’re the Ben she’s been talking about.”

Knowing that Rina’s talked about me gives me immense satisfaction.

“I’m Ben,” I confirm. “And I hate to burst your bubble, but she hasn’t said much about you.”

“Not surprising, Rina’s always been a private person. We go way back. We were on a show together as kids.”

I nod and go to work making another burrito. I’ve just added egg whites when Rina bounces down the stairs and launches herself into Zane’s arms, giving him a tight hug.

I want to punch him.

And that’s stupid. I hug Nic. She’s my best friend.

“I’m so happy to see you,” Rina says, smiling up at Zane. Of course, I recognize him. Zane is a megastar. I’d have to live in a tiny village in the middle of the Amazon to not know who he is.

It’s like not knowing Brad Pitt.

But he currently has his hands on my girl, and friend or not, it makes me twitchy.

“How was your flight?” Rina asks him.

“Not bad,” he answers. “It was early enough that I was only recognized a handful of times.”

“Why didn’t you take a private plane?” I ask him.

“Because I forgot to book it.” He shrugs. “I’m always forgetting something.”

“You have an assistant for that,” Rina reminds him.

“I fired her.”

“Why?”

“Because she got naked and climbed into bed with me, and I’m not comfortable with that.”

“Ew.” Rina wrinkles her nose in disgust. “What is wrong with people? And why do you keep hiring young, pretty women?”

“Because I like looking at them, but that doesn’t mean I want to fuck them.”

“Hire an old married dude with grandkids,” Rina suggests. “He won’t give two shits about sleeping with you, and will get your planes booked for you.”

“That’s boring,” Zane mutters. “Okay, so Christmas is in four days, and you don’t have a tree up. Not one twinkle light or poinsettia in this place. What’s wrong with you?”

“We’ve been a little busy,” Rina says. “We don’t need a tree to exchange gifts.”

“Uh, yeah, we do. We’ll go get one today.”

“I’m working today,” Rina informs him.

“Fine. I’ll get one today.”

“You can take the day,” I offer, but she’s already shaking her head.

“No way. I’m here to work. Z can party all day with his fancy tree and twinkle lights.”

“I’m not sure I like the way that sounds,” Zane quips, making us both laugh.* * * *“Where’s Rina?” Jules asks. I was invited to dinner at Nic and Matt’s, and Jules and Nate are here, as well. Matt and Jules are very close. All the Montgomerys are, but I have a feeling Matt and Jules have a special sibling bond.

“She’s at home. With Zane.”

Four pairs of eyes turn to me.

“Who the fuck is Zane?” Nate asks.

“Wait,” Nic says, holding up a hand. “Is it Zane Cooper, the movie star?”

“One and the same.”

“Wow,” Nic breathes, earning a look from her husband. “If Matt were to ever give me a hall pass—and trust me, we all know that’s never gonna happen—”

“Walking a fine line here, little one.”

“Zane would be mine. My hall pass. Whoa.”

“He’s a hottie,” Jules agrees, and now it’s Nate’s turn to narrow his gaze on his wife.

This is entertaining as hell.

“Why is he with Rina?” Matt asks.

“He showed up this morning. I guess they’re best friends and always spend the holidays together.”

“Seriously?” Nic asks. “I wonder if she’d introduce me to him.”

Matt’s staring at Nic now, tugging his lower lip thoughtfully. “Yes, I wonder if she would.”

Nic’s face flushes in embarrassment. “I mean, I know that’s silly. Never mind.”

“I think Nic might be getting spanked later.” Jules giggles.

“Oh, she will be, yes,” Matt replies, still watching his wife. “Among other things.”

“That’s cool that she has someone here with her for the holidays,” Jules says. “Of course, you’re both welcome to join us for Christmas dinner. It’s loud and chaotic, and the kids will be running amok, most likely high on sugar and playing with loud toys, but you’re welcome to join us.”

“That’s so…not tempting.” I laugh. “But thank you for the offer.”

“How are things going with her?” Nate asks as he adds more salad to his plate. “How’s the training?”

“She’s a trooper,” I reply. “She doesn’t complain about any of it, even when I know she’s got to be incredibly sore. She’s up early, ready to go by six, and there are days we’re not finished until six in the evening.”

“Jesus, you make her work out for twelve hours?” Nic asks, scowling at me. “That can’t be legal.”

“Not for twelve hours straight,” I say. “But there is a lot of different interval training involved, along with stretching and yoga, meals, that sort of thing. I take up a good portion of her day.”