Her Elusive Price (Book 2)

Two

Maddox

What I just offered sounded out of this world even for me but more so for her because her eyes grew ten times larger than they already are. and based on the look on her face, she most likely finds my question what? Offensive? Creepy? Random? I guess it kinda is whatever it sounded like, but it’s already out there so I’m owning up to it cause A, I have nothing to do tomorrow, and B, I guess I was just being... Nice? Also, it’s not like I haven’t given anyone a ride before. Besides, I wasn’t really planning on hitting on her although she does have this unpolished beauty to her. She’s hot actually. Not the model like-kind that I’m usually attracted to, but there’s definitely something there. How should I describe her? Petite perfection? Yeah, I’ll go with that.

I waited for her response but she just kept gaping at me. I flicked the cigarette butt to the side and raised my left brow at her. “So? How about it?” She must have finally landed back to earth because she suddenly stood straighter and cleared her throat. “That’s uh, that’s really kind of you, but I’m uh... Well, I - I just remembered that I forgot something, so I need to uh go back inside,” she said with a smile that didn’t exactly reach her eyes. Uh-huh. Sure she did. “Alright, let’s go get it then. That thing you forgot,” I countered already walking back to where the back entrance is. I don’t know what the f**k I’m trying to pull here, but to hell with it. Call me bored or whatever. “No, wait! I can just get it some other time,” she slightly shouted and a smile crept to my face. The f**k is wrong with me?

I walked back clearly pleased with my cleverness and gestured for her to start moving which she reluctantly did. “Don’t worry, I’m not a serial killer,” I teased giving her a flirty wink as we walked side by side to where the car is parked and as soon as we reached the curb, several white flashes went off blinding almost half of LA. Of course, the paparazzi's timing is always perfect and everywhere. I gave the guys a one-finger salute when they started asking questions and then went back to ignoring them.

“Umm, I knew that,” she responded while looking anywhere else but me. Cute. "Knew what?" I asked making her steps slightly falter. "That you're not umm... a serial killer," she quietly said. “How do you know?” I smiled wider when she turned her gaze at me. “What?” She asked looking all confused. “How do you know I’m not a killer?” I repeated opening the door for her. “Well, umm the girls you’ve been seen with are still strutting their stuff. Not that I keep tabs on them or you, umm, or anything like that. It just umm so...” she clumsily mumbled making me laugh. That was a weak ass save, but an adorable one at that. Guess she knows who I am and apparently the models I hooked up with. “Fair enough, watch your head,” I told her as she slipped in the front seat. I waited for her to get settled and closed the door gently before waving Cody goodnight who has just swung his leg over his bike. He normally follows me home before he takes off, but not tonight. I had instructed him to just go home or wherever he needs to be. He didn’t like the idea, but he didn’t argue much because he knows I'm going to throw a f*****g fit if he insists on following me around.

“So, where to?” I asked as the engine of my 1969 Mustang Boss 429 roared to life. She gave me the details of her address and I just realized that it was 30 minutes away from here and the complete opposite direction from where I live, but it didn’t matter. In fact, I didn’t mind at all. I like driving and I kept myself sober anyway because I know better than to drive home drunk. That’s rule number two for the band. If you’re going to get your ass s**t wasted then you better have a driver or get the hell out. She kept fidgeting and glancing at me nervously that I felt like I needed to do something to make her feel comfortable. “So, Sydney right? How long have you been working for Roman?” I casually asked which she answered with not more than two words. “A year.”

Hmm... How come I’ve never seen her there before? “Do you like working there?” A f*****g lame question, but I’m desperate. “It’s not that bad. I usually work in the morning, but since today’s kinda hectic, I had to come in,” she explained. “That explains why I haven’t seen you before,” I admitted before turning my attention back on the road. "You go there a lot?" she asked and I lifted my chin up to answer. "Yeah, Roman's a friend of the band I'm with," I answered. "I-I knew that," she quietly said and I couldn't help but glance at her. "Which part?" This time she looked back at me. "The part that you're in a band. Like a very famous band," she answered smiling a bit. "Right, but not the part that we come there a lot and that the owner's a friend?" Her smile widened showcasing a dimple that I didn't know exists. Well s**t, she's more attractive than I originally thought. "Umm no, not that part."

We fell silent for a while then I started humming to the tune of Under the Bridge, gently tapping my thumbs on the stirring wheel. And if I was alone, I'd probably be singing my brains out, so I kept it to a minimum. I'd occasionally glance at her to make sure she's alright. She'd answer with a subtle smile and then look out the window. I guess she's not the "in your face" kind of girl I'm used to. The ones that burst with forwardness and confidence everywhere they go. This girl, however, is confident, but for a different reason which I can't put my finger on. “Thanks for umm helping me earlier by the way, and for the ride.” She said this in a way that was breathy and quiet that I’m not sure if I’m scaring the crap out of her or if she’s just too shy. “No problem, what’s the deal with him anyway? If you don’t mind telling me.” She looked at me once before looking straight ahead. “He’s a regular. He always asks me out, but I always say no. Tonight was the first time he kinda went overboard.” Holy s**t!

“Kinda? I think he went a whole lot overboard,” I answered firmly. “I guess he did,” she sighed. “Well, if he keeps asking you out even after this, maybe you should report it or at least let Roman know,” I suggested and she stared at me in shock. “Not saying it will happen again, but it could,” I shrugged and then I moved on to a much lighter conversation. I learned that she’s not originally from California, but she’s from Arizona. She only moved here to follow what she termed as a cliched dream which is to become an actress. She’s been through several auditions and has landed a few small good roles, but she hasn’t made it to the big leagues yet. A part of me wished that she’d someday make it big and the other part had me wondering if she has any other dream aside from that.

I killed the engine as soon as we were parked in front of her apartment building as if I was waiting for an invitation or that we’d hang out some more. Why I did that, again I have no idea. “So.... seriously thanks, again. I hope I can repay you someday,” she nervously said while trying to free herself from the seatbelt. I watched her squirm and try for a moment before I reached out to help her unbuckle the damn thing. I accidentally grazed her hands and she immediately pulled back as if my touch burned her following it up with a nervous laugh. It makes me wonder if she’s like this to all the guys she meets or if it’s just me. I hope it's not just because it's me. “Have a good night, Sydney,” I cooly said and she went for the door. When she stepped out, I immediately ducked and asked another stupid question before she shut the door. “You working tomorrow?” She lowered herself so she could look at me looking confused as hell once more. “No, it’s my off until Friday.”

“That a regular thing or?” I followed up she simply nodded and closed the door. I watched her walk up to the entrance and at the last minute, she turned and waved goodbye before walking all the way into her building. Interesting.