Chase Me (Broke and Beautiful #1)(48)

“I’m glad you ended up outside.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “If you hadn’t come to me, I was going to you.”

She scrutinized his face, as if trying to decide whether or not to believe him. “I’m here to say I’m sorry about last night. You brought my hormonal roommates ice cream and then I acted like a jerk.” He started to tell her it was okay, but she clapped a hand over his mouth. “If you haven’t decided yet that I’m too much trouble, I want to take you out tonight to make up for it. On a date-date.”

Louis’s lips spread into a slow smile against her palm. When was this girl going to stop catching him off guard? He hoped the answer was never. Ten minutes ago, he’d been ready to beat his head against the wall. Unbelievable how quickly things had changed. He couldn’t be more thankful at the moment not to have a self-induced concussion. Roxy had just asked him out. Would she take back the invitation if he did the running man?

Slowly, she removed her hand from his mouth. “So. How about it, McNally?”

“We’re down to just one name now?” She studied her nails, looking bored, which only made his smile widen. “Where are you taking me on this date-date?”

“Not telling.” She shoved his shoulder. “Is that a yes?”

“That’s a hell yes.” Don’t reach for her. Don’t do it. Make it through the date. “What time should I pick you up?”

“I’m picking you up. This is my show.”

Louis’s old-fashioned instincts gave a collective grunt of disapproval, but he shot them the mental middle finger to shut them up. No way was he rocking the boat when he’d finally gotten her to come around. Don’t kiss her, even though she’s tossing her hair around now like she wants it. Don’t. Do. It. “Okay, Rox. What time should I have my hair washed by?”

“Funny. I have rehearsal later, so I’ll be at your place around eight.”

“Rehearsal,” he repeated. “Already?”

Why wouldn’t she look at him? “Yeah. Johan just wants to help me get comfortable with the script.” She tossed her hair one final time and waited, but he didn’t take the bait. Even though it churned his insides up not to touch her like she clearly wanted. “Fine. If that’s how we’re playing it. . . .” She backed toward the door, a mischievous smile playing around her mouth. “See you tonight, Louis.”

“Shit,” he muttered when the door clicked shut. He had a feeling he’d just issued a challenge he didn’t have the willpower to face. He couldn’t wait to get started.





Chapter 16



ROXY STEPPED OFF the elevator in Louis’s building. The marble hallway and picture windows looking out onto Stanton Street already felt familiar, even though she’d only been there twice. She needed that right now. Familiarity. She’d almost called the whole night off but had somehow forced herself onto the subway and down to the Lower East Side. This date had been her idea, her peace offering, and she couldn’t blow it off, even if she wanted to crawl into bed and blast music inside her headphones as loud as it could go.

Her rehearsal with Johan had started off okay. There had been a full half hour when she’d convinced herself she’d been wrong about him. They’d shared a couple laughs, he’d bought her a Diet Coke from the vending machine. So he was overly flirtatious at the audition, she’d thought. Big deal. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d come across a touchy-feely dude in this industry. As the rehearsal had gone on, however, those friendly touches had started to linger just a little too long. On her waist, her shoulders. He’d started closing in on her when the scene hadn’t called for it, making her start all over when she’d grown too uncomfortable to get her lines right. She’d managed to complete the rehearsal without dodging a blatant come-on, but it was only a matter of time. Tomorrow they were meeting again, and it would be make or break.

She felt a little too exposed, too agitated to enjoy a date right now. Just like this morning, though, she found herself walking in Louis’s direction. Wanting to see him, yet not fully understanding the assurance that he would make everything seem better. Last night, she’d planted herself between her two menstruating roommates and eaten enough ice cream to sink the Staten Island Ferry, but it had only made things worse. With every bite she’d taken, she’d remembered how adorable he’d looked humoring Honey and Abby. How genuine he’d sounded when trying to convince her he’d come to spend time with her, not just between her scratchy sheets. She’d thought of him watching Arrested Development all by himself and had wanted to crawl onto his lap and laugh at the Bluths right along with him.

The second he’d pulled her into his office and held her this morning, her frayed threads had stitched themselves back together. While she recognized the danger of that, of relying on a guy to feel better, she couldn’t seem to help herself. She’d fallen prey to the Louis Effect.

She wanted to see him again after tonight, so she would set aside her unsettled mood for now. Think about Johan and his sticky fingers tomorrow. Stop worrying about Louis’s dating habits. Keep it casual. Avoidance is your friend.

Roxy braced herself in front of Louis’s door and knocked. And waited. When Louis didn’t answer for a full minute, she frowned and checked her cell phone clock. Crap. Half an hour early . . . rehearsals must have gone by much quicker than they’d felt. Maybe he wasn’t home yet? She started to call him, but the door swung open to reveal Louis before her thumb hit the button.