Page 100 of Hollywood

It was easier to understand why Kit wouldn’t have recognized him.

Not just because of the longer hair or the way his face had matured in the five years since the accident, but he’d also bulked up and gotten a few tattoos. He didn’t look like a preppy rich kid anymore—even if he still was one in a lot of ways.

Despite looking like a rich snob, he didn’t look happy or smug in the photo. I recognized the regret in his eyes.

That was one thing that hadn’t changed.

His eyes were the same.

CHAPTER 22

Tex

“You ready?”

Hollywood leaned out the bathroom door, a cloud of steam escaping with him. “You can’t rush beauty.”

I chuckled. “Darlin’, are you saying your beauty isn’t all natural?”

He glared at me playfully. “Just watch your Wiggles with Ruby. I’ve seen you eyeing the purple guy.”

I snorted. That wasn’t even close to the truth. For one thing, The Wiggles were too annoying to be attractive. John Pearce was also nowhere close to Hollywood’s league, looks-wise, though I suppose once you removed the exaggerated facial expressions, he was pretty okay.

I had caught myself paying more attention to men lately, subtly waiting for that kick of attraction.

So far, it hadn’t happened with anyone but Holly. I could appreciate that Joyride was a good-looking kid. A little too good-looking to be spending so much time with my—with Hollywood. Knight had a strong face and an edgy vibe thatwas kind of sexy. At least until he started mother-henning over everyone. I could see why Aiden jumped his bones, but I didn’t think I’d ever want to.

Hell, maybe I was just too gone over Hollywood to want anyone else that way. It wasn’t like I was feeling any sparks toward the women in my life, either, few as they were.

Hollywood emerged from the bathroom ten minutes later, hair styled, face glowing pink from the humidity. He looked hot as hell in designer jeans, a dark blue shirt with pale blue cuffs and collar, and leather sneakers.

This is what he wore to the park? This man was ten miles out my league.

His phone rang as he came down the hall. He pulled it from his back pocket and made a face. “It’s my mom. I should take it real quick.”

“Okay, sure.”

While Hollywood took the call, I checked my phone for messages from Dad. He’d promised to pay me back for those plants as soon as the job was done.

I’d texted him a couple of days ago. He’d said there’d been a delay, but he was working on it. I fired off another quick message:ETA on getting me paid?

I waited, but there was no sign he’d seen it. I sighed and pocketed the phone. Holly perched on the sofa, phone in hand, looking like his conversation wasn’t going much better.

“We’re doing fine, Mom. I promise. Ruby is great.” His eyes sought me out. “I’ve got a…friend to help out.”

He didn’t seem to know how to label me. I wasn’t sure what I wanted him to call me, either. Thoughfriendwasn’t hitting the spot all that great.

I sidled a little closer so I could hear his mother’s end of the call.

“I can’t believe she dumped that little girl on you afterrefusing to let you see her! I oughta call her and give her a piece of my mind.”

“No!” Holly said quickly. “I’m glad to get the chance to know Ruby. I wanted to take her.”

“But how are you managing? You can barely take care of yourself.”

“I do fine,” he said shortly.

I put a hand on his back, rubbing lightly. He glanced at me, his expression softening.