The Beauty of Us (Fusion #4)

“Seriously,” Kat says, nodding, “being in a relationship is exciting, but it’s also work. And when you find someone that you just click with, and want to be with all of the time, being away from them is awful.”

“It sucks,” Mia says. “I know, I’m the one who always says that relationships suck, and I don’t need a man, and I don’t, but I’m not heartless. This isn’t easy, and we want you to know that we’ve got your back. I just wish we could beam you down to L.A. Star Wars–style, so you could be with him.”

“You just combined Star Wars and Star Trek,” I reply, a smile tickling my lips.

“You know what I mean,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“No, no, I don’t. Because what you said doesn’t make any sense.”

The girls laugh and Kat reaches over and takes my hand. “You’ve come a long way since you met Trevor in my bar.”

“I have.” I nod, thinking back over the past few weeks and everything that’s happened. “He’s really wonderful, you guys. And the sex? Best in my life.”

“He’s a good man,” Cami says with a nod. “Even our guys like him.”

“Nana likes him too,” I reply. “She says if I don’t keep him, she’ll steal him from me.”

“Just hang in there,” Addie says. “Give the distance a chance. Maybe it won’t be for long.”

“He’d have to move here,” I reply helplessly. “And he can’t. He has an amazing job with a major network. And I can’t move from Portland. Nana is here, you guys are here. I own a business. I just don’t know how it’s going to work.”

“With a lot of air miles and faith,” Cami says with a smile. “Because he’s worth it, Ri.”

“Oh yeah. He’s so worth it.”





Chapter Sixteen





Trevor


Call me.



I frown down at my sister’s text, surprised that she doesn’t just go ahead and call me. Not that we talk all that often.

I have a meeting with my boss in ten minutes, so I go ahead and dial her number.

“You’re alive,” she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“As are you,” I reply with a grin. “I’ve been on location.”

“I figured. Are you back in L.A.?”

“Yes, do you need me?”

“It would be nice to see my only brother, yes,” she says, and I wince. Colleen is the youngest of us. She’s single, and estranged from our parents. I should check in on her more often.

“Let’s get together this week,” I reply. “Unless you need me before?”

“Well, I do need to talk to you about Stephanie,” she says, referencing my ex and making me frown.

“What about her?”

“She’s been calling me.”

I lean back in my chair and pinch my nose under my glasses.

“And?”

“And, I think she’s regretful.”

“Of course she is,” I mutter, and check the time. “Colleen, I have to get to a meeting with my boss, but I want to discuss this further. Are you available for dinner tonight?”

“Sure. Our usual spot?”

“Sounds great. I’ll see you there at six.”

“Make it six thirty. I’m coming from across town.”

“Okay. See you soon.”

We end the call, and I grab a notebook, pen, my cell, and rush over to my boss Chris’s office. His assistant smiles and waves as I run by, and Chris’s door is standing open, waiting for me.

“Hey,” I say as I rush inside. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“You’re not,” Chris says as he finishes typing something on his computer, shuts it down, and shifts his attention to me. “Did you get in last night?”

“Yesterday afternoon,” I reply, and sit across from him. “It’s been a busy morning, catching up.”

“Understood,” he says with a nod. Chris is a great boss. He’s understanding and pretty laid-back, but he expects nothing less than excellence. He’s also rather curt in conversation. “I’ve gone through some of the film from Portland. That was a great call, Trevor. The film is great, and the girls are beautiful.”

“Thank you, I think so too,” I reply with a nod. “They were all nervous at first, of course, but with time they loosened up, and the filming went quickly.”

“Which we all appreciate,” he says with a smile. “What do you have coming up?”

We spend the next ten minutes going over possible projects everywhere from Miami to Seattle, and frankly, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

Which is so unlike me, but now that I’ve met Riley, the thought of traveling all over the globe for work isn’t as enticing as it used to be.

“I’d like to talk with you about another idea,” I say just as we’re about to wrap up.

“Okay,” he says, and leans back in his chair, crossing his ankle over the opposite knee. “What’s up?”

“I think the girls and Seduction are great enough to do something semipermanent there.”

“Add another show to the roster?” he asks with a thoughtful frown.

“Yes,” I reply with a nod. “We could start with six episodes to see how well it does, but I love the idea of doing a competition-type show with Mia and a different guest celebrity chef each week.”

“It’s been done,” he says, narrowing his eyes.

“Not like this, and not with Mia. She’s brilliant with the camera.”

“She has no experience,” he counters, and I know I have my work cut out for me with this pitch.

“You said yourself that they’re great. The restaurant is beautiful and sexy. The kitchen is new and state-of-the-art, and Mia is funny. She looks great in front of the camera.”

“She’s pretty,” he says, rubbing his fingertips over his lips, thinking it over. “Do I sound like a dick when I say that she’s not exactly thin?”

“You sound like a network executive,” I reply, frustrated. “And so what? We have hosts of all shapes and sizes on our network, and have for years. She’s talented, and I think the show would be fun.”

“And what if I say yes to pursuing it further?”

“Well, then I’d ask to be relocated to Portland so I could be in charge of the project.”

He narrows his eyes on me for a moment.

“What’s going on, Trevor? What’s happening with you?”

I sigh and close my eyes. I hope I’m not about to commit career suicide.

“I’m in love with Riley.”

“Christ, Trevor,” he moans, and shakes his head in disappointment. “This is Professionalism 101. Keep your hands off your colleagues.”

“The way you keep yours off your assistant?” I ask, and am met with a death glare. “Okay, it’s none of my business.”

“You’re damn right it’s none of your business.”

“I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

He rolls his eyes. “Of course you didn’t. Who am I supposed to have replace you in your job? The show you just wrapped will still be a show on our network.”

“I’m certain there are several qualified people who can take over. Just give it some thought, Chris. I know you can’t give me an answer on it right away. Wait until the show is edited and ready to air, then have a look and make up your mind then.”

“So, you’re not in a hurry to get back up there?” He cocks a brow.

I want to go back right now.

“I would like to go back soon, but we’re also not in a huge hurry.”

“I’ll think about it,” he finally concedes, and I sigh in relief that he didn’t put the kibosh on it immediately. “And I’ll talk it over with my boss as well. It’s not a bad idea.”

“Thanks, Chris.”