Irresistible Bachelors: Books 1-5 by Landish, Lauren (bts books to read TXT) 📕

Mindy shakes her head sadly, giving me a look that says she knows I’m full of shit. “Well, you still owe me an autograph before you leave. If things are gonna fall to pieces, I’ll be damned if I don't get at least a piece of the pie.”

I chuckle. Bri’s right—it’s almost impossible to get mad at Mindy. “I’ll make sure to bring it in personally tomorrow morning before I leave. I think I have something I can sign better than just a piece of paper for you.”

Mindy beams. “Thanks.”

I give her a quick handshake of thanks. “You take care, you hear?”

I’m trying to be funny, but it just feels slightly sad. I’m going to miss her. She firmly shakes back. “I will.”

“And . . .” I stop, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Take care of Bri for me, will ya?”

Mindy nods, trying to smile, but I can see the glitter in her eyes. “Sure thing. I’ve been taking care of that rascal since before she could walk.”

I smile back. It’s better than the other option. “Aren’t you two the same age?”

Mindy laughs and wipes at her eye. “Yeah, and?”

“You’re impossible,” I finally say with a laugh.

Mindy beams, smiling even as the first tear falls. “I wouldn't have it any other way.”

I leave the coffee shop, my heart heavy. In the lobby, I’m swarmed by camera men, some crew, and fans. I do my best to engage them all, but I get fed up quickly, pushing my way through at the limits of my patience. When I see Vandenburgh, though, talking animatedly to a crowd, I have to pull him to the side.

“Yes, Mr. Adams?” Vandenburgh says in his uppity faux accent. “I heard about your accident. I’m glad you’re all right.”

“About Brianna,” I say, ignoring his bullshit concern. “When I leave here, I want you to start treating your employees with respect. Brianna especially. No more making her get on her knees and clean floors, insulting her, and threatening her job. You got it?”

The pompous little prick sputters, knocked on his heels momentarily. “Mr. Adams, there are things that—”

“I know an asshole when I see one,” I hiss in his ear. “And I am tired of assholes. So, I want you to promise me not to fire her until she quits on you. You got it?”

Anger spreads across his face. But I use my height to my advantage, staring him down. I don’t even know what I’m doing or why he would listen to me, but I can’t help myself.

“Yes, Mr. Adams,” he says finally. “I’ll leave Miss Sayles alone.”

“Good. Because I don't want to have to start making phone calls.” My words sound stupid to my ears, but I need to do something. If I have to end up leaving without talking to Brianna, I want to have at least done something meaningful for her.

I leave Vandenburgh before he can reply and go up to my room on the sixth floor. As I step off, I see Leslie directing a bellhop with her luggage. “Hey, I’m glad you’re okay,” she says. “I thought for sure that you were really injured.”

“Yeah, just a little bump. I’ll be fine, and you can see me on Sunday TV.”

“It’s crazy how things turned out with the movie,” she says. “I hope you’re not mad about it.”

I shrug. I really don’t care anymore. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m glad you get the chance to shine. My acting was shit anyway.”

“Yeah, but I understand.” She leans in. “You really should see what you can do about that. I know you really care for her.”

“I don't know. We come from two different worlds.”

“And that’s where the most explosive things happen, when two different worlds collide.”

I chuckle at the aptness of her remark. “Like football and Hollywood?”

Leslie shakes her head. “Just . . . don't be like me and lose something you'll regret for the rest of your life.”

Her words are heavy on me. I don't know what to say.

“Listen, handsome,” Leslie says as she sees me lost in thought, chucking me on the arm. “I’ll catch you later at the press promotions for the movies. And I’ll make sure not to stay on your arm just in case. And maybe if you have a good story for me, I’ll have a good story for you.”

She winks and I give her a wave. “Thanks. See you around.”

My mind is running when I step into the room. I’m conflicted, not sure what to do. I can get cleaned up and go over to Bri’s apartment, but then what? Tell her, ‘Yeah, I don't want to leave you, but now I have to.’ Talk about an asshole move.

I sigh and shrug off my blazer. I head through the room toward the bathroom when I notice a stack of money on the desk. Arching an eyebrow, I walk over to see that it’s my money clip sitting on top of a note. My heart pounds in my chest as I pick it up to read it.

Dear Gavin,

Leaving me with the money this morning did not sit well with me. I didn’t sleep with you so I could get paid. And when I showed you my place, it wasn’t for you to have sympathy for me.

I know you’re a big star with everything in the world and I should be falling all over myself with gratitude.

But the truth is, I know this thing we have can never be. You’re leaving. You get to go back to your big fancy house and your cars and return to being the cocky sports star and celebrity you're known for, with a slew of women on your arm.

And if this was your way for apologizing for all of that—I don't want it. I don't need your sympathy or your money.

So I’m leaving this here for you to give to someone else, perhaps someone who needs it more than me. And I wish you all the best with your sports and movie career.

Lastly,