Free Hollywood & Vine by Olivia Evans Page A

that. He’d been right when he said she was playing a very dangerous game she would not win. Which was why she was throwing in her cards. No more flirting. No more leather pants and low tops. She would keep things strictly professional from now on.
    “When did you move to town?” Josie turned her attention to Philip as she grabbed her drink from the waitress and pulled the straw between her lips.
    “Um, just two weeks ago.” His voice had risen at the end, making his statement sound more like a question than he intended. He couldn’t help it. The girl in front of him was quite distracting.
    Josie hummed and grabbed the saltshaker. She licked her hand before sprinkling it with salt then grabbed the shot glass. “Cheers!” She downed the shot in one smooth motion, her expression not reflecting her distaste for the bitter liquor.
    “I’ve got the next one.” Philip grinned. He motioned for the waitress to bring over four shots as Holden and Madison watched Josie with a mix of annoyance and concern. Two shots later everyone’s shoulders began to slacken and the tension in the air evaporated. They talked about LA and things to do around the city. Philip hinted more than once that he’d love for someone to show him around, but Josie’s tequila-hazed mind was too far gone to pick up his meaning, much to Holden’s relief.
    It was when the conversation veered to Josie’s job that Madison noticed a crack in Josie’s carefully composed mask. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but something told her it had to do with Anders Ellis.
    “If you guys will excuse us.” Madison didn’t elaborate. Instead she grabbed Josie’s hand and hauled her to the bathroom. The room spun when Madison yanked Josie to her feet, but she didn’t protest.
    “Okay, what’s the deal?” Madison steadied Josie against the wall, then stepped back so she could get a good look at her drunken friend. Josie groaned and dropped her chin, her gaze fixed on her chest.
    “I have a nice rack, don’t I? Wait, don’t answer that. I have a nice rack. I have a spectacular rack. Philip must think so. He hasn’t stopped staring since I got here.” Her words came out in a rush, her eyes widening as she looked from her chest to Madison.
    “Okay first, please stop saying rack. Second, um, what is the matter with you?”
    Josie pressed her palm to her forehead. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”
    “Well, obviously it’s something. You’re not acting like yourself at all. Well, except for the tequila shots. That’s completely like you but beside the point.”
    Josie cracked a smile. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t be jealous because I can hold me liquor and you can’t.”
    “Oh, I can hold it just fine. That’s the problem. Even when I should puke, I don’t. It’s caused a lot of tabletop dances I’m glad I can’t remember.” Madison giggled and walked over to Josie. Grabbing Josie’s hands, she pulled her away from the wall and threw an arm over her shoulders. “You ready to talk to me now?”
    “I’m just annoyed with myself. It’s not a big deal, I promise.” Josie meant what she said. She wasn’t going to let this thing with Anders mess with her any more. She was going to concentrate on the here and now. It didn’t hurt that the here and now included a hot French chef who stared at her like a four-course meal.
    “Well, if it’s any consolation, your tits are fantastic.”
    Josie let out a loud, grateful laugh and hugged Madison. “Thanks for letting me work this out on my own.”
    “No pressure, Josie. But I’m here if you need me.”
    “I know.”
    “Now” ― Madison laughed ― “let’s go back out there and see how many shades of red your brother’s face can turn from watching Philip eye fuck you.”
    Josie pretended to gag. “Can you please not mention my brother and any kind of fucking in the same sentence? There’s not enough tequila in the world for me to not be grossed out by that image.”
    Madison grinned