Free Transplanting Holly Oakwood by Di Jones Page B

be complicated.”
    “She’s not one of my women,” he said, trying to look hurt. “What do you mean complicated?”
    “All the ups and downs and dramas. Whether you like them or not, after they’ve become hopelessly involved. Don’t get me wrong, they all make amusing stories. Afterwards.”
    He nodded, wishing he hadn’t told her half of what he had.
    “But if you’re only interested in her as a friend…” she tailed off. “I’d like a female, don’t want another situation like the last one.”
    “Can’t blame the guy for trying it on.”
    “Creep. All I want is a woman who’ll pay the rent on time and do her share of the housework. I’m not here much anyway.”
    “How’re the auditions going?” he asked.
    She got up from the table, walked over to the couch, and picked up a dog-eared script. “Frustrating,” she said, shaking it at him. “You spend ages learning the lines, get all psyched up, give it your best shot, then get the standard ‘Don’t call us, we’ll call you’.” She threw the script back onto the couch.
    “Do they actually say that?”
    “They do,” she said, her mouth curving downwards. “Then you never hear from them again.” She paused, as if searching for the right words. “I feel as if I’ve been auditioning for decades and I still haven’t had a real break. I don’t know how much longer I can do this.”
    “Don’t get disheartened. You’re gorgeous and you’ll get the break you deserve.” He wasn’t exaggerating, and as he took in her smooth olive skin, slanting green eyes and black hair he marvelled that he’d never made a move on her. Maybe because he knew she’d reject him.
    “You’re such a darling.” She leaned over and kissed him lightly on the cheek. “But LA’s full of gorgeous women. I’m glad I’ve got the dogs.”
    “Ah yes, the dogs,” he said, distaste plain in his voice. “I think you’re mad. I can’t understand why anyone would choose to spend their time with hairy, slobbery, unruly animals.”
    “They keep me sane and pay the bills. Apart from that, they’re loyal, not to mention full of fun and affection. And they keep you fit. I’d love one of my own but can’t living here.”
    “Thank God for that or I’d have to find somewhere else to live. Can’t imagine sitting around the pool with a large smelly beast gambolling around pooping everywhere.”
    Tessa raised her eyes heavenward but didn’t bite. “This way I get paid to enjoy them.”
    “I will concede it’s a great way to keep fit.” He cast an approving glance over her toned figure, and his eyes lingered on her slim hips.
    “Pet sitting’s great in this city. Look at all the flash houses I’ve stayed in.”
    He nodded absently, his mind elsewhere. “Shall I get in touch with Holly? I could ask her to join us for drinks and dinner at the Pier next Saturday.”
    “Wouldn’t it be better to get her to come and look at the apartment first?”
    “There’d be no pressure this way.”
    “What do you mean?” she asked.
    “If you like her you can ask her to come over and see the place. If you don’t like her, you can tell her it’s already gone.”
    “Good thinking, 99. More tea?”
    He nodded, relieved he’d been able to solve Tessa’s problem.
    Not to mention his. Now he had the perfect excuse to phone Holly.
     
     

TWELVE

    Holly
    “How’s everything going? Settling in?” Holly looked up to see Ann standing in the doorway of her office.
    “Good, thanks. I’m finding my feet,” she lied. Ann was a darling, but she didn’t want anyone to know how much she was struggling.
    “You’ve only been here a few months, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.” Ann looked at her intently. “You’ve got a job and temporary accommodation, and it’s only a matter of time before you make friends and start feeling settled.”
    It was obvious Ann could tell she was lying. She tried to keep an even tone to her voice. “It’s coming together. I feel as