Free Love After War by Cheris Hodges Page B

charged with solicitation. There’s no word if LAPD will charge the married Crawford. This is unusual behavior for the older brother of former tabloid star Solomon Crawford, the ex of Heather Williams. Solomon Crawford has been quiet since his marriage and the murder of his former partner. Then again, if my wife had taken her out, I’d be faithful too.
    The other Mrs. Crawford, Vivian, couldn’t be reached in New York for comment. Another interesting fact about the Crawford family—there’s a rumored family business book in the works. I wonder if these pictures will make it into the book about one of New York’s richest families.
    This was a good start, Adrian decided as he folded the newspaper, but he wanted more. He considered getting Heather involved, but that wouldn’t be enough. Two cheating sons could be brushed off by a forgiving public; however, if the call girl was arrested and Richmond was still free, then he was sure there had to be some angry feminists who’d mobilize and protest the at the construction site. Dashing up the stairs to his office, Adrian was about to add more fuel to the fire.
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    Dana pulled herself together after a long hot shower and a fifteen-minute sob. She couldn’t understand why she’d allowed herself to think things would be different with Adrian just because he gave her an orgasm—well, multiple orgasms. Dana wasn’t going to wallow in self-pity over Adrian again. She had work to do, and worrying about Adrian Bryant wasn’t going to get in the way. Dressing in a pair of leggings, a tank top, and black sneakers, Dana decided to walk over to the studio and take some shots of the people who made Hollywood tick—the stage hands, the set designers, and the like. Then she had her final set of publicity photos to shoot for the film. With Ian.
    Dana had to admit that she had fun with him before getting sucked back into Adrian’s orbit. Was she wrong not to give him a chance? As she headed out the door, her cell phone rang. She half hoped that it was Adrian but was surprised to see that it was Ian.
    â€œHi,” she said.
    â€œGood morning, sounds like you’re up and out.”
    â€œI’m about to go shoot some pictures before we have our session and get some breakfast.”
    â€œThat’s what I was calling you about, breakfast. If you’d like some company, I can come and get you on my Harley.”
    â€œNow that is an offer I can’t refuse.” Dana smiled despite herself and the tumult of emotions tearing at her heart. “I’m ready when you are.”
    â€œI can be there in twenty minutes. You’re in Culver City, right?”
    â€œYes. I’m staying at the Culver Hotel, but you can pick me up outside of the studio,” she said.
    â€œWill do. See you soon.”
    â€œBye,” she said, then ended the call.
    Dana wondered if Ian would be game to take their photo shoot on location. She wanted to make a trip to Orange County for two reasons: to take pictures of Ian on his Harley and to get one of her own. Forget leasing—it was time for her to own a cycle. Was part of her getting the motorcycle because she knew it would piss Adrian off? Yes. But she told herself that she was simply getting her swagger back. And nothing said swag like a motorcycle, new helmet, and a hot pair of motorcycle boots. Dana couldn’t wait. She was going to get her own Harley.
    As she crossed the street, her cell phone rang again. Looking down at the phone, she saw that it was Imani. “I really hate LA,” Imani groaned. “Raymond is still on East Coast time and he’s already up as if we’re supposed to be out and about.”
    â€œGood morning to you too,” Dana quipped.
    â€œAnyway, how did everything go last night? Isn’t Ian just the sweetest? I bet he pushed all thoughts of Mr. Slick right out the window.”
    Dana shivered as she thought about last