Starting From the Top by Lane Hayes

Author:Lane Hayes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lane Hayes

8

Johnny

Laramie’s Steakhouse had been serving prime rib and filet mignon to Hollywood’s elite since the forties. The walls were lined with framed photographs of Academy-Award-winning actors, actresses, directors, producers, and musicians of all ilk. It was an institution of sorts and one of the last of its kind to gracefully honor the past and still manage to draw younger diners who might not have any idea who Katharine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart were.

It was nice. But in my opinion, it was a curious choice of venue for a date. Not only was the kitsch factor strong, but it was almost pitch-dark inside, and the acoustics were terrible. I had a hard time hearing myself think as the hostess led me past the crowded bar through the restaurant. Dimly lit sconces above high-backed booths and votive candles on every table provided the only real light. Maybe that was a good thing, I mused, blinking as my eyes adjusted. The clientele this evening looked young and a little underdressed.

I smiled at the pretty woman wearing a tiny skirt and a sparkly top with a plunging necklace when she stepped in the aisle in front of me, batting her fake eyelashes.

“ ’Scuse me, are you Johnny Martin?” she asked in a breathy voice, setting her manicured hand on my elbow.

“Uh, yes,” I replied, glancing distractedly toward the hostess, who politely stopped to wait for me near a pillar a few feet away.

“Oh, my gosh, I’m a huge Zero fan. Huge! Will you sign my phone case?”

“Uh…sure.” I scribbled my name and handed over her pen.

“My arm too?”

“You want me to sign your arm?” I asked incredulously.

“And can I trouble you for a selfie?”

“Um, sure. But real quick. I’m meeting someone and—”

“I know!” She squealed loud enough to turn heads two tables away.

“You know?” I repeated, smiling for her photo before stepping aside.

“I love Clay Kanzler. I’m a huge fan of his work. I’m so excited for you two. Have a great night.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I nodded my thanks and hurried to catch up to the hostess who led me to a tufted leather booth in the far corner, partially hidden from the main dining area by a half wall. A man popped up as we approached the table.

“Johnny!”

“You must be Clay.”

I gave him an appraising once-over as I shook his hand. Clay Kanzler was hot. He was an inch or two shorter than me with dark wavy hair and sharp, angular features. And though he wasn’t overly muscular, his floral button-down shirt fit snugly at his broad shoulders, indicating he spent some time in the gym. But his real attraction was his smile. His devilish grin hinted at a mind full of mischief. I loved mischief, so yeah…I immediately let my guard down and slid into the booth across from him.

Clay gestured to a nearby waiter, then turned his brilliant smile on me again. “Yes. Don’t tell me you don’t remember me. You’ll hurt my feelings.”

Doubtful.

I chuckled softly, thanking the server for the water he set in front of me before giving him my drink order.

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