Xander's Chance

Gerry grimaced. "A lot of these sudden celebrities are. Toni's dad is Antonio Porter. The Antonio Porter. She's done nothing but ride his coattails."

"Wow. He was one of my favorite action heroes growing up," Jessi said. She crossed to the railing of the loft area overlooking the formal living room with its two-story hearth. "She's totally sitting in Xander's lap."

"All she talked about earlier was nailing him. She collects men like this."

"Seriously?"

"Oh, yeah. Every photo shoot, this happens." Gerry joined her, watching the four below.

"Xander can keep up with her," she said. "He sleeps with a different woman every night."

"I'm so jealous."

"Really?" she asked, considering. "I mean, he's got an incredible body, but … Oh, you're talking about sleeping with a different woman every night."

He winked. "I see where your mind is."

"He offered to make me Ms. Tuesday."

"And you said …" There was an odd edge in Gerry's voice.

She studied him, noticing the sharpness of his gaze for the first time. He was taking in everything around him with eyes that were never still. Almost like Xander did. Or the goon Jonny sent after her. Or Jonny.

"I told him to go to hell," she said. "Do you …" How did she ask what she wanted? If he was some sort of vampire freak? "…know him?"

"We've crossed paths. I know him well enough to think he didn't take your rejection well." Gerry's smile was guarded.

"He laughed," she said with a shrug. "He's almost always an ass. I don't want anything to do with him."

"I thought women were drawn to jackasses. I keep telling myself that's my problem. I'm too nice," he said.

Jessi started to laugh then realized the handsome man was serious.

"Gerry, bring me something to drink," Toni called.

They looked down to find all four of those on the lower level staring up.

Jessi ducked back from the railing and retrieved a cup of coffee. She placed it on a tray with the creamer and sugars then handed it to Gerry.

"Coffee, Jessi," Xander echoed.

"We're fresh out of everything, Xander," she replied.

Gerry winked. "You're messing with a tiger. Just be careful with him."

"I've met scarier animals."

Gerry appeared interested in her words, until Toni whinnied at him again. He left.

Jessi made her own cup of coffee and went to the railing. She watched him walk into the room, appreciative of his athletic frame. Xander glanced up at her then followed her gaze. He seemed amused, but she had no idea why. Gerry catered to Toni, whose chest was thrust even farther out than before.