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“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” I say before following the very tall brunette who has been patiently waiting for me in front of another set of doors.
After a polite nod, the second hostess lets me inside the main party room. The entrance to the Hillcrest is very misleading because it looks like the lobby of any luxury hotel in the city, but once you pass the set of heavy large doors gilded with gold paint, the space opens up onto a massive area. I strut inside the room and stand at the door. It’s still early in the evening, but the place is already packed with well-dressed Los Angeleans. Once you pass this point, it’s showtime. I pull out my phone and text Collin to find out where he and Shane are hanging out when someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn and smile at the familiar face.
“If it isn’t Hunter Evans. Happy you could make it, buddy.” Rex Harrington extends his hand and I shake it warmly.
“Considering I’m just a rancher, it’s an honor that you’d have me on your VIP list for the third year in a row.”
“With your enviable height and well-defined muscles, I’m insulted you haven’t taken me up on my offer to be one of my models. You would’ve been the perfect candidate because I’m certain you would’ve worn my collection so well. Although I should say that what you’re wearing now is pretty impeccable and falls nicely on you.”
I bite off a smile before answering him. “It’s a Tom Ford.”
“I know you’re bullshitting me, Hunter, because as good a designer as Tom is, he doesn’t cater to tall man with an athletic build like yours or mine. Not to mention I’d be able to recognize one of my signature suits with my eyes closed. It’s all about the impeccable stitching when it comes to a top-notch custom fit.”
We both laugh.
Rex Harrington is an amazing high-end menswear designer. Just like Jake and I, Rex has em-braced this second career with both arms. And just like his first, he’s aced it again. Few former profes-sional basketball players, other than Michael Jordan, can claim this level of success. The company Rex started five years ago with his brother went public eighteen months ago and since then, Rex’s star has been rising.
When you stand six foot five inches tall, it’s quite challenging to just walk into a store and buy something off the racks. Since Collin presented me to Rex three years ago, he’s been my go-to guy. At a minimum of five thousand dollars a pop, his bespoke refined tailored suits are made to measure and worth every penny.
“You know I’d never dream of wearing anyone else’s designs,” I confess. “And to answer the question about modeling, I think my buddy Collin and his brother Shane have you covered.”
“Yeah, the Dennison brothers are a force to be reckoned with in the world of social media and I’m grateful they’re willing to use their name to bring mine into the limelight.”
“Something tells me you don’t need much help anymore.” I grin.
He’s about to answer me when a gorgeous, lean black beauty approaches us. She’s wearing a purple dress that hits her right above the knee. It’s so well fitted it looks like it’s been painted on her. Her jet-black hair is pulled back low, showcasing her striking features. I furtively drop my eyes to the floor and can’t help but notice how her sky-high silver heels add to her stunning outfit.
“Ah, Monique, please meet Hunter Evans. Don’t you think he’d make for a perfect model?” Rex asks pointedly. He’s never been one to beat around the bush.
Monique brushes her dark ebony eyes from my head to my toes. After a few seconds, she meets my gaze. “I agree, Rex. He has the height, the broad shoulders and the looks. I’m sure he’s all muscle underneath that suit. He’s the kind of Adonis women would drool over, forcing their men to line up at the crack of dawn the next day in front of the stores that carry your collections, clamoring to order every item that touched his perfect body on the runway.” Jesus. Did she even take a breath between each word?
“Well, based on that flattering description, I might have to seriously reconsider my career options,” I joke.
We all laugh.
Monique quirks an eyebrow and extends her hand. “Mr. Evans, it’s a pleasure and if you do change your mind, I’ll gladly help you make the transition.”
I bet you would.
“Likewise, Monique,” I say, shaking her hand. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She turns her attention to Rex. “I’m really sorry to interrupt like this, but we need you backstage. I think Brad is about to have another one of his meltdowns.”
“What now?” Rex huffs.
“It’s nothing really, but you know how he gets right before a fashion show? And with the added pressure of the Asian press, he’s a bit... freaked out.”
“He’s such a perfectionist.” Rex shakes his head while rolling his eyes. “Tell him to calm down. Let me finish with my friend first, Monique.”
“Very well.”
Rex looks at me. “Brad is really amazing at what he does, but he becomes a basket case right before the first model gets on stage.” He chuckles.
“Tell me about it.” Monique smiles. “As you know, you’re the only one who can talk any sense into him. Your brother tried, but after ten minutes he washed his hands of it.”
“I’ll be there in five,” Rex says.
“I’ll let Brad know you’re on your way. Mr. Evans, enjoy your evening and I’ll see you around.”
