“Better?” he whispered gruffly against my lips.
“Much.”
“Glad to help.”
Oh, yeah... The mating ritual had begun. I was only wondering how I would manage to keep myself under control until the end of the evening, when he drove me home. Perhaps it was the champagne making me reckless, but if he wasn’t going to make the first move, I would jump his bones anyway. I wanted him so much I felt an ache somewhere deep inside me, a yearning much more powerful than just raging hormones.
“Here, let me show you Bannerman Castle,” he said, reaching in his pocket for his phone. “It’s really impressive.”
He accessed the Internet and showed me a few pictures of the building, and the island itself. I had to admit it was a breathtaking view—the castle ruins surrounded by wild vegetation, on an island rising out of the waters. In the background, the glorious blue sky was filled with menacing clouds. The structure had lacy-looking walls, from which chunks were missing here and there, gnawed away by weather and time.
“Wow!” I said on a long breath. “It’s magnificent! But is it safe? Those walls look like they could collapse at any moment.”
Blake chuckled, putting his phone on the table. “It’s supposed to be safe.” He shrugged. “As I said, it’s a popular setting. I hope we’ll make it out alive and in one piece.”
I stared at him, shaking my head slowly. “You must be insane! I heard actors like to take chances, but this is ridiculous.”
“Not so much. You’re not an actor, and you’ll still be there, right? It’s all in the name of art,” he proclaimed theatrically, with a hand on his heart and the other one on his fork.
I began eating mechanically, but I was still engrossed in the conversation, increasingly curious about this fascinating man.
“How did you become an actor? Did you always want to be one?” I asked, forking a bite of tender chicken.
He laughed a little. “Not at all. It was actually a coincidence. I’d come to L.A. with a couple of my buddies to become rock stars, like most of the teenagers who end up here.”
My eyebrows arched. “You can sing?”
“I can play the guitar, but not well enough to be on the stage. Anyway, an agent saw us playing this one time. We were on the street, giving an impromptu show, which brought us as many boos as applauses.” He wiped his mouth, smiling at the memory. “I was twenty-two, and so full of myself I could have burst. My ego almost did, after that terrible show. I was dragging my guitar case behind me after the party ended, when this guy in a suit approached me and asked me if I wanted to do something more serious with my life than play for pennies on the streets. I was still too green to tell anyone in L.A. to fuck off, so I listened to what he had to say. When he told me he thought I had the potential to become a decent actor, I sneered and said acting wasn’t a manly job in my opinion.”
“You didn’t!” I exclaimed wide-eyed, fork halfway to my mouth.
He laughed again. “I did. Tom—that was his name—asked me to go to the cinema with him. After half a night of movies with Bruce Willis, Kevin Costner and Johnny Depp, I understood that a guy can be a real man and a great actor at the same time. The next day I started taking acting lessons, and did the odd job to pay my rent—anything from waiting tables to parking limos. A year later I got a small part in a movie, and that’s how my career started. I had a lot of setbacks until I got my first big role, but I knew I wasn’t going to give this up. I love it too much.”
I ate in silence for a while, pondering what he’d told me. Somehow, his story was so similar to mine—discovering our vocations, fighting disappointment and heartache, and finally succeeding in our respective careers. Of course, I wasn’t nearly as successful as Blake was, but I knew I was on my way.
I looked at him in admiration. “You inspire me, you know that?”
He looked surprised, yet very pleased. It was funny to see him disconcerted for the first time since we’d met.
“Um, thanks, but I don’t see why you would say that. It was only dumb luck that started everything for me.”
“I don’t believe in dumb luck. It was a chance you deserved, and which you knew how to play. You worked hard to get what you wanted, and that’s something to be admired.”
He gave me a lopsided smile. “Speaking from personal experience?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. In my case, it was more like I didn’t have a choice. I started on this road, and I had to pay the rent, so I wrote and filled drawers with rejection letters,” I went on jokingly. “Then I guess I got better at it. It was Danny who helped me achieve all I have so far.”
“Yes, Danny... The infatuated agent.”
I felt my cheeks burning. “He’s not... It’s not like that. Danny is just the type who collects panties, and I think he’s miffed because I won’t succumb to his charm.”
“Why don’t you? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I would really want to smash his face if you did, but the guy is good-looking and successful. So what is it that you dislike about him?”
My mind was still latched onto the part about him smashing Danny’s face, so it took me a while to answer.
“I don’t want to be just another notch on somebody’s bed post. Danny is a hopeless womanizer. He’s the kind of man who takes, discards, and doesn’t offer anything.”
He watched me thoughtfully for a while, then unexpectedly took my hand in his.
“Kendra, neither of us knows where this is going. We’re only starting to know one another, but I want you to believe I would never consider you a notch on my bedpost. I don’t take relationships lightly.”
I was bewitched by the sincerity in his eyes and by the feathery caress of his fingers on my palm.
“I know. I wouldn’t have accepted your invitation if I didn’t sense something different, special about you,” I said softly. “I don’t expect anything. As you said, we should enjoy discovering each other for now.”
He lifted my hand to his lips in a meaningful kiss. Then he got to his feet and pulled me onto the dance floor.
“Then come and sway with me,” he said, quoting the lyrics along with Michael Bublé’s charming voice.
So I did, and was amazed to discover how well we moved together. I’d never been much of a dancer, but when it was pressed against Blake’s body, mine seemed to come alive. Heat and anticipation built between us with each touch of his hands on my waist, with each rubbing motion of our thighs. Our gazes were enthralled in a visual embrace, just like our bodies.
I lost count of the number of songs we danced to. When we finally headed toward our table on the terrace, an explosion erupted from outside, making me run to the stone balustrade.
“The fireworks!”
The skies were alight with color, the air rumbled with the sounds of this magnificent spectacle of celestial brilliance. Each firework launched created wonderful patterns of light and smoke that made me feel as though it was raining fire.
“Happy Independence Day,” Blake said, coming up behind me. In one hand he held our champagne glasses, and he slipped the other around my middle, drawing my back against his chest.
We clinked glasses, sipped the exquisite Dom Perignon, and watched the incredible show, nestled close together.
When the fireworks subsided we noticed that clouds had begun to gather above. It seemed I had been right. The storm specific to really hot days was imminent.
As though reading my thoughts, Blake looked up. “I think we’d better get going,” he said, just as a flash of lightning split the sky in the distance.
“I think you’re right.”
We were standing outside on the sidewalk waiting for the valet to bring Blake’s Maserati, when I spotted a group of four or five young women walking toward us. Judging by their skimpy, sparkly clothes and the late hour, I assumed they were out clubbing. However, when they moved closer and recognized Blake, they all started to scream and wave their hands hysterically.
“Oh, my God, it’s Blake Tyler,�
� a curly-haired brunette squealed, and threw herself into Blake’s arms. Before he could react, he was surrounded by the girls, embraced, admired, and told how marvelous he was and how they were his biggest fans ever. I stepped to one side before the crazed admirers trampled me with their high heeled shoes.
I couldn’t tell if Blake was embarrassed or annoyed by their over-the-top attentions, but he thanked them and allowed them to take photos. When one of them dug out a lipstick from her bag and asked him to autograph her left boob, he expertly disentangled himself from the group, still smiling politely. God, those dimples were a turn on! I wanted to scalp each one of the little tramps.
Thankfully—for them—the valet arrived with the car. Blake opened the passenger door for me, then quickly went around and climbed behind the wheel. We took off with a roar, soon leaving all the giggling behind us.
“Wow, that was quite an episode,” I said, trying to hide the fact that I was consumed by irrational jealousy. “Does it happen often?”
“Not if I can help it, but yeah, if they spot me, I’m a dead man.”
Although he said it jokingly, I could sense a trace of wistfulness in his voice. After a few seconds, I relaxed against the seat.
“It can’t be easy, being hounded all the time by fans.”
He shrugged slightly. “Celebrity is a two-faced coin. It’s rewarding to see so many people who appreciate your work, know your face. But at times I get weary of not being able to go for a walk in the park, or quietly eat a hot dog at a fast food joint. The paparazzi are the worst though. I can’t remember how many affairs and love-children I’ve had, according to the tabloids.”
I smiled, looking through the windshield. Raindrops had begun to fall, but they were quickly obliterated by the wipers.
“Do you have any love children?”
He spared me a glance. “Not my style.”
“You were never married, right?”
He shook his head no.
“Why not?”
There was a long pause, during which he seemed to choose his words. “Hollywood is full of pros and cons, in more ways than one. You never know what a woman wants from you. Some only want sex, others crave publicity to boost their careers, some want in your pants, others in your wallet. To be blunt, there are too many bitches around here. It’s hard to find an honest, loving, caring, unselfish person.”
I turned my head to look at his handsome profile. “Is that the description of your dream woman?”
His dimples winked, as did another spear of lightning. “A small part of it. I’m a demanding man, I know. But when I find her, I will give as good as I get.”
I moistened my lips, silent for a heartbeat. Then I said, “She will be one lucky woman, Blake. I think you have a lot to offer.”
Chapter Fifteen
It was past 1 a.m. when we reached Malibu. Having drunk several glasses of champagne, I was blissfully tipsy. I’d sung all the way home along with the radio, not caring I was completely tone deaf, which amused Blake tremendously. As he parked the car, narrowly missing the stones that delineated my lawn, we were both laughing madly at the latest Hollywood anecdote Blake told me.
“Is Martin Saluchi really nicknamed Martin Von Sleaze?” I asked through giggles, holding my stomach.
“Yep. Some of these tabloid reporters have a really great sense of humor.”
We looked at one another, still grinning widely.
When I could speak again, I said, “You know, you’re as tipsy as I am. I feel obliged to give you a huge mug of coffee before I let you drive back. I wouldn’t want you to ruin your zillion dollar car by slamming into a tree.”
“The car is your biggest concern, eh?” he said on a sardonic sigh, knowing very well I was joking. “Well then, lead the way.”
We both stumbled out in the rain. It was pouring buckets now, large raindrops splattered against the leaves, the stone pavement, and the roof of my house. The ground was saturated and slippery, making my heels stick in the viscous mud. I would have fallen if Blake hadn’t held me tightly against his side, supporting my weight.
When we reached the front door, we were both soaked and getting wetter by the second as I fumbled for the key in my tiny bag. We nearly tumbled inside the house, breathing hard, as drunk with amusement as with the alcohol we’d consumed. Turning on a single soft light in the hallway, I motioned Blake inside.
He gaped as he looked around. “You really don’t have any furniture!”
Somehow, I managed to look down my nose at him. “Not true. Most of it it’s on its way. I do have a very large and expensive bed, three toilets, and a coffee maker. It’s more than enough for one person.”
He uttered a scoffing sound. “Right.”
We watched one another, smiles and sarcasm slowly fading away. I noticed his gaze move slowly over my body, and couldn’t help to do the same to him. He looked mouthwatering, with his hair wet, his shirt plastered to his shapely torso, his slacks emphasizing his narrow waist and generous sex.
I swallowed with difficulty.
His eyes seemed to burn when he said, “We both know I don’t want any coffee.”
My lips parted a heartbeat before he drew me into his arms, covering my mouth with his. I was amazed the hot contact didn’t make our lips sizzle when he brushed his tongue expertly over mine. I uttered a faint moan, feeling my body press harder against him, and my hands fanned through his hair.
My back was plastered against the wall near the arched entry of the living room. As our kisses grew increasingly urgent, Blake’s hands began to move restlessly over my body. He stroked my back, lingering on my tangled wet hair. His strong fingers squeezed my hips, bringing them closer to his, making me feel his erection through our thin, damp clothes. Feeling the hungry need that raged inside him, my own desire for him burst out of control. I thought I would die if I didn’t have him inside me, and somehow I knew he felt the same. His hands cupped my bottom and lifted me to him, but we couldn’t get close enough. It was time for our bodies to catch up with our mouths, which were making passionate love, our tongues playing maddening carnal games.
Wordlessly I dragged him up the stairs to my bedroom, stopping frequently for wild kisses and bold caresses. I blindly fumbled for the light switch in the hallway and flipped it, then opened the door to the bedroom and pulled Blake inside. The room was dark, but the spray of light coming from the corridor was perfect, allowing us to watch each other.
We undressed one another with the same anticipation one unwraps a cherished gift. Although I was a bit timid at first, the indescribable depth of my yearning for him gave me confidence. I unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off his shoulders, stopping for a few seconds to admire his naked torso. God, he was perfect—smooth, taut skin, well-defined muscles, all coated with a fine layer of hair. His nipples were so mouthwatering I couldn’t help lowering my face to flick my tongue greedily over one.
A gruff sound vibrated in his chest and he pulled my dress down, a bit rougher than I’d expected. Left in my bra, panties and high heels, I stepped back and lay down on the bed. I couldn’t see his eyes clearly in the semi-darkness, but his arousal was tangible. He unbuttoned his slacks and discarded them, remaining only in a pair of black boxers. I swallowed with difficulty as I watched him approach the bed. He took my feet in his hands and removed my shoes, one by one. When he spotted the tattoo on my ankle, he brushed his fingers over it, a smile curving his lips.
“Sexy.” Then his gaze travelled slowly up the length of my body and he said huskily, “God, you’re so beautiful, Kendra. A man could sell his soul for you.”
As he stretched out above me I eagerly lifted my knees to better nestle his erection against my sex. He kissed me again, sending his tongue deep inside my mouth, trapping the ecstatic moan in my chest. I lifted my hips, rubbing myself intently against him.
“I want you so much,” I whispered against his lips, then I slipped my hands over his hard, round ass, and discarded his boxers.
Onl
y when his hardened penis pressed my center through the sheer white lace of my panties did I realize how wet I was. I’d never desired anyone this much in my life. I was ready to beg him to take me right now, but he had other plans. His mouth cruised over my neck, making me gasp with unbearable pleasure. My nipples were tight under my bra, aching to be kissed. Blake sensed it and he removed the white lace, then stroked my breasts skillfully, first with his hands, then with his mouth. My irregular breaths must have sounded loud in the intimate silence, but I wasn’t aware of them anymore. As Blake’s tongue and lips moved lower and lower over my body, my ears were roaring, my skin burning.
I didn’t realize he’d taken off my panties until his mouth covered my sex. When it did, I almost cried out, clenching my hands in the silk sheets. I was so excited it took only a few flicks of his tongue to make me come, lost in the most powerful climax I had ever experienced. The aftershocks of that orgasm lasted for a long, long time, leaving me dizzy and breathless.
My body, so tense minutes ago, relaxed completely. There were so many things I wanted to say, so many things I wanted to do, but I was unable to move or speak, or even open my eyes. However, when Blake positioned himself on top of me again, I did open them. My lips parted, but I completely forgot what I wanted to say. In one smooth motion he thrust inside me, full and powerful, making me cry out again, not in pain, but in pleasure. I was jolted by the renewed wave of lust he awakened deep inside me, a desire beyond anything I’d ever known. I thought it was impossible to want him again so soon after an incredible release, but his masterful lovemaking made me tighten again and yield under the calling of his body. He pushed himself into me, high and hard, in sinuous motions that stroked me both inside and out. I dug my fingers in the muscles of his back, sleek with sweat, surrendering my mouth to his, again and again. Our hips rocked together in an increasingly fast tempo, moving together as one. As our gazes remained trapped in each other, I felt I was spinning and falling into those haunting, burning gray eyes.
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