Then why was he looking at her as if she was the woman who had all his answers?
She rubbed his beard shadow and licked her lips. “I’m not sure what I want. Sometimes I don’t know what’s real and what’s not. I can conjure emotions, make myself cry, laugh, get angry, feel sadness, grief, hilarity, and love. But inside I’m numb. It’s like I’m someone else looking at me, evaluating how well I’m acting.”
“What are you feeling now?” His deep voice rumbled in his throat.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s the atmosphere, the cozy cottage, candlelight, the fragrance of homemade food, and your sexy cologne. Or it’s the fantasy of being in bed with the world’s most eligible bachelor. I don’t know, Teo. I want to feel something I’ve never felt before.”
His smile stretched across his face, brightening it. “Then be yourself. Empty your mind and be in the moment. You trust me?”
Sure. She was on her back, underneath a potent motorcycle racer with his hard dick rubbing over her jeans. In his bed, under his control. Her career hanging on a balance. But no. That wasn’t fair. Teo had said whatever happened now had no bearing on the reality show.
“Yes, I trust you.” She wet her lips. “I’ll give myself over to you.”
* * *
Shit. That was too easy. Sweat bloomed over Teo’s body. Amy was his, at least for the night. What a privilege and a responsibility to make her feel something she’d never felt before. If only he didn’t have to race the next morning, he could take his time and soak in the tub with her, or serve her breakfast in bed.
His stomach growled again as he unbuttoned Amy’s blouse.
“So beautiful.” He dotted kisses over her collarbone and chest while gently unlatching her bra.
Her breasts were firm and perky, a small handful. He massaged one of them while kissing the nipple on the other one, almost reverently.
She arched herself into him, her breath coming in small gasps. He slowed his movements and her moans subsided. Good, she wasn’t acting.
Renewing his assault on her, he slipped his hand down her belly as he continued to kiss her breasts. She was delicious. Petite and sweet. His arousal hardened and his balls ached.
He moved her hands to his waistband, hoping she’d take the hint. But she didn’t. What happened to the woman who’d squeezed his ass and wriggled against him earlier, acting like she wanted to jump his bones?
Teo drew circles on her breasts with his tongue and blew on them. No reaction. What the hell? This never happened to him before. He was an expert at the female body, studied their sexual response since he hit puberty. He couldn’t be losing his touch because he recently went celibate, could he?
There was only one thing to do. Teo moved down Amy’s belly, kissing his way to her waistband. She wriggled and squirmed, a little. Perhaps she was ticklish.
No time for niceties. He had to find out if she was turned on or not. He unzipped her jeans. Thankfully, she raised her behind to let him pull them to her knees.
Smoothly caressing his hand over her panties, he raised his eyes to look into her face. She was flushed, but her jaw was tight. In fact, her body had stiffened at his touch. Did she not like it? Or even worse, was she a virgin? Or, he was doing something wrong?
To distract her from what he was about to do, he lowered his lips to hers. She sighed into his mouth, as if on familiar territory.
He massaged her lips with his, keeping his tongue wrapped with hers as he moved his finger into the folds between her legs.
Yes. She was wet. He hadn’t lost his touch, but she was also tight, and tense, and rigid. Which meant she was scared, afraid, or uncomfortable.
Teo withdrew his hand from her crotch. “You don’t trust me, Amy. You’re frightened.”
“I’m fine.” Her eyes blinked like she was having a panic attack.
He didn’t want to argue with her. “Why don’t we eat that fantastic meal Hilde put together for us? Then we’ll take a warm bath, together, if you want.”
“Sure.” She sat up and reattached her bra. “Food sounds great.”
“Yeah, it does.” Disappointment washed over Teo’s shoulders. He’d never failed to seduce a woman, and he damn well wasn’t going to push, even though she’d verbally given the green light. Well, at least she wasn’t throwing things at him or cussing him out. She seemed … strangely subdued, as if she’d failed a test.
All wasn’t lost. She was simply a woman who took longer to warm up to him, which meant she didn’t sleep around, which meant she was a rare gem.
His heart clenched and he swallowed hard. Which meant she was dangerous. Doubly dangerous since she could capture his heart, then leave after her contract was done.
Chapter 15
The food was indeed awesome. The main dish was beef rouladen with dill spaetzle. The mustard-slathered beef rolls had just enough tang to compliment the brined pickles and smoky bacon it was stuffed with. Amy licked her lips. The spaetzle was tasty, tossed with onion, dill, and cheese. Comforting and calming.
The man across from her was anything but. Amy avoided his gaze and concentrated on the food. She’d been stupid of course, to offer herself to a man who’d basically paid her to be his companion. Who was she fooling? He was trying to get his money’s worth, but somehow even with that motivation, he’d found her lacking.
Maybe he didn’t like her taste, or she’d had body odor after the ziplining, or her private parts weren’t to his liking. When was the last time a guy decided to have sex with her and stopped? Never, ever happened.
Most men were glad to get it on with an actress, even if she were only an aspiring one. But Teo was the son of a billionaire, which meant he had access to hordes of women. Why would he fixate on her to pretend to be his girlfriend, unless …
Amy wiped her mouth with a napkin, not liking the implications. His grandmother was Japanese, and his motorcycle brand was Suzuki. Had she been hired solely as a token? A poster girl to improve his image with the Japanese sponsors or win over racing fans in Japan?
“Hey,” Teo said, gesturing to her empty plate. “Did you like it?”
“Yeah, it was good. Thanks.”
“Then why the serious look? You looked like you were concentrating on an algebra problem.”
“I-I failed, didn’t I?”
“Failed? In what way?”
“You don’t have to pretend you find me attractive. I’m just the hired actress. You don’t have to wine me and dine me and take me on romantic getaways. It’s all backwards. I’m supposed to convince you to pop the question.”
Teo reached across the table and took her hand. “This isn’t part of the reality show.”
She twisted from his grip and stood. “But is it wise to have these side trips? We’re supposed to be doing a show together. How is going on dates and spending the night with you going to help the show?”
His jaw hung open, and he turned his hands face up. “I’m not as good an actor as you. I need to feel things for you if I’m going to act like I love you enough to propose.”
“You’re trying to feel things for me? Isn’t that dangerous?”
“Very.” He stood and came around the table. “I really want this to work out. I want to get my big break into acting.”
Amy swallowed and leaned against him. “I got nervous back there. I knew you could tell if a woman’s acting like she’s turned on. I mean, last night at the hotel, I tried to put on some theatrics and you caught me.”
“So you froze instead.” Teo tugged her into his arms. “I’d rather you were real, even if it meant you weren’t ready to sleep with me. I shouldn’t have pushed.”
“But I want to. I mean, oh, I don’t know.” Amy wrapped her arms around his waist. Being around Teo was like being on a roller coaster. She didn’t know what was coming and what was going. Off-balanced and thrilling, but frightening. “I only know I should always tell you the truth. It’s the best I can do.”
“That’s all I want from you.” He kissed
her forehead. “Honesty’s the best policy. That’s what my grandmother always says.”
* * *
Teo waited until Amy locked the bathroom door before pulling out his laptop. He booted it up and checked his email. What the heck? Ronaldo had used his bike and placed higher in the qualifiers, and the team manager had decided to let Ronaldo ride Teo’s bike for the race.
He dashed off an email to Claudio. I do not agree to let Ronaldo ride my bike. The suspension on mine is adjusted to my riding style and weight.
Claudio replied almost immediately. You missed the autograph session this afternoon. Ronaldo said you took off with your girlfriend. Wherever you are, you better get back or we’re cancelling your race.
He typed back. I will be in time for the pre-race meeting. My personal life is personal. You’ll have my bike ready for me in the morning.
Claudio: Ronaldo placed higher than you.
Teo: He’ll wreck my bike. My father will not be pleased. I will ride my bike.
Claudio: Ronaldo crashed his bike.
Teo: Too bad, so sad. Which is exactly the reason he can’t ride mine tomorrow.
Claudio: Fine. We’re overnighting another bike from the factory. I’ll speak to the owner.
Teo: Who’s good friends with my dad. So long.
He closed his email app. He hated to throw his father’s weight around, but it was necessary. Teo wasn’t going to play second fiddle to anyone, and no one should have touched his bike. He was happy for Ronaldo to qualify with a good time, but not at the expense of his bike. They’d better have the new one ready by tomorrow morning.
Teo pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a ripped tank top to get comfortable. Amy was still in the bathroom and knowing females, she’d be soaking in the tub for a very long time, at least until the water went cold. He made a video call to his grandmother.
“Oh, it’s you.” Oba-chan’s voice crackled. She pressed her silver bun and popped her knuckles. “Got the pictures of you and Amy. What was her last name again?”
He hadn’t told her. Did she think he was that stupid?
“I didn’t say. You think I want you googling her?”
“I can do an image search. Google does facial recognition these days. I have my ways.”
Which was exactly why he’d kept the images dim without her frontal view. He’d also bribed his sister to stay quiet about the reality show. Fortunately, Tasha was also irked by Oba-chan’s frequent intrusion into her private life.
“Don’t waste your time. Amy’s not on social media. By the way, I called to see if you’ve been taking your medicine.”
“You think I’m stupid?” Oba-chan shook her head, laughing. “You’re trying to find out if I’m sick or not. On my last legs.”
“Yeah, what did Dr. What’s His Name tell you?”
“Sorry, nothing’s going on. I’m as healthy as a horse. But I’m warning you. I demand a meeting with Amy in Indianapolis. One on one, no place for her to hide.”
“Uh, Oba-chan?” Teo put on his most sweetest grandson face. “I’m really serious about her and how can I put it? You might scare her away. She’s a very independent woman.”
Oba-chan’s lips thinned. “You better not be pulling my leg.”
“Oh, no, truly. You’ll see. Amy’s not after marriage or kids. She has her own career and she’s determined to succeed.”
“Then you better get her interested in you. Is she using you to enhance her image? How do you know she’s not after your money?”
“You think I’m after your money?” Amy’s voice sailed from the bathroom door behind him. She appeared on the video screen wearing nothing but his oversized T-shirt with the Suzuki emblem.
Crap. Her surname was right on the shirt. Hopefully Oba-chan wouldn’t pick it up.
“Amy,” Teo said. “Say ‘hi’ to my grandmother.”
Amy gave his grandmother a finger wave, then pressed both hands on his shoulders, massaging them, as any proper girlfriend would do. Teo couldn’t help the triumphant smile grazing his lips. Thank you, Amy, for showing Oba-chan you’re mine.
“Another time, Oba-chan.” Teo raised his cursor to click on the hang-up button. “We have to go, sorry.”
“Is she really your girlfriend or did you hire an actress?” Oba-chan’s voice sounded strident.
What? How did she guess? Sweat dampened Teo’s nose, and Amy pushed away from him.
“Of course she’s really my girlfriend.” Teo flipped his laptop around and caught Amy darting for the door. “There, satisfied? Now she’s going to break up with me because you accused her of pretending.”
Oba-chan wagged her finger and grinned. “I have my sources and I know everything about your Amy Manami Suzuki, so stop the theatrics and woo her like the gentleman I raised you to be.”
“I will, Oba-chan. Bye.” Teo heaved a sigh and hung up. Oba-chan had raised a playboy, namely his father. Teo was her second shot at being a mother. Now she was old and possibly stricken with illness. She was his closest relative, the one person in the world who cared about him with no strings attached. He had to grant her dying wish for him to have a proper girlfriend, someone to love and love him back.
His best chance was Amy. Perhaps she would agree to stay with him until Oba-chan’s death, which hopefully would be many years away. Many, many years.
His breath caught. It would mean holding onto Amy and extending her contract. Would she go for it? What if her acting career took off and she no longer needed this deal?
“Ahem,” Amy said from the bedroom door. “Are you finished with your video call?”
She was back. Teo sprang from the bed and rushed to Amy’s side. He wanted to pick her up and hug her, twirl her around and around. She was the answer to his grandmother’s happiness. It could still work.
He led her to the bed and put his laptop on the table.
“So, I’m seriously going to sleep here with you?” Amy’s nose wrinkled. “What’s this about hiring an actress to be your girlfriend?”
“My grandmother doesn’t believe I can get a girlfriend on my own.” Teo rubbed the back of his neck. He was stiff and could use a massage.
“Seriously? You’re being humble.” She pulled the covers down and slid her legs underneath them. “How many girlfriends have you had? Do you have one now?”
“Whoa, that’s a barrage of questions. If I answer you, will you answer mine?”
“That depends.” She flicked her hair on the pillow and stretched. “Aren’t you going to snuff out the candles?”
“Let them burn out,” Teo said. Besides, he wanted to feast his eyes on her expressions and catch if she was playing a role.
“Go ahead, then. Answer my question.” Amy’s face was so close to his he could almost taste her minty breath and feel the softness of her skin. He reached over to touch her, but she blocked him.
“No distractions. How many girlfriends?”
“None.”
“Seriously? Why?”
“Why?” Pain gripped his heart as he thought about his mother leaving. “It’s easier that way. I’m a racer and I travel the circuit, every two weeks for most of the year. It’s too hard to stay close to anyone.”
“You’re really being honest, aren’t you?”
“It’s easy being honest with you. I guess it’s because you’re not real.”
“I’m not real? As in not a real person?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Meaning, I’m an actress you hired for the reality show. Sure. But don’t you care what I think about you?”
“I do.” Sweat prickled on Teo’s forehead, and his pulse thumped. “I do, but at the same time I know you’re here because we hired you for the show.”
“Is that why you’re tacking on the fake girlfriend thing for your grandma? You have me, a captive actress, and you might as well flaunt it to her?”
Actually she had it backwards. The reality show was the cover up. Teo thanked the stars Amy had jumped to a false conclu
sion. For a moment there, when she’d overheard Oba-chan and the actress hiring, he’d worried she would back out of the deal and figure out there was no reality show.
“You okay with it?” He pressed her palm to his mouth and kissed it. “The show won’t air until next year. You won’t mind if my grandmother thinks you’re my girlfriend until then?”
Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight like black onyx jewels. “I don’t mind pretending to be your girlfriend. It’s the least I can do since I’m costarring with you on the show. You care about your grandmother very much, don’t you?”
He wrapped her in his arms and rested her head on his shoulder. “I do. She took care of me after my mom left. She never hired a nanny, even though my father would have paid for one or more. That’s because she regrets letting nannies raise my father and my uncles and aunts.”
“How old were you when your mother left?” Amy’s fingers drew soothing circles over his chest.
“Three.” His throat tightened. “I was only three.”
“Where did she go?”
“Back to her country to be a nun.”
She was silent, not asking the question that logically came next. Why? Why did your mother leave? Instead she snuggled closer to him and held him. Her comfort lapped around the edges of the gaping hole in his heart, but he couldn’t let her in. She’d rip a bigger one when her contract was over, leaving him emptier than before.
The need to talk about his mother burned in his chest. His entire family hated her, called her all sorts of names, but he didn’t believe it. His mother hadn’t gotten a dime.
“All my dad’s other wives stayed and got a big divorce settlement. But my mom. She didn’t care about money. She wanted to serve God. God was more important to her than her son.”
Stroking Amy’s sleek straight hair comforted him. His mother also had straight black hair. That much he could remember.
“Don’t say that, Teo. Don’t ever think that. You might not know why she left. She must have had a good reason.”
“If she did, why doesn’t she answer my letters? Why won’t she email me? Let me visit? Why? Do you know I went to the convent and asked for her? She refused to show her face.”
Roaring Hot! (Contemporary Romance): A Billionaire Biker Romance Page 11