“Oh.” She stared at the parcel, feeling foolish. It’d been presumptuous to assume it was a gift. “Maybe I should put it in a closet or something.”
“That would be wise.”
Before she could move, he dropped the photo on top of the money and walked over to her. She held up her hands to stop him, but he took her face and kissed her, backing her against the counter.
She shoved him off. “Stop,” she said, panting. “This is his home.”
He looked into her eyes. “That’s the last time tonight I’ll allow you to push me away. I’ve been as patient as I can.” He was also breathing hard. “Since we said goodbye, you’re all I’ve thought of.”
“You wanted to see my place, fine. As long as we’re here, though, I’m off limits. Completely. I don’t give a damn about our agreement.”
He continued to stare at her. She braced herself, knowing how touchy he could be when it came to Johnny. Instead, he took a step back. “Then we’d better go. I’m having a hard time getting ahold of myself.”
They made their way outside, and she locked up. Had he said he’d been thinking of her since they’d said goodbye?
On the way to the car, he took her hand and brought it to his lips. “I’m glad you called. What we discussed on the phone—it still stands, doesn’t it?”
“I haven’t been with Johnny.”
“I can’t say I’m surprised.”
He was baiting her, but she didn’t even want to know what he’d meant by that. She looked at the ground. Did Beau think Johnny would be repulsed by her? Or that Lola was the one who didn’t want it? She took the bait. “Why aren’t you surprised?”
“I challenge any man to be okay with knowing the woman he loves was just with someone else. Not just the act of it, but the intimacy. The closeness. The touching, whispering.” He glanced over at her, narrowing his eyes a fraction. “I’m not okay with it. Far from it.”
His voice was almost accusatory, as if he were in Johnny’s shoes. “Are you talking about him or yourself? Does it bother you, Johnny and me?”
He returned his eyes forward as they approached the car, and it was a moment before he answered. He leaned over to open the door for her. “Yes.”
She didn’t move. “But I’m not the woman you love.”
He remained passive except that the angles of his jaw sharpened. “Just imagine if you were.”
Chapter 21
Within seconds of pulling away from the curb of Lola’s apartment complex, Beau placed his hand just inside the slit of her dress and squeezed gently. She didn’t expect his touch to overwhelm her like it did, as if it were the eye of a hurricane, the spot the rest of her body revolved around. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him off.
“What’s wrong?” His cheek dimpled at one corner of his mouth.
“It’s too much,” she said.
“But it’s nothing.”
“It should be.”
He replaced his hand but this time slid it under the dress. “You say you’re doing this for the money. Maybe that’s what he needs to hear. Your body tells a different story, though.” His fingers edged along the inside of her thigh. “I know the other night’s played a loop in your thoughts, just like it has in mine.”
She shored up her resolve. Beau no doubt expected her to give in completely, but it was early. It was his nature to push, and it was hers to push back. She was having a hard time remembering why she should, though, with his hand burning against her skin. “Where are you taking me tonight?” she asked to change the subject.
“Care to take a guess?”
“In this gown, somewhere fancier than I’ve ever been. Right?”
“I don’t know where you’ve been.” He was teasing her, mischief in his twinkling eyes.
She pressed her lips together to suppress a smile. “There’s a movie premiere in Hollywood.”
“Not that unusual.”
She shifted in her seat. “And the L.A. Opera season opened this week. La Traviata is playing.”
“You’ve given this some thought.”
“I looked online.” Lola didn’t want to sound overeager, but she’d been wondering all afternoon what was in store. “Of course, it’s L.A.—there’re tons of things happening. But those both sounded exciting.”
He smiled. “Our first stop is to see my sister in the Hollywood Hills. It won’t take five minutes.”
Lola’s brows furrowed. While researching Beau, she hadn’t read anything about siblings. “You never mentioned a sister. Is she younger or older?”
“Younger by a couple years. You can wait in the car if you’d like.”
She feigned interest in her fingernails. “Yes, that’s probably best.”
After a brief silence, he said, “Or, you can meet her. I’d like that.”
She glanced up. “Wouldn’t that be weird?”
“Not for me. Brigitte and I often attend the same events, so she’s met some of my dates.”
“Were they also paid to stand by your side, though?”
Beau looked as though he’d bitten into a lemon. “Of course not. You don’t have to give her all the details.”
“Right,” she said. “I guess that would be fine.”
“Good.” He rubbed her leg. “I like that you wore the dress,” he said softly. “I like that you shaved your legs again. Even if it wasn’t for me.”
His hand moved over her skin as though they’d never parted. Their connection hadn’t weakened with time apart. She was just as hungry for his hand to move higher—to give her what only he could. She was supposed to be pushing back, but his pull was strong.
“It was,” she said.
She was there, somewhere she both did and did not want to be. She could fight—he would win. She could give everything over—he would demand more. There was a war in and outside of her. Her against herself. Her against him. His weapons were growing, even as she inched over to his side.
He moved a little closer. His stiff hair smelled of men’s product. She reached up and took a piece that had separated and fallen over his forehead. She slid her fingers along it to put it in place, but it just swung back. He had touched her—her chin, her leg, his lips to hers, his hand around hers, but she had not yet touched him except for that strand of hair. She wanted more. Wasn’t it okay to take it? Isn’t that what all three parties involved had agreed to?
This was her life for the next however many hours, and in that moment, she didn’t feel like pretending she hated it. “Beau.”
“Lola.”
“Roll up the partition.”
He swallowed audibly. “We’re almost there.”
She leaned over and hit the button herself. “This won’t take long,” she whispered. She thought her advance would’ve surprised him, but no sooner had she lifted a knee than he was pulling her onto his lap. He released her to unbutton his slacks, but she stopped him.
“Let me,” she said.
She moved his hands to her breasts. He felt her impatiently, his fingers so hard she winced. She took him out. He went to put his mouth on her nipple, but she caught his face and lifted it to hers. “There’s no time for that,” she said. Her mouth pulled to his like a magnet to steel. They kissed with the same fury of urgency. She pushed aside her underwear and helped him inside her, taking a few agonizingly long moments to adjust to his girth when all she wanted was to screw him fast.
They began to move. She took his earlobe in her mouth as they found their rhythm. His fingers dug into her scalp, skin—anywhere he could get.
He took over, securing her hips to him and thrusting up into her. Her head fell back. The car ceiling blurred with bright spots. He guided her with one hand and circled her clit with the other. The ache from the last few days balled low in her stomach, growing and growing until she gasped in a silent scream with the crest of her orgasm. Beau pulled her off of him. He took himself in one hand, held her hip with the other and came all over the insides of her thighs.
“Bea
u,” she panted. “God, Beau. How? How are we so…?”
His breaths were also labored. “Fast?”
She was going to say “good together,” but even in her state, she knew she shouldn’t. He looked at her as if he knew anyway.
They were no longer driving. Beau searched the space around them and scratched the back of his head. He frowned. “I didn’t plan for sex in the car.”
“I apologize for the disruption to tonight’s program,” she said, her mouth tingling with the urge to smile.
“It’s all right,” he said distractedly. “I just—aha.” He picked her up and moved her from his lap to the seat. He reached for a beverage napkin from the limo’s built-in bar, pulled her leg open and wiped the inside of one thigh.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Cleaning you.”
It was unnecessary, but she didn’t stop him. Being felt that way only added to the warm satisfaction her orgasm had left her with. “Why’d you pull out?” she asked.
His eyes traveled up. They glinted to match his smirk. “My sister can be intense. Your concentration should be on her at all times. I didn’t want to leave anything behind that might—distract you.”
“Oh. Always one step ahead,” she murmured.
He dropped the napkin but didn’t stop touching her.
Lola’s head fell back against the window. “Your hands feel good.”
“You mean when they aren’t trying to get in your underwear?”
“That too.” She smiled. “But this is also nice.”
He pressed his thumbs to the insides of her thighs and massaged. “You keep tensing. Are you nervous?”
“No,” she said, her eyes closed. “You have strong hands. And I’m not used to this.”
“To what?”
“A massage. I haven’t had many in my life.”
He stopped. “You haven’t?”
She lifted her head to look at him. “Our definitions of luxury are probably a little different. For instance, a car wash is something I only allow when we’re flush.”
“Oh, no.” He crawled over her body and kissed her. “Tonight.” He pecked her again. “You’re getting the massage of your life.”
“From you?” she asked.
“As if I want anyone else touching you.”
The window rattled suddenly, and they jumped away from each other like teenagers caught making out.
“Beau?” came a woman’s voice. She peered through the glass.
“Don’t worry,” he said as he tucked himself back into his pants. “They’re tinted.”
Lola fixed her underwear and dress. Instinctively, she leaned over and straightened Beau’s tie. It was red, like the one he’d been wearing the night they’d met.
Before she could move away, he put his hand around her wrist and pulled her back. “Thanks,” he said, kissing her once. “If I haven’t said it yet, thank you for saying yes. I love—having you by my side.”
He unlocked the door and got out while Lola stayed frozen where she was. He’d stumbled over the word love as if he were going to say something else. Something like “I love you.” Her—Lola, which was ridiculous. True, from the moment they’d met, their relationship had been intense. Their first night had been a series of dates in the span of a few hours. They had a connection—an attraction—but it didn’t matter. It couldn’t evolve beyond the physical.
“You’ve been sitting at the curb for ten minutes,” she heard from outside in a woman’s noticeable French accent. “What the hell were you doing?”
Beau cleared his throat. “Business call.”
“Business?” She eyed Lola as she exited the car behind him. “Of course. Yes.”
Lola found herself face to face with a woman who looked nothing like Beau. Her raven-colored hair was wrapped into a chignon. She just came up to Lola’s chin, and she seemed to know it, turning her thin, pointed nose up in the air for added height.
Lola extended her hand and introduced herself.
His sister waved at the air around them. “I’m sure I’m coming down with something,” she said. “I’d hate to get you sick.”
Beau took Lola’s hand instead and brought it to his side. “Lola, this is Brigitte. Who apparently has plans tonight.”
Brigitte sighed and smoothed her hands over her tight, red sleeveless dress. “I don’t, but my mother loved to say ‘always dress for company.’”
“We’re hardly company,” Beau said.
“Good evening, Miss Leroux,” Warner said from over the top of the limo.
“Ah,” Brigitte said, “but Warner is here. Is he not worthy of such a beautiful dress?”
She trotted in her heels around the car to throw herself in Warner’s open arms.
“Ignore her,” Beau said to Lola, rolling his eyes. “She’s that way with anyone who gives her attention. Warner took her to an event last week, yet she acts like he’s just returned home from war.” Brigitte stroked Warner’s suited arm, threw her head back and laughed. Warner looked stunned by her—and Lola had to admit, she was stunning. He smiled so hard his cheeks turned red.
“We don’t have much time,” Beau interrupted their moment. “No time at all, actually.”
“You’re always rushing me,” Brigitte said, turning her back on Warner without so much as a glance. She led the way up the sidewalk. “Is this the girl?”
“Brigitte,” Beau warned.
“What girl?” Lola asked. She followed Beau into the house through a front door twice as tall as them.
“Don’t be shy, brother.” Brigitte looked over her shoulder at Lola. The ordinary brown of her eyes should’ve been comforting, yet they were far too sharp for that. “It’s just that Beau rarely mentions anyone, except that he’s been talking about this one girl…”
Beau inhaled a deep breath and closed his eyes a moment. “Brigitte, sois sage. Is Louis in the study?” He looked at Lola. “Our lawyer.”
Lola’s attention was drawn up to the entryway’s chandelier. “Wow.”
“Ah, yes. It’s called a Montgolfier—after the brothers,” Brigitte said. “Do you know them? They’re French.”
Lola shook her head.
“They only invented the hot air balloon. That’s why it’s shaped like one but upside down.”
“It’s lovely,” Lola said, “just like your home.” Her heels, shorter than Brigitte’s, clicked on the foyer’s marble floor.
“Technically it’s Beau’s,” Brigitte said. “He lets me stay here.”
“It’s our home,” Beau said to her. “I think after nearly a decade here, it’s okay to say.”
“I just hate for you to think I’m taking advantage.” She looked at Lola. “Beau must be careful about that sort of thing.”
Lola didn’t want to go down that road. She slid her hand from Beau’s. “I don’t understand. You live here?”
“Yes,” Brigitte answered.
Just moments ago, Lola had been thinking how well they knew each other for such a short time. She must not have known much if she didn’t even know where he lived. It hit her that maybe he wanted it that way. Why else would he bring her to a hotel when he had a home nearby?
Lola turned away to avoid Beau’s inquisitive look. The pearl-colored living room had matching drapes that framed long, French doors. Gold molding trimmed the room, complementing the gold accents in the lamps, vases and side tables. The walls were lined with simple, elegant artwork that continued into the hallways and up the spiral staircase. A large vase of white and purple Calla lilies sat center on the entryway table.
She’d done a complete turn and now found Brigitte with her arms surrounding Beau’s neck. Her eyes were large with admiration for him, and there was lip-gloss grease on his cheek. “Did you miss your baby sister?” she asked.
“Come on, Brigitte,” he said. “I saw you two days ago. Let me go check with Louis.”
She dropped her arms with a huff. “Yes, he’s in the study. I’ll keep Lily company.”<
br />
“Lola,” he corrected.
“Right.”
Beau leaned over and kissed Lola’s cheek. “Will you be all right?”
She nodded. “Go ahead.”
“A few minutes, ma chatte.”
Brigitte scoffed just loud enough to be heard.
He ignored her, winking at Lola before disappearing behind double doors.
Brigitte turned to her. “So, have you known my brother long?”
“A couple weeks.”
“Oh. That is long.”
Lola smiled thinly. “Not for most people.”
“Beau isn’t most people. But I’m sure you’ve figured that out.”
“I have,” Lola said. “He’s certainly unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”
“Don’t worry if you’re flustered by him. That’s normal. My brother isn’t easy to read unless you know him like I do.” She arched one thin, black eyebrow and looked from Lola’s feet to her face. “You, on the other hand, I’m not so sure.”
“Sorry?”
“My brother’s money gets many admirers. He has a good nose for bullshit, except when it comes to particularly studied actresses. That’s where he needs my help.”
Lola crossed her arms. “That isn’t me.”
“No?”
“No. And my relationship with Beau isn’t anyone’s business but ours. He knows exactly what I want from him.”
Brigitte circled Lola, watching her the entire time. “You aren’t Beau’s usual type.”
“If you’re trying to intimidate me, it won’t work.”
Brigitte came to a stop in front of her. “My, my. You truly aren’t his type.” Her knuckles brushed along Lola’s arm. “I can see why he’s attracted to you.”
Lola glanced at Brigitte’s hand and smiled faintly. “Are you coming on to me, Brigitte?”
“If it’s money you’re after, I’m no pauper myself.”
“As if you have the slightest clue what I’m after.”
Brigitte cooed and fluttered like a little bird. “I see you’re not worried about making a good impression on me.”
“I have no delusions about my relationship with Beau. It’s temporary, and he knows that. Therefore I have no reason to impress you.”
Don't Break This Kiss (Top Shelf Romance Book 5) Page 23