Falling for Sarah

by Cate Beauman

  “My nutritionist has been evil.” Tatiana rolled her eyes, bent close to Sarah’s ear. “So, are we having fun yet?”

  She glanced at Ethan again, feeling the waves of tension radiating from his body. “Uh, not so much.”

  “Tatiana, we should keep moving,” Ethan said. “The fans are getting pretty restless.”

  “Okay. Sarah, you can walk with me.”

  Tatiana waved and stopped to sign an occasional autograph as they moved past throngs of reporters and fans kept back by metal blockades. Ethan stayed glued to her side.

  “Tatiana, how’s Ryan? Where’s Kevin? Is he meeting you inside?” journalists shouted, reaching their microphones over the large barriers.

  Mobs of eager fans shoved at the barricades, breaking through. Ethan pulled Tatiana back, yelling into his invisible mike as he put an arm around her shoulder. He snagged Sarah, enveloping her against his other side. Within seconds, people were everywhere—screaming and crying, shoving papers and pens in their faces. Somehow, Ethan kept them moving toward the door.

  From out of nowhere, Austin’s linebacker frame plowed through the crowd, taking Tatiana from Ethan’s hold. Fans pushed and shoved as they grew more frantic. Austin shoved back, yelling for people to move out of his way, as he hurried Tatiana into the safety of the Wyman.

  Within seconds, Sarah and Ethan were swallowed by the mass. Ethan continued to holler into his mike as people thrust pen and paper at Sarah. She put her arm up defensively, shielding her face while her other arm held firm around Ethan’s back, her hand clutching at his jacket. Did they realize she was just a damn photographer?

  “Put your head down, Sarah, and keep walking,” Ethan shouted close to her ear.

  She could barely hear him over the din of chaos. His death grip tightened around her waist as he carried more than guided her, using his shoulder to propel them through. As they approached the door, Austin opened it, pulling Sarah in by her arm.

  Tatiana moved forward, gripping Sarah in a hug when Ethan turned to help Austin and five of his men, along with several police officers, shove people away from the entrance.

  “My God, Sarah, that was awful.”

  Sarah’s heart galloped as she tried to catch her breath. “Yes, it was.” She eased back from the trembling star. “And no, I’m not having fun yet.”

  Tatiana’s eyes brimmed with tears as she attempted a smile.

  Sarah took Tatiana’s hand and led her to the bathroom. She hugged her friend again when the door closed behind them. “Are you okay, honey?”

  “I’ll be fine.” Tatiana brushed a tear away with unsteady fingers. “I’m a little shaken up. That has only happened once before and it was just as scary. I love my fans, and they love me, but they get so crazy. I think they would love me to death without my security.” She let out a laugh strained with nerves.

  Sarah took two cloths from the toiletries stocked in the luxury restroom, ran them under cold water. She wrung the excess from the soft, white cotton, handing one to Tatiana. “Let’s both take a deep breath.” She dabbed the blessed cool against the back of her neck.

  Tatiana did the same as the star took deep, steadying breaths.

  “Does it ever get to be too much? Do you ever get sick of constantly being followed and watched?” She wouldn’t be able to stand it.

  “Yes, all the time now that Ryan is here. I used to love the attention when my career started taking off, but now…” Tatiana shrugged, shaking her head. “My baby will never want for anything but a normal life.” Regret filled her eyes. “I’ll never be able to give my son that.”

  Sarah took her hand. “You and Kevin are wonderful parents. You’ll find a way to make it work. I’m glad you’re taking some time for just the three of you.”

  Tatiana gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Me too. I’m counting down the hours until I can hold my baby.” She glanced down at her chest. “So are my boobs. They’re so full they hurt.”

  Nerves eased and they both chuckled.

  After several minutes of light conversation, Tatiana fixed her makeup and smiled. “I’m good now. I need to get to the party. Everyone’s waiting. Are you ready?”

  “Go ahead. I want to call and check on Kylee and Hailey real quick.”

  Tatiana hugged her again. “Thanks for everything, Sarah.”

  “Anytime, honey. I know I missed the movie portion, but from what I hear, I look forward to photographing you with your newest Oscar.”

  Tatiana laughed as she opened the door. The bubbly sound faded as the door closed behind her.

  Alone, Sarah took her phone from her bag. She stopped dialing when someone knocked on the outside door.

  Ethan stuck his head in, scanning the room before he stepped in the rest of the way. He’d removed his sunglasses. His earpiece dangled at the collar of his shirt. “Hey. I just wanted to be sure you’re okay.”

  Sarah’s heart beat wildly as a myriad of emotions flooded her—happiness, longing, confusion. She dropped the phone back in her bag and walked forward. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for helping me. That was pretty scary.”

  “It got out of control fast.”

  Tension filled the room when that appeared to be the extent of their conversation. Sarah played with the zipper on her purse as she searched Ethan’s face, her eyes pausing on his firm, full lips before meeting his gaze. “Ethan, I know this isn’t the time, but I want to apologize again for—”

  “I don’t need an apology.” Temper snapped into his voice.

  She hesitated before she took his hand. “I hate that things are like this between us. I miss you.”

  His grip tightened on hers before he looked away.

  She nibbled her lip before she continued. “Kylee misses you too. She’s been asking for you. Why don’t you come over—”

  He dropped her hand. “I can’t do this, Sarah. You want things to be the way they were. They’re not the same. I have feelings for you.”

  Because she wanted to wrap her arms around him, she turned away from the heat of his gaze and closed her eyes. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I told you I can only be your friend.”

  The fabric of Ethan’s jacket brushed her naked back as his breath feathered against her neck, heating her skin. She glanced up, her gaze meeting his in the mirror. Her photographer’s eye recognized the picture they made. There was no denying they were stunning together.

  Ethan took her hands at her sides, lacing his fingers with hers. He kissed her neck once, sending shivers down her spine. Gray eyes burned into blue. “I have feelings for you, Sarah,” he repeated, his teeth grazing her ear. “You feel something too. I see it every time you look at me.”

  A tear slid down her cheek. “I can’t do this, Ethan.”

  He turned her toward him and their breath mingled. His calloused fingertips traced gentle circles along her back as he pulled her close. “Sarah,” he whispered.

  She moved forward, captivated, wrapping her arms around his waist, ready to give into her needs, into his. Her necklace brushed his shirt, and her wedding rings pressed against her skin like a shock, reminding her that this was wrong. She pulled back, shaking her head. “No, Ethan, I’m sorry.”

  “Goddamnit, Sarah. Why are you doing this?” He walked to the door, yanked it open and left her staring after him.

  Sarah leaned back against the marble countertop as guilt and confusion careened through her system. She covered her face with her hands as she fought to keep her breath steady and tears at bay. She didn’t know what to do. As her feelings changed, she dishonored Jake’s memory and caused Ethan pain.

  Turning again to the mirror, Sarah stared into sad blue eyes. Everything was such a mess.

  She had no desire to be here any longer. If she could get out of this place without being mobbed again, she would go home to her baby and friend, but she didn’t dare try.

  Stuck, she had no choice but to make the best of it. Sarah pulled her phone from her purse and cursed the time. Her limo wouldn�
��t be back for two hours.

  Ethan would be in the ballroom, but she could easily avoid him. The elegant function space was massive. It would be best to keep her distance until she could find some sort of handle on the direction her life was taking.

  She sent Hailey a text instead of calling. Kylee would be in bed. Is everything okay?

  Moments later, her phone vibrated. A-okay here. Kylee is asleep. Ogle at least one hottie for me. I’ll expect a detailed report.

  Sarah smiled and relaxed fractionally. She was so lucky to have Hailey, not only for Kylee but herself. I’ll see what I can do. Be home later.

  Steadier, Sarah stuffed her phone back in her evening bag. She stood taller, fixed a wisp of hair at her temple, walked from the bathroom ready to grin and bear the next couple of hours.

  Ethan stood in the corner of the ballroom not far from Tatiana. He scanned the guests and doorways, constantly on the alert. He glanced toward the entrance just as Sarah walked through, clenched his jaw. Her beauty was so potent, it stunned.

  The dress she wore accentuated her long, slender body. With every step she took, her smooth, sleek leg snuck from the slit in the black fabric, and he wanted her.

  Her floral scent still clung to his jacket, torturing him. The torment was only worse as he remembered the way she’d wrapped her arms around him just minutes before, staring into his eyes. She had been seconds away from giving him everything he needed, everything he’d craved over the last week since he’d seen her.

  Ethan came to attention when one of Hollywood’s most sought after men walked up to Sarah, giving her a hug and kiss on the cheek. She smiled as she spoke to him, nodded before he took her hand, and they strolled to the dance floor.

  Ethan ground his teeth as he watched Brand Larson and Sarah move together effortlessly. Her laugh carried across the room when the muscled blond said something close to her ear. Ethan stepped forward and had to remind himself he was on duty.

  Not even two weeks before, he and Sarah had been as casually comfortable with each other. Regret ate at him as he feared he’d ruined everything. He thought of their dance at Morgan and Hunter’s wedding, of the way they’d looked into each other’s eyes. Had things changed already? Would they have ended up here eventually anyway? He didn’t know.

  He tore his gaze from Brand’s hand on Sarah’s naked lower back, focused on the door, watching people enter and exit. The chatter between his team of men buzzed in his ear. When the song ended and rolled into the next, Ethan flicked a glance in Sarah’s direction. She hugged Brand once more and made her way to the bar.

  She ordered water with lemon and turned. With the glass halfway to her mouth, she froze. Her eyes met his, holding, before she pivoted away and walked toward a group of women.

  Two hours later, Ethan moved to yet another location, standing in the background not far from Tatiana. He struggled to focus on his job as his gaze wandered to Sarah—again. He couldn’t help but smile when she discreetly pulled her phone from her purse, sneaking another peak at the time. She hated these events.

  Sarah made her way in his direction, stopping next to Tatiana. Tatiana grinned and wrapped her in a hug. When Tatiana eased back, her brows furrowed. She said something to Sarah, who shook her head.

  He couldn’t hear their conversation, but Sarah was close enough for him to get a good look at her. She smiled as she spoke, but it didn’t reach her eyes. She glanced in his direction, eyes full of misery and hurt, before she turned and walked from the room. He wanted to go after her, but they would solve nothing surrounded by a thousand people, so he stopped himself.

  “Austin, everything’s all set here. Make sure Sarah gets home safely, will you?” Ethan said into his mike.

  “You got it, boss.”

  Zeke sat in his car two houses down from Sarah’s. With binoculars at the ready, he waited for her return. She’d been gone for hours, and he was getting pissed. It was after midnight, for Christ’s sake. He had to work tomorrow.

  His hand flexed and bunched at his side as he worked himself into a rage. Was it too much to ask for her to get her ass home? He left her something, didn’t he? They always fucking wanted something. Here he’d gone and gotten her a present, and she couldn’t even hurry back to find it. Some bitches are so inconsiderate.

  The flowers were going to wilt at this rate. He brought her two—a symbol of sorts. Zeke figured by the time he left her half a dozen, he would be ready, especially if his practice sessions went as well as tonight’s.

  Zeke discovered a neat little bonus he definitely wanted to explore further. If he liked it as much as he had this evening, he might add it to his repertoire—spice things up a bit.

  The whore he chose had breezed by while he’d been stopped at a traffic light earlier in the afternoon. It’d been fate, just like the day at the beach when he found Sarah.

  His ‘lady’ of the evening’s hair was darker blonde, almost too dark, but he couldn’t let trivial things like that stop his progress. Her eyes had been blue and that was what mattered. Their eyes had to be blue, like Margaret’s.

  Fury spewed through his black heart as he thought of the woman who’d never given him a second glance, even after he’d sworn his undying love—but that didn’t matter anymore because he had Sarah. She was hotter than Margaret by a mile.

  He wondered if Sarah would like the new twist he’d added in the bedroom. He’d let this bitch fight, and boy did she fight. In fact, she almost overpowered him at one point, but when he grabbed her by the throat and squeezed until her legs kicked and her arms thrashed, he’d cum in his jeans from the power.

  That had settled her right down. She’d gagged and coughed when he removed his hands. When he knew he had her full concentration, he’d forced her to play with him until he’d been good and hard and ready to go again.

  He’d plunged into her until she cried out. She didn’t exactly cry out in ecstasy the way the others always did, but it had worked. He’d put his hand on her throat and applied pressure until she gasped and her eyes had gone huge. He’d seen fireworks while he filled his condom. Fuck yeah, he couldn’t wait to do it again.

  Zeke had plans for the next one, wherever she happened to be. He was going to up the ante. He wasn’t sure if she would like the new game, but who the fuck cared. He sure as hell would.

  The black limo pulled in Sarah’s drive and she got out. Zeke pressed the binoculars close, whistled as the beam of headlights accentuated her slender build and the creamy skin of her back. “Hot damn, I can’t wait to get my dick in you.”

  He reached for the door handle. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if he got a little closer. Maybe he could rub one out by her bedroom window while she changed. He shook his head, put his hand back on the binoculars. Good things came to those who waited, and he’d waited a very long time. Besides, he could rub one out in the comfort of his own bed while he thought about her getting undressed—just for him.

  The limo pulled away and Sarah walked to the door. She bent down, picked up the flowers. A thrill coursed through his veins when she put them to her nose and smiled. Instantly, he was in love—a love more powerful, more all-consuming than he’d ever felt for Margaret.

  “Oh, Sarah, it’s going to be perfect. You wait and see.”

  Zeke started his car and drove off as visions of just how it would be began to take shape.

  CHAPTER 8

  AUSTIN PULLED INTO THE DRIVE and knocked on Sarah’s door. She answered holding blue roses. He zeroed in on the flowers, immediately remembering what Ethan had told him about the one he’d found a week before.

  “Hey, Sarah, where’d you get the roses?”

  She beamed down at the delicate blooms. “They were at the front door. I think Kylee and Hailey left them for me. I’ll have to thank them in the morning.”

  It didn’t feel right. Unsure of how to handle it, Austin gave her a small smile. “Uh, can I use your bathroom?”

  “Of course, go right ahead.”

  “Arm the
panel, okay?”

  “I always do.”

  Austin shut the bathroom door, twisted the lock. He took his cell phone from his pocket, dialed the office number, careful not to move around too much in the small, feminine half-bath. Within seconds, dispatch patched him through to Ethan’s earpiece.

  “Cooke, it’s Casey.”

  “I can hardly hear you. Speak up.”

  “I can’t. Listen harder. I’m in Sarah’s bathroom.”

  “Austin, if you called to talk while you’re on the shitter...”

  The laughter of six men on duty bounced through Austin’s cell phone.

  “Screw you, Cooke. I didn’t call to joke around. There were two more flowers at Sarah’s door. She thinks they’re from Hailey and Kylee, but I don’t.”

  Any remaining chuckles died away.

  “What color and type?” Ethan’s voice tightened with tension.

  “Blue roses.”

  “Don’t leave until I get there. I’ll have Michaels come cover me here. It’ll probably be a good half hour before I can get up to the house.”

  “What am I supposed to tell her? She’s going to want me to leave so she can go to bed.”

  “Tell her I told you to stay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

  “But—” Ethan disconnected. “Shit.” Austin put the phone away and followed the dim light to the kitchen. He focused on the roses in a glass budvase on the counter. Sarah sat at the table, wrapped in her pale blue robe, with a cup of tea. Her eyes, usually so vibrant, were dull and sad as she stared off at something.

  He wondered if it had anything to do with earlier that evening. The boss man had been in the bathroom with her for several minutes. When Ethan yanked the door open and stalked away, he’d looked just as unhappy as Sarah did now. Interesting. He’d been curious as to why Ethan tensed up every time Sarah’s name came up in conversation, and why he’d been handling her security instead of Ethan himself.