“Shit, it’s so hard to leave you. All I want is to taste you in my mouth.”
This was ridiculous. Why wasn’t he like this last night in the first place? I squeezed my legs shut, trapping his fingers inside.
“You need to go to training, Mr. Fox.”
“I know, I know. Will you wait?” he asked, still attempting to pleasure me.
“I’ll see.”
“Not good enough…” He pressed himself against me and with his other hand tried to pry open my legs. Giggling, I held them closed with all my strength.
“Training. Now!” I ordered, trying hard not to laugh.
“Fine.”
Pretending to mope, he pulled his hand free and jumped up off the bed before stomping over to his wardrobe.
I couldn’t help but watch him change, imagining his sexy, muscular body on top of me again. Then with a kiss on the lips and a firm reminder to stay, Ryan left me as I was― almost naked with his shirt on and wrapped up in his soft, comfortable sheets.
It took a little over fifteen minutes of staring up at the ceiling to start questioning what the hell I was getting myself into. Ryan Fox was a big time player. He had girls worshipping at his feet and he clearly enjoyed every minute of it. He was loved by many fans and was constantly in the public eye— not to mention on giant billboards. I didn’t want any of that; keeping away from the spotlight was what I worked so hard to do. If I gave people a reason to start noticing me again, it would only mean that they’d dig deeper. They’d gather information and write up stories that would remind me of that terrible night. And now with my father gone so suddenly, I couldn’t afford to lose what little privacy I had left because of one hot-shot baseball player who had probably slept with as many girls as he had caught balls for his team.
In the end I decided to gather my things and hail a cab.
****
“Dirty tramp.” Derek whistled into the phone. “I can’t believe you ended up back at his place again and forced him to sleep with you!” A mischievous grin stretched across my face as I switched positions on the day bed so that I was lying on my back and looking up at the warm midafternoon sun from my balcony.
“Hey! You disappeared first! Where’d you go off to anyway?”
“Darren and I went around the back. I came back out to get you as we were leaving but you’d already gone. The huge, sexy, golden footballer said he’d seen you arguing with Ryan Fox and I figured that you’d just gone home, not end up at his house! He’s one good looking son-of-a-bitch though. I wouldn’t have had the strength to refuse him either.”
“He’s pretty hot but he knows it.”
“So what? It’s so much sexier when you have a man with a little confidence. You think you’ll see him again?”
“A little confidence? Are you sure we’re talking about the same guy here? And to answer your question, I don’t know. The sex was good―”
“Just good?”
I was thankful that Derek couldn’t see the naughty grin that stretched across my face. “Okay fine, the sex was amazing. But he’s bad news. I’ve avoided the spotlight for this long, Derek. I’m not about to let him ruin that for me. Last night was just something I needed.”
“Babe, with your father gone, the media are going to follow you around no matter what. And I do understand how you feel but if Ryan Fox decides he wants you, he isn’t going to let you off so easily. What Ryan Fox wants, Ryan Fox gets.”
“I don’t care who he is.”
“You say that now. At least you know he isn’t after your money. The bastard is a multi-fuckin’-millionaire.”
“He just wants what’s in between my legs.”
“And is what you want so different?”
I didn’t answer.
“So, what’s there to complain about?” We both laughed at that. “Hey, didn’t you say his sister told you he was acting strange when you ran into him at the hotel?”
“I think his sister was also trying to embarrass him.”
My phone started beeping, indicating I had another call coming through. I looked at the screen. Unknown number. Thinking that it might have been one of my father’s lawyers or one of Connor’s business cells, I told Derek goodbye and answered it.
“So, I rush home rather excitedly, ready to start my exploration and I find that my apartment is empty.”
Ryan? But how?
“How’d you get my number?”
“I have my ways,” he said dismissively. “So, couldn’t handle the wait?”
I sighed. “Ryan, I mean it. How did you get my number?” I knew I was overreacting but I had every right to be.
“Calm down. I used your phone to call mine when you were still asleep this morning. I had a sneaky suspicion you weren’t going to give me your number if I’d asked.”
“You were spot on,” I said deadpan. He just laughed into the phone. Did he not find any of this creepy? Oh god, what if he was one of those crazy people? What had I just done?
“And that’s why I did it. So, answer the question.”
“What question?”
“Why didn’t you stay after I asked you to?”
“I had stuff to do, Ryan,” I lied. I got up out of the chair and made my way inside.
“I see. Well, I know it might seem a little eager and very uncharacteristic of me but how about we catch up tonight?” Again? Jeez, Derek wasn’t wrong about him going after what he wanted.
“Miss my hot body already?” I teased, unable to help myself.
I made a beeline straight for the fridge.
“I’m hot for that tight little body right now.”
I laughed into the phone but rolled my eyes as I searched the fridge for some form of snack.
“Come on, Evangeline, one more night. Let me take you somewhere.”
“Like a date?”
“Of course a date. Why do you sound so surprised?”
I couldn’t help the goofy smile on my face from forming as I pulled out the celery sticks and hummus prepared from my snacking binge the other day. The guy actually sounded hurt. “I just never took you for the dating type, that’s all.”
“Oh, so I’m just a fuck-once-move-over-who’s-next type of guy? Is that what you’re saying?” When I didn’t answer― on purpose― his voice grew serious. “Evangeline. Let me take you out on a date tonight. I swe― Are you eating?”
I pictured him standing there, with his hands on his hips and eyebrows furrowed just because he didn’t have my undivided attention. I also picked him for that kind of guy and honestly it gave me a little thrill knowing I’d found something that irritated him.
“Yep, I’m hungry. Celery with hummus dip. Delicious.”
“You know what’d be delicious? Eating food off you. Now there’s an idea for dessert tonight.”
I groaned loudly. “Must everything end up about sex with you?”
He laughed. “Yes, because you left me high and dry, so now it’s all I can think about. Last night, I was deep inside you and this morning―”
“This isn’t winning you any brownie points.”
“Fine,” he said. “But if I ask nicely, will you give me the answer I’m looking for?”
“Does anyone ever say no to you, Mr. Fox?”
I could practically feel his grin radiating through the cell. “Not very often, Ms. Montgomery. But there is no way I’m taking no for an answer from you.”
That’s what every part of me wanted to say and also that I should steer clear of this guy, but the words just wouldn’t come out. The guy was trouble; I knew that. He was the sort of guy that wanted his fun and then moved on to the next girl available. On top of that, once he learned how messed up I really was then he’d want nothing to do with me. It’s one date, Evangeline. Get a grip! I let out an exasperated sigh. “Okay, just this one date.”
I just knew he was wearing that annoying, sexy grin of his. “Pick you up at seven.”
CHAPTER 10
To my surprise, Ryan hadn’t t
aken me to a fancy restaurant like I assumed he would for our date. Instead, I was whisked off to courtside seats of a Knicks game. I didn’t know much about baseball, but I knew a thing or two about basketball, and I absolutely loved the game.
When I was growing up, Gran and Pop would take Connor and me to every Lakers home game back in California. At first I found it difficult when the paparazzi crowded around us to take pictures― it was hard to watch a game with the constant flashing of cameras in your eyes. As the years went by, the press began to lose interest in my family, and because my grandparents did their best to keep us out of the spotlight, they eventually eased off. The basketball games got a whole lot more exciting then. This time I was with a celebrity, someone who was certain to make headlines in tomorrow’s paper by just turning up somewhere. The thought made me uneasy. Why had I agreed to this?
I tried my best to ignore the feeling and Ryan’s wandering hand that constantly found its way to mine. I had to keep moving mine away, but as soon as the players took center court, my worries evaporated and I no longer noticed the group of paparazzi sitting on the other side of the court with their cameras.
“So, what’d you think?” Ryan asked once we were in a cab and headed back to his place.
My face lit up. Somehow, I’d managed to enjoy the evening with Ryan.
“I loved it, thank you for taking me. Those guys are so amazing! But the Lakers are better.” I threw him a cheesy grin.
“You enjoyed that a little more than I expected you to. I was getting hard watching you bounce up and down while you cheered. You have a love for the game, don’t you?” he asked. “I want you to come to a few of mine. Who knows, maybe you’ll like baseball better.” He gave a little wink.
“Already counting on this date going so well that you’ve planned a second one?” I arched an eyebrow.
I thought he blushed but if he did it was quickly covered it up with a casual grin.
“I told you only one.”
“But what if I play my cards right? And I give you mind-blowing sex? Then will you let me score that second date?”
I shook my head and rolled my eyes earning a chuckle from him.
“Are you hungry?” he asked still smiling.
“Starving, actually. I thought this date would entail an expensive dinner somewhere, but no, you left your date hungry and ready to wither away.”
He laughed and nudged me playfully with his elbow. “I’m sure I’ve got some canned soup or spaghetti in my pantry for you,” he teased.
“Very funny.”
He threw an arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him. I allowed my head to relax against his hard chest. The scent of his cologne filled my senses. It smelled fresh, like the ocean mixed with exotic spices and some floral tones. It made me want to bite into him.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, combing my hair gently with his fingers.
I lifted my gaze to meet him, wondering whether it was a good idea to admit the truth or make something up on the spot. If I told him that I wanted to bite him, he’d probably take me inside the cab. That was something I wasn’t ready for― not now, not ever― so I opted for a semi-lie.
“Why did you take me to a sports game and not a dinner or somewhere most people take others on dates?”
He let out a rich throaty laugh. “I thought that’d be simple. You’re the daughter of gazillionaires. I thought you’d be sick of all that fine dining by now. And plus, basketball is a great sport… to watch.”
I laughed, nodding in agreement. “Fine dine restaurants are so cliché.”
“Exactly.”
As soon as we stepped inside his apartment, Ryan grabbed me and pinned me up against the wall, pressing his bulge right against my sensitive spot. Was this guy horny all the time? A hand slowly travelled down my chest, down my stomach, then cupped me between the legs. I sucked in a sharp breath as a cunning grin spread across his face.
“I can’t wait to get inside here,” he whispered, giving me a gentle squeeze. My insides burst alight. The area between my legs throbbed, begging for his bare touch. He let go and pressed himself harder against me. My legs parted willingly, eager for him to be closer.
“Touch me,” I whispered, arching my back to close the small gap between us.
Ryan ran his fingers gently along the top of my jeans, lightly grazing my bare stomach. I tensed every time he past my most sensitive parts.
He leaned over and kissed my cheek, then trailed smaller kisses down to my throat, all the while still running his fingers lightly across my skin. I let out a breathless moan.
“Mr. Fox?”
Ryan immediately stilled, dropped his hand and took a step back, looking over his shoulder to see who’d interrupted us. Staring up at him was a petite, white-haired lady wearing a white apron.
“Ahh, Rose, I almost forgot you were here. I think we should buy you a small bell so that I can hear you approaching,” he teased, turning his whole body around so that he was facing the woman.
I looked curiously between the two of them but Rose showed no sign of taking offense to his comment.
“I heard you come home. I just wanted to let you know that everything is ready and waiting.”
“Thank you, and is it all as we planned?”
“Yes. I think she will be very pleased.” Rose shot one look at me and offered me a polite smile. Was I the ‘she’ she was referring too?
“Brilliant, Rosy. You are magnificent. Oh, and yes, this is the one and only Evangeline Montgomery,” he said to her. Then turned to me, “and Evangeline, this is the fabulous Rose Hernandez, my housekeeper and tonight, the most fantastic person alive.”
Rose and I shook hands and nodded politely at one another while questions floated around inside my head. What on earth had Ryan so ecstatic? What had he asked his housekeeper to do?
“Isn’t she just beautiful, Rose?” Ryan said in a barely audible whisper as we began following the housekeeper down the large hall. Ryan held my hand as I listened to their quiet conversation the entire way and stared at the amazing apartment Ryan owned. I wondered if he’d decorated it himself or paid someone do it. Maybe he’d gotten Rose to do that too? A tiny smile crept up as I pictured Ryan asking his housekeeper to decorate his place. The interior design would have Amelie drooling in awe.
“You are very lucky to have her, Mr. Fox. I can see that she has a very gentle and precious soul. I just ask that you take good care of her,” Rose replied in almost a whisper but it was so quiet in the hallway that I was able to hear it. Ryan gave my hand a squeeze.
“I am very lucky indeed,” Ryan mumbled as we stopped in front of a doorway.
The room in front of us was dark. Only the flickering of orange candlelight filled the room. Ryan stepped to one side so I could get through. Wow. It was just beautiful.
One side of the wall was made completely out of glass, overlooking the surreal New York City skyline. Sparkling white marble covered the floor, while in the center of the room sat a large, dark wood dining table with two white high-back leather chairs on either end. A funky art-deco light hung from the ceiling above the table but it was switched off, instead the only glow came from the candles sitting on top of the table. Two places were set with large round plates, cutlery and two oversized empty wine glasses. Two large silver cloches sat in the middle, while three smaller ones, ranging in size, were organized around them.
It felt like I’d walked into our own fancy restaurant.
“It’s beautiful.” The words barely escaped me. I couldn’t stop ogling at the sight that lay before me. Not only was the room stunning, but I was also amazed by the effort Ryan― well Rose ―had gone into making it special. Ryan squeezed my hand again, reminding me he was right by my side.
“I hope you like it. Come, let me sit you down.”
Very gentlemanly-like, Ryan pulled my seat out and carefully pushed it in once I was sitting, and then turned back to face Rose.
“Everything looks wonder
ful. Thank you, Rosy. I hope you made extra servings like I’d asked you to so you can take home and enjoy with your family.”
Rose thanked him and politely waved the both of us goodbye. Ryan followed her and closed the door behind her.
“She must really adore you.” I smiled, watching him make he way back over and take a seat opposite me.
“Rose? Yeah, she’s great. I’d be lost without her.”
“Why? Do you get her to cook romantic meals for all your other dates as well?” I teased.
Ryan frowned. That wasn’t exactly the response I was expecting.
“Actually, I haven’t done this whole thing before,” he replied pulling a face and waving a hand at the table setting. “No other girl has ever been further than the first guest bedroom before.”
I stared at him for a moment, needing time to mentally process his comment. “You’re kidding, right?”
“Nope,” he answered simply, propping his elbows on the table and resting his chin on the back of his hands. His eyes gleamed in the candlelight. If I hadn’t already known how wicked his thoughts were, I’d think they were all innocent.
“But how do you know they don’t just go snooping after you leave them to go to training in the morning?”
He laughed then. “I’ve never done that before either.” He adjusted in his seat and scratched the back of his head with his hand. “I don’t really know what made me trust you,” he added with a shrug. “To be completely honest, I wasn’t even worried about coming home and finding my place ransacked.”
It was my turn to frown. “So what, you just usually kick the girls out in the mornings?”
“If they stay the night… Mostly, they leave the same night.”
I threw a look of disgust. How was he able to say that so casually?
Ryan waved his hand dismissively in the air. “Let’s not talk about that, I’m trying to impress you with my home cooking skills.” He smiled that sexy grin.
“You didn’t cook,” I pointed out dryly, determined to extinguish his cocky attitude.
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