Reluctantly Famous

by Heather Leigh

  “It was good while it lasted, Beth.”

  “What was?”

  I let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Having a life.”

  She reaches across the table and takes my hand. “You can still have a life, Al. Just not the kind that everyone else has. No one died, you’re healthy, you’re smart, and you have a loving family. You’ll just have to… I don’t know, adapt.”

  “Adapt.” I test the word. Let it roll around in my head for a moment. “I think I like that description.”

  “Remember freshman bio? Darwinism, only the strong can adapt to survive. That’s you. Strong.” Beth removes her hand when our drinks arrive. She holds up her extra-dirty martini. “A toast…”

  Smiling, I hold my sangria up with hers, not correcting her when she calls me strong. I feel far from it most days, sometimes, I feel downright weak.

  “… to evolution.”

  “Ha! To evolution,” I reply.

  We clink our glasses together and I realize just how much my life really has evolved. Maybe this is just another adaptation I have to make, another turn in the road to survival. Is leaving my job the end of my life?

  My answer? Fuck no.

  Declan – now

  The cab drops me off in front of a sleek glass high rise in downtown Boston.

  “Thanks.” I hand the cabbie some cash after he retrieves my suitcase and puts it down on the sidewalk next to me.

  “Declan Foster?” I turn to see a couple of teenage girls timidly eyeing me from a few feet away.

  They seem friendly, so I answer them honestly. Besides, who am I kidding? I’m not wearing a hat, sunglasses, nothing to hide my identity. “Yes, I am.”

  Their hesitation melts into smiles when they realize that I’m not going to snap out at them.

  “Can we get a picture with you?” one of the girls asks.

  “Sure.”

  She happily pulls out her phone and they crowd around me for a selfie. “Thanks so much!”

  “You’re welcome.”

  And that’s it. I thank God for about the millionth time for not saddling me with the same type of fans that Ryker has. There’s no way I could deal with that kind of crazy on a daily basis.

  Allie’s concierge buzzes me into the building and lets me take the elevator upstairs after checking my I.D. and making sure I’m on ‘the list’. After stepping off onto the twelfth floor, I don’t get halfway down the hall before a door opens, ejecting a very excited Allie Forrester.

  “Dex!”

  I know I must be grinning like a fool, but I don’t care. She makes me feel good, something I haven’t felt in a while. Without warning, Allie takes a flying leap at me, landing with her body wrapped around mine. She’s damn lucky I dropped my bags fast enough to catch her.

  “That’s some kind of greeting, Al.”

  She giggles into my neck before pulling back so we can see each other. The air around us crackles and I feel a distinct shift happening between us. The memory of that blistering hot kiss we shared in the cab in London hits me full force.

  Allie’s intense green eyes lock onto mine then flick down to my mouth. In that moment, I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want her. She slides down my front, making me hold in a groan as she rubs against my cock. It’s torture, holding back when all I want to do is tear off her clothes and taste every inch of her body.

  Allie is lost in her thoughts. Lustful ones if the look on her face means anything, so I take charge. “Let’s go inside.” She nods as I bend down to grab my bag.

  I’m sure Allie’s condo is spectacular, but I wouldn’t know it. All I see from the minute I step inside is her. The way the afternoon sun slants through the wall of windows, causing her dark hair to glow with rust-colored highlights, the way her jeans hug every single curve of her tight ass and long legs, the way her lips curve when she smiles up at me or says something amusing. She’s fucking incredible.

  “Dex?”

  “Huh?”

  Allie laughs. “Did you hear a word I just said?”

  No I didn’t. Damn.

  “I asked if you wanted a drink.”

  Minutes later, we’re sitting on her couch with a glass of wine. She’s discussing something while I continue to daydream about how perfect she is.

  Abruptly, she stops talking. “You look guilty Declan Foster. What were you thinking about?”

  “You,” I answer too quickly. It’s not my fault. Her legs are tucked up beneath her, and with every hand gesture or giggle she makes, a part of her body brushes up against me. My thigh, my chest, my arm… she’s killing me. Death by a thousand sensual touches.

  It gives me complete brain to mouth malfunction.

  Allie’s eyes widen and damn if they don’t drop down to my mouth again. Her pupils dilate, whether it’s from the alcohol or from this unbelievable spark that exists between us, I’m not sure, but damn I want to find out.

  I take her glass in my free hand and put both of them on the end table. When I turn back to talk to her, she’s shifted closer, our mouths separated by mere inches.

  “Al,” I say hoarsely.

  “Yes?” Her lids are heavy with lust. She flicks out her tongue and moistens her lush lips. My dick is so hard I swear it fucking hurts.

  “I…” Jesus, how do you tell someone that you don’t fuck around anymore? That you don’t do the casual sex thing? Especially when you want them as much as I want her.

  “What is it Dex?”

  “Nothing.” Fuck it. I close the gap, lightly dragging my mouth over hers. Allie melts into my arms, the tight, strumming tension between us turns into red-hot embers that need only a slight nudge to become a roaring fire.

  Allie moans as she climbs up on my lap, and that’s the match that sends me up in flames. I crush my mouth against hers, eager to taste her after months of wondering if I’d ever get another chance. She’s just as fucking sweet as I remember, maybe even more so this time.

  “God, Dex. I don’t… I’ve never let myself…”

  Her whispered words make me pull back so I can see into her eyes.

  “What?”

  She tucks her chin into her chest, hiding from me.

  “No,” I pull her chin up gently. “I want to see you.” Her brilliant green eyes find mine. “Explain what you mean.”

  “I-I… I can trust you, right Dex?”

  Allie’s question takes me by surprise. “Of course you can, Al.”

  “I mean, I know I can. After London, when we spent all that time together, you didn’t take advantage of me, not once.” She’s acting withdrawn, nervous, very un-Allie like things to do.

  “Why are you asking me this?”

  “Just making sure.” She lowers her mouth and gently, almost hesitantly kisses me.

  The fire in my core reignites, urging me to take what is right in front of me, to pull off the fabric that separates us and sink into her hot depths. I swallow back the need to go fast, instead savoring every brush of our mouths, every soft touch of Allie’s hands on my chest, every tiny moan that escapes from her.

  I bring my hands up to cup her face, then trail one down her neck until it rests between her breasts. She throws her head back and groans when I follow my hand with my mouth, biting and sucking a path down the soft skin of her throat.

  “God, you feel so good.” My hips buck up from the couch when she wraps her legs around my waist and grinds down. Incoherent noises come from both of us as we rut against each other in an attempt to get some much-needed friction.

  Allie stops moving, bringing her glazed eyes to meet mine, and she whispers one word. “Bedroom.”

  “You’re sure?” My breaths are coming fast and shallow, my cock straining for release against the thick denim of my jeans, but I have to make sure this is right.

  “Yes.”

  Allie climbs off of my lap and holds out a hand. I take it, letting her lead me to her bedroom. Once there, she turns to look at me before reaching up to remove her dress with shaky hands.
>
  I close the distance quickly, taking her hands in mine. “Let me.” She closes her eyes and relaxes, dropping her arms to her sides in surrender. “Lift your arms.” Allie immediately complies. I grasp the hem of her light summer dress, pulling it over her head and throwing it aside.

  I suck in a sharp breath. “Jesus, you’re gorgeous.” She’s standing in front of me in a tiny pink lace bra and panty set, her eyes still shut. I quickly remove my shirt and jeans, letting them pile on the floor.

  “Look at me.” We’re inches apart, so close I can feel the heat coming off of her skin. I can smell the fruity scent of her shampoo mixed with the underlying scent of her desire.

  Allie opens her eyes. I watch as her pupils dilate, leaving only a sliver of green around the edge. Her mouth parts open just enough for her tongue to make a quick swipe of her lower lip. Slowly, she lifts an arm and reaches out to touch me. It’s light, only a quick brush of her fingers over my abs, but it’s enough to break my resolve to go slow.

  I grab her by the waist and walk her back until she’s against the bed. My mouth finds hers, swallowing the gasp that she makes just before our lips connect. Allie willingly lies back when I push forward with my body as I plunge my tongue into her mouth over and over. We only break apart to breathe.

  “Dex,” she whispers against my neck, sucking and biting the tender skin there.

  “Move back,” I pant, struggling with my need to shove that thin strip of lace aside and thrust my cock inside. Allie wiggles back until she’s completely on the bed. She unhooks her bra and slides it down her arms, revealing the most perfect breasts I’ve ever seen.

  Allie lies back, watching me, her eyes full of desire, but also trust. I’ve noticed that trust isn’t something that she gives away easily. This is a gift she’s giving me, one I don’t plan on abusing.

  I climb up over her, lowering my body until we line up perfectly. Desperate to taste her again, I shower her with small kisses, on her mouth, her forehead, her neck… while I tangle one hand in her thick hair.

  “Allie.” She turns her unfocused eyes on me. “I don’t do meaningless fucks.” I have to stop for a moment, my heart racing so fast it feels as if it may fly out of my chest at any minute. “What I’m saying is, if that’s what you want, just one night, tell me now. I don’t, I can’t do that anymore.”

  She stays still, her eyes unblinking as I wait for the axe to fall. What is she thinking? God, I hope I didn’t just fuck this up with the best thing that’s happened to me in years.

  Then, I see the corner of her mouth quirk up. Just a fraction, hardly enough to see if you aren’t looking at her as intensely as I am. A single tear escapes her eye, leaving a damp trail down her creamy skin.

  “What is it? Why are you crying?”

  Fuck, I made her cry.

  “I don’t do meaningless fucks either, Dex.”

  As I lay there, trying to comprehend her words, her arms come around my back and she arches up into me, rubbing her panty-clad heat against my trapped cock.

  I finally put the pieces together, she wouldn’t be here if this didn’t mean something to her. It sure as shit means something to me. Nothing more needs to be said that we can’t say with our bodies.

  Our mouths connect again, this time Allie is just as greedy as I am. Our tongues duel, twisting together in a heated fight for dominance. Wanting more, I break away so I can trail kisses down to one of her soft breasts.

  When I capture one in my mouth, sucking then teasing it to a hard point with my teeth, Allie groans beneath me.

  “God Dex, I need…”

  I release her breast and swipe my tongue over the bite and attack the other one. By the time I’ve given them the proper amount of attention, Allie is writhing and crying for more.

  “Dex!”

  “I know,” I whisper against the expanse of skin just above the scrap of lace she considers underwear. “I’m not finished tasting you.”

  Allie groans and props herself up on her elbows, gazing down at me as I take a quick bite of one hip, then quickly swipe my tongue over it to soothe the sting. I continue to trace a line across her abdomen, biting then licking until she has tiny red marks from hip to hip, her whimpers making it difficult to concentrate on my task.

  “So fucking sexy,” I rasp.

  Slowly, I grasp either side of her panties, giving her a final chance to stop me. Allie’s eyes widen, then return to their lustful stare. She licks her lips, and that’s all I need to see to know she wants this, wants me.

  Eyes locked together, I drag the scrap of lace down her hips.

  Allie – now

  Dex touches me in a way I can’t describe with words. It’s not even touching. It’s more like worshiping. His mouth, his hands, his tongue… he worships me. And I fucking love it.

  He nips at the skin around my waist, waking up every single nerve in my body. The quick stings that are followed by a hot swipe of his tongue are so erotic I want to watch. I lean up on my elbows so I can see that skilled tongue dragging over my skin again and again.

  Declan is by far the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on, even in his giant shirts. Besides, he’s the first man to touch me like this, well, the first that I can remember. I flop back down and squeeze my eyes shut. I refuse to think about that asshole. Refuse to let him ruin this moment for me. For seven fucking years I’ve kept my walls up, haven’t allowed any man to get close. Trust didn’t exist in my world, everyone too willing to use, discard, and move on.

  Not Dex.

  I feel his thumbs drag down my hips as he removes the final bit of clothing separating our hot skin. I open my eyes, wanting to watch the erotic scene play out. What I see makes my heart just about stop. He’s kneeling between my legs, staring at me, all of me.

  I take him in, greedy to devour every inch of his body and stamp it on my brain forever. Above his narrow hips, his perfect abs, his gorgeous face, I find a look in his eyes that takes my breath away.

  Reverence? Admiration? Possibly love?

  Whatever it is, I’m more than ready to let it consume me. I get up on my knees, facing Declan, my hard nipples grazing across his wide chest. I slide my hands down each cut of his abs to let them rest on his waist.

  “Allie.” My name is a whisper on his lips. Murmured right before he takes my mouth. It’s even more urgent than before, hungrier, almost desperate. His hands weave into my hair, gripping my head tight to keep it in place as he ravages me.

  “Off,” is all I can manage to say as I push his tight boxer briefs down his thick, muscled thighs.

  Suddenly, I’m on my back again. Dex has wiggled out of his briefs and is laying on me, every part of my body covered by a part of his. My mind floats away with the glorious sensation of skin on skin. I wrap my legs around his hips, reacting on pure instinct. There’s not a single thought in my head that could be called rational. All I hear is ‘more, more, more’.

  “Allie,” he says, trying unsuccessfully to untangle himself from my hold.

  “Mmmmm.” When he pulls his mouth away from mine, I devour the scorching hot skin along his neck. It’s rough from the stubble that has grown in since his last shave. The scent of him drives me crazy, especially the spot where his pulse lies just underneath.

  “Allie, stop.” Dex gently pushes my shoulders back until I finally relent, falling back on the bed in a huff.

  “What? Don’t you like it?”

  Hell if I know what I’m doing. Shit. Maybe he doesn’t like it.

  “No, what? Of course I like it, I love it.” Dex looks confused.

  “What then?” Old insecurities flood back, heating up my face and neck.

  “Al, no. It’s not this,” he gestures at the two of us, wrapped around each other on the bed. “I don’t have anything. You know, a condom. Do you?”

  Shit.

  “No,” I croak.

  Dex slumps down, pressing his forehead against mine. “Shit.”

  Hmph, my thoughts exactly.

  I b
ecome braver than I’ve been in a very long time.

  “I-I’m on the pill. And I swear, I’m good. I haven’t…” God this is embarrassing. “I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.”

  Dex doesn’t even blink at my admitted abstinence. He only smiles, dragging a finger down my cheek.

  “I haven’t either. Been with anyone in a while. Like I said, I gave up that kind of sex. Do you trust me that much? I’m clean, but we don’t have to do this.”

  That right there seals the deal for me. What man is willing to get up off of a naked woman and walk away with nothing? He’s giving me a choice, the option to say no, something I didn’t get back in college.

  “I trust you, Dex. I really do.”

  He may not realize the depth of that statement, but for me it’s a turning point in my life. It represents the decision to forget about my shitty past and start new. Here. With him.

  “Jesus, Al.”

  He starts moving his hips against me, rubbing everything in a way that sends sparks throughout my body. Soon, the room is filled with the sounds of our heavy breathing, of the moans we can’t hold back. Just when I think I’m going to go crazy with want, Dex reaches between us and guides himself to my opening.

  “Are you sure?”

  I nod, biting my lip to stop from screaming out demands for him to just fuck me already. With one snap of his hips, his entire length is consumed by my body, buried deep inside the slick channel.

  His breath escapes as a slow, controlled hiss. “Fuck, you feel so good. I’ve never gone bare before.” He nibbles on my mouth, sucking and kissing his way to my ear. I’m going to combust if he doesn’t start moving. Now.

  I wiggle my hips beneath him, urging him to do something, anything. When he remains still, I lose it.

  “God Dex, move!”

  His breath tickles my ear as he chuckles. “You got it.”

  Dex raises his upper body off of me, bracing himself on his hands. He gives me a crooked smile, then begins to show me exactly what he can do.

  This brilliant man, who reads complicated classics that even the most well read person would hesitate to tackle, who graduated from an Ivy league university in only three years, who hides his gorgeous body under oversized shirts, who is kind and respectful and sweet… this man? He knows how to fuck.