Center of Gravity

by K. K. Allen

  She pulled the chopsticks to her mouth and took the helping of lo mein between her lips. When she looked up, she caught my stare and smiled. Her mouth closed around the chopsticks before sliding them out and swallowing. “What?” she asked, and I knew if I said the right thing, regardless of the dim lighting, I’d see her cheeks fill with color.

  “Nothing. I just like looking at you.”

  Mission accomplished. Her cheeks glowed against the firelight. And I knew I shouldn’t have said it. Affectionate words would only make our end more complicated.

  “Aren’t you hungry?” She pointed at the untouched box of Chinese in my hands.

  “I had a big lunch.”

  Something fell in her eyes, and I wished I could have taken back the mention of lunch. “Oh, right. Of course.”

  I knew she was bothered when Winter got in my car, but she hadn’t brought it up, and I was sure she wouldn’t. Just as I’d refrained from mentioning how awkward she and Reggie looked today as they partnered during the full run-through. He threw her around the floor like a ragdoll, and I had to look away before I did something I’d regret.

  “How is it? I should have gotten the noodles instead of the fried rice.” It was my best attempt at changing the subject.

  She clamped her chopsticks around a helping of noodles and held them to my lips with a soft smile. “Have some.”

  I took the bite, my eyes staying on hers. “Damn,” I said around a mouthful. “I definitely should have gotten that.”

  “Trade me,” she offered, holding out her box. I took it and handed her mine.

  “So, what’s this new routine Reggie was talking about today?” She looked up as she pushed her food around with the sticks. “I didn’t want to ask him too many questions. He didn’t look happy about not getting that music video.”

  Shrugging, I swallowed another mouthful of noodles. “It’s a mystery at this point. He told Winter it will be ready in Vegas. It’ll be a trio, that’s all I know. I haven’t even heard the track. It’s some bonus song Winter’s planning to release.”

  She stopped playing with her food. “How do you feel about all that?”

  Lex was the only one who had asked me that question, stirring something in me. I tilted my head as I thought about what she was asking. It was no secret that there was a beef between Reggie and me, but he was still one of my peers. He hustled his way through the business, and I couldn’t hate him for that.

  “It’s a good thing.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew I meant them. “He might be a cocky son of a bitch, but he’s a great choreographer. This way he gets a shot. And it will add a different flavor to the show. I think Winter made the best decision.”

  Something flickered in her eyes at the mention of Winter’s name, and this time, I had a burning desire to tell her the truth. That lunch was only business and that Winter and I were nothing more than friends with a casual past. It was Lex I wanted now—always—but saying those dangerous words would only give her hope.

  “You looked great during your freestyle today.” I muscled up a wink through my unease.

  Her eyes brightened. “Wasn’t it great to see everyone let loose? We should do more of that. It felt great. And for the first time, I really felt like we came together as a crew.”

  She had a point, and I couldn’t help seeing how it had helped the group with their focus. As if they’d fed their souls with the magic that would rejuvenate them. “It’s a good suggestion. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  After I’d finished the rest of the noodles, I took our containers into the kitchen and joined Lex by the fire. She had her knees up, hugging them, as she stared into the flames with a faraway look on her face. I sat behind her and leaned her body back into mine. I pushed a golden tendril over her ear so I could see some of her face. She was so beautiful, in a timeless sort of way. Something tugged at my chest. “You ready for bed?”

  I was hungry for her and desperate to be inside her as much as possible before the week was over.

  “In a minute.” She looked over her shoulder at me. “I like this.” Her eyes lingered on mine. “It almost feels real.”

  Shit. Her words were a blow to my gut. “This is real, Lex.” I tightened my hold on her so she could feel how real we were together. Because in that moment of weakness, I wanted her to know I felt the same.

  Her teeth sank into her bottom lip then released it. “You know what I meant.”

  I hated the feeling that stirred inside me, a fear that I would lose her any minute and never be the same. Except, that was the plan—to end things and go back to following the rules. At some point, I’d lost complete control of my emotions.

  She was about to turn away when my fingers caught her chin. I brought my head to hers, letting my nose skim her lips. “I love your lips.”

  Her gaze softened. “I love yours. They’re filled with so much … talent.” She grinned then let a giggle slip from her throat.

  Fuck. Every sound that came out of her pretty mouth drove me wild. “Talent, huh?” I teased with a grin of my own. “What are you trying to tell me?” I moved my mouth against hers. “Are you demanding a demonstration of my talents? I’m happy to oblige.”

  Her focus zoned in on my lips, then she leaned in, pressing her forehead to mine. “Maybe.” Her eyes burned into mine.

  “It’s not a demand if you’re unsure,” I rasped, then I pressed a kiss to her plush lips and pulled away. “All you have to do is ask.” My hand floated to her sweater, tugging it up and drawing circles around her belly button. When she sucked in a breath, I let my hand move lower until I was skating the edge of her panty line. “Tell me what you want, Lex.”

  Her hand moved to mine and pushed it lower until I was inside her panties, skimming her wet slit with my fingers. I swallowed as my length thickened in my shorts. I bit her earlobe and breathed deeply against her neck. “You make me insane, you know that?” My finger pressed against her clit and rubbed, debating whether I should get her off like this. But when her hips rolled against my fingers, I knew what she was too shy to ask. I pushed two fingers inside of her, and my mouth covered hers, capturing her moans.

  It had been only a few days with Lex, and I already knew her body inside and out. I knew the intimate places no one had been before and how to touch her in a way that made her beg for more. I knew all the different sounds of her releases, because they were never ever the same. And I knew that one time was never enough. She was always ready for seconds before I was.

  “I can’t wait to be inside you.” I groaned the words against her neck as I felt her tight cunt strangle my fingers. Her soft cries came soon after as she rode out her release on my fingers.

  When she finally shuddered to a stop, I watched her lift herself from me and stand. I was in a complete daze as she peeled off her leggings, panties with them, then slipped off her sweater, completely baring herself for me.

  “Fuck.” I breathed before making quick work of my shorts. I freed my erection and reached for my wallet to grab a condom. But before I could get it on, her mouth was already around me, sucking with an intensity that made my eyes roll into the back of my head and my body fall back onto my elbows.

  As I sat there, my cock disappearing between her full pink lips and her hair wrapped around my fists, I couldn’t remember why I had to let her go.

  CHAPTER 43

  Lex

  By Friday night, my heart started to feel heavy.

  There I was, my bare toes hanging in the brightly lit blue water of Theo’s pool, the sun dipping below the trees and casting a brilliant purplish glow against the clouds, and I felt more alone than ever before.

  Theo was inside getting ready for dinner with Winter and the music video director to discuss their plans for the shoot, and I was working up my courage to talk to Theo about what would happen in Vegas.

  It had been a week of secrecy and sex in the sanctuary of Theo’s home and his car. That was exactly what we’d promised each other, and we hadn’t
talked about anything more. I’d told myself I’d be okay with it and that putting my focus 100 percent on the Vegas show would cure me of Theo, banishing him from my system. I never expected him to climb into my heart too.

  I knew people did this kind of thing all the time. One-night stands. Casual flings. But there was nothing casual about the way he curled his body around mine every night and peppered kisses along my back and shoulders. Or the way he’d had to bite back his rage while he watched Reggie and me dance.

  Those things weren’t casual, no matter how hard I tried to ignore them.

  The sound of my phone ringing by my side interrupted my confused thoughts. It was Shane. I sighed, debating whether I should pick it up. I’d been avoiding him all week, knowing that the moment we spoke, I’d have to decide. Lie to him or tell him the truth about Theo.

  “Hey.” I pulled the phone to my ear. “I’ve missed you.”

  Loud music and laughter vibrated in the background of wherever Shane had called me from. “Where the hell have you been?” he shouted into the phone.

  I smiled, feeling the ache in my heart as my loneliness only seemed to increase at the sound of his voice. “Busy.”

  He snorted. “Busy lounging by the pool? Where was that taken, anyway?”

  I rolled my eyes. He must have seen my Instagram post from a few hours ago before the weight of reality began to settle in. “We leave for Vegas tomorrow,” I said, ignoring his question. “Please tell me you’re going to visit.”

  “That’s why I’m calling.” The background noise faded, as though he’d locked himself in a room. “I wanted to let you know. I talked to Dominic and got some time off. I wouldn’t miss your opening night.”

  Excitement flitted through me. “Really?”

  “Really. You better be ready for me. And I want the entire Vegas VIP treatment. Bottle service, fancy dinners, the works.”

  I laughed. “Nothing but the best for you, honey.”

  “Good girl.” Something pounded in the background. “Shit, I gotta get back out there. Love you, Lex.”

  Just then, the patio doors to Theo’s house opened, and he stepped outside. My heart shot up to my throat and felt jammed there. He looked incredible, far too incredible to be having dinner with Winter. The ugly claws of jealousy scaled the walls of my chest. He wore jeans so light they almost looked as white as his button-down shirt. His pants were rolled up above his ankles, calling extra attention to his gray loafers. His sleeves were pushed above elbows revealing thick forearms and bronze skin.

  “Lex, did you hear me? I’ve gotta go.” Shane was still on the line.

  “Love you too, Shane.”

  We hung up, and I was left staring at the GQ ad approaching me. I set my phone down, my eyes shifting over to the clock on the back of his house. My heart sank. It was eight fifteen, and dinner was at eight thirty, which meant he couldn’t stay.

  He kicked off his shoes and sat beside me, then he slipped his feet in the water before kissing my cheek. “Sorry I have to leave. I shouldn’t be out late. Wait up for me?”

  I gave him a pinched smile. “Of course.”

  He’d been attending meetings and lunches and interviews with Winter all week, and it had never bothered me as much as it did tonight. My confidence in their “platonic” relationship was starting to wane. I’d seen hints of a relationship brewing, and the media tried to paint a picture of one as well. And there were no rules for their relationship, unlike with Theo and me. No boundaries, which gave Winter free rein to throw herself at him. And Theo would do little to stop it as long as he was working for her.

  I got it. I did. But it killed me to know Theo and I never even had a chance.

  “Lex,” Theo said with a nudge. “You’re too quiet.”

  I dared a look at him, knowing I’d fall victim to his sweet, caring face that was reserved only for me. I did. I melted as I gazed back at him. Tomorrow was only a few hours away.

  How could he not be thinking about it too? About our deal. And then I remembered, I was the one who suggested the terms of our arrangement. Maybe he was just respecting my wishes. Maybe he didn’t want us to end either. Maybe there was another way.

  Hope sparked in my chest, and I sucked in a breath. I would talk to him when he got home from dinner. Everything would be okay. “I’m just nervous about Vegas, that’s all.”

  Theo’s expression lost its softness, and something else washed over him. I couldn’t quite place it. Then his lashes whipped against the top of his cheeks. I wondered if he realized how beautiful he was—in a way that was exhilarating. Surely he knew he was gorgeous. Too many women fell at his feet for him not to know. But did he know that it was more than his striking eyes and sculpted cheekbones that had captivated my heart?

  “Theo?” I laughed nervously, because he still hadn’t said anything.

  His eyes caught mine, and he smiled. “You’re going to light up that stage, Lex. Everything will be perfect.” He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips. “I promise.”

  Flutters erupted in my tummy, and with a soft sigh, I watched as he stood up and disappeared around the corner. I chose to believe in his promise.

  And prayed he wouldn’t break it.

  CHAPTER 44

  Theo

  “We look forward to seeing you again in a couple weeks, Theo.” Rocky Maine, the director of photography, squeezed my hand and gave it a few pumps before he walked out the door with his crew.

  We’d finished our meal along with the after-dinner schmoozing just past eleven o’clock. I was ready to dart out the door and get home to Lex when Winter gave me a look that made me sit back down.

  “Give us a minute,” she said to Alison, who proceeded to send me an apologetic glance. The next thing I knew, Alison was walking out the door with Winter’s two bodyguards.

  “Geez, Winter. You look like you’re about to murder someone.”

  Her eyes narrowed into tiny slits, and her nose flared. “I am.”

  I glanced at her empty wineglass, wondering how many she’d had. “Maybe you should lay off the booze for the rest of the night. We have an early flight.”

  She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. “I’m fine. How long, Theo?”

  Her question didn’t register immediately, but I felt the inklings of guilt for whatever she thought I’d done wrong. With Winter, it could have been anything. Did I forget to turn in paperwork? Did I say something wrong during dinner? “I’m not following.”

  She blew out a breath. “You and Lex. How long?”

  Shit. My chest swelled with heat. My mouth fell open, but words weren’t coming out. I needed time to figure out how to answer her. What could I say that wouldn’t ruin everything? What could I say? If I admitted anything, Lex would get fired, and I couldn’t let that happen. But I couldn’t lie either. Winter already knew. How long has it been going on? I wasn’t sure how to answer that. One week, I guess, but there had been something from the moment I laid eyes on Lex.

  “Clearly, you’ve got me cornered here. I won’t lie to you, but I don’t feel comfortable talking about this with you either.”

  “Well, too fucking bad.”

  “How did you even find out?”

  She let out a patronizing laugh. “Your girlfriend got a little sloppy on social media today.” Winter pulled out her phone and swiped until she got to a certain photo then handed the phone to me over the table. “Anyone who’s been to your house can recognize that’s your pool. What the fuck was one of my dancers doing at your house?”

  My heart had stopped beating at some point after seeing the photo. It was clearly Lex, giving a peace sign in the same white bikini she was wearing when I left her. A bikini I bought her. Only a portion of her was in the frame, but Winter was right. The tile that rimmed the pool was an unusual red and yellow. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I reached for my phone. “I’ll tell her to delete it.”

  “Already done. Deleted it without her even knowing. Covered your ass again, Theo. You can thank me later.
” Winter yanked her phone from me and set it on the table. “All dancers will be getting a reminder about the policies they agreed to follow by signing that contract. As will you.” Which means Lex isn’t getting fired. I hoped.

  Her eyes narrowed again. I could practically see the steam billowing from her head. “From your expression, I take it you’re aware she was at your house.”

  “Yes,” I replied as I ground my teeth. “I knew.”

  “Well, that’s better than my initial thought. I’d hate to think you have a hard-on for the stalker types.” Her head tipped to the side, as if she’d just thought of something else. “Is she still at your house?”

  Fuck. “She has nowhere else to go.” I wouldn’t elaborate. Even saying that was too much.

  Winter threw her head back and laughed like a fucking lunatic. “Just like she didn’t have a car to take her to the studio? You are such a gullible bastard.”

  I stood up, the tops of my thighs crashing against the table and spilling my unfinished wine. “Fuck off, Winter. Believe what you want. I’m out of here.” I shoved my phone in my pocket and started for the door.

  “You know,” Winter began in a seething tone that halted me in my tracks, “I’d hate for Lex to miss out on an opportunity like this just because her choreographer couldn’t keep it in his pants.”

  I swiveled around to face her. “So, what are you going to do, Winter? Fire her? Fire me?”

  She stood and stepped closer. “Here’s the thing. If I let her go, the other dancers are going to ask questions. Lex might talk. And we’ll have a hole to fill. I don’t want to fire her, but I will if you don’t end it.”

  “It’s already done.” My chest felt hot and heavy beneath my ribs at the reality of my words.

  Winter’s face twisted. “That was fast. A little too fast.”

  “We made a decision before it all began that we would end it before Vegas. It’s already done.”

  Her jaw hardened. “You better be telling me the truth. Look, Theo. You’re a grown-ass man with needs. I get it. But the rules are there for a reason. The whole Mallory situation stayed private, thank God, but if something like that happened on my show, it would be everywhere.”