Adored: Book 1 (The Beloved Series)

by MJ Masucci

  “Why did you say that? He can get me kicked off the movie,” Maureen said as he led her down the stairs and out into the warm Los Angeles night.

  “Maureen, I love you and I’m not going to let some asshole who thinks he has carte blanche to bed women he works with just because of who he is.”

  “But I need this movie. I can’t afford my apartment if I lose it.”

  “I’ll help you out if you lose it. I’ll pay your rent.”

  “I don’t want you to do that. This was going to be my big break.”

  “Stop worrying. You’re not going to lose your job.”

  They called a cab and walked down the long driveway to wait for it. After an awkward silence, Maureen asked if he wanted to go to Pink’s for hot dogs.

  “Hell, yes. It’s after midnight, though. Are they still open?”

  “Until two. I hope you’re hungry because I am.”

  “I thought you had to watch your figure.”

  “I’m probably going to lose my job so I can afford to have a few dogs.”

  “Moey, you’re not going to lose your job. You’ll see.”

  Julian started to feel guilty because if she lost her job, it would be because of him. He wished he had at least punched Danté and broke his nose.

  The cab arrived at Pink’s and they had to wait in line even at this hour. Julian wished it was earlier because he would have liked to call Nina. He needed to hear her voice. When they got to the counter, they ordered five chili cheese dogs. He loved Coney Island hot dogs, but these were different and just as delicious.

  “These dogs are awesome. I could get used to them.”

  “That’s why this place is always crowded no matter what time it is.”

  He smiled at her but he knew she was worried. His hope was that nothing came of his altercation. Maureen needed this movie to advance her career, but the whole situation bothered him. She hadn’t said a word about why she was crying when he entered the room other than she was scared. He wanted to know, but didn’t want to ask her but rather wanted her to volunteer the information.

  The next morning as Julian lay in bed, he heard Maureen talking in her bedroom. It was still early, but he imagined it had something to do with what happened the evening before. She burst into his room with a frightened look on her face.

  “The director and producer want to speak to me.”

  “Moey, don’t worry about it. Just tell your story. What is your story?”

  “I don’t want to get into it. I’ll tell you later.”

  She left the room and heard the shower turn on. Fifteen minutes later, Maureen passed by his open door clad only in a towel as she hurried to her room. He got up and pulled on a pair of shorts and went to make coffee. It was early here but nearing 11:00 AM in New York. He needed to hear Nina’s voice but he wanted to wait until Maureen left.

  “Cross your fingers that I’m not getting fired. Danté is a big star, and if he wants me off the picture, he can do it.”

  “Fuck him. He’s a real piece of shit if he does that to you.”

  “Julian, I need this job. I don’t have money to live on like you do.”

  “I told you I would help you.”

  “That’s not the point. I gotta go. I’ll talk to you when I get back.”

  She ran out the door without so much as a goodbye. He wondered if she was upset with him.

  Julian got out his phone and scrolled through his contacts until he got to Nina’s number, then hit the call button.

  “Julian! My mother is not happy with you.”

  “Hello to you, too. What did I do now?”

  “Our house is full of flowers. Exactly how many days are you going to keep sending them?”

  “Um, every day until I come home,” he laughed.

  “It’s not funny. These bouquets are huge. I love them but it’s only the second day. You can stop sending them. I get the picture.”

  “I paid for two weeks of deliveries.”

  Nina was silent then asked, “Can you redirect them?”

  “You mean to like a hospital or nursing home?”

  “Yes, that would work.”

  “Yeah, I think I can do that. I’ll call after I get off with you. I’m glad you like the flowers. There will be plenty more where those came from.”

  “Hold on a sec.”

  He heard Nina talking to her mother.

  “Mom said I got a package delivered from you. What did you do?”

  “Open it and see. I’ll wait or call me back.”

  “Can I call you back? It’s a pretty big box.”

  “Don’t forget. I need to hear your voice.”

  “Julian, is something wrong?”

  “Sort of. Just open the box and call me right back.”

  “I don’t need to go. I can open it later.”

  “No, now. Hang up and call me back.”

  “I’ll call you back in a few minutes.”

  She hung up and he went to get himself a second cup of coffee. He watched the morning news while he waited. Not more than five minutes later, Nina called him back.

  “Oh, Julian, I love everything. I love Cezanne. And the blown glass is so pretty. You’re sweet; I miss you.”

  “I miss you, too. I wish I was back there.”

  “Are things not going well with Maureen?”

  He told her about the party the night before and what had transpired.

  “Really, you met Danté Copa?”

  “The guy is a fucking predator, worse than Caden. Moey won’t tell me what happened. Now she’s worried about losing her first big movie role. I feel bad.”

  “You were only protecting her. Think good thoughts. Maybe it’s not as bad as you think.”

  “I hope you’re right. I told her I would help her with her rent if she lost the part. She took an advance from her agent to get this place.”

  “You’re a good friend. I’m sure she appreciates it.”

  “I know she does.”

  They continued to talk for the next hour until Maureen came home. The look on her face told him that her meeting had not gone well.

  “Sweet pea, I need to go. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Julian. I’ll talk to you later.”

  He hung up with her and followed Maureen to her bedroom, leaning against the doorjamb with his arms crossed.

  “Well? Are you going to tell me what happened?”

  “It just sucks, Julian.”

  “What does?” he said with alarm.

  “Fucking gotcha,” she said with a wide smile on her face.

  “You bitch! You had me scared. What did the director want?”

  “They did some rewrites and extended my part.”

  “Really? Apparently that TMZ thing scared the shit out of Danté. He called the director and asked if they could give me some more presence onscreen.”

  “Did you see him?”

  “He drove me home and apologized for his behavior. He also said he was putting us on the list for his club, Specialty. We can go anytime. I heard that place is off the hook and very exclusive.”

  “I hate clubs; you know that. Saturday was enough.”

  “I have some bad news. They’re moving up production. I start next week. I have a shitload more lines to learn and I’m not sure how much time I can spend hanging out.”

  “If that’s the case, do you mind if I go back to New York early?”

  “You might as well. As much as I want you here with me to celebrate my birthday, I think it’s for the best. You can come out for the premiere, whenever that happens.”

  “I’m looking forward to it. I could leave tomorrow or this afternoon.”

  Maureen smirked, “This isn’t about me, is it? It’s about Nina. You want to go back to her. I’ve never seen you like this. You’re smitten.”

  “I’m not going to lie; I do want to see her. I miss her.”

  “How cute. I never thought I would see any woman break through that wall of ice. I do believe sh
e is melting it.”

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I’m trying. You’re way out here. I need someone that I can share things with in person.”

  “And she’s the one?”

  “I think she is. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about her.”

  “Let’s just hope she can put up with your bullshit like when you go off by yourself for two days and tell no one.”

  “That’s something I need to work on. I was lucky she took me back this time. I can’t make that mistake again.”

  “So, have you done the deed with her?”

  “No, I don’t want to be an asshole. She’s willing, but it has to be right.”

  “Get ready and take me to brunch. I’m hungry and you owe me a birthday meal since you’re leaving. I need to get back and start working on my new lines.”

  “Very well, princess. Just let me get dressed.”

  Julian was excited to being going home to Nina and having something to look forward to at home again. He wasn’t planning on telling her, just showing up at her house with two dozen red roses. He spent a restless night, tossing and turning. As much as he loved Maureen, he needed to get home to cultivate his blossoming relationship.

  The next morning, Julian woke just after dawn and showered. The sun was up when he went to kiss Maureen goodbye. Earlier, he had drawn a caricature of her on the red carpet at her yet to be named film. It was on a cocktail napkin that he found in a kitchen drawer. Though it was crude, she would appreciate it. He left it on the counter before he went to the airport.

  His flight was at 9:43 AM and he hoped that it would get to New York before 7:00 PM Eastern Time. He wanted to see Nina, but by the time he got home and got settled, it might be too late in the evening. His plan was to surprise her and it might have to wait until the next day.

  The flight and drive home got him into town shortly before 9:00 PM. He drove much too fast on the Taconic State Parkway and was lucky not to be caught by a state trooper. He pulled up to her driveway and called her cell as he was getting out, standing by his truck.

  “Julian, how are you? I tried calling you earlier, but you didn’t answer. Where are you?”

  “Look out your window sweet pea.”

  He needed to pull the phone away from his ear as Nina screamed into it. Seconds later she came bounding out her front door and down the stairs, throwing herself into his arms.

  He inhaled her scent into his nose as he held her tight. They bumped noses as their lips met and he kissed her passionately, tentatively pushing his tongue into her mouth. They heard the front door bang and broke the kiss to see Frankie and her mother at the top of the stairs.

  “Hello, Mrs. Caro. Frankie,” Julian said as he waved.

  “Why don’t you two come inside?” Mrs. Caro called.

  Nina grabbed his hand and pulled him up the driveway with her. He would have preferred to go home with her but he wanted to make sure it was okay. He had a longing for her to be in his arms all night.

  Inside, Mrs. Caro offered him a soda, which he declined. From the corner of his eye, he saw Frankie eyeing him suspiciously.

  “Mom, I would like to stay at Julian’s tonight.”

  Julian’s heart leaped. Nina had been thinking the same thing he was. Their minds and desires were in sync.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “It wasn’t a request. It was a statement.”

  Mrs. Caro inhaled deeply, “Nina, don’t you think you should get to know Julian better before you spend time with him in that way.”

  “What way is that? He isn’t Caden and we’ve never slept together.”

  Julian felt a blush heat his face. She was direct.

  “Mrs. Caro, she can sleep in my room. I can take the couch. I just want to spend time with her.”

  He saw Nina scowl at this but he knew better. They weren’t going to sleep apart. He needed her in his bed whether they had sex or not.

  “Very well. Nina, you better pack a bag.”

  She rushed out of the room, leaving Julian to face her mother and Frankie.

  “You take care of my daughter. She isn’t for your amusement.”

  He decided to take a leap and end the accusations or assumptions.

  “Mrs. Caro, with all due respect, I have great affection for your daughter. She is caring, sweet, loving and the kind of person that makes you feel better about yourself. I have no evil intentions.”

  “She was hurt by what you did last week.”

  “I know. I made a mistake. My past makes it hard for me to open up but with her help, that wall is beginning to crumble.”

  “I know about your past, Julian and I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. I promise to take care of Nina.”

  The conversation ceased as Nina re-entered the kitchen. He took her bag and held the door for her as they headed to his truck.

  “Did they interrogate you?” she whispered.

  “A little, but I told your mother my intentions were not evil.”

  “I was hoping they were.”

  “We’ll talk about it when we get to my house.”

  During the drive, they held hands until they got to his driveway. Julian let Nina out and maneuvered the truck around so he could park it back end first in the garage. There were some leaves blowing in the breeze and the air smelled of their decay. Fall was coming quickly. There was a chill and when they got inside, Julian decided to light a fire.

  “No, kiss me. I’ve been waiting for you to hold me.”

  He embraced her and kissed her lips greedily, then moved his mouth to her throat, trailing down until he latched on and sucked. She moaned, running her hands through his thick hair.

  “Julian, make love to me tonight,” she said in his ear.

  Her statement shocked him and he pulled away to look in her dark eyes. They were full of desire, as much desire as he was sure his revealed.

  “I want to but…”

  “But what?”

  “Are you ready for it? Your first time was so, so harsh. I want to erase that from your mind. I want you to know what it’s like when you do it with someone who loves you.”

  “I’m ready. I’ve been ready for weeks.”

  Julian scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his bedroom, putting her down next to the bed. As he was about to kiss her, he backed off. She looked up at him confused.

  “I have no condoms.”

  Nina smiled widely at him and reached into her pocket, letting a long string of condoms unroll.

  “I do.”

  “When did you get those?”

  “A few weeks ago.”

  “Oh.”

  “Julian, what’s wrong?”

  “I think we should wait.”

  “I don’t want to wait. I’ve thought about this for a long time. I want this and I know you do.”

  Nina was oh so right as Julian’s erection strained against his jeans. She reached up and pulled off his shirt then ran her fingers over the muscles of his chest, her small fingers stroking his nipples then abs, feeling each which caused shivers to run down his spine.

  He groaned loudly and pulled the hem of her shirt out of her pants, slipping the garment over her head. The sight of her lacy pink bra made his cock ache. He skimmed over it with his hands, cupping her breasts as if measuring the weight of them.

  His long fingers dipped into one of the cups, removing her large perfectly shaped breast so he could take her rose colored nipple in his mouth. Nina softly moaned as he sucked and dug her nails into his sides. He reached back to unclasp her bra, sweeping the straps off her shoulders and letting it slip to the floor. In a fit of embarrassment, she pressed herself against his chest.

  “Sweet pea, we don’t have to do this.”

  Julian held her in his arms while she ran her fingers over his muscled back.

  “I want to. I need to.”

  “We can lie in bed together. There’s no hurry tonight.”

  He stood th
ere holding Nina, waiting for her to react. When she didn’t, he gently pushed her towards the bed, while still clutching her body to his.

  “Nina?”

  Feeling the bed against her legs, she sat down and wrapped her arms around her chest. He reached over to the dresser and grabbed his discarded shirt, handing it to her.

  “Don’t be shy. Put this on. I’ll be right back.”

  Julian went to the bathroom to brush his teeth, hoping when he came back that she was under the covers. To his dismay, Nina was still sitting on the bed in the same position he left her, arms still wrapped around her chest. He knelt next to her.

  “Baby, there is no pressure here. I can take you home if you’re uncomfortable.”

  “No, I want to stay with you,” she said softly.

  He picked up the shirt from the bed and pulled it over her head, then turned his back so she could put it on with privacy. He couldn’t resist glancing in the mirror as she did it. Her breasts were beautiful and he desired nothing more than to suck on her rosy nipples again.

  She stood up and removed her jeans, then pulled the covers back to slide under the sheets. Nina watched Julian as he undressed, leaving his boxers on as he slipped in next to her. She moved over and when he was settled, laid her head on his chest.

  “I’m sorry, Julian. I want to but I’m nervous.”

  “I told you, there is no hurry. I want you to see that making love is enjoyable not just some act. He ruined your first time. I won’t make that mistake.”

  She placed her head on his chest and stroked the ridges of his stomach. Julian sighed and kissed the top of her head. Before long, their lips met again and tongues intertwined. Julian moved his hand to her breasts and began playing with her hardened nipples. She gasped into his mouth as he continued.

  Her gasps became moans and he turned Nina onto her back, moving his hand under her shirt. He skimmed the undersides of her breasts then fully cupped them, one at a time. His mouth moved over her chin then to the underside, planting kisses as he went.

  “Oh, I like that very much,” she whispered.

  “Do you want to take off your shirt?”

  Her eyes snapped open and she nodded. Julian pulled her up and slipped the shirt over her head, discarding it at the foot of the bed. She lay back down and he moved the sheet aside so he could look at her.