Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  ***

  The drive to Burlington is serene. The fall color is gone, but Vermont is called the Green Mountain State for a reason. Rolling hills give way to small, typical New England towns that inspire photographers and painters.

  Driving my dad’s BMW is a pleasure, and I’m in a great mood when I arrive. We’re meeting at Ted’s office to go over specifics before he sends us off to the Sheraton.

  Wind whips my hair into my face as I walk toward the building. The odor of wood burning makes me long for snow, and I push my hands into the softness of my fleece pockets.

  The lobby I enter is black steel and natural wood with tile floors. A fire crackles beyond the wood sculpture known as Big Foot. I walk up to the desk and am greeted by a cheerful blonde I remember from the last time I was here.

  “Hi, Gretchen.”

  “Sadie, right?” Because she remembered me, I hope I do the same.

  “That’s right. Good memory. Most of the team is here, and they’re up in Ted’s office. Do you remember how to get there?”

  “I do, thanks.”

  I walk down a long hall that is eerily quiet. The thick carpet muffles my steps, and I enter a large room. Ted strolls over in his usual white Oxford shirt and jeans to greet me. “Gretchen. Come on in. Coffee?”

  “I’d love some. Thanks.” My stomach growls when I notice a tray of pastries and bagels. I give my belly a mental hug and tell it, One more day, and you’ll get all the carbs you crave.

  The ceramic mug Ted hands me is warm and the scent is laced with pumpkin. I have to hand it to the Burton people. They have good coffee. I take a cautious sip.

  I wander over to the mock posters and see what the advertising people have envisioned. The concept is pretty neat, and I’m smiling when Xander sides up next to me.

  I ask, “You’re going to make me look that good, right?”

  “Sweetie, I’m magic with a mouse.” He winks at me and steps back to give me the once-over. “I won’t need to do much. You’re a lean, mean machine.”

  “Thanks.”

  He tweaks my naval ring. “They have a cute little snowflake for you to wear. A-dor-a-ble.”

  I snort. “Doesn’t look like that’s what they’re going for.”

  Xander raises his eyebrows at me. “I know, and that’s why I love this job.” He makes a show of scanning around the room. “Now where’s that scrumptious Cooper?”

  As if on cue, Cooper walks through the door. I watch as Ted greets him, and people begin to sit at the conference table. Sitting in a plush leather chair, I sink into the softness. Cooper sits next to me, and the odor of canned airplane air wafts by me.

  “Hey, Gretchen.” His eyes stay on my face, and I appreciate this polite version of Cooper. Not that I expected anything less. He appears wild, and for now he may be, but I know he’s an Ivy League graduate who’ll probably settle down one day.

  “Hi, Cooper. Nice to see you.”

  “You too.” His smile is sweet and sexy, and I recall how it used to work its charm.

  Ted raises his voice over the din of people’s conversation to begin the meeting. The lights dim, and he begins a PowerPoint presentation. Cooper leans close and whispers in my ear. “I’m glad we’re doing this together. I’ve missed getting naked with you.”

  Shitake mushrooms. I steal a sideways glance at him. It wasn’t that long ago I would have flirted right back and considered that an invitation. I know what we had was hot. Unfortunately, the only person I want to get naked with thinks I hate him.

  CHAPTER 27

  Sitting in snowboard pants and a tight zip neck, I’m waiting for makeup. Ice rattles as I shake my protein drink vigorously. One more morning of this and then I can get fat on bagels. The aroma of the Baked Bean drifts into my mind, and I almost salivate thinking about it.

  Hot breath tickles my ear. “I’ve seen that smile before, thinking about me?”

  I jerk away and put my hand on my heart. “Jes-um, you scared me.” I close my eyes for a moment to recover from Cooper’s words. “No, I was actually dreaming of a bagel, if you must know.” I smile and peel the lid off my shaker cup.

  Last night after our meeting I begged off having dinner with Cooper and Ted. Instead I had a simple salad at the bar of the Sheraton and went to bed early to be well rested for today.

  “I know what you mean. I’ve been cutting back for this, too, and I dream about pizza.” Cooper’s hand goes to his stomach and it growls in response as he falls into a directors’ chair.

  “Pizza. Oh that sounds amazing. Let’s do that for dinner when we’re done today.” I take a swig of blandness and pretend its tomato and cheese flavored.

  “Definitely, with ice cold beer.”

  I nod and gulp more of my shake. Cooper is dressed in the male version of what I have on. His tight shirt shows off how muscular he’s become, and it’s working well for him. Once we’re done in makeup, we’ll take turns posing on the fake half-pipe.

  In snowboarding a half pipe is like a round-shaped gutter. Only it’s snow-covered, and we ride our board back and forth along the inside. Like skateboarding, we fly up in the air and do tricks before landing again.

  A woman with bright green hair walks toward us. “I’m Monica, and I’ll be doing your makeup today.”

  Cooper introduces us and she asks, “Who’s first?”

  “Gretchen, you go. I should get something to eat before I pass out.” Cooper leaves us.

  Monica is good at her job, and it isn’t long before she’s done and Cooper has returned. I leave them and go find out if the photographer is ready. Metal clangs as people arrange the lights and check strobes.

  Because our poster image will appear like it’s launching from a half-pipe and flying toward the moon, once we get through the first session we’ll be using a trampoline to jump and pose midair as well as do a series of standing poses. Our clothes will slowly come off throughout the day until we end up naked.

  Well, sort of. Andrea, the stylist showed us the nude-colored coverings we get to wear for modesty. They won’t be leaving much to the imagination, but at least I won’t be flashing crotch shots.

  I shiver when I enter the cold room. Because Cooper and I will be wearing ski gear a good part of the morning, the producer is keeping it cool for us. Slipping into my parka carefully so I don’t ruin my makeup, I welcome its warmth.

  Xander waves me over to the fake snow structure. A stepladder is set up behind it, and he says, “Everything is set. You ready?”

  “I am.” My snowboard is already at the top, and I climb to it. I’m instructed to do a series of poses, and within minutes the hot lights make me sweat.

  I’m supposed to tell them when my face starts to get wet so I can get cooled down while Cooper has a turn. The moment I feel a trickle down the back of my neck, I call out. “Xander, honey? I’m moist.”

  This gets the laugh I was going for, and they pause for me to switch with Cooper.

  Our day progresses nicely, and while it’s exhausting, knowing the team is pleased with our work keeps us focused on getting the job done.

  When we break for lunch, Cooper and I are almost nude. I slip on a large button-down shirt, and my stomach muscles thank me for relaxing as I sit at the table to eat a salad.

  Meg, the photographer, bites into a roast beef sandwich that makes me want to tackle her and steal it. She says, “You guys are a dream to work with. I love athletes. They don’t complain.”

  Cooper answers, “Thanks. I can imagine your job is hard enough without us making it more difficult.”

  Xander waves a chip in the air and says, “We’re getting great stuff. I know it seems like a million pictures, but the more I have, the easier it will be to get what I want.”

  I feel the cranky of food deprivation set in, and grab a chip. Everyone will be glad I did, so I don’t even bother with guilt. “Xander, I have no doubt you’ll work your magic. This one seems tougher than most, though.”

  I savor the flavor of salt and
oil. Tonight I’m going to eat pizza until I burst. Xander says, “Oh, it is. But when it’s done, it will knock the big boy’s socks off.”

  Cooper glances down at his sweat-pants-clad crotch. His nude covering looks a lot like a sock, and I snicker.

  Xander covers his mouth dramatically and winks at Cooper. “Let’s hope the trampoline doesn’t knock yours off.”

  Cooper flushes and I wonder how he likes being the object of unwanted flirting. Although he has been professional throughout the shoot, and it speaks volumes for the kind of guy he is. Funny how I never noticed before.

  Meg claps her hands. “Okay, people, time to get back to work.”

  Chairs scrape against concrete as we all scramble to prepare for the next session. I make a beeline for the bathroom to brush my teeth and pee. Not a modest person, I’m surprised at how my stomach rolls with nervousness about what’s coming. I’m not sure if it’s because of the number of people watching or Cooper.

  Cooper is already in the makeup chair when I return. Grateful he’ll be first at the new poses this afternoon, I relax. His hands tap out a beat on the arms of the chair.

  I place myself behind him in a way he can see my face without moving and ask, “Are you nervous?”

  “Yeah. I’m not used to being next to naked in front of a group of people.”

  “I hear you, but it’ll be over before we know it. Just keep your eye on the prize.” He tilts his head in question, and Monica clucks at him while I say, “Pizza and beer.”

  He smiles and gets a smack from Monica. “Hold still or I’ll make the next one hurt.” She glares at me, and I get the message. I sneak over to another chair to wait my turn.

  A couple hours later and I’m watching Cooper jump on a trampoline in just his flesh-colored thong. Springs squeak, and he appears focused. I imagine he’s thinking about the moves he needs to make and nothing else.

  I prepare myself mentally as if I’m in competition and strip down for my turn. Cooper will get a break and then do his stills.

  The tight nylon strips of the trampoline give as I walk to position, and my calves flex to keep my balance. I take a deep breath and start to bounce. I lift up and strike the pose I’ve done a hundred times today. Repeating it, I keep jumping until Meg calls out for me to stop.

  “Excellent work, Gretchen. Take a break, and then all you have left is the final set of stills.”

  The cotton of my oversized shirt is rough on my tired limbs. I’m beat, and so glad we’re almost done. I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. Drifting off in a daze, the murmur of Xander talking to Don, the producer, doesn’t register until his voice rises with excitement.

  “Oh, oh, oh, can we try something?” My eyes open to Xander sitting perched on the edge of his seat, and his hands moving as he speaks. “Don, imagine how beautiful it would be if they merge at the top?”

  What? They? As in Cooper and me?

  Don’s deep voice answers, “I like it. What do you need?”

  Xander says, “Just two more sets. A jumping session and a still session with them in a couple different positions.” He’s practically dancing in his chair while I process what this means.

  “Gretchen!” Meg calls me over for my stills, and I do my best to focus. But my mind is reeling with the idea of merging with Cooper.

  When I’m done, Xander can’t contain his excitement. “Kids, wait until you see what I have in mind.” He actually claps his hands. “This is so good.”

  Xander lets out a huff and composes himself. “You two are going to merge as you reach the moon.” He tips his head up at the sky. “Oh my God, I’m brilliant. Transgender is so vogue.”

  Cooper squints his eyes. “Merge?”

  Meg steps in and says, “We’ll get a series of shots with you two pressing your bodies together. On the tramp, and as stills.”

  Oh boy, pressing our nearly naked flesh up against each other while everyone watches. Like that’s not awkward. I shake my head and ask, “Okay, the tramp first?”

  Meg nods and I turn to Cooper. “Pizza.”

  He smiles. “And beer, lots and lots of beer.”

  I chuckle and let him lead the way to the tramp.

  CHAPTER 28

  Cooper and I have spent hundreds of hours fine-tuning how we move our bodies through air. We’ve also spent a fair amount of time pressing up against each other. But right now, we’re in serious danger of bloodletting.

  “Shit, that really hurt.” Copper is rubbing his nose, which I just smashed with my head.

  “I’m sorry.” I turn to Xander, Don, Andrea, and Meg. “Guys, I’m not sure this is going to work.”

  Xander sighs, “I suppose I can manage with just stills.”

  Meg doesn’t give him a chance to waiver and orders us down and off to makeup.

  Cooper puts his arm around my shoulders and leans down to speak quietly in my ear. “If we’re going to get rough, I can think of better places to do it.”

  His warm breath makes me shiver. “Cooper, I’m not—”

  He interrupts me. “I know. We’re not a thing. It’s all good, Gretch.” He opens up his palms and shrugs. “I just can’t help flirting with you.”

  I smile. “Flirting is fine. I just want to be clear.”

  “Got it.” A smirk forms on his face. “Ready to press up against me and hold still? Because that’s kind of hot.”

  I chuckle. “I’m ready. The question is, are you?” I glance down at his crotch.

  “Multiplication. Big numbers.” Don’s voice carries over to us and Cooper’s face heats up.

  I laugh as we walk over to Monica. But my stomach flutters a little. My body remembers what Cooper and I had, and it was quite steamy. I might need multiplication too.

  Andrea’s fingers are cold on my skin as she applies more glue to my nipple coverings. She says, “Sorry. You must be tired of my poking and prodding by now.”

  “It’s fine. I’m sure it’s a long day for you too. Thanks for making me look good.”

  She smiles and reaches in her candy dish. She raises her eyebrows at me and I nod.

  A moment later the sweet flavor of butterscotch coats my tongue and the sugar improves my mood. “Thanks.” I walk back to the strobe lights and prepare myself to merge.

  Meg claps her hands. “Places everyone, let’s get this done.”

  Xander walks over and says, “Okay, we’re going to make this fast and furious. I’m hungry, and nobody likes a grumpy Xander.” He lifts his hands and presses the ends of his fingers together. “You’re going to start with foreheads together and very slowly you will connect your bodies all the way down while Meg keeps shooting.” His hands meld together slowly from the fingertips down to his wrists as he speaks. “Let’s see if we can get this in a couple tries. Ready?”

  Cooper and I nod and splay our arms out slightly from our hips in the familiar pose. I’m standing on a block of wood to make us the same height.

  The clicking of the camera starts, and I move my forehead toward Cooper. Connecting, we roll slowly until our noses touch. His scent is musky, and my core awakens. Uh-oh. Moving on to our lips, my insides start to tremble. Cooper was right, this is hot. My tongue could so easily dart into his mouth. By the time our chins lift to connect our necks, I know moisture threatens to dampen my thong.

  Twenty-six times fifteen, ten times fifteen would be one-fifty, plus another one-fifty — Oh, fungus, my nipples are hard as a rock and pressing into Cooper’s bare chest. But his erection is more disturbing.

  Xander lets out a sound from the back of his throat and says, “Twenty-five times forty.”

  Cooper speaks between his teeth. “Too easy.”

  Xander replies. “Seven hundred and five times three hundred and seventy-two.”

  Cooper grunts. “Try calculus.”

  Damn, he must be a math whiz because now that we approach our hips meshing I’m not sure how it’s going to work.

  Meg stops. “Okay, we need a break. Cooper, take a walk.”
>
  I step off my box, put my hands on my hips, and stare at the floor as I walk in circles. The white paper beneath my feet is soft, and I imagine snow as I try to think about what I need to pack for Colorado.

  “Let’s do this, people!” Meg calls out, and we all return to our positions.

  Cooper’s eyes are closed, and I guess he’s searching for the focus to stay unaroused. We move our foreheads together as the camera’s shutter whirls.

  Xander purrs. “Cooper, the feel of your skin against me is like silk.”

  I feel a grin threaten to form as we press our lips together.

  Xander continues. “I want to nibble that plump bottom lip.”

  Cooper and I are moving our chests together, and so far he’s not hard. As we move down our torsos Xander says, “Imagine my mouth moving down your body, Cooper. You taste so good, and my tongue is so wet.”

  I think I feel Cooper shudder, and when we meld our hips together he’s flaccid. Xander’s voice gets sultry as he says, “I’m so close to what I really want in my mouth, just a few more inches, Cooper.”

  Cooper tenses a bit, and I struggle to contain my laughter. The hair on his thighs is rough as it touches my legs, and I focus on the texture. When we finally get to our shins, I realize we’re just about done.

  Meg stops shooting, and Don lets out a cheer. Stepping back from Cooper I let myself laugh, and he chuckles too.

  Xander grins and puffs out his chest. “Want to do that again, big boy?”

  Cooper shakes his head. “I’ve got to hand it to you. That worked.”

  Xander holds up his index finger. “I’m a cock tamer.” He bends his finger down and then extends it again.

  Meg rolls her eyes, and Don groans before he says, “Nice work people. Let’s stick a fork in it and call it done.”