BWWM: Bad Boy Billionaires Box Set (A Bad Boy BWWM Billionaire Collection)

by Jameson, Jasmine

  “I have to be honest. I haven’t seen any of your movies… yet but I would like to.” I nervously bit my bottom lip and involuntarily batted my eye lashes.

  “Well maybe we should make that happen. Perhaps, there is a movie night in our future.” Eric’s tone was suggestive. It made my heart flutter. “But first let me buy you ladies a round of drinks.” Eric tapped Amber on the shoulder. “Amber Ryan! I wanted to say hi but I was too busy making a fool of myself in front of your friend Giavanna. As you probably already know I’m Eric Gadouas. I do movies. My sister and my mom love your music. They’re really big fans. I’m pleased to meet you in person. They are going to be so jealous.”

  Amber flashed a prideful grin before extending her hand to Eric. “Eric, good to meet you. It’s always nice to hear that people like my work.”

  “So what are you ladies drinking? I’d like to buy you both a round.”

  Amber held her hand up in protest. “I’m actually done for the night but thank you.” Amber turned to me. “Gia, I’m going to hit the ladies room. Are you good?”

  I actually had to use the restroom too but I didn’t want to leave Eric’s side. I was worried he might get lost in the crowd so I decide to wait. “Yeah, I’ll be right here when you get back. Text me if you can’t find me.”

  “Okay cool.” Amber slipped away.

  “So what can I get for you? Do you want to do a shot?” My stomach turned at the thought of another tequila shot. I was already at my limit but I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to let the breath taking Eric Gadouas buy me a drink.

  “Yes, I’ll take a shot but nothing too strong. Hhmm… how about a pineapple upside down cake?”

  “That’s an actual drink?” Eric seemed amused.

  “Yep, one of my favorites.”

  “I’ve never had one but it sounds delicious.” Eric ordered two shots and asked the bartender to put it on his tab. Eric tossed back his shot in one gulp. I took mine down in two slow sips. “Mmm you not only have great taste in men but you also have good taste in drinks.” Eric flirted.

  “So I’ve been told” I giggled. I started to feel unsteady on my feet and my stomach was doing somersaults. I couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or the excitement of talking to the most gorgeous man in the room. I’ve been courted by many men but never in my life have I felt the instant chemistry that I felt with Eric. I didn’t know what he was doing to me or where he had learned his moves but he was blowing my mind.

  “I’ve never seen you around here. You must not come here that often?”

  “This is actually my first time. It’s really hard to get on the list.”

  “Well let me tell you. You haven’t been missing much. I’d actually become pretty bored by the Hollywood club scene until tonight. It must have been meant to be for us to meet because you’re never here and I almost didn’t come out tonight. But I had a feeling that something amazing was in store for me so I showed up. And so far my instincts have proved me right.”

  I couldn’t tell if he was using tactics from a secret playbook that only men in the upper echelon had possession of or if he was being sincere. But whatever he was doing was working and then some. I was practically melting. “Well I don’t believe in coincidences so I’m pretty certain there is a reason we’ve crossed each other’s paths. But I’m just not sure what that reason is yet.” I smiled as I looked up at Eric.

  “I think I know what the reason is. But I’ll keep it to myself for now. I want to keep you on your toes.” Eric teased playfully. “I’m glad we bumped into each other when we did because after tonight I’ll probably be done with the club scene at least for awhile. I think I’ve grown out of it.”

  “Yeah, me too. I used to love it. But now that I’m older I’ve realized there has to be more to life than staying out too late and getting drunk with celebrities. I’m just here tonight celebrating my birthday.”

  “Oh happy birthday Giavanna! I hope you’re having a good time.”

  “Thank you. Tonight has been great but like you I think this is my last night out for awhile. I want to slow down and focus on my career.”

  “What do you do?”

  “I’m an entertainment journalist.”

  “Uh oh. You aren’t going to do a story about what crappy game I have, are you?” Eric joked.

  “No, of course not. Your secret is safe with me.” I smiled.

  “Well in that case I would like to take you out sometime. I know of an amazing French bistro on the Sunset Strip. Do you like French cuisine?”

  “Yes, I love French food especially the dessert!” I squealed. I took a deep breath as I mentally reminded myself of my priorities. “French cuisine is delicious but I promised myself that I was going to get serious about life. As tempting as your invitation is I’m going to have to decline. I can’t be running around town with random men anymore.” Eric looked disappointed. “I’m sorry. Trust me, it’s not personal.”

  “Ouch. This one is going to be all over the tabloids. Young Hollywood actor shot down by breath taking entertainment journalist.” Eric hung his head in exaggerated disappointment.

  “Oh, stop it.” I smacked Eric’s bicep. Don’t try and make me feel bad. If it makes you feel any better it wasn’t easy to say no.” I tucked my hair behind my ears and gave him a sheepish grin.

  “Well perhaps I can change your mind on the dance floor. Will you at least grant me one wish tonight? Share this dance with me.” Eric extended his hand. My heart skipped a beat as I squeezed his hand and allowed him to lead me to the dance floor. The DJ was spinning a down tempo electronica song that had a slow groove and infectious base. Eric wrapped his arms around my waist and I draped my arms around his neck as we fell into an intimate slow dance. It felt as if everyone else in the room had disappeared and it was just us. We swayed back and forth to a sensual rhythm. I began to melt into his embrace as I let him lead me. He could really move. His tall perfectly toned physique made me feel delicate and feminine. I nuzzled closer to him. His body felt warm and comfortable. I quivered as I felt the heavy bass from the sound system pulsate through my body. I was lightheaded with sensation. I laid my head on Eric’s shoulder and allowed myself to get lost in his scent. My heart fluttered as he lightly stroked my hair. I wanted to kiss his neck so badly but I resisted. I got goosebumps as his fingers delicately traveled over my shoulders. I drew a deep breath and wondered what he would do next. I could feel his heart beat pulse through my entire being. I was entranced by his rhythm. I could no longer resist the urge to touch him. I gently ran my fingers through his wavy blond locks and caressed the base of his neck as his hands traveled down my back. Both of us reflexively grinded our hips as the music began to climax. I let out a soft moan as I felt his hardness swell against me. The fact that he was just as excited as I was stimulated my appetite for him even more. His fingers dug into my hips and he pulled me closer as I pressed into him. He leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be so forward.” his voice trailed off and his nose softly grazed my neck. “It’s just...I’m so drawn to you.” His accent gave me chills.

  “It’s okay. I like everything that you’re doing, Eric.” I let my lips graze the side of his face as I whispered in his ear. “Like, is actually an understatement.” I felt him throb for me and I rocked my hips against him in return. He let out a ragged breath as he caressed the small of my back. His touch gave me butterflies. He squeezed me tightly as we continued to explore each other’s bodies over our clothes. Our intimate slow dance was only satiating a small portion of my desire for him. My entire body ached for more. My head was spinning from a combination of exhilaration and possible alcohol poisoning. I wanted to sit down and I really needed to go to the ladies room but I couldn’t bear the thought of letting go of Eric. Being in his arms felt like heaven. I contemplated accepting his offer for a date but I didn’t want to get too wrapped up in him only to get hurt in the end. The safer and more beneficial bet would be to try to do a story on him
. But I really liked him. I hadn’t been this attracted to someone in a long time. And he seemed different than most industry guys. He definitely had the ‘it’ factor that almost all of them possessed but he also had a one of a kind charisma and charm that I’d never encountered before. Our chemistry was almost palpable. But I was really drunk and I didn’t know him well enough to make a definitive call on breaking my vow to myself. Trying to make a decision while in his embrace and under the influence of alcohol was tying my stomach in knots. I took a deep breath and tried to enjoy the moment without thinking too much. I wanted to stay pressed against his body forever. I let out an uneven breath as I felt my last two drinks slosh around in my stomach. A volatile wave of nausea almost knocked me off my feet and I stumbled forward and slumped in Eric’s arms.

  “Are you okay, Giavanna?” Eric asked tenderly.

  “Unh unh.” I pushed Eric back and tried to turn away but it was too late. My entire body heaved and I ungracefully emptied the contents of my stomach all over the dance floor and Eric’s shoes. Noooo! Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Women shrieked and pushed each other to get out of the way. Men pointed and laughed. I was mortified but I couldn’t stop my digestive system from turning inside out. It was both physically and emotionally excruciating. Eric rushed to my aid and pulled my hair back just in time. Another wave of nausea hit me in the pit of my stomach and I began retching again this time more violently. Eric rubbed my back as the nightmare continued. I felt weak and dizzy. My abdominals clenched and my bladder involuntarily released . Shit! This is not happening! Tears streamed down my face as I realized that I had not only vomited on the most beautiful man in Hollywood but to make matters worse I had also wet myself and ruined Amber’s dress. And there was an audience. Oh no! I’m wearing white. Everyone can see. I totally want to disappear right now. I struggled to catch my breath as I realized that my stomach and unfortunately my bladder were finally empty. My eyes were burning from my mascara and eye liner running and my entire body was sore from The Exorcist type episode I had just endured. I was certain I looked just as horrible as I felt.

  A burly bouncer approached us and looked down his nose at me.. “Get her out of here, now!” He bellowed. I was mortified.

  “Yeah, that girl’s disgusting.” One of the female on lookers chimed in as her friends laughed at me. I wanted to die.

  “Relax. We’re going.” Eric snapped at the bouncer. I was so weak I could barely stand. Eric scooped me into his arms and carried me. Eric flinched. “You’re soaking wet.”

  “I know. I’m sorry.” I began sobbing.

  “Shhh… It’s okay. These things happen sometimes. Let’s get you out of here.” The crowd parted to let us through. It seemed everyone there wanted to get as far away from me as possible and I didn’t blame them.

  “Eric, you have no reason to believe me but I swear this has never happened to me before, ever.” I stammered through tears.

  “Don’t worry about it. I promise I’m not judging. Don’t cry. I’m here and everything’s going to be okay.” Eric stroked my hair as he carried me out of the club and into the fresh air. I had no choice but to lay my head on his shoulder and let him take care of me. The cool California breeze soothed my senses and calmed my stomach a bit but my head was pounding. I closed my eyes and tightened my embrace around Eric. “How do you feel? Do you think you are going to throw up again?”

  “No I think I’m okay. I’m just weak and tired. And I need a shower.”

  “That you do.” Eric chuckled. I felt my face flush from embarrassment. “It’s okay . I’m just teasing. I’m still unbelievably drawn to you despite this not being your finest moment. Let’s get you home so you can get cleaned up and changed. Call your friend Amber. I don’t want her to think I kidnapped you or took advantage of you or something.”

  “Oh right, Amber!” I slammed my palm against my forehead as I remembered that Amber probably didn’t know where I was. I dug my phone out of my purse and dialed Amber’s number as Eric continued to hold me. It went straight to voicemail. I sent her a text telling her I had gotten sick and that Eric was taking me home. I assured her that I felt safe and I wasn’t going to do anything. “I couldn’t get a hold of her so I sent her a text.” I murmured to Eric

  “Do you know if she has a ride home?”

  “She drove. And if she’s too drunk to drive she usually calls our friend Peyton to pick her up.”

  “Peyton Marshall?”

  “Yeah, how’d you know?”

  “He’s only one of the most talented producers in the music industry. And he helped produce one of Amber’s albums so I just put two and two together. I’ve heard my sister drop his name before. Well if she’s friends with Peyton Marshall I’m sure she’s in good hands but we should still call her later to make sure she’s okay.”

  “Well aren’t you the mother hen.” I smiled at his maturity and responsibility. “How old are you by the way?” I raised my head with the last ounce of energy I had left.

  “I’m twenty five but I’d like to think I’m wise beyond my years.” He smiled as the valet pulled up in a black Lexus SUV. He held me to his chest with one arm as he rifled through the back seat with his other hand. He was strong. He pulled out a stack of newspapers from a canvas bag that was on the floor. He used one arm to hold me and one arm to spread the newspaper on the backseat. “Here lie on this.”

  “You’re lying down newspaper for me like I’m a puppy?” I scrunched up my face.

  “Hey now! No complaining from you. You’ve already ruined my shoes. I don’t need you messing up the interior of my car too.” He admonished. “But don’t worry, you’re still cute though.” He smiled as he laid me down on the back seat. He handed me the canvas bag that he took the newspapers out of. “If you feel sick, use this okay?”

  “Okay.” I responded obediently.

  “Now rest.” He closed the door behind me.

  I gave him my address and he punched it into his GPS. I drifted in and out of sleep as we drove in silence. Despite the LA traffic we got to my place in less than twenty minutes. I felt drained and dehydrated “Sleeping beauty. It’s time to wake up.” He opened the door and scooped me out of the backseat. I groggily directed him to my small, second floor . one bedroom apartment. I dug my key out my purse and unlocked the door as Eric held me in his arms and carried me over the threshold. It was dark and silent inside my apartment. Part of me longed to kiss him but I knew I was a mess. And another part of me never wanted to see him again after the mortifying events of tonight.

  “The light switch is to the left.” I muttered. I heard Eric run his hand against the wall before flipping the switch and illuminating my living space.

  “Are you strong enough to stand in the shower alone?”

  “Yeah, I think so.” I did not want Eric to have to help me bathe. That would have been too much.

  “I think you should have a glass of water first.” Eric carried me through the apartment and into the bathroom. He flipped on the light, closed the toilet seat and sat me down. “Wait here. And I’ll get you some water.”

  “Oh, my kitchen is a mess.” I gasped quietly.

  “I’m not here to judge. Remember.” Eric disappeared. I heard him opening and closing cabinet doors in the kitchen. I was so embarrassed. I couldn’t believe I had just gotten violently ill in front of some of the trendiest people in the industry including a French Hollywood heartthrob. And now he was rifling through my cluttered kitchen as I sat helplessly in my soiled dressed. I wanted to change my name and move to a different planet. Eric reappeared with a glass of water. “It’s luke warm so hopefully it doesn’t upset your stomach. Sip slowly.” I sipped the water gingerly. My stomach felt tense but the water felt good inside my dry mouth. Eww, my breath. I was just talking in his face. Gross. My cheeks flushed and my lip quivered. I was humiliated. I felt tears well up in my eyes. This had to be one of the lowest moments of my life. So much for a happy birthday “Are you going to be sick again, Giav
anna?”

  “ I don’t know. But I want you to leave.”

  “Okay, I’ll go sit on the couch and you can call me if you need me.”

  “No, I mean I want you to go home. I need to be alone right now.” I whimpered.

  Eric knelt down beside me and took my hand in his. “Look Giavanna, I know you’re a little embarrassed right now but I don’t think it’s safe for you to be alone tonight. What if you pass out in the shower? Or what if you get sick in your sleep and no one is here, then what?”

  “Then I can die in peace and this nightmare will be over.” I wailed. I began sobbing uncontrollably. Now I was really embarrassed. I was a drunken mess and it seemed I was becoming more unraveled as the night went on.

  “Giavanna, don’t talk like that please. Let me stay for a few hours and help you.”

  “No, I need you to leave.” My voice came out shrill and angry. I was upset with myself and although I didn’t mean to I was taking it out on Eric. I didn’t want him to see me get even more out of control than I already was. “Please, go.”

  Eric abruptly let go of my hand and stood to leave. “Fine, if that’s really the way you want it.” His tone was tense. He walked out the door and I placed my head in my hands and continued to weep. I was so confused and exhausted. Eric must think I’m a psycho. I hope I never have to see him again. The thought of never seeing him again upset me even more. I cried until my head was pounding and I felt sick again. I took a deep breath to keep my stomach from heaving. I lifted my head as I heard someone come into the bathroom. It was Eric. He hadn’t left. His jaw was clinched and his eyes were narrow. “I’m leaving right now because you asked me to and I have no interest in hanging around where I’m not wanted. But out of my concern for you as a human being, nothing more, I want to make sure you’re safe. Please call my phone from your cell so I have your number.”

  My phone was sitting in my purse which was right beside me but I was too distraught to do as Eric had asked me. I clumsily dug my phone out of my purse and handed it to him.