by Sienna Grant
With a nod of my head in her direction, I began to walk before pausing and turning slightly.
“What makes you think I’m playing a game?”
“Oh, come on… you’re Roman Dean. I’ve seen the women you’ve been connected to and I’m not a patch on them. You’re not the type of guy to just settle with second best…”
“Wow.” I spun around hardly believing what I’m hearing. “Do you really think that little of yourself.”
She did everything she could to avoid my gaze, but I refused to let her. I stepped into her space.
“Do you?”
“Maybe, maybe not?” She shrugs. “Let’s just say that I had a hard time seeing in the mirror what everyone else sees.”
We didn’t say anything for what seemed like the longest time. Instead, I looked her dead in the eye before I did something that I’ve wanted to do since she stepped foot into my suite. I planted my lips against hers. For a minute there was no pull back, in fact, I was beginning to think that I’d got it wrong but within a beat of a second, her lips moulded to mine. I could taste the sweets on her lips, but I knew I couldn’t take this any further. Paisley broke our connection first, pulling away as she gasped for breath.
Stepping back, I placed my hands on my hips, as I got my breathing under control.
“Did that feel like settling?”
She lifted her fingers to her lips, with a small smirk to myself, I stroked the back of my finger down her cheek.
“I’ll see myself out.”
I felt like giving myself a high five but instead, I collected my cool and walked out of her apartment, licking the taste of her from my lips without looking back.
I knew she wanted me.
Chapter Thirteen
The sound of the door shutting broke me from the trance Roman had me in. My fingers were on my lips and my eyelids fluttered open. I licked along them tasting them, tasting him. My heart was still playing an erratic rhythm against my chest and the flame had been lit in the pit of my stomach. I was finding it hard being around Roman as it was and now, now how was I supposed to work with him.
Fuck. That bastard.
I shook myself off and went back to the couch. I took the TV off pause and popped a cherry Haribo into my mouth, I smirked as I remembered his comment. I lay back across my couch and tried to settle back into my movie, but it was no good. My mind was on Roman and suddenly Derek Hale paled in comparison. Pressing stop on the remote, I turned it off. I’d watch it another day. I turned off the telly and decided to go to bed, after Roman had left me a horny mess.
I’d laid awake for a while in bed the next morning. I hated waking up before my alarm — it was like I was being robbed of sleep, but now that I was awake, I knew I had to get up and grab coffee before I got in the shower. Lesley was away for work; she was a photographer and travelled all over Europe. She was damn good too. I wondered to myself if I could maybe involve her in the pictures for the hospital… hmmm, that was an avenue I’d have to explore.
I stood under the shower spray, letting the water wake me up, so I could get myself ready for today. Roman may have kissed me last night but it wasn’t going to change a thing. I was there to do a job and it wasn’t like he’d meant it. He wanted to get the upper hand and have me falling all over him but there was no way I’d do that. I was not the quiet girl I was back then.
Squirting some strawberry scented shampoo into my palm, I massaged it into my hair, before rinsing and adding conditioner. I’d show him who had the upper hand. Once I’d washed my body and rinsed, I stepped out and wrapped a towel around me, then went to the kitchen and made coffee. I took it back to my bedroom and sat down to drink it, while I towel dried and picked out my clothes. I blow-dried my hair and rather than straighten it, I decided to leave it and wear it into a ponytail, so it was off my face.
Grabbing my skinny, black Capri trousers and a cute, fitted pink jumper, which sat at my waistline. I sprayed myself with deodorant before throwing on my clothes and squirting some Daisy by Marc Jacobs around my neck. I stepped into my black, patent heels. I drank the rest of my coffee, before applying some subtle makeup and adding a nude colour gloss to my lips. Pressing them together, I spread the sticky coating, I looked myself over in the mirror. Finally, feeling satisfied with myself, I grabbed my jacket from the coat hanger and threw it on, before grabbing my bag and laptop bag, and I was out of the door.
I knocked on the suite door and waited. For once, I didn’t feel insecure. I was comfortable in my skin. The doorknob twisted and the door began to open to reveal Roman. My resolve faltered a little and the security I’d felt in myself when I’d arrived had wilted somewhat.
“Hey.” I smiled at him to hide my issues as I strode through the door. “Have you swapped roles with Rhys?” I laid my bags on the chair next to the table and turned to face him.
“Nah, I heard the lift doors close, so I looked through the peephole and saw it was you.”
Even though Roman’s presence was so large and in-your-face and everyone usually melted into the background, I realised the room was really quiet. When, I looked around me, I realised there was no-one else around.
“Where is everyone?”
‘What do you mean?”
“Erm, what I said. It’s really quiet.”
He shrugged and his gaze roamed down my body, causing a flush to work way up my neck and into my cheeks. I swallowed hoping to stave the dry mouth I was beginning to get and looked away.
“Could I get some coffee?”
“Of course.”
He turned away and went over to the corner where the coffee jug sat on the trolley. Grabbing the neck of my jumper, I wafted it back and forth, hoping to get some fresh air to my body. I’d become flustered and he knew it. As he glanced back over his shoulder, I saw the smirk that sat on his lips, before looking back to what he was doing. I shouldn’t take in his every move but I couldn’t help but watch how smooth he was. Once, he’d picked up my cup, he sauntered back towards me.
I wrapped my fingers around the cup and attempted to take it from him.
“So, where’s Nikki?”
His fingers brushed over mine and I felt the tingle travel up my arm. I was hoping she was just in the bedroom because then it would’ve given me an excuse to get away from him. I didn’t know what he was up to, but his proximity was too close. I wouldn’t say I didn’t like it, because I did, but not after the kiss he’d left me with last night. I didn't know how to ignore him. After going to bed with the intention of not reading anything into it, I just couldn't help it. My senses were fried. Even when I tried to tell myself this morning it wouldn’t change anything, I knew I was lying to myself, yet again.
“She’s popped out. I made her take Rhys with her. I have a guy downstairs. It’s all good. I knew you’d be on your way soon enough.”
“O… okay.” I murmured, stuttering like a fool, as I lifted the cup to my lips, taking a sip before placing it back down. “Alright, I’ll set up then and start work.”
I gave him my back and pulled the zip around the bag of my laptop. My stomach did somersaults as I felt his presence closely behind me. My breath stuttered but I gained my composure and pulled out my laptop, setting it down on the table. His fingers brushed my hip and my whole body responded to him. My hand shook as I opened the lid and switched the thing on.
“Why are you breathing so hard? Are you scared of being alone with me?”
He whispered against my ear and I shook my head.
“Then turn around.”
I wasn’t sure if that was the best idea. I didn’t know whether I could keep my cool if I was facing him. I chose to not do anything. I stayed how I was, with my eyes fixed on the screen of my laptop. I watched it go through the motions of switching on and loading up. His hand was soft as it worked its way up my side and wrapped around the top of my arm, as he turned me to face him. I knew I should’ve turned around myself because now I’d had the choice taken from me. Dropping my head, I loo
ked at the floor instead.
“Paisley, look at me.”
Sucking in a deep breath, I lifted my head and looked into his eyes. His finger hooked beneath my chin, and he tipped my head back. He stepped closer and I could smell him. He smelled masculine and woody, my breathing picked up even more and I knew if I didn’t get a hold on myself, I’d end up in panic attack mode.
“I’ve been thinking about you all night. Thinking about what you said, about you being second best. You’re not…”
The next thing I knew, he’d planted his lips on mine. Again. They fused to mine as his arm slid around my waist and pulled me against him. The tension I felt began to fizzle away, as he pushed his tongue through the seam of my closed lips, seeking entrance. I wasn’t about to say no — even though I probably should have. A spark of desire lit in my body and I stroked his tongue with mine. Fisting his t-shirt, I tugged him closer, his hands closed around my face. Within less than a second, he turned the heat up in our kiss. His tongue had a mind of its own as it speared in and out of my mouth. Stroking his finger along my jawline, he licked and lapped inside my mouth and I couldn’t get enough. My whole body responded as my nipples peaked and I had to clench my thighs together. He moved his hand from my face, smoothing down my side and cupped my arse in his hand, forcing me closer. The erection in his jeans bulged and brushed my abdomen, turning me on even more as he pushed against me. Wanting more, I shifted my hand up and threaded my fingers into his hair. He groaned into my mouth and squeezed the globes of my backside and slowed down the tempo of the kiss. Before eventually breaking away and leaving me gasping. He pulled back and studied me, then a lazy smile spread across his face.
He fucking smiled, the cocky shitbag.
“There’s no way you would ever be second best.”
I didn’t even get a reprieve because the suite door opened and in walked Nikki and Rhys, then less than a minute later, Gavin.
Fantastic.
I lifted my hand and pressed my fingertips against my lips as they tingled, before I licked along them and pulled them into my mouth.
“Oh, hi Pais,” Nikki called out to me.
Roman walked away with a grin on his lips and left me. I heard Gavin speak but I had no idea what he’d even said because all I had was Roman in my head.
“H... hey.”
I felt disoriented, I wasn’t sure what just happened but fuck, it was amazing. I sat at my laptop and tapped in the code to get into it and slowly sipped at my coffee, ignoring everyone.
Chapter Fourteen
As soon as I’d heard the knob of the door turn and the loud voice of Nikki from the other side, I’d shifted away from Paisley. Gavin clapped me on the back, and I turned and shook his hand. My lips still tingled from our kiss and my dick was ready to burst through the fly of my jeans. I willed it to go down, but it wasn’t happening quick enough. As soon as I’d seen her at the door, I had the sudden urge to kiss her. It was fate that the guys needed to go out. Nikki had to go to the bank, and I didn’t want her on her own, so I’d sent Rhys with her. It worked out for me though.
After Paisley voiced her insecurities to me last night about her being second best, it got me thinking about her. She was gorgeous. She had that ugly duckling and swan theory down to a masterpiece. I knew I wasn’t a saint, and I was definitely not saying I felt sorry for her because she’d have my balls in a vice, and those beauties are precious. She can’t hold me accountable from when I was a teenager; I was a superficial dick.
Gavin’s loud voice broke me from my own thoughts, and I looked at him.
“What were you saying?”
“What has nerd girl got you doing then?”
“Don’t call her that. We’re not at school now.”
I felt my brows pull together in a scowl as I turned to him.
“She’s got some good ideas.”
Lifting an eyebrow, he looked shocked that I would defend her at all.
“You looked pretty close when we came in.”
“Really?” I shrugged it off with a question. He may be my best friend but this thing with Paisley was bigger than him.
“Yeah… so tell me something. What’s she like in the sack?”
My teeth clamped together at his question, so I sat down and turned on the telly, hoping to block him out after I’d given him a non-committal answer.
“Wouldn’t know, mate.”
“Fuck off.” Gav scoffed and got up from the couch laughing, “I’m sure even with the stick she has shoved up her arse, she still wouldn’t say no to you.” Still laughing, he made his way over to the trolley to get some coffee.
The sound of her mobile ringing caught my attention and I looked over. She glanced at me, a small smile gracing her perfect lips before she placed her phone at her ear and said hello, moving into the corner of the room where it was quieter. I couldn’t hear what she was saying from here, so I turned my attention back to the telly to watch the mindless crap on there. When I say mindless, I mean some shit like Antiques roadshow and houses up for auction… although that does get my attention. I need to get my ass out of this hotel and into my own house. It’s costing a bastard fortune. The last house I lived in was with my parents and that didn’t work out too well. They were trying to get me married off and all sorts.
Fuck that.
No-one arranges my life but me, and Nikki; hence why I didn’t want a publicist.
Paisley walked back towards us, sliding her phone in her back pocket, before stopping in front of me and Gav with her fingers hooked in her belt loops.
“What plans have you got today?”
“Not much. I have to run over some lines for this scene.”
“Okay, so the newspaper wants some stills of you in the studio and at the end of the week, they want a press conference. I thought, in between, we could do an interview; what do you think?”
“Perfect. I’ve got a full day of filming tomorrow, so today would be good.”
She stared at me and placed her hands on her hips.
“Well, come on then. No time like the present.”
“She’s a bossy one.” Muttered Gavin like the man-child that he was.
“Well, I’m really sorry to have to pull him away but you know, he has to work. I can’t clean his image up when he’s hanging around with you all the time.”
If I thought Paisley didn’t like me, then she hated Gavin. She’d made that quite clear. Gavin stared at her, before putting his hands at either side of his body pushing himself up, and standing, just inches from her.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Do you need help to work it out? Well let’s be honest, you’ve never had the best impression on him, and I doubt seven or eight years have helped.”
Puffing out his chest and placing his hands on his hips, he inched closer to her.
“Listen here Miss fucking high and mighty, you can’t waltz in here and tell me shit — I mean you were never Miss fucking popular, that’s a sure fact… and just because you’ve got a career and a pair of fucking tits, don’t think it changes who you really are. You’ll always be that girl who wasn’t worth our fucking time and effort. You’re a nobody.”
“Gav.” I shouted, intervening in their little showdown and moved from the couch to get in between them.
I had to. Gavin’s never had any real tact and from what I’ve learnt from Paisley in the last few days, she could argue until she was blue in the face.
“Enough.”
With a shake of my head, I turned to Paisley.
“I’ll quickly get changed, and we can go.” I grind out. “Now if you kids can stay in the same room for just a minute, I won’t be long.”
Yes, it was patronising but fuck me, I didn’t need this shit.
“Paisley, a word…”
I headed for my room and held the door open for her to follow me. She took small steps, until she was through the door and I closed it at her back and leant against it.
“Pais, Gav and I have
been friends for a long time, I don’t appreciate you talking to him like that.”
I was stern and serious, and she knew it. Yes, Gav was the biggest moron at times, but he was a good friend to me.
“I was telling the truth.”
With her stubborn mask in place, she folded her arms across her chest. My gaze flickered down to where her tits were bunched up. I couldn’t help it, I was male, and they were a good pair of tits.
“It’s not my fault if he can’t handle it.”
“Maybe, but that wasn’t your choice to make.”
She chewed on her bottom lip and it made me want to taste them. I knew they tasted as delicious as they looked. Closing the gap between us, I stretched out my arm, placed it against the wall and caged her in. I gently pulled her lip from between her teeth with my free hand and her tongue poked out, adding some moisture. The pulse in her neck quickened and I knew the closeness was getting to her. It was getting to me. My dick was rock hard and pushing against the fly of my jeans.
“He called me high and mighty…” she breathed. “I’m nothing like him and I’m not high and mighty at all. I’ve had to work for every fucking penny I’ve made…”
As I watched her lips move, my dick got harder. He knew what he wanted, and he wanted her. He wanted that delicate mouth wrapped around him. He wanted to be inside that tight pussy, and I wanted her slim legs encasing me, while I fucked her against the wall. Her breaths fluttered against my skin as I moved in closer.
“Shhhh.” Placing my finger against her lips I silenced her. “Do you know how much that fire you have, deep down, makes me want to fucking kiss you?”
She covered my hand and removed my finger, wrapping her own around it.
“W…” a gasp leaves her lips, “...we better go. I don’t want people talking.”
Her words were soft with breathlessness, as I dragged the tip of my finger down her throat, until I reached the dip in her neck at her collarbone.