Jack extended his hand out. “Jack Malone.”
Sam extended his hand as well, ever polite. “Sam Thom—wait. Jack Malone? The action star?” The curious look suddenly turned excited.
Jack tipped his head. “At your service.”
They suddenly began talking about sets and locations and video games – it turned out Jack was a bit of a fan himself. Rena watched in fascination as Jack handed Sam some tickets, then her, and informed them he would be very glad if they attended his new movie premiere.
Rena hesitated. “I’d…well, we’ll see—”
Jack smirked. “It would be great to see you and your…boyfriend there.”
The tone implied that he didn’t believe it one bit. And if she showed up there alone, he was ready to pounce and—
“Well, if that’s the case, then we’re going!” she chirped.
When the door shut down on Jack, Rena took a deep breath, and turned to face Sam.
His glasses were askew, and he looked like he didn’t know what to do with her. Silently, he held out his one hand and opened his palm, and her eyes widened at the sparkling piece inside.
“Oh, thank you! I honestly thought I lost that for good.”
“You’re welcome.”
His other hand was still on her waist, and the intimacy unnerved Rena enough to have her stepping away, ready to apologize and tell him it was all a giant misunderstanding.
He interrupted before she could speak. “So. He was hitting on you, too?”
She shut her mouth. Then she nodded.
“Is he gonna hit on you again if you turn up alone on the premiere?”
“I…guess so.”
Sam seemed to contemplate this. Then he nodded back, a small smile on his lips. “Well, then. Let’s do this pretend thing…thing-ish.”
The dimple came out, a cute little dot that almost had Rena wanting to kiss it.
Instead, she reminded herself he was a supporting friend and grinned back.
---
“Let me get this straight. You’re cancelling our weekly meeting so you can attend some movie you have no idea about?”
The tone in Logan West’s voice was enough to tell Sam that he didn’t like the idea, not at all.
From across the office room, Tammy snorted and muttered something about men with sticks up their asses. Logan turned his disapproving frown on her.
Sam interrupted before their usual bickering would ensue. “Well, I met him today. And he gave me tickets. It would be terribly rude to decline.”
His marketing rep snorted again. His accountant, in the meantime, turned the disapproving frown back at him.
Her breath had hitched.
Sam ignored them all and savored what had happened earlier. He felt like a zombie, disoriented and confused, but very, very good – like a zombie who had meat and was replenished again. It didn’t matter that he was probably delusional, or just a plain idiot. It didn’t matter that she had explained in the end, that this was all a ruse and she really just wanted to have men leave her alone for now – hence using him in the process.
What mattered is she had kissed him.
And her breath had hitched when he kissed her back.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
It was half an hour prior to the movie start when Nick parked the car down the corner near the theater. Beside him, Alex was talking nonstop, about games and the latest book she read and everything in between. It had been a week since they last spent time together – and while his new assignment was fun, he found himself missing her badly.
He glanced at his side and smiled. She had looked amazing when he picked her up earlier at her place, pretty as a pie in a classic black blouse and floral gray skirt. It was demure and understated, and she’d put something in her eyes again to make them look bigger.
He missed seeing her too when she wore her rumpled sweatshirts – particularly when she had no panties on.
Shaking his head at his thoughts, Nick leaned over to give her a kiss. She responded back sweetly, curling a hand on his chin as she did so.
“So this Jack Malone fellow is gonna show up?” Alex asked excitedly. She had seen photos of him online recently and couldn’t help but admire the dark, good looks of the action star – and be wary at the same time. She allowed herself to watch one of his old movies as well, which was all about criminals being chased by detectives and some damsel in distress they had to save. It was fun and cliché.
“Of course he’s gonna be here. It’s his premiere. He’s gonna be in the front row.”
He asked her about her brother’s and her new game version, and her eyes lit up as she explained to him in detail the new mechanics. Getting lost in the lingo, Nick kissed her again, earning a quiet hum of approval.
After a few seconds, she laughed and made a move to pull the door handle.
Nick cut her off and pulled her closer for one more kiss.
“Hey!”
“Come here. I missed you,” he murmured gruffly in between kisses. She murmured the words back. When their kisses kept on and Nick grew restless, he grabbed her in one move and placed her on top of his lap.
She alternated between a laugh and a moan as she straddled him. The moan won out. “Nick – we’re going to late…”
“The movie can wait. Please. I want to be inside you.”
He had missed being with her and kissing her and tasting her. His hands moved to unbutton her blouse and slide them aside, revealing a black lacy bra beneath. Purring his approval, he let his hands cup her mounds, so soft and large.
As if the action emboldened her, Alex quickly undid the straps behind her and let the bra fall, revealing her engorged breasts and their tight nipples.
His rigid member shot higher at the sight – right into her groin.
Their movements turned frantic, their kisses turning fervent as they ground against each other in a sexual rhythm. Unable to stop himself, he whispered words in her ear about how great she was as she fumbled with his slacks, her hand wrapping around his cock in delicious motions. She touched him, rubbed him, adjusting her body up and widening her legs and—
He was inside her.
“You dirty girl,” he rasped, shocked pleasure rushing through him at the feeling of her insides squeezing him. Laughing shakily, Alex ground her hips again, a teasing gesture.
Nick squeezed her butt. Gritting his teeth, he asked her to ride him. Alex did so, a slow tempo at first that went faster and faster.
Soon she was bouncing on his lap enthusiastically, her movements accompanied by little sighs and moans from that lovely mouth. And those breasts – Jesus, her breasts were bouncing, a sight that almost had him losing control. He knew the car was shaking, but he didn’t care.
He was almost there. Gripping her waist, Nick slammed her down on his cock, earning a keening moan from his lover. He repeated the action in time with her bouncing, over and over as he put his mouth on one breast and sucked, sucked hard—
Her orgasm ripped on them like a tide, her pussy clenching so tight that he released her breast and pumped into her faster, harder, burying his head on her neck as white-hot flashes blurred his vision and his release exploded almost violently.
Fuck.
When they both came down from their high, they stared at their clothes in disarray.
“Well,” Alex quipped. “That was a great trailer.”
Nick laughed.
---
Rena knew they had sex the moment Nick and Alex came in the theater and passed in front of her row. The smug look on Nick’s face pretty much confirmed it, an expression he wore when they did it eons ago, back when they were still hooking up. But this was different, because accompanying the smug look was a twinkle in Nick’s eye as he followed Alex’s movement with affection. There were also the gentle touches here and there, and the small smile that he couldn’t seem to get off his face.
Looks like the player was in love – maybe. Rena smiled at their heads, somewhat happy for them.
>
Her date still hadn’t arrived, calling her just a few minutes ago to tell her something had come up. She supposed she couldn’t blame him for having second thoughts now, especially with how she presented the whole situation to him. Perhaps he panicked, and was still trying to think up ways of how to back up. Or maybe he really was just too busy and would rather not go with their crazy plan.
Jack Malone had passed by once, a confident smile on his face as he scanned the empty seat beside her. He had no date himself, and promised her he would spend a lot of time with her once the movie was done. It was a promise that was, no doubt, going to be coupled with wine and seduction. She had merely smiled back at him and said she was waiting for her date – a comment that had Jack smiling wider, eyes glinting.
Rena knew she was being idiotic about this. Who wouldn’t want to date a movie star, right? But she had promised herself after giving up on chasing Nick that she’d start fresh, meaning no players – and no guys to play with. That was nine months ago and counting.
She spotted Jack out of the corner of her eye, chatting up some reporters with his co-star. He glanced in her direction, and she could almost see him speculating.
Suddenly, a warm hand settled on her shoulder.
“Hi. Sorry I’m late.”
Rena stood up, relief rushing through her at the sight of Sam in a turtleneck and jeans. He seemed to hesitate a bit before giving her a kiss on the cheek. She shook her head, signaling subtly with her head at Jack, who was still nearby.
Sam’s mouth trailed from her cheek to the corner of her lips, making a move to bite it at the same time that her tongue came out.
“Ouch.”
They both pulled away as if electrocuted. Cheeks burning, Sam guided her to their seats, and a few minutes later everyone settled to theirs as the theater turned dark and the movie started.
Things turned awkward. The action star saved a lot of damsels in distress, and some explosions happened, but all Rena could concentrate on was the silence between them, and the rigidity of Sam beside her.
He really must be regretting this.
---
The movie ended two hours later, and Rena afforded Logan a few minutes of chatting before giving Sam the signals to go. Thankfully, Sam got it and reminded her about some task they were supposed to be doing (she cringed at the word). Then they left, and Sam offered to take her home.
The car ride was filled with silence. Since Rena lived not far off in a condo unit, it was a short one. Sam parked his car, and quietly walked her up to the elevator in the lobby.
He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry about earlier.”
Rena smiled and shook her head. “Don’t be. I think we just need to practice.” She hesitated. “But if it’s too much trouble—”
“No, not trouble.” Sam stepped closer, and the movement made her aware of exactly how tall he was. “I do think we need to practice.”
“Yeah,” she agreed, enthusiasm coming back.
“So, tomorrow?”
Rena blinked. “Pardon?”
“Let’s go out tomorrow. Practice. Like, a date to feel each other out. So we won’t be awkward anymore. And…this Malone guy will leave you alone.”
He looked so earnest, so sincere, that she found herself nodding her head in agreement.
Sam grinned – a very wide one that deepened that dimple and had his face transforming as his blue eyes went lighter. It was like his eyes went along with the smile, crinkling at the sides. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight, and she tried to ignore it as she gave him a polite kiss on the cheek.
It was when his thumbs rubbed her elbows and quietly bid her goodbye that Rena wondered if she was making a very big mistake.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
On Monday, Sam took her to a local amusement park.
It was such a surprising activity that Rena couldn’t help being skeptical – a reaction that turned to pure delight as he dared her to ride the highest roller coaster with him, which was thrilling and terrifying at the same time (he was absolutely relieved that he did not scream like a little girl). They strolled around the whole park, eating hotdogs and cotton candy and feeding squirrels in the garden. Sam quietly told her stories of his childhood antics with Alex, and was pleased when she laughed until her stomach hurt. He took her to her condo late afternoon, and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
On Tuesday, he took her to a bowling alley. He was terrible at it, and Rena beat him twice before they called it quits and decided to head to the diner next door instead. He ordered burgers and fries and all that, and listened as she chatted about her dreams of becoming a respected writer while sipping on her chocolate milkshake. He tried not to stare at the way those pink lips sucked on her straw, because that was a wicked thought, and…well, he was trying to be as gentlemanly as possible. He took her home again, with the routine kiss on the cheek.
On Wednesday, they went to a video game arcade and he showed her how to play the basic games. Then they went to a special room where he played StarCross, the game he and his sister were famous for having world-breaking records. It took her a while to get the hang of it, but once she did, she was cheering at his side. Before they went home, he had try out Zombie-killing game, and guided her handgun, his body close to hers. Same ride home, same cheek kiss.
On Thursday, he took her on top of the rooftop of a fancy restaurant, where there was a table set up only for them, with candles and all sorts of amazing food. They had a view of the city, and they stood at the edge and gazed at the clear starry sky, breathing in the fresh air. When it got too cold, Sam put his jacket around her shoulders, rubbing her slim arms to warm her up. He took her home at ten, and unable to resist, trailed his kiss from the corner of her mouth to the whole of her mouth – a slow, slow kiss without tongue, his hands light on her waist. Her hands flew up and pressed flat against his chest, and he had enough sense to see them slowly curl into fists as she responded sweetly to his ministrations. Then he lost himself in the feeling, just for a few seconds, before reluctantly pulling free, and wishing her a good night. Her green eyes had darkened, the color of emeralds.
On Friday, Tammy put her foot down and told him they needed to discuss the upcoming marketing promotions – a statement which had Logan scoffing as he muttered who the hell had the stick in her ass now (and yes, the arguing went on as usual after that – he really should fire one of them, he just couldn’t decide who). Sam postponed his planned date, telling Rena on his voicemail that he was going to make it up to her. He went about with his tasks, doing some last-minute design changes and agreeing with Tammy on the radio forum guesting. He did some write ups and called Alex to check up on her.
And he silently hoped Rena missed him.
---
Rena missed him.
It was such a foolish thought that she deliberately cut off any thoughts involving him, until Saturday came and he picked her up on time. He had brought with him a bouquet of red poppies, and grinned at her black Henley tank top that said Gamer Chick in big bold pink. Then those blue eyes regarded her short denim skirt intensely, trailing down to her long legs—
He whipped his eyes back to her face with a snap, expression back to normal, and told her he had a surprise.
And what a surprise it was.
He took her to the cinema – a secluded one that showed classic old movies until three in the morning. She couldn’t help but be charmed as he bought her soda and M&M’s, and bought himself Skittles and gummy bears. Then they shared a huge popcorn tub between them.
She couldn’t focus on the movie, painfully aware of how close he was, and how he seemed to touch her without realizing it – his hand brushing hers as they reached for popcorn together, elbow rubbing the side of her rib every now and then. Those same hands rubbed her arms when she shivered, and she didn’t dare voice out that it was his touch making her shiver. She didn’t dare voice out that every time he leaned over to whisper in her ear, the graze of his lips had her stiffening, and tr
ying very hard not to turn her head towards him.
This was very, very foolish.
It wasn’t until one his “touches” startled her enough to look at him that she saw the small smile on his lips – one he quickly covered up by a cough.
Rena’s eyes narrowed.
Was harmless Sam not harmless after all?
She decided to test her theory by reversing the game, convinced she was wrong. She brushed her elbows against his lower ribs. No reaction. She crossed her legs, making sure her skirt rode high, very high, waiting for his eyes to drop.
Nothing.
She accidentally-on-purpose placed her hand on his thigh while reaching for the popcorn. His muscles jumped under her palm, but when she looked up, he was staring straight ahead at the screen, absolutely expressionless behind those glasses.
But those muscles had jumped, and her heart stopped.
Her heart simply stopped.
---
The ride home was as silent as the week before, but it settled comfortably between them like a warm blanket. When he kissed her cheek beside the lobby elevator and made a move to go, she grabbed his wrist.
“Wait,” she whispered.
He stopped.
“I…have coffee. Would you like to come up?”
A part of her knew he was going to refuse, perhaps make some excuse about having to go home early and such.
“Sure.”
The elevator ride was tense, a moment waiting to happen.
Rena led Sam to the couch, and brewed some coffee for them, covering up her nerves with casual conversation. She took the cups to him once done, talking, talking.
Deliberately, she sat very close beside him and let her skirt ride up again.
Deliberately, she stretched, a low moan coming out of her lips as she did so.
He gulped.
“I was wondering,” she murmured as the silence lapsed.
“Hm?”
“Perhaps we should…practice kissing?”
His head swiveled in her direction faster than you could say ah-hah!, the surprise obvious. Casually biting her lower lip, she explained that perhaps it can help them get even more comfortable, especially next week, when she had another party to attend with Jack Malone present.
Best Friends To Lovers Romance Series: Complete Series Boxed Set Romance Page 22