My ears burn as I scramble to my feet. Guess what? I am capable of feeling shame—it only takes being humiliated in front of Hollywood’s elite. My gaze suddenly locks on Luke like he’s a homing beacon. His gold-green eyes burn into mine, and he starts to shove bodies out of the way to get to me.
I don’t want him to look at me like this. They’re all laughing and pointing at me! I start to feel dizzy with mortification. I’m turning as red as the raspberries stuck to my neck. I need to get out of here. I whirl around wildly, looking for a way to escape.
But before I go, I scoop two handfuls of sticky melting vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce off myself, and rub it down the fronts of the Bikini Twins’ beautiful dresses. They hiss and recoil in horror, staring down at their now stained clothes.
“Price Pride!” I bark at them before I plunge into the crowd.
I can hear Luke calling my name, but I don’t stop. I push my way through the expensive-smelling bodies, and head straight for the kitchen where I grab a black apron on my way out the service entrance. I put it on as I hurry past the catering vans parked outside. A security guard sees me coming and opens the side gate for me. I roll right on through, and past the paparazzi and fans gathered outside. No one takes notice of me in my caterer’s outfit. I walk at a steady pace for a while, and then I break into a frantic run like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight.
Only instead of a glass slipper, I leave behind a trail of raspberries in my wake.
Chapter 22
Whenever my thoughts feel like they’re about to burst out of my head and attack me, I go to my special place: the zoo. Specifically, the chimpanzee exhibit. They fascinate me, and I can watch them forever as long as I breathe through my mouth.
The chimps are sitting in a row on top of their rock cave, their backs facing me. They look like council members in a silent meeting, with their asses hanging out. They’ve been so quiet since I got here. I wonder what they’re deliberating on.
I don’t know how long I’ve been here for when I sense someone sitting next to me on my bench. I don’t have to look to know who it is.
“How did you find me?” I ask, keeping my voice devoid of emotion.
“This is your place, like the beach is mine.”
I turn to face him. He’s wearing his Yankees cap and dark sunglasses so I can’t read his expression. “How do you know that?”
Luke gives a little shrug. “Remember when we were in Taos? It was your turn to jump and you were freaking out, so I told you to think of your happy place. You started babbling about the chimpanzee exhibit at the zoo. You said that it was your favorite place to go to think.”
I raise an eyebrow skeptically. “You remember that? That was forever ago.”
“I know,” is all he says. Then he gently turns my face, and I know he’s studying the bruise beginning to form along the top of my right cheek. His jaw clenches in anger.
I wince slightly when he lightly trails a thumb over the swelling area. “It’s not that bad,” I say. “You know I’ve had worse.”
Luke abruptly angles away from me. He yanks his cap off and leans forward, resting his forearms on the top of his knees. “I’m so sorry, baby,” he says softly, his voice full of self-recrimination.
“It’s not your fault.”
He jerks his head irritably, turning back to me. “Are you kidding me? Yeah, it is. I promised you that I’d never let you get hurt, and now look at you!”
“It isn’t a big deal. You know I love a good fight.” I try to smile, but my facial muscles just won’t cooperate. I give up and go back to my resting bitch face.
“What the hell happened, anyway?”
I tell him, and watch as his hands ball into fists. He looks pissed enough to murder someone. I wisely decide to leave out the part where the asshole pinched my boob.
“I’m going to kill that little fucker,” Luke growls, glaring off into the distance.
“Don’t worry; I got him back. I kneed him in the junk hard enough that future generations of little punk Fraziers felt it, too.” I smirk weakly.
“You did, huh?” A boyish grin fights its way onto Luke’s face as he shakes his head in amusement. “That’s my girl.”
A pleasant warmth fills my chest and rises up to encompass my face, and all the way up to my tingling scalp. I’m enraptured by his praise; it’s almost enough to make me forget my public humiliation.
Almost.
“So…” I stare down at the crushed popcorn beneath my shoes. “Did I destroy your career?”
There is a significant pause. “Of course not. Why would you think that?” Luke asks, honestly bewildered.
I give him a sarcastic look. “Oh, no reason. I only single-handedly ruined your friend’s party, and made a fool of myself in front of—like, everyone. I—”
I bite my lip in shame, swinging my foot aimlessly. I hate feeling like this. I would probably try to make another run for it if my feet weren’t so swollen from walking in these stupid heels.
“Hey,” Luke says softly, scooting closer to me on the bench, and putting an arm around me. “You didn’t ruin anything. There’s nothing better those vultures like than some good old fashioned drama. People kept coming up to me to tell me how badass they think you are. You were a hit, Tiger.”
“Really?” I raise my eyes to meet his. I nervously scratch at a sticky spot on my jaw. Dried ice cream. “I don’t think the Bikini Twins like me much.”
His brow wrinkles in confusion. “The…who?”
“The swimsuit models you had that threesome with?” I remind him politely.
“Oh, them.” Luke rubs his jaw and avoids my gaze. “That was a long time ago, Andi. I have no intention of seeing them again. You see, I have this beautiful badass of a girlfriend who makes me forget the names and faces of every woman I’ve ever been with.”
I crack a smile at his innocent expression. “Nice save, hot shot.”
Luke flashes his stunning grin at me. “You know, they’re not going to forget your name. Those were one-of-a-kind designer dresses you used as napkins back there. They’re sending me the bill for them.”
“Oops?”
He starts chuckling; bringing me flush against his side so I’m snuggled against his delicious warmth. “You’re the best, kid.”
“Thanks. Luke?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re squishing the raspberries in my bra.”
His chuckles turn into full blown laughter. He places a warm palm on the back of my neck, gently pushing me forward until our heads touch. “I fucking love you, Anderson Kelly,” he declares. “One day soon, you’re going to make me the happiest guy alive and admit you love me, too.”
I stay quiet. That is what I’m afraid of.
We return to the condo and the atmosphere instantly become tense and awkward. It’s just the two of us for the first time in a while. We’ve been using Nate as a safeguard—much to his disgust—and without him here, I honestly don’t know how I’ll be able to control my raging hormones. Just look at Luke standing there with his shirt lightly molded to the muscled perfection of his chest and abs. His light slightly spicy cologne is driving me crazy. I want to lick it off of him.
“Where’s Nate?” I blurt out when the silent staring match becomes unbearable.
Luke’s expression tightens at the sound of his friend’s name. “I left him back at Paul’s. Don’t worry; I’m sure he’ll find someone to catch a ride with.”
“Hey, don’t blame him,” I say quickly. “I took off on him. You know I don’t like being babysat.”
He remains stubbornly pissed. “He never should have left your side.”
I shake my head in exasperation. “I handled myself, okay? I had everything under control.”
Luke raises an eyebrow at me. “Oh, is that what you call it when you’re about to be clobbered by a seven foot asshole with fists the size of Texas?”
I glare at him. “I’ve been hit by worse—thanks to you. Do you not reme
mber the car race in San Fernando, and Ronaldo the Ham Giant? Ring any bells?”
“That’s not even the same situation!” he protests with wide innocent eyes. “You got in the way—Ham would never raise a hand against a woman.”
“Yeah, okay—you’re taking his side? That’s great.” I glare at the floor in disgust. “That was my third concussion, by the way. Since I met you.”
“Okay, you’re right. It’s entirely my fault,” Luke concedes after a thoughtful silence. “So let me make it up to you.”
“How?” I ask suspiciously.
He tugs me to him, using the strings of my apron until I’m right against him. My stomach muscles clench reflexively at the contact. “You’re feeling a little tense there, Tiger,” he says, running his palms lightly up and down my back. “How about a massage?”
“That actually sounds good,” I admit, craning my neck up to look at him. “After my shower. I need to scrub dessert off me first.”
“Yeah? How about during your shower?” Luke’s voice is low and intimate as he looks down at me with deceptively sleepy bedroom eyes.
Hell, yes!
But my brain can’t give in as easily. “What about taking things slow?” I just have to remind him.
“So keep your underwear on.” He carefully removes strands of dark hair stuck to my neck. Then he lowers his voice to a husky murmur. “Come on, Andi. I promise it’ll be good.”
My heart is about to beat right out of my chest, and my mouth is surprisingly dry despite the fact that I am mentally drooling. I literally can’t say no right now; I can only give a tense nod, and start to head for the master bath on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. Yeah, this is gonna happen.
We both enter Luke’s luxurious bathroom. The shower is a huge glass enclosed square with fancy controls settings—because rich people can’t just have a normal shower. I know there’s a kickass sound system in here because I’ve heard him blasting hard rock shit while he’s showering. I briefly wonder if he’ll turn it on now.
He doesn’t. I hop up on the marble counter while he adjusts the water temperature. My hands are trembling with anticipation, so I keep them balled into fists on my lap. Just breathe normally, Andi. Do not hyperventilate. Oh, my god. This really is happening. Yay!
The sounds of the shower going usually calm me, but not this time. Steam immediately begins to pour out of the open shower door, making me cough just a little. Just how hot does he have it? He pulls back out, closing the glass door behind him, then walks right up to me. Thrillingly, I find myself caged in his arms.
“You okay?” he asks, studying my face. “You’re allowed to change your mind, you know.”
I laugh nervously. “I’m fine. I—just…god, take your shirt off!”
Luke leans back a little, looking amused. “Yes, ma’am,” he drawls, and tugs his shirt up and off.
I ogle him unashamedly. He is so beautiful. As many times as I’ve seen him with his shirt off, he never fails to move me. My eyes feverishly fall over his honey-tanned skin, the sleek lines and ridges of him, and the familiar scars that only add to the perfection of his body.
My gaze trails down his broad defined chest, to his abs corrugated with muscle, down to the V-line just barely visible above his jeans. Almost in a trance, I reach out and my fingers tentatively and reverently trace that sexy ridge.
Luke’s reaction is immediate. He inhales sharply, all his muscles tensing as my touch dips below his waistband. He grabs my hands before I can continue to explore him. “Your turn,” he says huskily.
I manage to take off the apron in a series of uncoordinated movements. Luke just smirks at me. “That doesn’t count, Tiger. Take your shirt off, too.”
I know he expects me to argue or hesitate, but I don’t. I silently give myself a pep talk as I unbutton my shirt, trying to act like I feel sexy when I really just feel clumsy. I wish I had on nicer underwear.
Finally I manage to get the last button as he watches me with rapt attention. I slowly pull my blouse apart to reveal my plain pink bra, stained with chocolate-raspberry crap. Luke stares at my body like it’s a revelation. My breasts grow heavy and tingly under his intense gaze, and I have to fight the urge to cover myself up. I’ve never felt so self-conscious about my body.
“Your turn,” I whisper, and I boldly reach for his jeans button.
The air is thick with steam and sexual tension. I drag his zipper down carefully to avoid the hard bulge just behind it. Luke makes a muffled sound, and his entire body jerks when my fingers accidentally brush against him. He grips the edges of the counter, every muscle flexed and straining.
“Andi,” he warns me in a strangled voice.
I ignore him and push his jeans down. He quickly steps out of them, leaving him in a pair of dark blue boxers. Before I have time to admire him, he’s pushing me back. He grips my skirt and aggressively strips it off of me. I have to scoot back and lift my butt to avoid being yanked off the counter. The second it’s off, he moves between my legs, his hands under my thighs, lifting me up and slamming me against him. I don’t hesitate to wrap my legs around his hips while tangling my finger in his short soft hair. Fire courses through my veins as our mouths crash over each other’s desperately. We grind against each other, and I go feral with this crazy animalistic desire. The only thing that matters now is getting him to scratch that itch deep inside of me.
Luke is the first to pull back, much to my intense disappointment. “Put your hair down,” he orders hoarsely.
I do as he says, yanking my hair out of its ponytail—along with several strands out of my scalp. Ow. I’m not the only one in pain. Luke takes a step back, taking deep shuddering breaths as he watches me. I toss my head and waves of my long dark hair cascade around my face and shoulders.
“Fucking incredible,” Luke murmurs, and shakes his head in awe.
“Get back here,” I plead, reaching out to him.
Instead he moves further away. “Hold on,” he says unsteadily. “Let’s set some ground rules, yeah?”
“No,” I reply simply. I hop off the counter and walk past him towards the shower. “There’s just one rule: I get to touch you wherever and however I want—but you can’t touch me.”
I glance over my shoulder in time to catch Luke’s stunned expression. Without waiting for his consent, I step into the shower, leaving the door open behind me.
I want him; I want him so much I can’t think. I stand under the spray of the hot water, letting it stream over me, plastering my hair to my body. I feel so out of control right now. Like I’m behind the wheel of a car with no brakes, doing a hundred down a steep incline.
Luke joins me shortly, closing the door behind him. I back up until I’m touching tile. There are four separate shower heads in here, so there’s plenty of room to share. Luke stalks towards me, water streaming down his beautiful streamlined body, and darkening his golden hair. His jewel-colored eyes seem lit from within. He is the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I could just devour him. I’m going to. I lick my bottom lip in anticipation.
Luke stops just a couple inches short of touching me. He’s tall enough to grab the top of the shower door, the other hand resting on the tile above my head. He inclines his head so that our faces are close together.
“About this rule of yours…” he says close to my ear.
“Non-negotiable,” I whisper back. “We do this my way, okay?”
Luke pulls back to search my face intently. He gives a small nod. “Okay, Andi. This is your show.”
A thrill of excitement runs through me. “No hands,” I remind him sternly, and he flashes his sexy smirk at me.
I feel like a kid who’s suddenly been let loose in Disneyland. What ride to go on first? It’s all so tempting. I grab Luke by the ears and pull him down for a sloppy kiss. Every time our lips touch, it’s like the first time. Except I already know his taste: mint and candy. I know how soft yet firm his lips are and I already know I will never be able to get enough
of him.
I really want him to touch me, but then it’d be over—I’m that close to the edge for him. So…now that have free reign over him, I plan to take full advantage of it. I run my fingers through his hair, over his perfect face, down his neck. I trace his broad shoulders and caress the long muscles in his arms. I linger over every line, contour, and indent as Luke swears and groans under his breath.
“Andi,” he growls when I slowly drag his boxers down. He grabs my arm to stop me from kneeling in front of him.
“No touching.” I glare up at him. “Now you have to put your hands behind your head.”
Luke looks like he’s about to protest. I raise an eyebrow at him. He laughs softly and puts his hands up in surrender, locking them behind his head. The muscles in his chest and arms flex at his movements, suddenly making me wish I could draw and accurately record the sheer perfection of this man.
I’m kneeling down in front of him, awed at his masculine beauty. Luke is a lot bigger than Bran in every way. I can’t help but think of all the girls who have been in my position right now—girls far more beautiful and experienced than me. I take him in my hands, and his whole body jerks. A sense of power washes over me. It doesn’t matter how many girls he’s done this with. I’m here with him now, and he’s looking at me like I have the power to break him—and not just because I’m holding a very sensitive part of him in my hands. He says my name like it’s a prayer, and I feel like a goddess.
He is so beautiful. His body is silk over steel. Something sharp seems to pierce my heart whenever I look at him. A true work of art invokes both pleasure and pain, after all—and I want him to feel both. I devour him mercilessly, and his breathing becomes fast and shallow. In this moment, I own him.
“Oh, fuck!” Luke groans, his head falling back.
Afterwards, he leans against the tile, still breathing hard. I am fiercely satisfied by how staggered he seems. He finally lowers his arms, leaning forward slightly, and resting his hands on his knees.
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