Dreaming Of Your Love (Hollywood Legends #3)

by Mary J. Williams

  There was no valet service, which suited Colt. Every now and then he liked the challenge of finding a parking space on a crowded Los Angeles street. It took talent and perseverance. Giving in was not an option.

  “There was a spot on the last block.”

  “It wasn’t close enough.”

  “This is the third time you’ve circled around.” Sable watched as they passed another empty parking space.

  “That would be giving in.” Colt maneuvered the car between a delivery truck and van pulling a horse trailer.

  “Giving in to what?”

  “The parking Gods. If you show weakness, they won’t shine on you. And there.” Colt pointed triumphantly at a car pulling away from the curb. “I kept the faith and I was rewarded.”

  Sable kept her thoughts on the subject to herself. Colt seemed so proud. She didn’t want to burst his bubble by pointing out the amount of gasoline they had wasted looking for a parking space that was half a block closer than the one they drove past two loops ago.

  Colt neatly parked next to a hulking black SUV and mud-caked Ford pick-up that on better days might have been dark green. The larger vehicles dwarfed his Maserati, but it stood out in any crowd. Colt’s car gleamed in the California sunshine. Polished to a bright red perfection.

  “Not bad.” Colt shifted into park. “What do you think?”

  “I think that you are wonderfully weird and absolutely adorable.”

  Sable leaned over and kissed him and with a hum of pleasure, Colt kissed her back. Slow and easy, she teased his lips with her tongue until he opened for her. On and on. Sable would have gladly skipped lunch if she could stay right here, like this, all afternoon.

  “You taste like wild cherries.” Colt sucked on her bottom lip then.

  “Lifesavers. It’s my favorite flavor. Want one?”

  “I’m happy sampling you.”

  Sable was happy letting him. She wound her arms around Colt’s neck, her hands sliding into his thick dark hair. She loved touching him. So many textures. Silky hair. Hard muscles. Firm lips that softened perfectly when they kissed. And that bit of scratchy perfection when his cheek rubbed against hers.

  “Necking in the front seat of my car. The last time that happened I was a sophomore in high school. All I could think about was trying to talk my date into the backseat.”

  Sable turned her head, to look at the seat, and give Colt better access.

  “This backseat?” There was barely room for a small suitcase. How two full grown teenagers could fit back there, she had no idea.

  “I had borrowed my father’s Mercedes sedan.”

  “Ah. How did the evening end?”

  “I hate to brag.” Colt’s lips curved against her neck.

  “You love to brag,” Sable smiled back. “Go for it.”

  “I’ll say this. That condom in my pocket didn’t go to waste.”

  Sable laughed. She wanted to ask how many young women gave into his adolescent charms but decided she didn’t need to know. The number had to be high. Who in their right mind could resist?

  “You must have beaten the boys off with a stick. Any backseat shenanigans in your past?”

  “Nope.”

  “That’s it? Nope?” With his right hand, Colt linked his fingers with her left one. He brought them to his lips. “Any particular reason?”

  Sable watched as Colt lightly kissed the back of her hand, rubbed his lips across her knuckles. It was a surprisingly erotic gesture.

  “My mother put the fear of pregnancy in my head from the cradle. I carried around visions of broken condoms and a life of dirty diapers.”

  “Scary.” The more Colt heard about Sable’s mother, the more he wondered how she got away without being totally screwed up.

  “Scary is putting it mildly. That kind of fear is the best birth control ever invented. I had plans and they didn’t include a baby or a husband.”

  “That meant staying pure until when?”

  “I didn’t say that I stayed pure.” Sable kissed the side of Colt’s neck. She liked giving as well as receiving. He always smelled and tasted amazing. “But if you were asking when I lost my virginity? After high school.”

  “That’s vague.”

  “It’s honest. How about you, hot shot?” Sable sent out the challenge. She should have known Colt wouldn’t hesitate to pick it up.

  “It was summer. We were in London where Mom was shooting a film. She was older and experienced.”

  “Naturally.”

  “Laurell was the leading man’s daughter. Seventeen and built like a brick shithouse.”

  “Charming.” Sable sat back to listen, but she kept hold of Colt’s hand.

  “I call them as I see them. And to a fifteen-year-old boy, breasts that size are a dream come true. Not to mention the rest of her.”

  “The hussy. Did she know she was breaking you in, so to speak?”

  “The way I remember it, I was sophisticated and worldly,” Colt grinned. “Laurell might have a different tale to tell. Either way, I studied. Putting my nose to the proverbial grindstone. By the end of the summer, I put a smile on her face.”

  “And she put one on yours. I’d say it was a fair trade.”

  “Mmm. You never forget your first. And if you’re lucky, it’s worth remembering.”

  Colt waited, his eyes locked on hers. Finally, Sable shook her head and gave in.

  “Behind the barracks in North Carolina. The mosquitoes were fierce but Jubal Crowe was sweet. We dated for a few months. And yes, it was worth remembering.”

  “I’m glad.” Colt squeezed her hand.

  Sable lightly kissed Colt. “Our experiences have been very different.”

  “Yet they brought us here.”

  “In the front seat of a Maserati?”

  “Together,” Colt added.

  He pulled her close, deepening the kiss. And bright lights went off in Sable’s head.

  “Shit.”

  The lights weren’t clicking in her head. They were from the flash of a camera. Three men surrounded the car, furiously taking pictures. One caught Sable just as she turned toward the windshield, making her blink in surprise as the flash momentarily blinded her.

  Colt started to get out, but Sable stopped him. It only took a second for her to shake off her role of girlfriend. Bodyguard mode kicked in and she was all business.

  “No, Colt. Stay there until I get around the car.”

  “Hell no. I’m not sitting here while you wrestle your way through a sea of paparazzi.”

  “Three men isn’t a sea. But it doesn’t matter. I’m here to protect you.”

  “You’re my girlfriend. Or so they think,” Colt added when she would have argued. “How will it look if you open my door and shield me with your body?”

  “Like I’m doing my job.” But she understood what he meant. “You’re right. The chances of this happening were always there. I’ll drop my cover. From now on, I’m your bodyguard. Period.”

  “Fuck that. Buckle up.”

  Colt started the car and laid his hand on the horn. Startled, the men jumped back, opening a clear path and he took it, quickly merging into traffic. Sable watched in silence as Colt turned down a side street, cut down an alley, then headed back the way they came—toward the loft.

  “Lost your appetite?”

  “We’ll order in.”

  Colt had a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel and his jaw was clenched so tightly Sable worried about his teeth. Sable had never seen him react this way. Colt was so easy going, so laid back. This was such a complete one-eighty, it was almost shocking.

  “Relax.”

  Colt took the turn into the garage. He was traveling way too fast and he missed clipping the corner of the building by mere inches. They approached his parking spot at the same pace. She couldn’t stop him. And jumping wasn’t an option. Taking a deep breath, Sable closed her eyes, gripped the seat, and prepared for impact.

  “You can open your eyes.<
br />
  “Nope.”

  “The car is stopped. We didn’t hit anything. And here.” The engine died. “Hold the key. I promise we aren’t moving another inch.”

  Colt pried her fingers loose and put the key in her palm. Carefully, Sable opened her eyes. She looked at the key, then at Colt. His jaw was relaxed but he still vibrated with tension. They were safe.

  “What the hell?” Sable slapped the key onto Colt’s lap, barely missing the bulge.

  “That was too close for comfort.”

  “If I’d wanted to hit your dick, I would have. Asshole.”

  Sable unbuckled herself and threw open the door.

  “And if I had wanted to hit the wall, I would have.” Colt was by her side before she was out of the car. “I was in complete control.”

  “No, you weren’t.” Sable shoved him aside. When he grabbed her arm, she froze. “That’s a bad idea.”

  “I’ll take my chances.”

  Amazed at his gall and curious to see how far he would take it, Sable let Colt pull her toward the elevator. That was fine. As soon as they were in the loft, she planned on locking herself in her room. If he wanted to apologize, he would have to do it through the door.

  However, Colt didn’t stop at the security panel. Instead, he went around the corner to a secluded area out of sight from the rest of the garage. It was dark and dusty and smelled slightly of gasoline.

  “I don’t know this game, Colt, but I don’t want to play. Let go of my arm before you force me to hurt you.”

  “No games. And nobody gets hurt.”

  Colt took her mouth with his, pushing her until her back was flush with the wall. This kiss was savage. Primal. Completely different than the sweet, teasing ones they shared in the car less than twenty minutes earlier. Colt put his hand behind her head, cushioning it from the hard brick. The other trapped her wrists, holding them high and out of the way.

  For a brief moment, Sable thought about breaking the hold. Colt was strong and he had her at a disadvantage. But it wouldn’t take much to have him on his knees. She could grind her heel into his foot. Bite his lip. Knock her forehead against his. Or simply knee him in the groin. They were effective weapons and she was proficient at administering all of them.

  But the brief moment passed and all she wanted was to kiss him back.

  Colt wasn’t thinking about Sable retaliating. His blood pounded and he wanted one thing. To screw her brains out. He felt her body relax. When she began to return his kiss, he let go of her wrists, freeing his hand. Colt reached under her skirt to rip off her panties, but Sable was already there. She slipped them down her legs, kicking them away.

  He took care of his belt while Sable unbuttoned his pants. She had his zipper down and his dick out while Colt dug a condom out of his wallet.

  “Are you ready?” he panted against her lips.

  “Shut up and fuck me.”

  Sable wrapped one leg around his hip, opening to him. With one clean stroke, Colt buried himself deep. He groaned. She gasped. Their rhythm was awkward, their pace fast—almost desperate. Neither cared about making it last. This was about achieving release, not technique.

  It didn’t take long. Sable grabbed Colt’s butt, urging him on. Their breath was harsh and ragged. A few thrusts of his hips and she soared over the edge, the orgasm hitting her hard and fast. A second later he joined her.

  Colt straightened his clothing, watching as Sable smoothed her skirt.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.”

  She looked for something. Colt saw what it was and picked up her discarded panties.

  “I’m not going to apologize,” he said, handing her the garment.

  “I’d punch you if you did.”

  Colt grinned. Damn, she was something. He held out his hand.

  “Hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  They walked to the elevator. When the doors opened, they entered, fingers laced. And as they began the ascent, they burst out laughing.

  “I COULDN’T EAT another bite.”

  Sable pushed her plate away.

  “I could.” Colt took the rest of the sandwich and downed it in one bite. “I love corned beef.”

  “I never would have guessed.”

  Colt picked up her plate on his way to the sink. Sable toyed with her napkin, pleating and unpleating the edges. One bare foot swung back and forth. They had eaten at the counter, sitting on the barstools that lined the far side.

  They had showered before ordering from the deli just down the street. This time, the sex had been slow—unrushed. But just as passionate. Colt’s soap-slickened hand touched every inch of her body. He lingered when he found a spot that he particularly enjoyed. Her breast received most of his attention.

  When Sable’s breath would catch, telling him he’d found a spot that gave her pleasure, he was just as thorough.

  Sable happily took her turn. She stood behind Colt, exploring his strong back, the curve of his spine. The slope of his ass. Then, staying where she was, she ran her hands over his chest and down the hard planes of his stomach. Colt’s palms flattened on the wet tile, his head falling back as her fingers gripped his erection.

  Slowly, she slid up and down, loving the feel of him. His hard, smooth heat. Sable kissed Colt’s shoulder blade. And as he reached his peak, she bit down, leaving her mark as he shot his seed onto the wall.

  Without a word, Colt turned and dropped to his knees. His mouth tasted her as water ran over him, making his skin glisten like molten gold. Sable held him close, letting her fingers run through his hair, massaging his scalp as his tongue urged her higher. She came, calling out his name and sinking next to him, her legs no longer able to support her weight.

  Colt kissed her cheek, reaching around her to turn off the water. Helping her to her feet, he grabbed a towel and quickly dried her skin. He set the towel on the counter before settling her on it.

  Then he did the sexiest thing of all. He took a jar of cream and applied it over her body. When he was finished, Sable felt warm and utterly relaxed.

  “Would you like a cup of tea?”

  “Please.”

  Sable smiled. She couldn’t fault the view. Colt wore nothing but a pair of Snoopy pajama bottoms that rode low on his hips.

  “Where’s the top?” she asked.

  “There isn’t one. I bought these in Aspen. The gift shop at the hotel had all kinds of Peanuts merchandise. Snoopy is my favorite so I couldn’t resist.”

  Colt carried their cups to the sofa. Sable had on a nightshirt made of silk. It was the color of amber honey. She sat, curling her legs underneath her and took a sip of the hot liquid. When Colt was settled beside her, she finally addressed the elephant in the room.

  “Want to tell me what happened earlier?”

  “I was hoping you would let that slide.”

  “You frightened me, Colt.”

  He took her hand. “I never would have hurt you.”

  “I know that, you fool. You acted completely out of character. I was worried about you, not me.”

  “I’m sorry.” Colt sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I wish I had an answer because, to be honest, my reaction took me by surprise, too.

  “Was it the paparazzi?”

  “No. I’ve dealt with them most of my life. They’re parasites, but for the most part, harmless. At first, I was angry for letting them find us. As much as I enjoy playing with you in the car, I know better. I should have taken you inside the restaurant as soon as we arrived. Instead, I made us sitting ducks.”

  “I’m the one who fell down on the job, Colt.”

  “That’s another thing. I didn’t like the idea of you putting yourself at risk.”

  “You said yourself, the photographers were harmless.”

  “Okay. God.” Colt groaned. “I’m not proud of it but my ego got in the way.”

  Sable frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “When you were about to get out of the car, I
had this flash of how the headlines would read. Girlfriend shields movie star.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “I know. I make a big deal of how erroneous publicity doesn’t bother me. It turns out I’m not completely immune.”

  “It was your idea to have a woman bodyguard. What did you think would happen if I actually had to guard your body?”

  “I didn’t think that far ahead.”

  Colt looked so distraught. She couldn’t help herself. Sable burst out laughing.

  “I’m glad you find my feet of clay amusing.”

  “Please.” Sable wiped the moisture from her eyes. “Your feet are fine. You’re human, Colton. There’s nothing wrong with that. And,” she laid a hand on his thigh, “the sex was smoking hot.”

  “It was,” Colt chuckled ruefully. “I can’t believe you let me get away with the caveman routine.”

  “It won’t fly very often,” Sable warned. Then she grinned. “I guess I was in the mood.”

  “You certainly were.” Colt took her cup and set in on the coffee table. “Think you might be in the mood again?”

  “Maybe. But let’s use the bed this time.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Colt.” Sable held out a hand when he reached for her. “A situation could arise where I have to protect you.”

  “I know.”

  “Can you handle it?”

  “Honestly? I don’t know.” Colt shook his head. “I’m sorry. I know it’s your job. I know you’re trained to put yourself at risk for your client. But in the heat of the moment, I can’t guarantee that instinct won’t take over. I’m a man.”

  “Oh, please.”

  “Evolution only goes so far, Sable. In the heat of the moment, I don’t think I could let you shield me.”

  “You wouldn’t have a choice.”

  “It’s a moot point. Nothing is going to happen.”

  “Colt.” Sable sighed.

  “Can we let it go?”

  “Yes.”

  Colt took her hand and led her to the bedroom.

  Sable would let it go. Not because he was right. But because there wasn’t any point in arguing. Her job was to protect Colton Landis. The world thought she was his girlfriend and chances were excellent that when she headed back to Harper Falls, her cover would be intact. However, if the day came that she had to take a punch or a bullet, to keep him safe, she would. Without hesitation.