by Pamela Ann
He was coming on to me so hard I barely had time to think. Not a very good sign, if you asked me.
“Sure. I know someone who will be very interested to meet you.” I thought of Cece and how badly she wanted to meet him. Maybe those two could get together. Bass certainly wanted to hook-up with someone tonight. Why not Cece?
With my hand still intertwined with his, Bass guided us towards my table. When we got there, all the girls were giggly and excited to meet him.
“Guys, this is Bass, as all of you know already.” My heart sped up when he squeezed my hand. “This is Cece, Trista, Amber and my good friend, Lindsey.”
“Hello, ladies. Glad to make your acquaintance.” Bass gave them his mega-watt smile and Cece and Trista sighed. I looked at all of their faces, a little embarrassed and a little amused by them. Bass definitely had fans at this table.
I slid inside the booth and Bass followed suit. Cece, who was sitting across from us, got out of her seat and sat next to Bass. Here goes Operation Shameless Cece, I thought amusingly. I thought these two would get on just fine. ‘Player meets player’ equaled perfect harmony.
I tried to pull my hand away from his grasp, but he clutched it tighter. What was it with this man? I needed some sort of privacy—even if it was just for a second.
Cece was talking animatedly about her plans of being a movie star to Bass and I caught Amber rolling her eyes; bored from listening to Cece’s blabbering. Amber immediately got up and took Trista with her; the guys they met earlier were outside smoking and they were heading out to find them. I wished I was that brazen when it came to men, but I was known to get shy at the most uncertain times. Maybe it was because I wasn’t really that experienced. I mean, apart from Lewis and Carter, I hadn’t dated or had sex with anyone else.
Lindsey nudged my arm. “Total upgrade from my brother. I approve.” She winked.
“You’re crazy. I’m not hooking up with an actor who has a playboy reputation. Don’t you think your brother traumatized me enough?” I quipped back, just loud enough for her to hear me.
A cell phone flashed brightly on the damask couch and I saw Brody’s name on the screen. I glanced at Lindsey, who was nervously biting her lip. “Doll, Brody’s here. Outside. He wants to talk. He’s being very persistent and I just agreed to see him. The hotel room at the Chateau is under both our names so you can check in anytime; that is, if you get back before I do. Call me anytime, okay?” She leaned back and looked anxious.
With my free arm, I gave her a quick hug and kiss. “Give him a chance. He’s a good guy, babe,” I urged. I wanted her to see reason, but something was holding her back.
“It doesn’t matter.” She got up and gave Bass and Cece a quick goodbye and sauntered towards the exit.
I glanced back at the two people who were left with me as they chatted animatedly. I almost choked on a laugh when I saw Cece push her fierce boobs forward, giving Bass a great view of her rack. The two seemed to be getting friendly. They even shared a laugh or two when I was talking to Lindsey. Maybe they are hitting it off.
Time to move it, I supposed.
I didn’t want to see them in action. Why’s that? I thought you didn’t want Bass? my fucking thoughts countered. Who knew really? What I did know, though, was that I didn’t want to watch it happen. Bass Cole was my wet dream come to life and I had gladly handed him to Cece—or she jumped on the opportunity more like it. Given my circumstances, I couldn’t just throw caution to the wind and sleep with Bass, as he had hinted at earlier. It felt too early for me; I needed a time-out.
Imagine my frustration when he wouldn’t let go of my hand when I tried to pull away, yet again. “Bass, I have to go to the bathroom.”
“Let me take you,” he suggested. I looked at him like he had grown horns.
“No, thanks. I’m good.” He let go of my hand and I instantly scrambled to my feet.
Since I really didn’t need to use the restroom, I opted to seek out Amber and Trista. Why did I feel the need to excuse myself from Bass’ presence? Well, it could possibly be that he was way too much of everything for my palette. Sure, he was drop dead gorgeous, but hadn’t I just gotten out of a hot mess?
When I finally found the girls, they were already engrossed in conversation with their chosen men. I would have felt like an intruder if I had joined their cozy tête-à-tête. Without Lindsey as my side-kick, I felt like a fifth wheel.
I sighed, feeling lost and defeated. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. Maybe it was a bad decision to come out tonight, I thought sullenly.
“Hey, why are you all sad?” a man’s voice asked, a stranger.
I counted a few times before I fluttered my eyes open. An attractive, dark male was smiling down at me. I lifted my brow. “What makes you think I’m sad, stranger?”
He gestured his palm over his face. “You have this look about you. Guy problems, isn’t it?” HUH? Was I that obvious to onlookers? I really am officially PATHETIC, I thought with disgust.
“Possibly,” I shot back. What was the point in lying? Didn’t they say it was easier to talk to strangers about your problems because you’d never see them again?
“I think that you’re too caught up with your emotions and you can’t see the truth behind the façade. I think you should talk to him and clear the air, but once you do, a set of forbidding forces will be working against you. Another man or two will seek for your love and attention. Be prepared; I am warning you. Your heart’s pure, but know that this world sets out to taint the purest ones. Be strong and remember never to lose faith in yourself once it happens,” the dark stranger voiced out grimly.
What in the world is he talking about? How the hell did he know these things? Did people randomly say these things to strangers? So freaky and odd. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” I warily eyed the dark man who seemed to be full of knowledge.
“Maybe I do. I’m a psychic. It’s what I do for a living and I can tell what’s bothering you. I advise that you talk to him and go prepared. Your life is about to change; it will knock you back a few times before you see the truth. The man who will wholeheartedly deserve your love is the man who will be there at your lowest, the one who loves you in all your shades—the light, the hued and the dark.” He gently squeezed my arm and left.
What? After all that shit load of crap, he left? My mouth was gaping open as I watched him walk away and join the mass of the dancing crowd.
What the hell just happened? Were psychics even real? Wasn’t Miss Cleo a big hoax? She was… but that didn’t mean they didn’t really exist…
Weird, this entire evening was getting so freaking weird! It was like being in a low budget horror film, with me starring in the role of the unsuspecting victim about to be eaten by a zombie. That was it! Surely this weirdness was a tell-tale sign to ‘get the fuck out of here?’ I didn’t want to be eaten by zombies. Maybe it was time to get a move on and go back to the hotel. I could just nurse my broken heart for another night watching The Notebook. I felt totally drained and depleted.
Resigned, I weaved my way towards the entrance of the building. There was a heavy crowd tonight and it was difficult to move past the throng of people without bumping into them. I almost sighed with relief when I saw the exit, but a strong arm gripped me and tugged me into a darkened corner.
“What the fu—” I halted mid-sentence when Bass turned me around and placed a finger on my lips, hushing me. I swallowed. I bit back my tongue from snaking out and licking his finger.
His close proximity wasn’t helping my jumbled brain. His eyes darkened as he studied my lips. Shit, he’s killing me here. His thumb grazed my bottom lip and I held back the urge to wet my suddenly dry puckers.
His breathing hitched and when he did speak, it was raspy and seductive. “Call me crazy—call me anything you like—but I want to get to know you, Emma. Give me the rest of the night to get to know you. The moment my eyes spied you tonight, I was mesmerized and I can’t let you walk away
.” My eyes looked into his, seeking answers, seeking reason.
“I don’t know about that, Bass.” Was this about sex again? Hadn’t I declined him?
“Tonight, just tonight… that’s all I ask, Emma. I know you barely know me, but I give you my word, I will not do anything you don’t want me to do, I promise,” Bass assured me.
He would be an honorable gentleman? Hmm.
Was I crazy? This hot movie star wanted to get to know me and here I was contemplating whether I should agree or not. What was wrong with me?!
“Why? What do you have in mind?” I asked, needing assurance. I was still mending my broken heart. I couldn’t possibly let loose and be with another man straight away, even if it was Bass Cole who wanted me to lose it with him.
“All I want to do is talk and enjoy your company, nothing more.” The heartthrob even managed to look desperate. Damn, he was a good actor.
“Fine, as long as you keep your promise, okay? No sex of any kind or shit will turn very ugly,” I warned him, but he just gave me his mega-watt smile.
“Thank you, Emma Anderson. I promise you won’t regret this.” His finger traced my bottom lip again, ever so slowly.
Shove me in the burning furnace, why don’t you?
“You better,” I croaked back.
His gentle brush made me a little breathless. Wasn’t I in love with Carter? Then, why did Bass make me feel like this and make me forget that Carter existed? Carter Mason. He was possibly somewhere in Santa Barbara… quite possibly nestled in between a woman’s legs.
My thoughts were diffused as Bass held me tighter. He pressed his hard muscled body against mine. His delicious scent overpowered me, making me think of his skin, his taste and those unforgettable lips. My whole body shivered from being this close to him.
“Exquisite beauty,” Bass rasped out, staring at me with dilated eyes.
Slowly, his hand caressed my neck and jaw with soft gentle strokes. It was driving me senseless with want and need. His touch utterly seared me; my skin was on high alert and sensitive to his touch.
Oh, fucking hell, I freaked.
I gulped down what little saliva I had when he pressed against me, his face next to mine.
“I told you we would have our first date tonight,” he whispered intoxicatingly into my ear. His hot breath brought a soft moan from my lips.
Dear Almighty, what have I gotten myself into?
“Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go.”
~Herman Hesse
Chapter Five
Bass was on his phone when we emerged from the club, but he stayed close to me with his strong arm holding my hips. A black Escalade pulled up in front of us almost immediately and a few cameras flashed out of nowhere, nearly blinding me.
Paparazzi were everywhere.
“Bass, who’s your date tonight? She’s hot!” a guy asked and flashed his camera at us.
“Good choice tonight, Bass. Is she fresh meat?” another one from the annoying goodbye party asked.
“Bass!” someone yelled at the top of his lungs.
Christ.
“Bass Cole, over here! Is she your new girlfriend?” another man asked.
A few security men came over and ushered us towards the waiting SUV. Who would have thought that getting into a vehicle a few feet away would take forever?
I was relieved once I got in the SUV. Once inside, Bass profusely apologized. “Sorry I didn’t warn you about the paparazzi. They can be very obtrusive sometimes. I should’ve prepared you for that.”
“It’s all right. I mean, you’re a celebrity; that comes with the territory, I guess,” I mumbled back to him.
“Where do you want me to take you, Sir?” the chauffer asked.
“Just take me back to my place, Lou. I need to pick up my car.”
“Right away, Sir,” Lou replied and focused on the traffic.
Shit, we’re going to his house to get his car. Shit. I had no fucking clue where this night was heading. I certainly didn’t expect to end up with a fucking celebrity, let alone with Bass Cole of all men! Hell, I was super nervous. With the leather seat and my short dress, I could feel my legs start to sweat.
Bass’ cell phone was constantly ringing and beeping. How did he live his life like that? It was disconcerting.
“Hey, Turner!” I heard him say as I watched the passing cars before me. “No, dude, can’t join the crowd. I’m with Emma.” I smiled at the way he said my name. He sounded like he’d known me for a while and not just a couple of hours.
I could just imagine this Turner dude asking, ‘Who the heck is Emma?’ because Bass replied, “My date for the evening. Now, if you don’t mind, go hassle someone else. Gotta go. Bye.”
“Are you okay?” he murmured as he moved closer, not touching me, but close enough that I could feel the heat of his body.
“I don’t know. I’m thinking ‘what the fuck’ right now,” I answered him with honesty.
He chuckled at my retort.
“Try to relax. I won’t let you down,” Bass promised with seriousness.
I muttered ‘uhhmm’ and reverted back to looking through the glass absentmindedly. He was silent the rest of the ride and I was quite thankful that he was. I needed to gather my thoughts.
Lou drove up a long winding driveway and stopped in front of an impressive house made almost entirely of glass. When he opened my door for us to step out, I suddenly felt anxious. I am so out of my league here, I thought with a moment of insanity.
When Lou bid us goodnight and left, Bass held my arm and pulled me towards his home. Once he managed to open the door, the lights immediately flickered to life.
Wow, I thought as I took in my surroundings.
An entire glass wall panel was made into a waterfall. The open space was done elegantly in black, white and silver with cerulean blue accents that meshed quite chicly. It was all very masculine and I was impressed.
“I want to tell you that your house is gorgeous, but you probably hear that all the time,” I said, grinning from ear to ear.
“Thank you. I do, but it’s a first from you. So, it counts.” With his arm around my waist, he nudged me forward. My heels echoed loudly against the black marbled floor. “Come on, I want to show you the view from the patio.”
The view before me was simply amazing. Situated on a hilltop, the bright lights of Los Angeles sprawled before our eyes, vast and mysterious. It was utterly captivating. The famous Hollywood sign could be seen in the distance. Magnificent, was all I could think. My eyes took in the sight before me with great fascination.
“It’s marvelous, isn’t it?” he asked from behind me. I merely nodded in agreement. It was truly majestic. Bass cleared his throat and his dark, toe-curling voice asked, “You’re a new guest in my home, Emma Anderson. What can I get you for refreshments?”
“Red wine and water, please.”
Bass smiled lazily. “Right away, Miss.”
Charming, just charming… and he was disturbing my lucidity.
I followed him further inside the house and watched as he moved about his impressive kitchen. I leaned over the island as he gathered my drinks. He was nice to look at and I couldn’t seem to drag my eyes away from him. Okay, I conceded. He was more than nice to look at—he was epic. I could look at his smoldering eyes and his lazy smiles all night long.
“So, where did Cece go?” I lightly inquired. Did they exchange numbers? I wouldn’t put it past Cece.
I caught him hide back a smile. Goodness, that smile of his… Shit, why was it that I felt the urge to just jump on him and kiss him? Wow, I was really crushing on him big time.
“I knew what you were doing, you know. I have to tell you that I feel insulted—truly and deeply insulted—that you would ditch me and hand me over to someone else, but you weren’t that slick.” Bass shook his head, smiling. “I caught you at the right moment.” He made an emphasis of the word ‘caught.’
Ha! If only…
Bass handed me a bottle of water then opened a bottle of red wine and took out two wine glasses.
Such a yummy, fascinating specimen to look at…
“Whoops. Thought it was a match made in Heaven,” I jested back at his grinning face.
“Not even close. Not. Even. Close,” he murmured as he left for the patio, barefoot.
I followed him and watched as he placed the items on the table and turned on the huge outdoor marbled fireplace. He then went back inside to get something else. I walked towards the rattan chaise lounge and rested my aching feet.
The ambiance around here was getting cozy and downright romantic. Bass Cole, a true romantic? I wished, but I guessed that acting had taught him a thing or two about romance. This was a step more than what Carter had ever shown me. I should just bask in it and not over-think it.
My phone rang inside my purse and I instantly reached for it. Maybe I shouldn’t have because I gasped when I saw who my caller was.
Carter Mason’s name was flashing manically at me.
After a few more flashes, it stopped.
I had nine missed calls and two text messages from Carter. Curious, I hastily opened my messages.
Carter: Where the fuck are you?
Great, so now he’s worried?
Carter: Cece just posted a video on Facebook of you and some celebrity guy dancing. What the fuck were you thinking?
What the fuck was I thinking? You have got to be kidding me!
Carter: Pick. The. Fuck. Up!!!!!
Bastard!
I didn’t even bother responding to his stupid texts.
A big part of me was delighted that he was affected by this. What girl wouldn’t be? It was a big slap in his face. Did he really think I would sit back and cry over him after how he treated me the last time I saw him? How he didn’t even have the decency to look me in the eye when he left me bedraggled and naked on his bed? It took him, what? Like a whole three minutes to fucking ditch me for a shower after he came? Prick.
No! Carter Mason was history.