by Pamela Ann
He was, wasn’t he? Then why did I feel a sudden pang of sadness?
My thoughts of Carter went on hiatus when Bass came out with a tray of food and placed it on the table. It consisted of fruits, brie and crackers, cold cuts, black and green olives, cherry tomatoes, dark and milk chocolates, a slice of strawberry cheesecake and chocolate cake, and a bag of Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream chips.
I laughed. “This is a very interesting mix you’ve got here, Bass.”
He blushed and placed his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t know what you wanted so, I, uh, guessed.” He really blushed! Maybe he wasn’t the playboy the tabloids portrayed him to be? Didn’t they like to exaggerate to get more sales?
Amused, I graciously thanked him as he handed me a glass of wine. He sat on the larger rattan outdoor couch to my left. Leaning back, he popped a cherry tomato in his mouth. So fucking hot, I thought and quickly looked away, a bit bothered.
“So… what do you want to talk about Bass?”
“You, anything and everything about you.” His magnetic gaze studied me. My throat went dry as I felt the heated scrutiny of his blue eyes. God, help me. Why did this man affect me so much? I just met him for Pete’s sake!
I took a careful sip of the wine and savored the smoothness as it went down before I went on. “Let’s see, I’m a college student at UCSB, major undecided, for now. I love cheesy movies and have a thing for athletes. I get emotional—especially a week or two before my period. I treasure those who are dear to me and eject the people who aren’t. I stock up all of my fortune cookies until I have over twenty of them and eat them all in one sitting. I come from a loving home so I’m not emotionally crippled in that sense. The only issues I have with my parents are their persistent nagging for me to become a doctor. We have a family cat named Tumble, who I am chronically allergic to, but I love all the same. I have a ten-year-old pillow that I wash constantly, mind you, but can’t let go of. And yes, it is a tad ratty, but I just can’t part with it.”
He chuckled. “Ratty pillow, emotional, undecided and allergic to cats, gotcha. And you have a thing for athletes? Say, David Beckham?”
“Uh, who doesn’t have a thing for him?” I countered back, aghast at his question.
Becks was the prime hotness. Show me a single soul who didn’t pant and ogle at those delicious Armani ads, especially at that sexy package of his? Right? Exactly my point.
“So, actors… you don’t have a thing for?” he asked, his eyes peeked at me through his lashes, smoldering like the hot man that he was! His sex appeal was off the charts. If I got to see his hot, naked body, I would devour this lovely creature and lick every ridge of those dang abs of his.
Wait, was the great Bass Cole fishing for compliments?
“No, not yet.” I pressed my lips together, hiding a smile.
He grinned. “You are something else, aren’t you?” He placed his hands behind his head and I couldn’t help gawking at his muscular arms. “Are you dating anyone, Em?”
Being forward, wasn’t he?
I shook my head. “No, not anymore. It ended yesterday actually, if you really want to know.”
“Oh, wow. I didn’t expect that,” he muttered.
“Expect what?” I glanced at his boggled state. What did he mean by that?
“That you’re on the rebound.”
Uh, what the hell?
“Who said I was on the rebound?” I exasperatedly asked the mysterious man across me. Cece? It had to be Cece.
“That’s just a given. A person is on the rebound for a month after breaking it off with someone, especially if the person they broke it off with actually meant something, then that’s another shitload of shenanigans.”
Okay… he was complicated and odd to say the least.
“Can I just say that… you’re weird? I never thought Bass Cole would be weird until this moment.”
“Ha. You are too cute sometimes.”
Gee, thanks. Looking cute was what I had aimed for tonight—not. Cute? Cute was for kids, not a grown almost twenty-one-year-old woman!
Diverging from the touchy subject, he continued on. “What are your favorite films?” he asked as he prepared crackers with cheese and olives on them. Placing them on a cocktail napkin, he handed them to me. I murmured my thanks. The man had such gracious manners—so unlike Carter.
I took a small bite and spoke, “Eurotrip was a blast. The Notebook, Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, Kingdom of Heaven, Defiance and Closer to name a few.”
“Interesting choices you have there. I like it. So, what did you like about Closer?” he inquired as he watched me eat and talk.
I shrugged. “What’s not to like? It was a great film with great actors. The story was moving and relatable.”
“So, you condone cheating then?” he pressed, figuring me out.
“No, I never said that. I don’t condone it. I meant it was relatable in a sense that our society has made it somewhat okay. If a famous celebrity cheats on someone, they publicize it to the hilt and it’s portrayed as acceptable to some, I supposed. I wish they didn’t though because it sets a bad example to others.”
“Good answer.”
“Thank you,” I murmured and downed my drink. Excellent choice of wine, I thought to myself.
This was surreal…
“Tell me, why The Notebook?” He was still pressing for answers.
“Because that movie was hella awesome!? But to answer your question, I loved how committed the hero was to his love. His unfaltering dedication to the promise he made years back was astounding. I mean, he truly, deeply loved her. It’s that kind of love that stays with you, you know? The kind where it haunts you and there is nowhere to hide…” I trailed off, my thoughts on Carter and my wasted love. My heart gripped me for a second. I thought back at how cold he was when he told me to gather my things and leave his house. I was instantly brought back to the present.
“Have you had that kind of love?” he inquired, pressing me further.
“I thought I did once, but it was a mirage… there was no point on holding on to it. Maybe one day I’ll get to have it. I would consider myself lucky if I ever did, not a lot of people can say that they have though.” I glanced at him and asked, “What about you? Have you ever had it? That kind of love, I mean.” I had to clarify it just in case he took my question as an innuendo.
He smiled at my inquisition as his eyes glittered at me.
“No, not yet, but if I do, I will embrace it and hold onto it for as long as I can. I haven’t loved a woman before. It’s not that I’m hiding from it, it just hasn’t happened. I do know that once I do, this woman would consume me and I would gladly surrender to it, to her. I would be enslaved to it and love her wholeheartedly, no holds barred.” Bass spoke with utmost depth and conviction.
That was quite intense and deep. That woman would be very lucky indeed. Imagine all this hot goodness as yours to conquer and behold.
Jealous much, Emma? I cringed at my stupid thoughts. Was I drunk already? Surely because my mind couldn’t be tamed. It just kept on wandering about.
“Do you want to drive somewhere, Em? We can go wherever you like,” he asked softly. His question was much appreciated, but unnecessary.
“It’s okay. I kind of like it here; it’s very peaceful. I’d like to stay here, if you don’t mind?” I didn’t want to leave the beautiful scene before me.
The scene was ‘the view on the patio’ and the beautiful man beside me.
“Throughout life you will meet one person who is unlike any other. This person is one you could forever talk to. They understand you in a way that no one else does or even could. This person is your soul mate, your best friend. Don’t ever let them go, for they’re your guardian angel sent from heaven above.”
~Author Unknown
Chapter Six
It was six in the morning and we were still on the patio, lounging and talking. The fireplace was still burning strongly, giving us enough heat to fight of
f the chilly morning air that had settled in.
Bass was kind enough to grab two blankets to help keep us warm. He moved another chaise lounge and placed it next to mine. He even arranged them facing the view of the city as we tucked ourselves in the nice warmth of the blankets, side by side. He took the liberty of brewing us coffee and we drank it quietly. It was a comfortable silence.
Until I died, if we became friends or not, I would never forget that sweet moment with Bass Cole. The man sure knew how to make a first impression. He kept to his word and he was a true gentleman. The entire time we just chatted on and on about whatever subject we could think of. I didn’t know there was a guy out there who liked to talk. Most men I knew didn’t care for idle chitchat. Imagine my surprise when this hottie turned out to be different. Bass certainly was in a league of his own, unlike all the other guys I knew.
“The sun should be rising soon. I want you to see it. It’s really beautiful,” he murmured out of the blue.
I glanced at him, wondering if I heard him right. He loved watching sunrises?
“I can hear you thinking, you know. On nights I have a hard time sleeping, I come out here and wait for the sun to come up. And no, I haven’t shared my sunrise with anyone else. You’re my first, Emma Anderson.” Bass gave me a quick glance and I gave him a smile. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but it felt good.
The sun was brimming behind the mountains. Its blinding yellow heat glistened from afar as it slowly moved upwards towards the sky. This was Mother Nature at her finest. How many times had I enjoyed a sunrise or a sunset?
Bass took my hand, placed it inside the comforter and held it against his chest. I didn’t mind it because it felt, comfortable? It was as if we had done this before, it was an odd feeling really.
After the sunrise, we were still cuddling and I wondered why I didn’t feel a bit sleepy. “Aren’t you tired, yet? Don’t you have a movie to shoot or whatever things actors do?”
“I just finished filming two weeks ago and got back in L.A. about a week later. I have no plans on this very bright, sunny Sunday. Feel like joining me on my lazy day off?” he invited.
As tempted as I was, I should say no. I barely knew him. Surely, spending too much time with him so soon would be a bad idea? “I don’t think so. I bet my friends are wondering where I am.”
“Don’t worry. They know you’re with me. I told Cece I was taking you somewhere.”
Oh. He was that sure I was leaving with him?
“Are you always this forward? Towards women, I mean.” I wanted to figure him out, to find out what his motives were.
“Of course. I don’t have to work all that hard to get women, to be honest, but you’re the only one I’ve had to chase after. When I noticed that you had been gone for a long time—too long to use the bathroom—I realized you had ditched me and dumped me on your friend, Cece. I had to find you. I couldn’t let you walk out of the club without me. I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t. That’s crazy, isn’t it? There I was, I had barely spoken a few words to you and yet I was captivated.”
His words… made me feel something. Scared wasn’t the word, no, it was more like… safe? Yeah, along the lines of safe.
“Could it be your rejection or aloofness that made you different? No clue. One thing I do know—your pure beauty compelled me to seek you out. Your honesty and depth pushed me even further. It’s frightening and at the same time, fascinating. Knowing that, I couldn’t let you walk away.”
Oh my God, what a fucking speech! Who said those things? An Oscar winner, perhaps?
“What do you want from me, Bass?” I asked, eyeing him as he silently studied me. His azure eyes locked with mine and wouldn’t let me go, their powerful intensity pulled me while their spell weaved through my defenses.
“I want to get to know you, Emma.”
Okay, that was easy. I could work with that.
“So, you want to get to know me only, right? And this is not some ploy to get me into bed?” I turned to my side, looking at his face that was inches away from mine. My eyes studied his profile. And what a fucking profile! His face was perfectly sculpted. Each curve was honed to perfection. His full lips, straight nose, perfect brows. He even had thick, long lashes. I even thought they were a tad longer than mine! How annoying was that?
If there were a man who could make me get over “The Carter Mason Fever,” Bass was it and I knew it, too, but that would be using him, wouldn’t it?
People do it all the time— Yeah, but why question the dating karma cycle? Good point.
Bass cleared his throat before he spoke, “Hell, I do want you in my bed, but I wouldn’t want to insult you by trying to get you to sleep with me. Not only that, the idea that you might be on a rebound doesn’t sit well either. Apart from that, I do want to get to know you. The real you; what makes you tick and stuff. Simple as that—nothing scary or anything.”
“Like friends, then?” I double checked.
“Sure, as friends, for now. My intentions are much more geared towards another path, but if that’s what you want to start out with as a platform—a common ground—then so be it. Whatever makes you feel comfortable, Em, and I really mean that.”
How was it that I didn’t have to explain myself fully to him? He seemed to just know and get it.
It was disconcerting to say the least.
“Good. I’d like that very much, Bass.” I glanced at him as he stifled a yawn. “You should sleep and I should head back to my hotel,” I suggested.
Bass shook his head. “No. I love having you here with me and I like holding your dainty hand very much. Don’t go yet.” He tried to hide another incoming yawn.
Gosh, he even makes yawning look sexy. “All right, I’ll wait until you’re passed out and then I’ll leave.”
He handed me his phone. “Program your number, please, and set the alarm two hours from now? I promise I will call my driver to come get you and take you back to your hotel.”
I consented, “Two hours. Tops.” You sure you’re not just staying because you don’t want to leave his side?
“Thank you,” he murmured and finally closed his eyes. Since my hand was on his chest, I felt his heartbeat slow down.
With one free hand, I programmed my number in his phone. I didn’t dare browse through his contacts. I was tempted, but willed myself not to.
Whoa! I didn’t even think about Carter over the past few hours. How the heck did that happen? I thought happily. Bass Cole’s charms were amazing, indeed!
I studied his striking profile and wondered how such a fucking beautiful man like him could see something in me. How the hell did I get myself into more trouble? Carter was enough of a problem as it was. Now I had added another man into the mix. This shit could get complicated as hell, I thought as my heavy eyes closed.
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
~Jean Shinoda Bolen
Chapter Seven
I could feel the heat of the sun starting to scorch my back. I groaned and tried to rollover to my other side, but my hand was tucked somewhere. Bass was still holding it. Slightly opening my dreary eyes, I squinted at the bright surroundings. I shifted a bit and heard Bass grunt something as he started to wake up.
“Good morning sunshine.”
“Good morning…” I said in between yawns then stilled. Shit, what time was it?
“Oh my God, I have to get back!” I got up and hunted down my purse. When I got to it, I fished out my phone. Carter and Lindsey each called a few times and there were a few messages from both of them. Ignoring Carter’s messages, I scrolled to read Lindsey’s.
Lindsey Mason: Em, I have to get back to SB. Sorry, this was unexpected. Could you get a ride from the girls? Thanks, babe.
Oh, no way. Why did she have to leave so soon? Wasn’t this her bright idea to begin with? No, no, no, no, no!
I was not going to ride bac
k home with the girls. I honestly didn’t feel like being interrogated by them. This totally sucked.
“Is everything all right, Em?” Bass sat up from the lounger and scrambled to his feet.
“I, um…” My voice trailed off as I watched in total fascination as he stretched. His black shirt lifted up, showing off his famous abs.
I licked my lips as I stared.
Why did he have to be so… hella sexy?
“Yes, Emma?” Bass caught me admiring him and now he was teasing the heck out of me.
Blushing and a tad mortified, I excused myself to the bathroom. Once inside the house, I realized I didn’t have a clue where the bathroom was. I quickly turned around to look for Bass and found that he was right behind me—with a massive smile on his face.“Where is the bathroom?” I reddened a little more as I asked the question.
“Come here.” He pulled me towards him and gave me a hug, enveloping me in his large, muscled body.
OH. MY. WORD!
My senses were on full alert as I inhaled the scent of him. Boy did he smell fantastic!
He pulled back a little and looked at me, our faces merely inches away. “You know you look even more beautiful when you blush like that?” Bass whispered.
The cat got my tongue. My mind went blank and all I could see was Bass and his amazing eyes, dilated and very much locked on me.
Compelling me…
Calling me…
I snaked my tongue out to wet my lips and his eyes zeroed in on them. He pulled my face a little closer and I closed my eyes, readying for his kiss, but his lips landed on my jaw and he nuzzled his nose all the way to my ear then he whispered, “You’re not ready for my kiss yet, my darling Emma. When I do kiss you, I will be the only one you can think of, the only one that can possess you and no one else. You, madam, are certainly not ready for that kind of possession.”
His words weighed heavily on me. Bass was right, though, I wasn’t ready and I appreciated him being noble about it because if he had chosen to kiss me, I wouldn’t have pulled away and I might’ve ended up regretting it later on. He was merely a stranger and yet, he respected me.