Beside her, Nathan cleared his throat in gentle reminder.
In an effort to maintain their cover story, Beth extended her hand and said loudly enough for the press to hear, “Excellent race, Mr. Evans.”
Aidan hesitated before shaking her hand, as though it took him a moment to determine why she was acting so formal.
“I couldn’t have done it without your support, Beth.” His expression matched his tone, soft and yielding.
She was surprised he spoke so frankly in front of the reporters.
“Your talent and dedication to racing is what got you here, Aidan,” she said quietly. “Not me.”
He responded with a shake of his head, his eyes intense with admiration.
Matthew stepped forward and clapped a hand on Aidan’s shoulder, breaking their moment. “What a race! Some of the moves you made out there were incredible—stupid, but incredible.”
Aidan chuckled. “Thanks, man. I just did what I had to do in order to win.”
Nathan and Olivia offered additional congratulations.
Even Connie remarked, “Nice job.”
“How about a photograph of Mr. Evans’ support team?” a reporter called.
Nathan didn’t see the harm, so they all agreed. After Connie removed her headscarf and got hair approval from Olivia, the six of them moved to the open area next to Aidan’s Porsche and lined up.
Olivia and Connie stood on the ends next to their beaux, and Beth and Aidan stood in the middle. The group posed for the photographers, drawing attention from everyone in the vicinity, and also answered questions as to why they were at the race today and how they knew Aidan. Beth stuck to the tale she told the Los Angeles Times reporter earlier. Once the press was satisfied, they dispersed and the drivers were able to pack up and leave.
Aidan’s mechanic came by and explained that before he left Santa Barbara in his station wagon tonight, he would tow the Porsche to a local garage to restore it for Aidan’s drive back to L.A. tomorrow. Although Aidan was fully competent to fix the car himself, he told Beth that he’d asked Ralph to do it so they could spend Saturday evening and all day Sunday together without interruption before returning home.
Aidan instructed Ralph on specific jobs he wanted done that were at his discretion and not essential to make the car run smoothly, like the reinstallation of the windshield. He mentioned the modifications he wanted to keep, such as the reinforced seatbelt, which he would need in order to compete in future races. He also spoke of upgrading his Porsche when a newer, faster model became available, so he could race in the class events for cars with bigger, more powerful engines.
Beth was unnerved by the thought. Aidan might have won today, but he’d only narrowly avoided crashing during his spinout. She’d learned this afternoon that car racing wasn’t principally about speed. Speed was a factor, yes, but this kind of racing was primarily a test of a driver’s skill—about maneuvering a car at high speeds in and out of the pack of other cars, all against other drivers attempting exactly the same thing.
In contrast, Aidan had the attitude of a straightaway driver, and he lost his head easily in pursuit of victory. Beth’s only solace was that as part of his Golden Gloves agreement with Kazan, he was not allowed to race during filming. It bided her some time to get more comfortable with the idea of him competing again.
Aidan and Ralph parted on a promise to meet up next week at Competition Motors in L.A. to discuss upgrades that needed to be made on the Porsche to improve its performance according to Aidan’s experience driving it in today’s race. Then Aidan packed up his racing gear and left to change his clothes.
When he rejoined Beth, Olivia, Connie, Nathan, and Matthew in the visitor parking lot, he wore blue jeans, a V-necked navy blue sweater, and different black boots. He carried his racing duffel bag and trophy, but his smile was his greatest accessory.
The group crowded into Matthew’s Bentley and drove to a nearby restaurant for dinner, where Aidan recounted the race and made the startling revelation that he had given his prize money to Ralph, as extra gratitude for helping him. As Aidan explained, the mechanic had a young family and was only starting to make name for himself in the car industry, so he could use the money a lot more.
Upon their return to the Fisco Gardens Hotel, the six of them gathered in the suite the women had checked into earlier. According to the group’s arrangements, Olivia and Nathan would stay there, and Matthew and Connie would take Nathan and Matthew’s original room.
After Matthew and Connie left, Olivia pulled Beth aside. “There’s still time for me to tell Nathan to room with Aidan if you’re feeling uncomfortable.”
Beth kept her reply quiet so Aidan wouldn’t overhear her. “Thanks, Liv, but I’m all right.”
Olivia’s eyes twinkled with approval. “You must tell me everything tomorrow night, as soon as you get home.”
Beth giggled. “Will do.”
“Baby, are you ready?”
Beth turned to Aidan. He stood by the door, their belongings gathered at his feet.
“I’m ready,” she replied, the words all encompassing.
After bidding Nathan and Olivia good night, she followed Aidan down the corridor to their suite and waited while he opened the door. He turned on the lights and stepped aside, gesturing into the room.
In a voice as soft and sweet as his gaze, he said, “After you, little dove.”
As Beth entered the suite, her eyes landed on the full-size canopy bed situated in the center of the room, draped in white linen. Her heart beat so rapidly it was as though she was back at the track watching the race. All that was missing was the smell of gasoline and the low rumble of car engines.
Aidan set down their belongings in the foyer and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. “Is the room okay? I requested the finest one at the hotel.” She felt his grin against her ear. “Matt and Connie are roughing it tonight in the second best.”
Beth admired the rest of the suite, which included a living room and a kitchen in addition to the sleeping quarters and bathroom. Her smile had nothing to do with the luxurious accommodation. She was excited to have alone time with Aidan and finally spend the entire night in his arms.
“It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Aidan picked up their belongings. He brought his trophy over to the bureau and placed his racing duffel bag and her travel case on the luggage risers next to his suitcase.
Beth removed her hat and joined him by the couch.
“So…” She dragged out the word to fill the silence.
Aidan’s grin put her at ease. “I’m just gonna take a shower. Why don’t you get settled for the night?”
She smiled. “All right.”
On the walk back to his suitcase, Aidan drew his sweater over his head. The gray T-shirt he wore underneath rode up, revealing his strong back and the low-slung waistband of his jeans. The view triggered an upsurge of longing that spread across Beth’s skin like wildfire and lingered even after his T-shirt fell back into place. She wasn’t aware she was holding her breath until he grabbed fresh clothes and disappeared into the bathroom with a promise he wouldn’t be long.
Once Beth heard the shower running, she opened her luggage case and made the bold decision of selecting the nightgown Olivia helped her pick out for tonight instead of the more conservative sleepwear she brought as backup.
The negligee was made of midnight blue silk and boasted a strip of lace down each side, which allowed her skin to peek through in a way Olivia guaranteed Aidan would find irresistible. The sweetheart neckline was lower than the slips she usually wore, and the bottom hem fell to just above her knees.
Beth took off the clothes and shoes she wore at the racetrack and tucked them away in her suitcase. She stepped up to the full-length mirror next to the dresser and surveyed her nude appearance. Her months of filming Venus Rising had provided her with healthy muscle tone that was lean enough to still look feminine. She was a little on the slender side—not at all voluptuous like Connie, whose
figure was the envy of all women across America—but she had long legs, a trim waist, and a modest-size bust, which served her well.
She was glad she followed Olivia’s advice and visited a spa yesterday after work. She was waxed in areas she’d never waxed before, her hair was styled in curls, which thankfully hadn’t been ruined at the racetrack, and she sported flattering fingernail and toenail polish. All that remained was Aidan’s appraisal of her fresh look.
The rushing water of the shower stopped. Beth’s heart stuttered in anticipation. She threw on her nightgown and scanned the suite. Where should she be when Aidan emerged from the bathroom?
For her first attempt, she stood next to the vanity with her hand propped on her hip. She felt ridiculous, like she was posing for a photo shoot instead of waiting to greet her beau. Next, she sat on the chair in the corner with her legs crossed and her hands folded in her lap. That, too, felt contrived. She eyed the couch, but that was no better than the chair. The kitchen was also impractical…
Her only remaining option was the bed.
Beth shut off the overhead lights and turned on the bedside lamp before crawling across the mattress and settling her back against the headboard. She bent her legs to one side and busied herself with straightening her nightgown so she wouldn’t think about Aidan stepping out of the shower, wet and naked, or worry about her ability to please him tonight.
The door opened and Aidan emerged from the bathroom, vigorously rubbing his hair with a towel. He wore navy blue briefs and a white T-shirt that hugged him across his chest and shoulders.
With the setting of the sun, darkness shrouded the room except for the soft light from the table lamp, lending him an ethereal glow. He looked like a powerful blend of runway model and unadulterated male. Her imagination couldn’t have constructed a more handsome man.
Any apprehension Beth had about her appearance vanished when Aidan spotted her on the bed. He didn’t say a word, but the truth sparked in his eyes. They consumed her ravenously, as if one good look wasn’t nearly enough.
He cleared his throat, though his voice sounded no less rough because of it. “Please stand up so I can see you properly.”
Beth tried to breathe normally, but it was impossible. She slid across the mattress, feeling a heightened awareness of every part of her body under his dedicated stare. As her bare feet met the carpet, she adjusted her nightgown. She wanted nothing more than to please him, to give him the show he craved and so much more.
“Turn around.” Aidan’s gentle plea was belied by the hunger in his eyes.
Beth did as he requested, receiving a sense of empowerment and pleasure that could never come from being one of the most popular actresses in the country, but only from the admiration of the man for whom she cared so deeply—the man who knew the real her, not the enhanced version created by the movie studio, and still desired her above all other women.
At the completion of her rotation, Beth made the thrilling discovery that Aidan was aroused. His erection pushed against his briefs, giving her the strongest indication yet as to how he looked beneath them. She longed to touch him like she did in the bathroom at his house, only in the flesh. And this time, she would bring him to orgasm.
Aidan set down the towel and moved toward her, his hair wild and damp, his eyes gloriously green and greedy. Beth breathed in deeply as his arms encircled her waist and he pulled her close. He smelled like lavender soap and summer rain.
“You look stunning, Beth.” Aidan whispered the words, but they resonated as though he’d shouted them for the world to hear.
He leaned forward and kissed her carefully, kindling her internal flame of desire. Beth pushed her hands into his hair and pressed her lips more firmly to his, even adding a bit of tongue.
Aidan pulled back. His eyes searched hers, as if he sensed there was an additional method to her erotic madness. “Have you ever had an orgasm?”
Beth frowned. While she’d hoped that was where things would lead for both of them tonight, she wasn’t expecting such a blunt question. “I told you I’ve never been with a man before you.”
“I know.” Aidan glided his hands down her back, caressing her with silk and sweetness. “What I mean is… have you ever pleasured yourself?”
Beth’s eyes widened. “No, never. I was always under the impression it was inappropriate for a woman to… you know…”
The silence that greeted her was unnerving.
“Why, is that bad?” She pitched him a tentative glance.
“It’s not bad.” His voice sounded throatier than before.
“Are you certain?”
Aidan’s eyes grew darker. “I prefer that you’ve never had an orgasm.” He leaned in until his hot breath skated across her face. “Because I want to be the one to give you your first.”
Beth’s flame ignited into a raging inferno.
With a hum, Aidan brushed his lips to her ear, his fingers dancing over the skin the lace of her negligee revealed. “And I would like to do it tonight. That is, if you’ll award me the honor, little dove.”
Beth’s anxiety vanished as her desire and anticipation solidified into something so overwhelming, she couldn’t dream of saying no to him.
“I’m yours, Aidan.” A desperate whimper joined her reply. “Lay your hands on me… please.”
Aidan brought his lips to hers. Their tongues played gently, their hands grabbing clothes and kneading skin. Beth moved against him in search of any friction that could satisfy her need. Nothing, absolutely nothing, worked. She was overcome by countless emotions, all of them screaming for attention.
“I’ve never felt this way before, Aidan. I’m throbbing for you. I can’t… I need…” She gasped as he trailed kisses up her neck, his hands remaining over her nightgown but searing her skin.
“I’m going to take care of you, baby. I promise.”
With a soft kiss to her cheek, Aidan stepped back and extended his hand in invitation. Beth took it and followed him to the bed.
Aidan kissed her as he lowered her to the mattress and eased down on top of her, his knees between her legs and one hand behind her neck. Despite their desperate need for each other, he was so gentle with her. It only made her want him more. She yearned for him to unleash his passion and strength, and claim her body like he’d already claimed her heart.
They rolled together on the bed and ended up with Aidan lying on his back and Beth straddling him, her nightgown hiked up her thighs. In this position there was no denying how hard he was for her; how much he wanted her.
Aidan broke their kiss and pushed the hair from her eyes. “Move against me, baby.”
Beth shifted so his erection was right where she wanted him and made a tentative grind of her hips. The result was astonishing. Her nipples tingled and tightened while the pulses between her legs intensified, echoing throughout her body. Judging from the moan Aidan released, he enjoyed it, too. She lowered her lips to his and took his tongue in her mouth, her hips rocking instinctively against him again and again… faster and faster…
Aidan drifted his hands to her thighs and finally started moving with her.
Beth tilted her head back and closed her eyes, riding him with abandon. “My nightgown… take it off. Please.”
Aidan’s hands traveled up her body, bringing her negligee with them. He lifted the garment over her head and tossed it aside. Beth opened her eyes. Aidan seemed lost in wonder, his expression giving way to a delight so strong her insecurities didn’t even have a chance to resurface.
Beth took his hand and placed it to her heart, taking some time to just stare at him. His damp hair, swollen lips, and the perspiration that glistened on his skin—all of it made him beautiful—but nothing was more striking than his devoted gaze.
Taking her lower lip between her teeth, she slipped his hand down her chest. A pleasurable tingle floated across her skin. Aidan cupped her breast and rubbed his thumb over her nipples.
Beth arched her back and resumed her thrusts, pu
shing herself into his hands and sliding along his arousal. Aidan kissed her passionately, his hips moving in perfect sync with hers, so perfectly that the throbbing between her legs dominated her every thought and drove her every action.
Beth practically ripped Aidan’s T-shirt from his body and dragged her hands down his chest to his stomach, and along the faint dusting of hair that led to his briefs. He switched their positions so she was on the bottom, trapped between his strong arms.
His hair fell across his forehead as he stared down into her eyes. “I’m going to ask you one last time. Is this what you want?”
Beth could only nod, but it was enough. Aidan covered her body with his, one hand pressed to the mattress, the other exploring her curves. His muscles strained, flaunting his strength as he moved against her, but he was still, still, so careful with her.
Beth spread her legs and raised her hips as his hand traveled lower. And then there he was, finally, stroking between her legs, unfurling a desire deep within her she never knew existed. She gasped and writhed against his warm and gentle fingers as they moved along her flesh… circling… petting… massaging her into a state so maddening she couldn’t stop trembling.
Aidan’s lips met her neck. “Does that feel good?”
Beth latched onto his shoulders, reveling in the heat and power of his body. “Oh, yes, it’s… oh! So amazing…”
His finger circled faster.
Beth bit her bottom lip to cage the pleasurable cry that crawled up her throat. It was no use. It was too passionate, too feral, and escaped her with raging intensity, taking with it all of her inhibitions. She couldn’t have felt freer, more alive, and embraced the newfound emotions with fervor, grinding her hips to the rhythm of his hand.
With a soft kiss to her lips, Aidan shifted onto the mattress beside her, never stopping his movements below. Beth whimpered as his other hand met her breast, cupping, kneading, and pinching. She was overwhelmed by the scent of him, his touch, and felt herself soaring higher and higher.
She wriggled against his hand. “I think I’m going to… I feel… Oh!” She gasped, her body convulsing. “Oh, so good… don’t stop.”
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