by Reese Ryan
She’d ordered dinner for them and he’d missed it.
They’d been running a mock runway show, still trying to iron out the run of show and the music selections. He’d let time get away from him. By the time he’d thought to call Audra, he hadn’t gotten an answer.
“Audra,” he called up the stairs. “Are you here?”
He went up the stairs and followed the sound of splashing water. He leaned against the doorframe and grinned. “There you are, beautiful. I’m sorry I missed dinner.”
Audra was soaking in a tub filled with bubbles. A glorious, sweet scent filled the room.
“I understand how it is being a creative.” She shrugged. “I’m just glad you made it home... I mean, to your home...when you did.” Her cheeks flushed, as if she’d been embarrassed by saying home, as if they lived there together.
But it had given him a sense of warmth and comfort. Made him entertain the idea of coming home to Audra every day.
She sat up, the water sloshing. “I hope you don’t mind that I used your tub.”
“Not at all,” he stepped inside the room and sat on the edge of the large garden tub. “I hardly use it. I’m more of a shower guy.”
“Then you should join me.” She grinned. “You’ve had a long, hard day. I’m sure you could use a relaxing soak.”
She had a point; besides, he could hardly resist her tempting offer, especially when she batted those beautiful brown eyes.
Darius stripped down and slipped into the tub behind her, wrapping her in his arms.
The warm water soothed his tired body and having her slick skin pressed to his was like a balm that calmed all the disquieting thoughts in his mind.
He relaxed against the back of the tub. His eyes drifted shut as he leaned his head against the wall.
“This is relaxing. I should do this more often.”
“You should,” she said. “It’s a shame to have such a beautiful tub and barely use it. It’s practically free therapy.”
“Well, when you put it that way, how can I say no?” He kissed the side of her face. “Sorry I’m so late. We were practicing the runway lineup. Time got away from me.”
Audra rested her arms atop his. “This is the biggest moment of your career. Of course, you want everything to be perfect. I realized when I came here that you’d be preoccupied with work. That’s why I booked client appointments. I only returned a couple of hours ago myself.”
“That’s great.” He was relieved she hadn’t been knocking about the house bored while she waited for him. “Who’d you meet with?”
Audra rattled off the list of celebs and society folks and updated him on some of the appointments she had for the rest of the week. Many of them tastemakers and household names.
He squeezed her tight and kissed the side of her cheek. “I’m so incredibly proud of you, Audra. You’ve done everything you set out to do back when we were in grad school. Celebrities and royalty are beating down your door.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him, a wide smile on her face. “Thanks. That means a lot. No one has ever said that to me. My dad was disappointed I didn’t want to work for the family diamond business or go into politics. And my mother would be happier if I settled down with the ‘right’ man—” she used air quotes “—and became a society wife. But what I’ve done is nothing compared to what you’ve accomplished. You built Thr3d from nothing.”
“Don’t ever underestimate what you’ve accomplished, Audra. You followed your dream, despite the pressure from your parents to conform to their expectations. And you’re incredibly talented. There’s a reason A-listers are beating down your door.”
She settled back against his chest. “Who knew that when we were plotting our dreams out five years ago that we’d both actually achieve them?”
He smiled fondly, recalling those lazy Sunday mornings when they’d sit in bed and plan their futures.
They’d both gotten exactly what they wanted; except he’d always planned that they’d do it together.
“How did your client meetings go?” he asked.
“Everything here went well.”
“Did something happen in Royal?”
“I had an unexpected visitor. My ex, Cassius Johannsson. He’s a Texas state representative. And our families have been friends for decades. We dated for a while, but I ended things three months ago.”
“I see.” Darius sucked in a quiet breath. “What did he want?”
“Me.” She turned her body to face his and hugged her knees. “He still has it in his head that I’ll eventually come back to him.”
“And how did you respond?” His heart raced.
“I told him that we’re too different. I’m sorry my leaving hurt him, but it was the right thing for both of us.” Audra smoothed back her hair. “I told him we could go back to being friends, but that’s all I can offer him.”
Darius could swear his heart leaped in his chest. Relieved, he pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Maybe Cash really was the better man. Maybe he deserved a woman like Audra more than Darius did. And maybe it made him selfish to want Audra for himself, but he did.
As soon as he could, he’d tell her everything. And this time, he wouldn’t walk away.
After their bath, he took her to bed and made love to her. He held her in his arms as they drifted off to sleep after a late dinner and cocktails.
Audra rolled over to face him. She kissed him, then whispered, “I’ll do it.”
His brain was fuzzy, thanks to the combination of King’s Finest bourbon, great sex and the promise of sound sleep.
“Fantastic, babe,” he muttered, then added, “What is it that you’re going to do?”
“I’ll model the one-piece swimsuit in the show.”
His brain woke up a little. “Are you sure?”
“My parents will probably freak,” she said. “But yes. I want to do this. For you, but also for me.”
He pulled her to him and cradled her in his arms. “I’ll let the team know tomorrow. We won’t announce that you’ll be in the show. Instead, we’ll say that we have a special guest appearing.”
“Perfect.” She seemed relieved.
She was perfect. She was everything he wanted. And he wouldn’t blow this chance to have her back in his life again.
He just needed a few more days. Time to get through the show and for his parents to arrive back in town. Then he would confess everything to Audra and tell her he wanted to be with her, and only her.
Nineteen
Darius had been running all day on adrenaline and energy drinks. He was as terrified as he was excited by the fact that the show was beginning in minutes.
“Everyone take their places!” Stasia barked over her headset, and all of the models started to line up. A few of them still had a makeup artist or a hairstylist trailing behind them, adding final touches.
Stasia turned to him, cutting off the microphone. “You okay, boss? You look a little green.”
“It’s just the lighting. I’m fine.” He narrowed his gaze at her. “Is the DJ ready to go?”
“Checked with him two minutes ago. He’s ready whenever we are.” She nodded behind him. “And so is she.”
Before he could ask whom, Stasia had cut her microphone back on and was talking to a member of the lighting crew.
He turned in the direction she’d indicated just in time to see Audra.
“You look gorgeous.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, not wanting to ruin her lipstick.
“Thanks.” Audra smoothed down the white, silk robe covering the eggplant-colored swimsuit. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” Why does everyone keep asking that? He must look as stressed as he felt. “Thanks for doing this. It’s going to be an amazing finish to the show. Now you’d better go find your place in line before S
tasia blows a gasket.” He smiled.
“I will.” She walked toward the queue, but then turned back to him. “Just take a deep breath. Everything is going to be fine. The collection is amazing, and buyers are going to be clamoring for it. You’ve outdone yourself, and I’m incredibly proud of you.”
An involuntary smile spread across his face and a sense of calm descended over him. He nodded, thankful Audra was there.
* * *
Audra was right. The show had been amazing, and the swimwear had been a big hit, as had she. The crowd went crazy when they discovered that Audra Lee Covington was the special guest, modeling the swimsuit that was the pièce de résistance of the show.
Audra’s pep talk had calmed him considerably. But it wasn’t until he’d gone out onto the stage to thunderous applause, holding Audra’s hand, that he’d taken his first full, deep breath all day.
Now as he stood on one of his favorite rooftop bars in LA, surveying the skyline, he felt amazing. Almost like he was floating.
The rest of the team was scattered throughout the crowded after-party and Audra had gone to talk to a friend.
He glanced over to where she stood among a group of people taking center stage. Her magnificent, one-shoulder, gold lace dress had a dreamy layer of organza over the skirt. A high split over her right leg revealed miles of smooth, creamy brown skin. Her hair was still pulled up in the braided crown she’d worn during the show.
He couldn’t wait to get her back home, all to himself.
“We’re about to head out.” Anastasia approached him, holding the hand of her girlfriend, May Chen. “We’re both wiped out and I imagine you are, too.”
“I am. I might sleep for two days after this.” Darius took a pull of his bourbon, then set his glass down. “It goes without saying that I could never have done this without you. You’re incredible.” He hugged her. “Thank you for putting up with me.”
“Same.” She winked. “The show was amazing. We’re already getting international orders for the collection. A few buyers want to know if they can order the swimwear for this summer.”
It was something they’d anticipated and hoped for. A plan was in place to ensure delivery.
“Great to hear. Now get out of here and get some much-needed rest.”
Anastasia and May turned to leave, but then Stasia whispered something to May and walked back to him.
“Look, boss, I can understand why you might not want to tell us how you feel about Audra, but I hope you haven’t made the mistake of not telling her how you feel.” They both glanced over to where Audra had dissolved into laughter.
A slow smile spread across his face. He picked up his glass and finished his bourbon. “Go,” he said, one side of his mouth pulled into a smirk.
Stasia grinned. “Good night. See you Monday,” she called over her shoulder as she grabbed May’s hand and they disappeared into the crowd.
“So...” Audra was standing in front of him. “Are we going to another after-party or do I get to take my man home to bed?”
“Your man, huh?” He set his glass down. His heart beat faster as he took a few steps toward her and took her hands in his. “I like the sound of that.”
She leaned toward him, her eyes drifting closed.
“You know there are gossip columnists and paparazzi still hanging around,” he whispered, eyeing the crowd for cell phones or cameras pointed in their direction.
“I do, and I don’t care.” Her eyes were filled with a certainty that made his heart dance. “Now kiss me.”
She didn’t need to tell him twice.
He cradled her face and closed the space between them, pressing his lips to hers.
He was falling in love with this woman all over again. And he couldn’t wait to get her back to his place, strip her of that beautiful gold dress and show her exactly how he felt about her.
* * *
They’d barely stepped over the threshold in Darius’s darkened foyer when Audra grabbed him by the lapels of his tan Tom Ford suit and kissed him.
“Have I told you how dashing you looked tonight?” Audra glided her palms up his crisp, white dress shirt. Then she slipped the jacket from his shoulders and onto a nearby chair in the foyer.
“You did, but I can’t say I mind hearing it again.” He trailed kisses down her neck. “Nor do I mind restating how stunning you look in that dress. Still, I’d much rather see you out of it.”
He fumbled in the limited lighting to find the zipper that started beneath her arm and went down to her waist. He helped her shimmy out of it.
The cool air hit her skin as she stood in the foyer in the La Perla strapless bra and thong she’d purchased earlier that day.
Darius kissed her, his hands gliding down her back and squeezing her naked bottom.
The space between her thighs pulsed and throbbed, and her nipples tightened as the kiss grew more heated.
Audra unbuttoned his shirt and stripped him of it, then fumbled with the brown leather belt at his waist.
She glided down the zipper his hardened length strained against. He stepped out of the pants as they hit the floor.
Neither of them seemed to care about wrinkling the expensive garment.
She slipped her hand beneath the waistband of his underwear and wrapped her fingers around his heated flesh. She glided her thumb over its damp tip and pumped his length with her closed fist.
He gasped. His breathing became more shallow with each stroke.
As she brought him closer to the edge, his kiss became hungrier. Like he needed it as much as his next breath.
But then he grabbed her wrist and led her up the darkened stairs to his bedroom.
He laid her on the bed, but before he could kiss her again, she pressed a hand to his shoulder, stopping him.
“Dare, I’ve tried to convince myself that this was just a fling. That I could get involved with you again without it meaning anything.” She swallowed hard, her pulse racing. “But that’s a lie. The truth is I’ve fallen faster and harder for you now than I did then and...” Her voice wavered.
Feel whatever it is you feel. Don’t try to avoid it.
“I love you, Darius.”
It was too much too soon. But it was the truth. And she needed him to understand just how high the stakes were for her.
“Audra, baby...” He sighed quietly. “I love you, too. More than you know. But there are so many things we need to talk about. So many things I need to tell you.”
“I know.” She cut him off by pressing a thumb to his mouth, then gliding it across his lower lip. “But if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather we didn’t discuss them tonight. The last few days have been so perfect. Let’s not ruin it.” She pressed a soft kiss to his lips, then another.
They faced numerous challenges, if they wanted to make a real go at this relationship. Starting with their demanding careers, her family’s objections and the logistics of him being in LA while she was in Dallas. And she wasn’t ignoring any of that.
But for tonight, it was enough that he loved her, too. And that she’d been brave enough to admit that she loved him.
The rest they’d work out later.
In this moment, all she needed was for the man she loved to take her into his arms and make love to her as if nothing else in the world mattered but the two of them.
Twenty
Darius came out of his walk-in master closet, overflowing with Thr3d sneakers and gear. It was Monday morning. But instead of returning to the office to follow up on the success of the runway show, he’d offered to pick his mother and Will up from the airport.
They’d seemed surprised that he’d offered. Which only exacerbated his guilt about how distant he’d been with them.
He glanced over at his bed where Audra was still sleeping. She’d forgotten to wear her usual silk headscarf and her da
rk hair was spread out over the silk pillowcase.
The sheet was slung low over her bare back and one leg was tangled in the covers.
He chuckled. Audra was as wild a sleeper as she was a lover.
And he wouldn’t change a thing about her.
He only hoped that after he told her the truth about why he’d come to Royal, she’d love him still.
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to the soft skin of her bare back and whispered in her ear. “I have some business to handle before I go into work this morning. But I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
She murmured something unintelligible, and he couldn’t help smiling. He jotted down a note and left it on the table on her side of the bed.
* * *
“Darius, sweetie, it’s so good to see you.” His mother hugged him. Her face had lit up the moment she exited Los Angeles International Airport and saw him leaning against his black Range Rover.
“Hey, Mom.” He hugged her back. “How was the trip?”
“Fantastic!” Will grinned, pulling their luggage behind him. “Just wait until I show you all of the pictures.” He patted the camera around his neck. “How was your big fashion show?”
“Spectacular.” Darius grabbed the luggage from his stepfather.
“Doesn’t surprise us one bit.” Will’s blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. He patted Darius’s shoulder, then raked his fingers through the chin-length gray hair that had fallen into his face. “We’ve always believed in you, son.”
Will had referred to him as son his entire life. But once Darius had learned Will wasn’t his biological father, he’d cringed inside when the man referred to him that way. It had felt like just another part of their lie.
But it didn’t feel that way now. Hearing Will call him son warmed his heart.
“Thanks,” Darius said finally, unlocking the cargo gate and lifting it. The two of them put the luggage inside the truck.
