His Leading Lady

by Jean Joachim

  “You do?” Her face brightened.

  “Yeah, I do. Go on.”

  Penny continued to talk about her father stalking her and making demands. As the emotional level of the story picked up, she stood and went to the window. Her voice shook a little, and she stopped to take a drink. Mark didn’t say a word. He didn’t know what to think.

  “I stopped modeling because I kept getting hit on by photographers and stylists. Sometimes, I believed their lines, only to wake up disappointed the next day. After enough of those, I stopped believing anyone. Then, a good guy like you comes along, and I’m too defensive.”

  “I don’t know anything about your world, but I take your word for it. I can see how being as pretty as you could bring a lot of propositions.”

  “You can’t imagine. I wasn’t prepared for it. And now, I’ve blown it with you, probably the best guy I’ve gone out with in years.” Taking a deep breath, she covered her eyes with her hand.

  Mark pushed to his feet and joined her. I believe her.

  Her voice cracked, and her lip trembled. “It’s hard for me to trust anyone. To open up. It’s safer to be alone. But, it’s so lonely, and I don’t know what to do.” Mark put his beer down on the windowsill and took her in his arms. She cried into his chest, and he stroked her hair.

  They stood together in silence as Penny’s sobs finally wound down to sniffles. She clung to him, and his heart opened. He tightened his grip slightly and kissed her head. Who’d believe such beauty could have so much ugliness in her life? He wanted to fix it. He wanted to make her smile, to make her trust again.

  She broke from him and fished a tissue from her purse. “All I ever wanted to do was design clothes, children’s clothes. I’ve been saving up for school, in New York. To become a designer.”

  “Give up acting and modeling?”

  “I’m not tough enough. Or good enough. I love fashion. I’d be happier, I think, making pretty clothes.”

  Words eluded Mark. He was taken by surprise by her outpouring and her humility. She was more complex than he had expected, and she touched him inside. Gazing into her eyes, he saw the truth, knew she wasn’t acting. He identified with her pain. They plopped down on the sofa together. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

  “Don’t feel sorry for me. I have so much more than so many in the world. I need to sort out my life. I will, eventually. I know I’m defensive, and it’s hard for a man to get through that. I understand how you feel, and I accept you don’t want to see me anymore. I did it to myself.”

  She’s not a heartless bitch. She’s a wounded puppy. She needs me. “Let’s try again.”

  “Really?” She turned to him, eyes filled with hope.

  “Yeah. I didn’t know all that about you. I think I understand better.”

  “I’m not a bitch, not inside.”

  Mark glanced at his watch. “I’m starved. Let’s order a couple of pizzas and watch a movie.”

  “A couple of pizzas?”

  “On season, I get hungry.”

  “I see. What movies do you have?”

  Mark ordered while Penny picked out a thriller for them to watch. He opened more beer, and they lounged on the couch. Penny told stories about her acting experiences, mesmerizing Mark. He was surprised at how animated she became. Quiet, shy girl comes out of her shell.

  Her frozen exterior had thawed. Telling him her story seemed to have unlocked something in Penny. She had revealed her real self to him, and he liked what he saw. She’s got grit. Come a long way by herself. Now, she needs someone. One more female to take care of? Piece of cake.

  ****

  Penny cracked her eyes open. There were colorful bars on the television, indicating that the movie was over. Last thing she remembered was snuggling into Mark and resting her eyes. Just closed them for a minute.

  She had fallen asleep cuddled up against him. His warmth comforted her. His hand rested behind her, and his legs pinned her between them, as if she was part of him. Her nose was touching his neck. She inhaled his delicious masculine scent and struggled not to give him a lick.

  Sharing space barely big enough for his large frame, and definitely not comfortable for two, put her in danger of falling off. She moved her hips an inch, stretched and then relaxed in his embrace. It was three o’clock. Mark shifted his position, almost throwing her to the floor. He rubbed his eyes.

  “Too late to go home,” she said, rising from the sofa and extending her hand. Mark took it, and she led him into the bedroom. He pulled back the covers.

  “I’ll go back to the living room,” he said, his voice thick with sleep.

  “Stay here.” She plopped down with her clothes on, and he joined her, winding an arm around her middle. They were both asleep again within minutes.

  Used to rising early, Penny arose with the sun at six. She carefully lifted the arm Mark had slung over her and slid out from underneath. He muttered something and moved his legs, but remained asleep. She stared at his sleeping face and smiled. He looks so sweet.

  After she made a pot of coffee, Penny peeled off her clothes and took a shower. She donned one of his shirts, which hung down like a dress on her, even though she was five foot nine. She rolled up the sleeves, perched on the end of the bed drinking coffee, and watched him sleep. Within five minutes, he opened his eyes. His gaze traveled over her body with appreciation.

  “Good morning,” he said in a hoarse voice.

  “Coffee wake you?”

  “Yeah. Smells great.”

  “Want some?”

  “Not yet.” He got up and shed his clothes, padding into the bathroom in his boxers. Penny stared at him. Wow! His back and arms were well muscled. The smattering of blond hair on his chest traveled down into a line and disappeared below his waistband. When he walked away, she spied his butt and decided it was cute.

  Her body stirred at the sight of him. Feelings she hadn’t allowed herself for a long time took over. Heat traveled to her core, and the urge to run her hand over his pecs was overwhelming. He was six four, two twenty, with an athlete’s body. She wanted him.

  A sip of coffee wetted her dry mouth. Her nipples hardened in anticipation of the touch of his long fingers. Her pulse kicked up, and a part of her was throbbing that hadn’t done so in ages. He came out of the bathroom in a few minutes with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was wet. He gave her a bright, clean, white smile. Oh, God. Look at you. Touch me, gorgeous.

  “That looks better on you than me,” he said, indicating his blue long-sleeved shirt. She laughed.

  He walked to the closet and warned her, “If you don’t leave, or at least turn around, you’re going to get a view you didn’t bargain for.”

  “Don’t get dressed. Come over here,” she said, patting the bed next to her.

  He raised his eyebrows.

  “Come on. I won’t bite…unless you ask me to.”

  He shrugged. “If you say so.”

  He sat down, fussing with the towel to keep it closed. She placed her coffee on the nightstand and crawled over to him, settling on her knees. She flattened her palms on his chest, tilted her chin up, and stared into his eyes. When he lowered his mouth to hers, she pressed her fingertips into his muscles. She opened for him and gave a little moan when their tongues touched. He put his hands on her waist then lifted his head.

  “You wearing anything under there?”

  She shook her head.

  “Wow. Okay. Is this the green light?”

  “What do you think?” His freshly scrubbed scent teased her nose.

  “I’m afraid to be colorblind here. I don’t usually ask. But with you…well, I don’t want to make a mistake.” He combed his fingers through her hair.

  She traced his jaw with her finger. “Love me, Mark.”

  “Are you sure?” He raised her chin to look directly into her eyes.

  “Never been more sure.”

  He didn’t need more encouragement. His mouth descended on hers in a hungry ki
ss, devouring her, while his hands squeezed her butt then dipped under the shirt to make contact with her skin. At the cool touch of him on her, she shivered. His fingers were gentle, curious, and exciting. He groaned when she pulled the towel off and ran her hands down his sides and over his thighs.

  “Penny, baby,” he moaned, sliding his hands down the backs of her thighs then inside and up. She gave a little gasp as he made contact with her wet warmth. He stroked her, then eased a fingertip inside. With his other hand, he unbuttoned the shirt, pushing it off her shoulder.

  His gaze settled on her bare breast. “Beautiful,” he muttered, moving his hand up to close over the rounded flesh. He kissed her then lowered his lips to her chest. He nipped her peak then caressed it with his tongue. Penny hissed as he stoked her fire.

  Desire paralyzed her. She couldn’t move, only close her eyes and focus on the heat his hands and lips were creating. Mark eased her back on the pillows. He kissed his way down her abdomen and below, his head stopping between her legs. “Oh, God, Mark, don’t stop. Please.”

  He chuckled in response. She lost her hands in his hair. He pushed up and sucked on her belly then flattened his tongue and guided it up to her breast. Penny sat up and moved her hands down, closing her fingers around his rock-solid erection. He moaned and stopped moving as she glided her hand up and down.

  After a few seconds, Mark repositioned her flat on her back. He removed her hand and reached into the nightstand for a condom. His gaze never left her body.

  “You’re gorgeous.” Penny put her hands on either side of his stubbly cheeks and pulled him down for a kiss. She ravaged his mouth. “I want you,” she muttered, completely lost in the feel of him, the scent of him, the taste of him. “Take me, Mark, oh God!”

  “Hang on a sec.” He finished covering himself and pushed her knees up.

  “Do it. Now. Please!”

  He grinned at her and rubbed himself on her slippery flesh to spread her lubrication. Then, he entered her, slowly.

  “Hurry, hurry, you’re killing me,” she closed her eyes again and arched her back.

  He snorted then plunged into her full force, burying himself deep inside. She gave a loud gasp, and he stopped. “You okay?” he asked, raising his eyes to hers.

  “God, yes. Don’t stop!”

  He thrust into her again then pulled out and continued the rhythm. Heat coiled inside her like a spring being wound tighter and tighter. The pressure grew, until she thought she couldn’t bear it another minute. Balanced on his knees, Mark grabbed her hips, his fingertips pressing into her skin, and pumped into her, increasing his speed as her moans got louder.

  Sweat dripped off his forehead. He lifted her leg and hitched her ankle on his shoulder to bury himself deeper, making her hips buck. She gripped his arms, digging her fingers into his muscles as he brought her to a climax. She cried out when the pressure burst and pleasure flowed to every part of her body. He continued to move inside her.

  Sensing Mark watching her, Penny opened her eyes. With his blond hair falling over his forehead, his eyes bright with lust, and a slight growth of beard, he looked more handsome than ever. Then, he shut his eyes, pounded her a few times, and collapsed with a loud groan. Deep breathing was the only sound to crack the silence in the room. Penny ran her hand along his cheek. His eyes connected with hers before he brushed his lips across hers.

  “You’re amazing,” he whispered, peering at her through damp lashes.

  “Not the cold, sexless bitch you were expecting?” She chuckled, combing her fingers through his hair.

  “The opposite.”

  “You’re pretty amazing yourself.”

  Mark pushed up on his elbows. He toyed with the ends of her long hair as his gaze examined her face. “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  Do I tell the truth or hide from him? Don’t lose him again. “Truth? Feeling lucky I didn’t lose you.”

  “Me, too.” He traced the outline of her lips with his finger. She opened her mouth and sucked the digit in. Mark wiggled his eyebrows, making her laugh.

  “What about you?”

  “I’m thinking I could go for a giant breakfast about now. How about it? There’s a diner makes great home fries down the block.”

  They dressed and headed out to eat. Mark took Penny’s hand as they walked along in the warmth, before the desert sun got too hot. She smiled as she buried her small hand in his large one. All of a sudden, he stopped, turned, and kissed her, then tucked her under his arm and continued down the street.

  “What was that for?” she asked.

  “For being so hot.”

  Penny laughed. She shook her head to rid it of negative thoughts. Other men have started out like this. Great the first time you sleep with them, then on to the next conquest. Be careful. She wanted to curb her feelings, but it wasn’t possible. Happiness filled her heart, and she refused to deny herself. For however long it lasts, enjoy him. Enjoy being together. An easy smile spread across her face.

  Yes, she would enjoy him and be happy now, even if it all disappeared in a day or two. Maybe this would be different. Maybe he would be different. Maybe they were meant to be.

  After breakfast, they returned to Mark’s apartment and made love again. They took their time, exploring each other’s bodies, ramping up their pleasure. A trip to Penny’s gym burned off any extra energy. Then, they caught a movie.

  Back at Mark’s place for the night, Penny scrounged up a spaghetti dinner from things in Mark’s kitchen. Mark ran lines with Penny for her next scene in Las Vegas Beat.

  “Practice tomorrow. Early to bed,” Mark said.

  “I’m not shooting until the afternoon.” She picked up her purse.

  Mark put his hand on her arm. “Stay?”

  “Again?” She cocked an eyebrow at him.

  “I got the best night’s sleep, sleeping with you.”

  “Did you have only sleeping on your mind?”

  “That depends on you.” He stroked her hair.

  “I’m game.” She twined her arms around him and pulled him close. He bent down and kissed her.

  “I don’t want to push you,” he said, making another assault on her mouth.

  “You’re not. I want to stay.”

  “My prayers have been answered.” He took her hand, led her into the bedroom, and closed the door.

  Chapter Four

  Mark bounded out of bed full of energy. After more lovemaking, instead of feeling sated, his appetite for Penny had increased. Her frankly expressed desire for him turned him on. He’d been looking for a woman who wanted him the way he wanted her. Now, he’d found her. Would he ever be able to get enough of Penny? He’d sure enjoy trying.

  She relaxed, letting down her guard with their increased intimacy, revealing her softer side. Gone was the tough girl he’d seen at the Italian restaurant. They shared a big breakfast at the diner again before parting ways, getting back to their own lives. Mark was definitely in lust, also in like, and maybe falling in love. He thought about her all the way to the stadium. The memory of her scent tickled his nose. The smooth softness of her skin lingered on his fingertips.

  He had invited her to watch practice whenever she didn’t have to be on the set. Was that too forward? Was he behaving like a man in love, throwing himself at her feet? He was, and he didn’t care.

  Even Darvin’s teasing and baiting didn’t bother him. He trotted onto the field and joined in the warm-ups with enthusiasm. Mark couldn’t stop smiling. He ran laps, did push-ups and crunches. No matter how tough the regimen was, he didn’t flinch. A new strength flowed through his veins. He wasn’t alone.

  With Megan so far away, it had been hard for Mark. They hadn’t been separated before. She’d always been his buffer, the one to buck him up when he needed a cheerleader. Penny brought new light into his life, and he was flying high.

  “Hey, Dopey,” Harley called.

  “What?” Mark replied.

  “One of the seven dwarves? He had a smile
like you do. Get lucky with that Penny chick?”

  “She’s terrific.”

  “I’ll bet,” he snickered.

  Mark fisted Harley’s shirt and pulled him nose-to-nose. “Watch the way you talk about her.”

  “Oh, it’s like that now, is it?”

  “Maybe it is,” Mark said, releasing his friend.

  “I see. Love bug bit ya?”

  “Mind your own business, Harley,” Mark wandered away to get a ball and warm up his arm.

  Coach gathered all the players together. “Mr. Oswald is going to be here during practice for the next few weeks.”

  “Who’s Mr. Oswald?” one of the rookies piped up.

  “He’s the owner of your team, asshole.” A ripple of laughter went through the crowd.

  “What for, Coach?”

  “He’s makin’ cuts to the squad at the end of next month. So be on your toes. And for Chrissakes, be on time! Let’s go.” He gestured, and the men broke into teams to run plays.

  “You’ve got a visitor,” Harley said, pointing to the stands.

  Mark looked over to see Penny sitting in the third row. He waved, and she waved back. Mark’s arm muscles were loose, and he threw pass after pass that hit their marks. Coach actually smiled for a second before his natural scowl returned. Penny is bringing me luck. His good mood continued until he hit the showers, where Darvin cornered him.

  “I’d better make the cut, Davis, or you’ll be playing from a wheelchair.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  “Sure as hell ain’t a birthday card.”

  “Hey, if it’s you or me, may the best man win.”

  “And that’s me. Bad enough you stole that chick from me. Uptight little bitch.”

  Mark pushed Sweetwater up against the wall. “Watch the way you talk about her.”

  “Yeah?” An evil grin spread across Darvin’s face. “Got the hots for the little slut?”

  “None of your business. This is about football, Sweetwater. Leave it there.”

  “This is about you and me, Davis. You start it, and I’ll finish it.”