“It’s not as exciting when you live this day to day. Like my boss says, it loses some of its seduction and charm when you see what goes on behind the curtain.” She tilted her head to the side, watching him—“I kind of screwed this bit up, earlier.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”
A nervous tremor ran through her tiny laugh. “Yeah. I’m going to try and do it right this time. Do you want to come back to my room?”
Damn straight. His arousal kicked into overdrive. Except Adeline would kill him if she found out. Who might drop him next if people started more rumors?
She ducked her head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Did she have to be so alluring?
“I’d love to.” He let the truth flow out, before reason could suppress it again. “More than you can imagine.”
She slid from her barstool. “I can imagine a lot of things.”
He offered his arm. When she rested her hand in the crook of his elbow, a new rush of want seared through him. Her soft palm against his bare skin sent a series of delicious images through his thoughts.
They only passed a handful of people between the bar and the elevator, and he was relieved when they were alone in the car. The glass walls were the only thing that kept him from pressing her against the doors and stealing a taste before they reached their destination.
The ride to the top floor seemed to take an eternity, but at least there was no one else around once they got there. He slid a hand into her back pocket, and she leaned against him as she led the way. Her hands trembled when she swiped the key through the lock.
The moment they were in her room, he spun to face her. He twisted his fingers in her hair, pushed her back to the door, and pressed his lips to hers. She whimpered and shifted against him, digging her fingers into his arms and holding him close.
They broke apart with a gasp, but he didn’t let go. “I’ve wanted to do this all day.”
She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. “Did it live up to the fantasy?”
He stepped back, grasped her fingers, and tugged her toward the bed. “Left it in the dust.”
He rested a hand on the side of her face and trailed a line over her cheek with his thumb. Her flushed skin seared his palm. Desire thrummed through him at the want reflected in her hazel eyes. He brushed his lips across hers, barely making contact. She gasped and closed her eyelids. He traced her jawline to her neck. Every time she made a soft noise, she rubbed against him, and his cock twitched.
He slid his hand to the base of her neck, twisting his fingers in her hair, and tugged. Her quiet mewls grew louder when he found the soft spot between her neck and shoulder and scraped it with his teeth. She pressed her frame to him, hand on the back of his head, holding him close. His blood pressure screamed, and he took the hint and sucked on the sensitive skin.
Roaming his hands down her sides, he found the hem of her T-shirt and pushed up. She felt incredible against him, yielding and molding to his every touch. They broke apart long enough for him to tug her shirt over her head and toss it aside. He raked his gaze over her smooth, pale skin. White lace restrained her round tits, her chest rising and falling with each breath. He dipped his head, to resume his attentions, seeking out her collarbone and then licking lower.
Everything about her sensual movements drove his senses wild. He reached her breasts and kissed along the top of one mound before switching to the other.
She stepped away, smiling when he gave her a questioning look. She reached behind her back, unhooked her bra and let it fall, then caught it and tossed it aside.
He brushed his thumbs over her swollen pink nipples, and she gasped and arched her back.
The reaction spurred him on. He pinched one nub between his fingers, rolling it and occasionally pulling. He lowered his mouth to the other, flicking his tongue lightly over the surface.
She pressed closer, pushing into his mouth, and he wrapped his mouth around the sensitive skin, sucked, and scraped his teeth over her nipple. With each light bite, her moans grew louder, and she ground her hips against him.
He alternated between breasts, sucking on one and kneading the other. His cock strained against his jeans, aching.
She pulled his face back to hers, to kiss him again. In one rapid movement, she grabbed the bottom of his shirt and yanked it off. She dropped her fingers to his waist again, only fumbling with his belt for a moment before undoing it.
And then something occurred to him. Disappointment crashing around him, he frowned, rested his hand on hers, and stepped back a few inches.
Chapter Five
Molly hadn’t known what to make of him at the bar. He bounced between flirty and reserved enough to make her head spin. But once the door closed them off from the rest of the world, the hunger in that first kiss made her concerns evaporate.
Except his small frown brought back her doubt. She almost didn’t want to ask. Then again, what she really wanted was for them to keep exploring each other, and whatever caused his dismay was stopping that.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
His expression shifted to a sheepish smile. “I maybe should’ve thought of this before. I don’t have any condoms.”
“Oh.” It had been long enough since she was in a situation like this, she hadn’t thought about it. No wonder he looked unhappy. Her shoulders slumped. As much as she enjoyed the moment, there were some risks she wasn’t willing to take.
He met her gaze again and his scowl morphed into a wicked, seductive smile. He kissed up her neck, gliding his hands down her sides and finding his way to the button on her jeans. His voice caressed her ear. “Then again, maybe we’re okay without.”
She covered his hands with hers, more regret pulsing through her, along with the heat of his skin against hers. “You’re making a big assumption, and I’m not comfortable with that.”
“I’m hoping”—he nipped her earlobe—“you don’t mind letting me watch.”
Her pulse screamed, pounding between her legs. The trepidation of performing for this almost-stranger mingled with excitement that he might get off from watching her do the same. She stepped away until the back of her legs hit the edge of the bed. “Sounds like fun.”
“Don’t move.” He vanished into the bathroom and returned a moment later with a hand towel. He spun the desk chair around and dropped into it, gaze never leaving her for more than a couple of seconds. Every time he looked her over, her skin grew warmer and her slick need begged more loudly for attention.
Her hands shook, as she undid her own jeans, hooked her thumbs in the waistband, and dropped the rest of her clothes to the floor. She straightened and stood in front of him. Her embarrassment at being so exposed was tempered by arousal.
He undid his pants, worked himself free, and glided his hand up and down his shaft. She winced with regret. It would be nice to have him pounding inside her, stretching her out. But this was wicked enough on its own. She dropped onto the edge of the bed and then hesitated. What first?
“Play with your tits.” A controlling edge lined his suggestion.
She cupped her breasts and pinched the swollen nubs, moaning at the contact. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, as she massaged the flesh, tugging harder when he grunted.
“Lie back,” he said in a husky voice. “Use one hand to spread yourself open for me.”
The direct command made her head swim. She gasped when she brushed her swollen sex with her fingers.
“Your pussy is so gorgeous.” His breathing grew heavy. “Shove two fingers inside.”
She did as commanded, arching her back at the penetration. She pumped her hips against her hand, pinching her nipple hard with her other.
“Fuck. I want to be buried inside you.” His growl filled the room.
A need built in her chest. This was incredible, but she wasn’t going to finish. Not by herself. “Please?” Her breathless request slipped out before she could stop it.
<
br /> He chuckled. “Please, what?”
“Let me come for you?” She bit her bottom lip.
“I like that.” His abbreviated grunts teased her senses. “Play with yourself until you come.”
She slid her hand up, gasping when she found her swollen clit. Fingers on either side, she stroked slowly at first. She couldn’t hold out, though. She increased her pace, and from his ragged breathing, he did too. Moans tore from her throat, as her climax built. She arched her back as she peaked, waves of pleasure washing over her as she continued to finger herself. A tiny part of her registered his cries mingling with hers, but she was too lost in the rush to look.
The mattress shifted with a new weight. His hand covered hers, keeping her from pulling away from the now hypersensitive skin. She opened her eyes, to find him studying her, expression dark with lust.
“I want you to come again.” The control was still there. He propped himself up on his elbow and lowered his mouth to her breast, to suck on the raw nipple. He pushed her hand against her sex, prompting her to keep stroking.
The contact on the swollen bits made her head swim, but she didn’t pull away.
“I want”—his voice was broken up by frequent nips to her swollen nub—“to hear you scream again...”
The order itself was almost enough to push her over the edge. She lost herself in the sensations, a second orgasm building quickly and rolling through her. She shuddered as the climax gripped her and then slid away.
He slowed his rough attention and rested his hand on her leg, thumb stroking the inside of her thigh. He kissed her nipple softly one more time, before pressing his lips to hers.
She pushed up on her elbows, crushing her mouth against his, darting her tongue around. It was several seconds before they broke apart.
He trailed his fingers up her stomach, over her chest, and along her neck. “Absolutely amazing.”
She flushed at the affection in his touch and voice. “Definitely.”
MOLLY SIGHED AT THE light brush of lips on the back of her neck, floating halfway between consciousness and sleep. Brandon’s bare chest warmed her back, and draped his arm over her hip, holding her close.
“Go back to sleep.” His soft whisper caressed her ear.
“Mhm...” That sounds nice. Especially if it meant she could stay wrapped up a little longer. She nestled against him and willed her brain to fall asleep again.
She wasn’t sure how much time passed, but she was just drifting off again, when the bed shifted, pulling her awake. Cold enveloped her, before the sheets fell back into place. She rolled over, so she could see him, and frowned as he pulled on his T-shirt. The red numbers on the clock next to him told her it wasn’t even five in the morning.
“Is something wrong?” she asked quietly.
He jumped but didn’t turn to face her. “I hoped you wouldn’t wake up.”
“Too late.” She failed to push aside her creeping disappointment. There was nothing to be upset over. It wasn’t like they were going to spend the rest of the weekend in her room, getting to know each other in every way possible. She knew before she went down to the bar that this would be a one-night thing.
He slumped forward, dropping his face into his hands for a moment, before standing. He still wouldn’t look at her. “I need to get back to my room. I had a great time.”
She wouldn’t stop him. This was the way things were supposed to go. A sliver of light from the hallway fell across her and then vanished again, as he stepped out the door.
Right. Exactly how it’s supposed to go. Wide-awake now, she rolled onto her back, to stare at the ceiling. At least it was fun while it lasted. Maybe she could get a couple more hours’ sleep, before she hit downtown to play tourist.
Chapter Six
Brandon leaned his head against the wall of the shower, and the cool of the tile seeped into his forehead. Scalding water poured down his back. For the first time since he started touring the con circuit, he dreaded spending the day with the crowds and fans. Not because his appreciation for the atmosphere had changed any, but because he’d rather spend the time with Molly, ordering room service, getting acquainted, and if they could get away with it, not getting dressed.
Well, maybe dressing long enough to drop by the hotel gift shop, for a box of condoms.
But then what? They’d still have to go their separate ways tomorrow. And it was never meant to last more than one night. She never implied she wanted otherwise—which was a shame, as far as he was concerned. A woman like her deserved better than a random fling in a hotel room.
This way his agent wouldn’t kill him, for adding a layer of truth to the rumors.
He pushed the regrets aside. It was over, and it had definitely been amazing. No reason to ruin the memories by focusing on the downside. And they were good memories—her fingers digging into his back, her quiet sighs, and her loud moans... His cock reacted to the images. No time for that. He switched the water to cold. He had things to do today.
Fifteen minutes later, he was dressed and riding the elevator down. The familiar scents of bacon and coffee teased him, as they wafted from the hot-breakfast buffet below. Running into her again would be awkward. He should grab his food from the drive-thru down the street. He’d still be back in plenty of time for his first panel of the day. Despite his resolve, he cut a straight line for the complimentary coffee, only taking his attention away from the lobby long enough to mix cream into his drink.
He found a spot away from the crowds—one with a good view of the room. Part of his brain screamed that he was acting like a lovesick puppy. The other part stepped in, to remind him she wasn’t here for the con. His odds of seeing her in the costumed crowds were slim.
“Brandon, I was hoping I’d run into you.” A pleasant tone interrupted his surveillance.
He hid his wince. Trent from Funami, the company that refused to work with him anymore. Brandon pasted on a smile, turned to face the other man, and returned his handshake. “How’s it going?”
Trent was a few inches shorter than Brandon and thin, but the confidence the blond man exuded made him seem taller. Trent’s posture was casual, one hand in his slacks’ pocket. “Could be better, but could also be a lot worse. You must be busy lately.”
Brandon almost choked on the pleasantry. He’d never seen sarcasm pulled off so flawlessly. “Not as busy as I could be. Always looking for my next gig.”
“Really? Then it’s too bad we can’t get Adeline to return our calls.”
The words slammed into Brandon’s brain, making him fumble. Calls? “I’m sorry, what?”
Trent laughed. “It’s why I was hoping to run into you. I hate to go around your agent, but we’ve picked up this new series we really think you’d be perfect for, and we want you to come in and read.”
Brandon worked his jaw up and down for a few seconds, fumbling for a response. “What about the rumors?”
“The...” A blank look crossed Trent’s face. “The love-’em-and-leave-’em complainer?”
The cold assessment of the situation bothered Brandon. He might not have been interested in her, but he still didn’t like that she was hurt by the whole thing. “I suppose.”
Trent waved a hand. “Shit like that happens all the time. You can’t let it get to you, you know? Kids—whether they’re fifteen or fifty—say things that simply aren’t true. You can’t let something like that keep you from going after work.”
Brandon was missing something, but he was catching up quickly enough to realize that the something seemed to be on his agent’s side, and not on Funami’s. “Good point.”
“Glad to hear it.” Trent clapped him on the shoulder. “Have Adeline call us, set up a time, and we’ll get you in to read. You’re free next week?”
“Yeah, definitely.” Brandon’s thoughts were racing out of control. “I can be in on Thursday. I’ll let her know myself.”
“Perfect.”
They exchanged a few more pleasantries, then Trent was g
one, chasing down another distributor.
The moment Trent left, Brandon pulled out his phone. He had Adeline’s number up in seconds. Each ring in his ear was another layer of aggravation and need for answers. Her voice mail clicked on.
He wanted to leave her a furious message, but part of him hoped it was just a misunderstanding. That, and he would hash it out with her in real-time if it wasn’t. “It’s me. Something’s come up, and it’s important. Call me as soon as you can.”
Fury pumped through his veins. Why had she lied? The person he paid to make sure he got work, and she’d cut him off from a source of income. What the hell was going on?
On top of that, based on meaningless threats, he’d walked away from a fantastic night. But—a sliver of glee wormed through his irritation—that meant no one actually cared if he saw Molly one more time before the weekend was up.
A quick glance at his watch told him he still had an hour before his first panel. He glanced at the growing pack of people in front of the elevator and sprinted up the stairs instead. By the time he reached the sixth floor, he had to pause in the stairwell, to catch his breath. Okay, probably not the smartest thing he’d ever done. But worth it. He strode toward Molly’s door, slowing his pace when it came into sight. The cleaning staff was in there, and she wasn’t.
He tried to be subtle about peeking through the crack in the door, but he couldn’t see enough of the room to tell if her stuff was still in there. Please, please let her just be out for the day.
He stopped by his room on the way back to the main floor. Like a lot of the cons, this one had given him two passes—one for him and one for a guest. He never had a reason to use the second one before, but now...
He rushed back down to the lobby and made a straight line for the front desk. The girl behind the counter greeted him with a pleasant smile.
He gave her what he hoped was a winning grin. “I’m trying to find out if Molly in 610 has checked out yet?” Maybe he should’ve gotten her last name.
Faking Love (Fake It Book 1) Page 3
