“Not helping the stress.”
“No stress, pregnant lady,” she says, wagging her finger at me. “Just have fun.”
I walk her downstairs as the doorbell rings. She opens the door, and turns to give me a wink. I laugh, and then my breath catches in my throat as Blake walks in. He’s in grey pants, and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair’s slicked back, and he’s also clean shaven. That’s not what the wink was for, though. It was for the suspenders, which I know Stella had a hand in. I hug her tight, and then push her out the door as she laughs.
Blake pulls on my ponytail, and I turn back to him. “I like this.”
“I like these,” I tell him, pulling on a suspender.
“Stella brought them over.”
“I figured. Jeanne’s all settled?”
“Yeah. She hit it off with Ethan right away. Caleb was barbequing so she thinks she’s in heaven.”
“Oh, she will be. Cal knows how to work a grill.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take you to Heaven later, too. Maybe not with steak, but I have my ways.”
“I’ll be holding you to that.”
“Please do. Now where are we going tonight, because that dress is really doing it for me.”
“It’s a surprise.”
He grumbles, but takes my hand as we head down to my car. I drive, since I know where we’re going. When we pull up outside the non-descriptive building, I get a raised eyebrow. I kiss him, and tell him to trust me.
Inside, I’m greeted by several of the people I’ve met here over the past couple of years. “You remember you’re pregnant, right?” Blake asks, motioning to the bar.
“Yes. I’m not drinking. We’re dancing.”
“Dancing? Aren’t there clubs for that?”
“I’m not talking about grinding on a dance floor. We’re going to Swing.”
“Swing? I thought you didn’t share,” he says with a smirk. I smack him, and he laughs. “Kidding. I don’t know how to Swing dance, in case you were wondering.”
“That’s why we’re here early for the class.”
“I’m probably going to suck.”
“Do you want to leave?”
He looks at me, and then takes my face in his hands. “Not a chance. I wanted to get to know you, and if you want to dance, we’ll dance. I just needed to warn you that I’m a horrible dancer. I’ll try my best for you, but it’s probably going to be a mess that will go viral on social media.”
“Oh. I never thought of that. I keep forgetting you’re a movie star. We can go.”
“Nope. I love that you forget, and it will probably be good for my image to show me making a fool of myself. Let’s do this. Oh, unless it will be bad for you. I know you’re supposed to be secret and all.”
“I’m somewhat in the spotlight because of my public work with Corrigan & Co., and Reina and I talked about the rest this morning. With me being pregnant with your baby, I can’t hide forever, and she has a plan for something else I can do once I’m exposed.”
“Okay then, time to make a fool of myself,” he says, pulling me to my feet.
Blake wasn’t kidding. Even after getting extra attention during the lesson, he still kept tripping over his feet. He told me to just have fun when the dancing began, and he’s been nursing a drink while I let loose. It’s so fun, and freeing, to just move around the floor. I’ve mostly been dancing with the guy I tend to partner up with, but when he starts getting a little too familiar, I leave him on the dance floor.
Blake doesn’t look happy, and I know he saw the guy try to kiss me. I walk over to him and sit right on his lap, straddling him as he puts his hands on my hips. I kiss him like my life depends on it, and then touch my forehead to his. “Are you ready to go?”
“You’ve slept with him, haven’t you?”
“Just once. One time, and then I sent him home.”
“He’s been acting like you belong to him.”
“You know I don’t.”
“Does he?”
“If he doesn’t, that’s his problem.”
“He probably posted the video of me from earlier.”
“Maybe. I’m sorry I brought you here, and you had a bad time.”
“I didn’t. I’m jealous, yes, but I loved seeing you out there dancing. And I had fun during the lesson, even though I failed horribly.”
“With some practice, you might be okay.”
“I’d kind of like to keep trying. It was fun.”
“There’s a few studios that have dance nights, too.”
“Will you go with me?”
“If you’re sure you want to do this. I don’t want you doing it just for me.”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay, I’d love to take dance lessons with you.”
“It’s a date.”
“I’m glad we get a second one.”
“We’re going to have thousands of dates together. Don’t ever doubt that.”
“I won’t.”
“Let’s go home so I can show you moves I’m more proud of.”
“On our first date? What kind of girl do you think I am?”
“The kind who wants multiple orgasms tonight.”
“You know me so well.”
“I’m working on it.”
* * *
Blake
I made a fool out of myself last night, and went to bed with the woman of my dreams. Today, I get to pick the date, and I’m hoping Audrey likes what I have planned. I told her to pack an overnight bag with some warm clothes. I have rehearsal this morning, but we’re leaving right after, and we don’t have to be back until Sunday night.
Isa and Jake offered to keep an eye on Jeanne tonight. I’d feel bad about leaving her with strangers, but she loves it. She’s in her element here, surrounded by these amazing women—and men. The attitude that had made an appearance back home is gone, and she’s more relaxed than I’ve ever seen her. She’s behaving so well that I might give her permission to use her electronics again soon. Maybe.
I’m getting impatient today as we wait for the pizza to arrive. I always feed the kids after rehearsal. They work hard, and I know some of them don’t have much at home. I’ve pretended not to notice when they take the leftovers with them, and I’ve been talking to the school counselors about how I can help.
“Shouldn’t the pizza be here already?” I ask Dale, the college kid who’s working as my Assistant Director.
“Um, yeah. Let me check on it.”
He takes a few steps, and then the theater doors open. Instead of pizza, Audrey and her friends walk in with their arms full of food. Platters, casserole dishes, crock pots, and several pans of what look like desserts. My mouth falls open, as the kids all rush to help them. Jeanne and Dale smile at each other and high five.
“Surprise,” Audrey tells me, kissing my cheek as she walks past me to the tables we use for food.
“What? How?”
“Audrey said the kids might like something more than pizza, so Gavin and I rounded everyone up and put them to work,” Faith tells me.
“Oh my God, Zack Taylor cooked for us?” one of the kids asks.
“He did,” Faith says with a laugh. “He’s getting pretty good at it.”
I pull Audrey away from everyone as they descend on the food. “Thank you. When I told you about the kids, I didn’t expect this.”
“You’re welcome. There should be enough for them all to take some home. We’re going to do this every week. Sometimes Faith may be on a mission, or Gavin might have something going on with his cooking school, but the rest of us will manage.”
“If you keep amazing me every day, I might start feeling more unworthy than I already do.”
“I plan on amazing you every day for the rest of your life, Hollywood, so you had better get used to it.”
I laugh with her, but think about what she didn’t say. She didn’t respond to the part where I said I was unworthy. I know I still have a lot to make
up for, but if everything goes according to plan, I’ll be able to show her how much she’s always meant to me. I’m still waiting for one last phone call, telling me I have the go ahead for what I want, but I have high hopes that with what I offered in return, I’ll get my approval. Until then, I need to wow her on my dates.
“Where are we going today?”
“Not a chance. You didn’t tell me, and I’m not telling you.”
“I didn’t take you somewhere overnight.”
“You kept me overnight.”
“You were a very willing prisoner in my bed.”
“Getting a boner in a room full of high school students is frowned upon, so stop talking about last night,” I say, pulling her in front of me to hide said boner.
“What do you want me to talk about then?” she asks, leaning in to me.
“Chemistry. Talk Chemistry. Throw out elements and formulas. All those things I don’t understand.”
“Oh, you want to hear the things I yell out when you make me come?”
“Audrey.”
“Blake.”
“You are a wicked woman.”
“I am.”
She walks away, leaving me and my situation to myself. I turn my back, and take a few deep breaths, thinking about grandmas, and puppies until my dick behaves, and then I grab some food. It’s amazing, and I thank everyone again once we’re all done and the kids have packed up the leftovers.
“You ready to go, Dree?”
“Yep. I just need to grab my bag from Darcy’s car.”
“No you don’t. We’re dropping you guys off at the airport.”
“Airport?”
“I asked you to pack a bag. Did you really think we were staying in town?”
“Yes?”
“Staycations rock,” Ainsley says as Zack wraps his arms around her, and nods.
“They might, but we’re not staying.”
“Just a little hint.”
“It’s cold.”
“It’s cold here right now.”
“I’ll keep you warm. Come on, we have a plane to catch.”
They take us to the smaller executive airport where I have a plane waiting for us. I wish I could make this part of things a little less ostentatious, but the drive is a little too long, and on a commercial flight, I might get noticed. I’ll probably get noticed on our date, so I want a little time just for us. I also want Audrey to be comfortable, and a private plane will help me achieve that goal as well.
“Matt would’ve let you borrow a Corrigan jet, you know.”
“I’m not borrowing a jet for our date. I don’t even like how it looks for me to rent one for a date, but since Vegas is lacking what I need, I had no choice.”
“It’s fine,” she tells me, placing her hand on my arm once we’re seated.
“Fine? Dammit, I should’ve just bought us commercial tickets. This is too much. I knew it!”
“Blake, I don’t even remember the last time I flew commercial. I don’t care how we get to our date. I just care that we’re on a date. Stop worrying. I’m going to love whatever you have planned.”
“Sorry. I just want things to be perfect for you.”
“I know. I felt the same way last night.”
“I had a great time.”
“Me too, but I think I need to convince you to give me some details about today. How long is the flight?”
Chapter 21
Audrey
An SUV meets us on the tarmac, and Blake apologizes again. I know he’s embarrassed that he can’t just take me around like a normal person, but it’s okay. I know he’s a movie star, and I wasn’t lying about not flying commercial. I use Corrigan planes for all of my travel, and our incomes are actually pretty close. His money means nothing to me, and I know it’s just a way to provide well for Jeanne as far as he’s concerned. Are we more comfortable than the average American? Yes, but neither one of us thinks that makes us better than anyone else. That’s what is important to me.
I know we’ve landed in Salt Lake City, but I’m not exactly sure why we’re here. When the car pulls up to a miniature golf course, I turn to Blake with a look of surprise. “Here?”
“I love mini golf, and Vegas only has indoor ones, which I don’t consider to be the real experience. You have to be outside, with a windmill, and snake or some other animal at the end to sink your ball into.”
“I’m going to ignore the remarks I could make about that last statement, and focus on the fact that we’re playing mini golf. I love mini golf, and you’re right, indoor is not the same. Do you think they have bumper boats, too? Or maybe even laser tag?”
“Probably yes on the boats, but are you sure it’s safe?”
“I’m pregnant, Blake, not incapacitated. I can get a little bumped around.”
“Okay. I’m not even going to try and beat you at laser tag. I’m surprised you don’t have one at your apartments.”
“Nah. That would be too much like work for some of us. I love it, though. Please play with me. I promise to let you hit me a few times.”
“Now who’s using the sexual innuendos?”
“I really wasn’t that time, but if it helps to sway your decision, we can go with it.”
“I can’t say no to you, so lead the way. We’ll start with whatever you want.”
“Golf first, I think.”
“Golf, it is.”
The golf course has American monuments, and no windmill, but we still have fun. We’re evenly matched, and Blake ends up winning by only one stroke. We try to do bumper boats next, but they tell us it’s too cold out. It is cold, but that’s what coats are for. Blake promises to make it up to me as we get ready for laser tag. He’s better at it than he let on, but I still win this one. Blake says we can stay longer, or head to our next destination.
I’m a little tired, and he’s starting to get recognized, so I tell him we should move on. We get in the SUV, and Blake tells me we have about an hour drive. “I’ve never driven in the snow, which is another reason I got the car service. I didn’t want to take a chance with you.”
“We’re going into the mountains?”
“Park City.”
“Really? I’ve heard it’s beautiful there, but I’ve never been. Are we going straight to the hotel?”
“No. I thought we’d get dropped in town, and do a sleigh ride, or have dinner. Our hotel has options, but I was hoping you were up for a little exploring.”
“I am. Do you mind if I take a little nap?”
“Not at all. You can use me as a pillow.”
“Thanks. Your date is blowing mine right out of the water, by the way.”
“It’s not a contest, but I’m really glad you’re enjoying it.”
“I am.”
I curl up into him, resting my head on his shoulder as he puts his arm around me, and kisses the top of my head. It’s not long before I feel my eyes closing. “Sweet dreams, Dree.”
* * *
Blake
I hate to wake Audrey up, but we’re here. There’s a light snow falling and the sun is fading. It’s beautiful, and I want her to see it, so I kiss her softly. She starts kissing me back a moment later, and I pull back to smile at her. “We’re here.”
“Oh wow,” she says, looking outside.
The lights around Main Street are just coming on, and it looks magical. I help her out of the car, and tell the driver that we’ll be here for at least a couple of hours. He makes sure I have his number, and then drives off.
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes. Very.”
“Shit. I should’ve fed you in Salt Lake.”
“I wasn’t hungry then. I woke up that way.”
“Are you sure?”
“One thing you can always count on with me, Hollywood, is that I will eat when I’m hungry. Pregnant or not, I love food, and I’m not vain enough to skip a meal in order to make myself look good.”
“You always look better than good.”
“
Thank you.”
“I heard there’s a really good Italian place around here,” I tell her as I take her hand and begin to walk.
“That sounds like Heaven.”
We find the restaurant, and have a really good meal, despite a few people asking for autographs. I’m used to it, but I hate that my date with Audrey is interrupted. She takes it all in stride, and even acts as photographer when needed.
“Sorry, Dree. I was hoping I could fly under the radar.”
“I am having the best date of my life. I promise. I don’t mind making your fans happy.”
“I want to kiss you, but if I do, it’s going to be all over the internet in seconds.”
“Does that bother you?” she asks, looking hurt and confused.
“Not even a little bit. I just want to make sure you’re okay with it. I know you said you were, but it’s important to me that I don’t mess anything up for you.”
“I don’t mind being photographed with you. It’s kind of a dream come true for me—being out with you, I mean. Not the cameras,” she tells me with a smile.
“Yeah?”
She nods, and I lean over the table to take her face in my hands. I pull her towards me, and kiss her softly. I hear the cell phone cameras, and for once they make me happy. I want the world to know I’m with Audrey. That she’s mine, and I’m hers.
“Ready for a sleigh ride?” I ask, pulling back to catch my breath.
“Only if you promise to kiss me again while we ride.”
“Like not kissing you is even an option.”
“What are we waiting for? My sleigh awaits.”
“Why yes, it does.”
I take her downstairs, and we get into the sleigh I reserved. I bought the whole night because I wasn’t sure when we’d need it, and I’m glad I did. The ride is fun, and the kisses are magical. Huddled up under the blankets, with the lights twinkling and snow falling while I have Audrey in my arms, is beyond description. I seriously can’t think of words that are good enough to describe what I’m feeling right now, and it’s only our second date. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
* * *
Audrey
We’re both quiet as the SUV takes us to the hotel after our sleigh ride. Something changed today between us—well not really changed, more like crystallized for both of us. We fit perfectly together. We laughed, and talked about everything and nothing, and it was perfect. Even now sitting here in the quiet, with my hand in his, I feel how right it is. We don’t need to speak, or say anything.
Playing in SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 9) Page 15
