She kissed him hard, agreeing to his offer without words. Rex was too sexy to ignore. When he got decisive and knowing about what he wanted and when he wanted it, it did something to her brain. It made her forget her hard tough-girl side and get in touch with her gooey-girly side instead.
The stronger he was, the softer she became and resisting him was damn near impossible.
But when she had a man like Rex touching her, kissing her, wanting to be inside of her, did she really want to resist?
Hell, no.
Later she might regret this decision, but this moment would never be forgotten.
“Say you’re mine,” Rex said against her lips.
She rested her forehead on his, trying to catch her breath. “I’m yours.”
Lacey hovered over him as he unzipped his pants, freed his length, and sheathed himself with a condom he’d produced from God only knew where. Maybe celebrities had magical condom fairies or something.
A moment later, he shifted her panties to the side and pulled her down onto his length. She found an easy rhythm, enjoying every thrust of his body against hers. Stones pressed into her knees from beneath the blanket and they were the only things keeping her planted in reality. Everything else felt like a dream.
Rex caressed her as if she wasn’t still wearing clothes. Every nerve ending in her body sparked to life with his touch. As she rode him harder and faster, he matched her pace thrust for thrust, bringing them both closer to climax until neither could hold on any longer.
Lacey collapsed on his chest while she tried to catch her breath. The air was hot and dry, her body slick with sweat. She felt dizzy in the heat and from the euphoria of being with Rex again, out in the open, giving in to their raw, primal urges.
She’d never felt so free and so alive.
If something didn’t douse the passion between them soon, she’d be in too deep to ever find her way without him again.
Rex stopped outside their doors. Since they’d gotten back from their little excursion to the Grand Canyon, they’d checked in with Gabe and Alexia, acting as if nothing but a normal day had happened. They’d all gone to dinner, played at a few of the tables together, and had drinks at the bar to finish off the night. Any other time, Rex would’ve been content and more than happy to hang out into the early morning hours, especially with friends.
Tonight was different. He’d thought nonstop about how soon he could make an excuse to get Lacey back to his room. Hanging out with his whole team was fun but being alone with Lacey was better.
The few times he’d managed to get her alone since she’d started working for him, there’d been no underlying worry about his safety or the movie’s success or anything else that usually plagued his thoughts. There’d only been thoughts of Lacey—what she liked to do for fun, her favorite foods, what position she liked best in bed. That last one was an added bonus. It was the other stuff that made him want to have her all to himself again.
She didn’t talk much when they were out as a group, too busy in her role as security and pretend assistant to let down her guard enough to talk to him about real stuff. He much preferred her in a relaxed state when she’d share her thoughts. He liked getting to know the Lacey behind the tough exterior. The woman who didn’t show herself to many people except those she was closest too. He’d gotten used to being included in her inner circle.
“Want to come in for a drink? I still have the remainder of the bottle left. It’s got your name on it.” He leaned against the doorframe and gave her his best smile, the one that usually got him anything he wanted. Right now, he wanted her. And he didn’t even care if that led to his bed. He only wanted to spend time with her.
Well, he cared a little.
“That’s not a good idea,” she answered.
“That’s a matter of opinion.”
“Your press thing is tomorrow, and I need to be at my best, not tired.” She dropped her gaze to the floor.
She didn’t have to say any more for him to know this was the thing that bothered her the most about her work. He wouldn’t push her limits and make her uncomfortable.
“Goodnight,” he said simply. Letting himself into his room, he went directly to the cabinet and poured himself a whiskey on the rocks.
12
Rex tried his best to concentrate on the questions, look at the interviewer and not the cameras, and most importantly, act like he was having an amazing day. In actuality, he was tired and distracted. He’d laid awake half the night thinking about Lacey. Luckily, the press event included three other members of the movie cast, so he wasn’t the only one answering questions.
Sam, the supporting actor, said something Rex hadn’t heard, but the rest of the room burst out laughing so he did too.
“Why don’t we do that?” one of the co-hosts asked, turning to the live audience. “What do you think?”
Do what?
“Are we letting them make us do this?” Rachel asked, whispering in his ear. She’d been a great leading actress and he enjoyed seeing her again.
He wasn’t sure how to answer since he didn’t know what the hell was going on. Shrugging, he said, “If that’s what the crowd wants.”
She looked surprised. “I’m game if you are.”
“Okay, let’s see if Sam really is the only one of you who could make it on our dancing show! Maybe the producers were wrong and should’ve hired all of you.”
Dancing? Oh hell no.
“Pick a partner from the audience and let’s see what you can do!” the host said as the audience cheered and called out names, waving their arms to be chosen.
This was bad. Not only was he a terrible dancer, but there was no way he should be dancing with a stranger while there were unknown threats circulating. He glanced at Lacey. She shook her head slightly and mouthed, “One second.”
The other cast members made their way to the audience, shaking hands and smiling while they looked for a dance partner. Rex took his time unclipping his microphone and getting out of his chair, then walking across the small stage. When he finally neared the edge, he shook a couple of hands and looked back toward Lacey, but she had disappeared. Her clipboard and jacket were left in a pile on the floor where she’d been standing.
“Pick me!” a familiar voice shouted from within the crush of the crowd.
After searching for a second, he found Lacey, jumping up and down like the rest of the fans. Her hair, which was normally pulled back into a clean ponytail or bun, was loose and wild around her face. Parted on the side, a lock of bangs swept low across her forehead. A pair of large, dark glasses framed her eyes. She looked so different; he’d almost missed her in the crowd. If he didn’t know who she really was, he’d never guess she was security. Reaching past the others, he grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the stage.
“Oh my God! I can’t believe it’s really you!” she squealed, grabbing his arm.
“Can’t stand to watch someone else dance with me, huh?” he teased in a low voice only she could hear.
“More like saving your ass from a possible threat.” She held out her phone in front of them. “Smile!”
Lacey snuggled against his side as they posed for a photo. To anyone watching them, she looked like any other excited fan. If the girl ever needed work, she could get a job as an actress.
“Now that everyone has a partner, let’s see if you can keep up with Sam. He learned the Salsa this week, so let’s start with that!” The crowd cheered as music rang out through the speakers.
Rex took one of Lacey’s hands in his and put his other on the small of her back, noting the lump of a concealed weapon hiding there. He spread out his fingers to cover as much of it as he could, hoping no one would notice the hard angles under the thin material.
“Do you know how to Salsa?” he asked.
“No. Do you?”
He shook his head and chuckled. “Not a fucking clue.”
Together they wiggled their hips and took steps forward and back in time to t
he beat. He tried to copy Sam and his professional dance partner. “This isn’t so bad.”
“You’re right. I enjoy looking like an idiot on national TV.”
He smiled and pulled her closer, his hand edging lower on her back. Feeling her body move against his brought back all the memories of their recent time together. “You definitely don’t look like an idiot while moving your hips like that.” His voice was low and wanting.
“Watch your hand. I’m a stranger,” she warned.
Crap.
How could he forget where he was and who he was supposed to be with so quickly? When he looked down at Lacey in his arms, the answer was clear—because whenever he was around her, he wasn’t Rex Randall movie star. He was just Rex.
As much as he liked being with her, and he liked it a lot, it wasn’t good for him. Being with Lacey, seeing her, even thinking about her, made him unfocused. It was one thing if that happened around the house, but it was worse if it happened during interviews and appearances. He needed his career to stay on track and his movie opening to go well. But could he have that if he kept being distracted by Lacey? Did he want to give her up if the answer was no?
She was the bodyguard, he was the star. He couldn’t forget that, but it also didn’t mean he had to like it.
“I think it’s safe to say that Sam and his partner win that round!” the host said. “Let’s see how you do with the Waltz.”
The music changed, and Rex and Lacey watched the others dance for a moment before trying to copy them. It was clear they weren’t going to win this round either, not that he cared. He laughed and smiled, playing along.
“How’s the crowd today?” he asked into her ear. “Anything worrisome out there?” Best to keep their conversation on business.
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
Concern shot through him and he stopped moving. “But something you’re worried about? What is it? Tell me. I can handle it.”
“Keep dancing,” she said, urging his feet to move by trying to lead him. “Just a couple of familiar faces here that I recognize from a few of your other appearances.”
“That’s not unusual. There are often paparazzi who come to everything.”
“These aren’t photographers. They look like regular fans, no cameras or anything.”
He shrugged. “Maybe I have a couple of stalker-ish super fans. I hate to say it again, but I am Rex Randall.” He moved her around the small stage in time with the music.
“Your ego is huge.”
“You know that’s not the only thing that is.” He winked.
Lacey rolled her eyes.
The music stopped, and the crowds cheered. The hosts deemed Sam the winner and thanked the audience members for playing along, then asked them to exit the stage so they could carry on with the rest of the interview.
“Signal me if you see anything concerning,” he whispered into her ear while walking her back to the audience.
“You know I will.”
She disappeared into the crowd while he turned and retook his seat among his fellow cast mates. By the time the hosts began asking questions again, Lacey was back in her post, glasses gone, hair pulled back neatly, and jacket zipped back up to help conceal her weapon. Her gaze locked on his for a moment then she gave the signal for everything being fine and went back to taking notes on her clipboard while scanning the audience.
Forcing all thoughts of Lacey out of his mind, he finally started paying attention to the show hosts and the rest of the cast, feeling focused for the first time since getting to Vegas. This was what he had to do from now on. Fooling around with Lacey was distracting and dangerous to both of them and he should know better than to let their emotions get them in trouble. He had to cool things off with Lacey, for both of their sakes.
If he didn’t, he’d risk their safety and their jobs.
He couldn’t let that happen. Lacey was already hard on herself because of the incident with her last client. He didn’t want to contribute to her feeling like she wasn’t doing a good enough job when he was really the instigating problem. Nor could he risk his own career. Not when he was so close to finally getting what he wanted.
If this movie opened as well as everyone thought it would, he might actually get a chance to act in and direct the movie he’d been writing for the last few years. He might get the chance to finally tell his brother’s story.
If only he could remember that when he was alone with Lacey.
Lacey finished her walk around the perimeter of the house and then made her way down to the beach. As usual, Bond and McClane were on her heels, accompanying her on the security check. Every evening when she was done, she’d toss a ball and they’d run off some energy before settling for the night. It was a routine they’d all gotten used to and enjoyed.
On her way past the back gate, she grabbed her bottle of beer and twisted off the cap, pocketing it. Now that she’d completed her check, she was off-duty and free to relax with the dogs, have a drink, and later dive into the new murder mystery paperback that had just arrived.
Steven was manning the cameras, like always. He’d arrived a few hours early for some extra overtime. Lacey needed an evening off to herself. She wanted to savor a little peace and quiet with the waves crashing on the shore and the seagulls squawking for their dinners.
She threw the neon green ball as far as she could, laughing as the dogs took off after it. Each raced to reach it first. There was a brief scuffle before Bond successfully grabbed it and trotted back to her. Signaling for him to drop it, the dog obeyed immediately and pranced in place while waiting for her to throw it again. This time, she turned and tossed it the opposite direction, sending them sprinting away.
“They’ll do that all night if you let them,” Rex said coming to her side, a bottle in his hand as well.
She’d seen him on the back deck, then coming down the stairs, but she’d hoped he would watch from a distance. Guess not.
He hadn’t flirted with her again since the night after the Grand Canyon visit a week ago and she didn’t know if she hoped he would tonight or not. She knew that wasn’t the best thing for either of them, but damn it was hard to listen to reason when he was around. Her body craved his touch. She dreamed of him every night. Deep inside her chest a constant tugging sensation made her feel like she was being pulled to him. She found herself wanting to ask about his day, his new projects, his family, his future—all of it.
She’d been the one to tell him no last time, and she stood by that decision. Getting involved with the man she was paid to protect was a bad idea for multiple reasons. But that didn’t mean she didn’t still desire him. She thought he’d continue to want her too, but now that he hadn’t hit on her again since the Grand Canyon, she worried she’d just been a booty call to him—someone to pass the time with in Vegas and nothing more. It shouldn’t matter to her either way, but it did.
“They’re usually satisfied with the thirty minutes I give them,” she said, scooping up the ball and tossing it again.
“Everyone should be so lucky to get your undivided attention.” He took a slug of his beer.
Was that flirting?
“Lucky for me too since this is exactly the relaxation I need at the end of the day.”
They took turns throwing the toy for the dogs without speaking. The silence was surprisingly comfortable, as if they’d been doing it for years.
“Tomorrow’s going to be a quiet day and I know you’re originally from here. Is there anything you want to do or anyone you want to visit? I was planning on sticking around the house all day, so it should be a safe day off for you, if you want it.”
There were a few friends and family in the area that she could see, but honestly, she didn’t feel the overwhelming urge to visit with any of them. The friends she’d had when she lived here had changed over the years, as she had, and they had very little in common anymore.
“I’m good. My parents are travelling in Asia.”
How man
y times had she said that to someone growing up? They’d left her at home while they traveled more often than any kid should be left alone. There’d been nannies around, but they were no replacement for parents. She’d learned to get by without them then, and now she didn’t feel the need to include them in her life. It wasn’t as if she held a grudge. They were used to going long periods without talking. Everyone was fine with that situation.
“You can still have the day off. Do something fun. Like the spa.”
“I’m not the spa type. Why’re you trying to get rid of me?”
“I’m not. I’m trying to be a good boss. The trainer is coming. It’s been a while since I’ve had a good ass kicking, not including the one in my room by you,” he said, pausing to smile at her.
She didn’t respond. It was a good ass kicking and the moment that started everything intimate between them. Exactly the kind of thing she was trying hard not to focus on.
“I can tell my workout is getting sloppy now that I’ve had a little break from the daily grind, so it’s time to get back to the gym.”
“Sounds fun.”
“It’s not. Tyler is a beast. If you decide to stick around here, you’re welcome to join us. That is, if you think you can handle the workout.” The undertone in his voice was challenging as if he was trying to get her to join them. That wouldn’t happen.
“Thanks. I have my own workout routine.”
Bond and McClane flopped down at Lacey’s feet, panting. “Looks like they’re finally tired. I’m heading in.” She signaled the dogs to follow. “I’ve still got some research to do.”
They made their way up the back stairs, pausing long enough to make sure the security gate closed fully. At the sliding doors, Lacey wiped the sand from Bond’s paws while Rex took care of McClane’s. As soon as they opened the door, the dogs bolted straight for the couch.
Rex held his arm across the opening, effectively blocking her path. His gaze was intense, penetrating beneath the cold exterior she tried to keep locked around her. She kept her expression steady, not wanting to give away how much his close proximity weighed on her ability to resist him.
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