“Come to my room. Have a drink with me.” He wasn’t asking. He was commanding.
Her knees weakened. She pressed her palm against his chest to keep him from getting any closer. And because she couldn’t resist a little feel of his amazing body. She’d missed him. Missed being alone with him, talking, kissing. Most of all, she missed how he commanded his way around the bedroom.
Give in. Say yes.
“I can’t. I’m tired.” She forced a yawn, exaggerating it.
He arched an eyebrow and visibly clenched his jaw. “I thought you said you had work?”
“I can’t because I have work and I’m tired. Both. Equally.”
Rex leaned in so close his breath whispered across her lips. “I wasn’t asking you to sleep with me. I know better than to ask for that again. If I wanted you right now, I’d press you against the side of the house and have you right here.”
A gasp of desire escaped her. Goddamn he was sexy as hell. Even though she knew all her reasons not to be with him, when he talked to her like that, she was one second away from throwing her panties at him like some horny fan.
His lips hovered over hers but didn’t touch them. She licked her lips, wishing she could taste him. He dropped his hand, letting it fall down her arm, his thumb brushing dangerously close to the side of her breast.
“Just thought you might like to have a drink, share in some polite conversation.” Without another word, he walked into the house.
She let out a long, slow breath that bordered on moaning.
A few steps into the room he stopped and turned back. “I almost forgot. I have an event in a few days. It’s at an estate about an hour from here. I’ll need a date, and I still need security, so you get to be both. I’ll send a dress for the party to your room.”
She nodded, too busy worrying about whether or not he’d heard her moaning sigh. When he left and hadn’t commented on it, she sagged with relief that the whole exchange was over.
If he’d tried to kiss her, she would’ve kissed him back, then did anything else he wanted. Staying away from Rex and keeping things platonic between them from now on sounded like the perfect plan when she said it in her head, but when he touched her and looked at her that way, her brain shut down and her libido took over.
13
Rex kept his hand on Lacey’s lower back as they wove through the throng of people mingling around the pool and gardens. The estate was owned by one of the major studio executives and once a year it was used as a venue to celebrate upcoming summer blockbusters.
With his release a couple of weeks away, he was in the spotlight at the party. Everywhere he went, people shook his hand and congratulated him on a job well done even though they hadn’t seen the movie yet. They’d seen the trailers and heard the buzz surrounding the film and were caught up in the promotional blitz as much as everyone else.
This was what he worked for. He loved being successful and proud of himself and his work. Filming was exciting and fun, but seeing the finished product come together and having everyone else enjoy something he’d been a part of, was a feeling of achievement unlike any other.
The only thing missing was Rowan.
They’d only had a couple of years together in Hollywood before he was killed in the accident, but those days had been the best. They’d been lucky and their first few movies had been more successful than most. He still enjoyed these parties, but they weren’t the same without his brother.
“What are you thinking about?” Lacey asked. “You suddenly look a little sad.”
“I was thinking about the parties I used to attend with Rowan.” It was hard to smile, but he forced one anyway. He’d never told Lacey about Rowan’s accident because he knew she’d done her research when she’d agreed to be his bodyguard. His brother’s accident was common knowledge. But not even the tabloids knew how it had completely changed Rex and the way he approached everything in his life. “He made every party feel like the event of the century.”
“I bet you had a lot of great times together.”
“We did. He was one of those people who could live every moment like it was his last. That kind of energy was contagious. I miss it.”
“Since I’ve known you, you’ve seized every opportunity to live life and have fun—random fancy dates, jogging with your dogs, spontaneous trips, greasy meals in limos—you’ve done it all. You have more of his spirit inside of you than you realize.”
The idea of having a part of Rowan still living because of him made him feel better than he had in a long time. She was right. He did try to live his life like Rowan had, carefree, spontaneous, and exuberant.
But how many of those moments had been since Lacey arrived in his life? He’d done some spontaneous stuff before, but since she’d gotten here, he’d done a lot more. For a while, he’d been going through the motions of living, acting even in real life. Lately, he’d felt less like he was acting and more like he was really living again, being himself, and actually enjoying it.
Was that all because of Lacey? Had she awakened this side of himself that he’d let die with Rowan?
Lacey cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I didn’t even know Rowan so how could I know if you’re like him or not? Forget I said anything.”
He took her hand, kissed it, then pressed it to his chest. Beneath her palm, his heart beat slow and steady, reminding him of how alive he really was. “You didn’t say anything wrong. I don’t usually talk about my brother and certainly not at a party. But tonight,” he looked around, “I’m reminded of him and needed to talk about it for a few minutes. Thank you for listening.”
“You’re welcome. That’s what an assistant is for, right? Attending stuffy parties, booking appearances, listening to movie stars vent about their lives.”
“Fetching lattes,” he added with a wink, knowing it would annoy her. She gave him the irritated look he’d hoped for. “Have I mentioned how amazing you look tonight, in a strictly professional boss-complimenting-his-assistant kind of way?”
“You have. Twice. Thank you.”
“Well, I must really mean it if I keep saying it. I’ve never been one to care much about fashion, but I think I did a damn good job with that dress. It fits like it was made for you.”
Lacey wore a deep red dress that was subtle in its simplicity yet expertly accentuated her curves in exactly the right ways. Low cut in both the front and the back, it was truly amazing that the dress was able to cling to her body enough to stay on her. Since she was on duty tonight, he knew she had to be carrying a weapon somewhere on her body, but he had no idea where. The thin, glimmering material left little of her body to mystery. If he hadn’t been trying to keep his distance from her so things stayed professional, he might’ve asked her directly. As it was, he knew the answer would only entice him to think about her body more.
“Not that I really enjoy dresses, especially fancy dresses, but you did well with this one.” She tugged gently at the shoulder strap, pulling it toward her neck.
“Don’t fidget. It makes you look uncomfortable.”
“If it falls off, I’m going to look naked. Which is worse?”
He knew which he preferred, but he held his tongue. It wouldn’t do either of them any good to think about her naked. Before they could discuss the possibility further, the director of the movie strolled over and shook his hand.
“How are you, Rex?”
“I’m great.”
“And who’s your beautiful date?”
“David, this is Lacey, my assistant.”
David shook Lacey’s hand while eyeing Rex. “Your assistant? I need to hire people from whatever agency you’re using.”
“Nice to meet you,” Lacey said, her voice so sweet Rex almost missed the underlying sarcasm.
The director’s eyes widened as he took his hand back and shook it out as if it had a cramp. “Strong one too.” He cleared his throat. “Enjoying the press and publicity?”
“I
t’s been a whirlwind, but very exciting. I can’t wait to see what the box office does. I think it’s going to be huge.”
“Word is, it’s even going to hit well with the international market. Seems the world loves a good Washington flick as much as the rest of us.”
“A great box office would be good for everyone.”
The studio executive producer wandered up and slapped David on the shoulder. “Sorry, I need to steal you away.”
The night carried on much the same way with quick conversations shouted over the din of loud voices and a live band. It wasn’t Rex’s top choice for a way to spend an evening networking, but he was used to it. Lacey, however, looked like she felt the effects of too much small talk and standing around, and not enough food or sitting.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“I could eat.”
They wandered to the buffet table, but the remaining food looked sickly. “Should we risk it?” he asked.
“Feel like being sick for the rest of the weekend?” she countered.
“Not in the least.” He checked his watch. It was one and they’d chatted with everyone important. “Why don’t I call my chef and ask him to make a pizza and we’ll head home?”
“Isn’t it past his business hours? You’ll drag him out of bed.”
“I pay him very well. He won’t mind.”
He could see her weighing the options. She wasn’t used to his kind of lifestyle where everything was accessible anytime. Her hesitation clearly showed her discomfort.
Someone was always available to him. That’s why he paid them well. If he needed food at three in the morning, it would be ready and waiting for him without complaint. Of course, he could always go home and make himself a sandwich, but where was the fun in that?
“You’re used to snapping your fingers and getting what you want no matter who is inconvenienced, aren’t you?”
“Are you inconvenienced for being here tonight?” he asked pointedly.
“No. I’m working. This is what I’m paid for.”
“And my chef is paid to cook. Anytime. Any meal.”
She sighed. “Fine. I’m starving.”
“Excellent. Let’s get out of here.”
They wove their way through the people still lingering around the pool, this time having to dodge bodies swaying unsteadily on their feet. As they rounded the corner of the house, lights suddenly flashed in their eyes.
“Shit,” he cursed under his breath, pulling her back to the side of the house. “I forgot they were here. Let’s do a picture or two to satisfy them so they don’t hound us all the way home and then we’ll be out of here.” He hated giving into them, but it was better than being chased down like they’d done to his brother. A couple of pictures would get them off their backs for the rest of the night.
She set her jaw and he could tell the idea of pictures made her uncomfortable, but there was nothing he could do about it.
Taking out his cell, he called for the car to pick them up. It would only take his driver a few minutes to get here, which would be more than enough time for pictures. He took her hand and led her out front again.
“Rex, over here!” photographers called.
Though Lacey wasn’t used to this kind of atmosphere, you’d never know it. She stood with her hip kicked out to the side, giving her perfect curves for a picture and smiled coyly at the cameras. A moment later, she dropped his hand and slipped her arm around his waist. He did the same, pulling her in, but not too close.
“Who’s your date tonight, Rex? Is this a new casual thing or do you have a new leading woman in your life?” a reporter asked.
“This is Lacey, my new assistant,” he answered.
“Just an assistant?” someone else asked.
“Yes, and she was nice enough to put on this beautiful gown and accompany me tonight when I needed a date.” He stroked a path up her spine, hiding his fingers under her hair to rub the back of her neck. Her skin was warm and smooth and way too sexy.
“Putting on a beautiful gown is such lousy working conditions, don’t you think?” she asked with a teasing tone and a sweet smile aimed at him.
Holy hell. When she looked at him like that, he almost forgot where he was.
“Lacey, this way!” a photographer called from the right side.
“What designer are you wearing?” someone else asked.
She giggled nervously. “I, um… I have no idea.”
Rex answered for her. The look of disbelief on her face made him grin. She definitely wasn’t used to being spoiled. “It was worth every penny to see you in it,” he whispered close to her ear. “I think we’ve given them more than enough, don’t you? Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Lacey gave one last smile to the cameras then stepped toward the waiting limo. Rex’s hand slid along her shoulder. The material of her dress was smooth and slippery under his fingers as he trailed them down her arm.
Her dress tugged under his foot and she squealed, jerking backward toward him. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her, one hand catching her around the waist, while the other managed to land somewhere a lot more interesting—her breast.
And he didn’t feel a whole lot of material beneath his palm.
He did feel nipple.
If he weren’t in front of a crowd of photographers, his mind would’ve gone to some awesomely dirty places.
Twirling her around so she faced away from the cameras, he stepped in front of her and held out the edges of his suit jacket, shielding her. His large frame more than covered her while she tried to fix the shoulder strap that he’d inadvertently pulled down when he’d stepped on the hem of her dress.
She peeked over her shoulder. “Did they get a picture?”
“I don’t think so, sugar.”
“My dress is torn. It won’t stay up.” Her voice trembled.
He slipped out of his jacket and laid it across her shoulders, pulling it closed in front. “Let’s get you home.”
With his arm tightly around her shoulders, he made sure his jacket was completely secure. He cradled her against his side and strode toward the waiting limo, giving one last wave to the paparazzi as if Lacey’s wardrobe malfunction was no big deal. When they got close, his driver opened the door and they quickly ducked inside.
14
Rex and Lacey leaned back against the car seats. She gripped her dress to her chest. His jacket had fallen open and the tear in her shoulder strap was evident. How he’d managed to do so much damage so quickly, he’d never understand.
Tears pooled in her eyes, but she blinked them away quickly.
“Are you hurt?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I can’t believe I wrecked this gown. This is why I don’t wear pretty things. My first designer gown and it’s going to be my last.”
He laughed. “You didn’t ruin it, I did. And you look great no matter what you’re wearing.”
She bit her bottom lip looking more vulnerable then he’d ever seen her. “Is my boob going to be on magazine covers now?”
“Sugar, if your boob makes the cover of a magazine, it’ll be the bestselling magazine of the month. I have it on good authority that your boobs are fantastic and probably highly photogenic.”
She slugged him in the shoulder then gasped as the front of her dress fell, exposing her again. “I need a safety pin.”
It felt like forever since he’d seen her naked, and she was better in person than in his best fantasies. He hardened at the glimpse of her nipple beading in the cool night air.
“Maybe an extra hand would help?” He inched toward her.
“Rex…” She pressed her free hand against his chest.
“Lacey…” He crept closer. Tilting her chin up to him, he hovered over her lips.
Being with her again wouldn’t help his situation since he’d barely started focusing on work fully without her wandering around in his mind all day. But seeing her in this beautiful dress all night, having her cuddled into hi
s side for pictures, then feeling her breast beneath his palm… It was all he could do not to rip the rest of her dress from her body.
Screw it.
He knew from experience that life was fleeting and sometimes he had to seize an opportunity when it appeared. This was no different. The premiere was drawing closer by the day, which meant his time with Lacey was also drawing closer to an end. Her contract as his bodyguard was set to finish shortly after the movie released and then she’d be gone, on to the next client probably halfway around the world.
But he had her here, now, and the thought of not taking the opportunity to taste her lips again was too much to endure.
Her fingers trailed down his chest and stomach as if giving him permission to continue. He didn’t waste time contemplating whether or not he should. He simply did.
Rex pressed his mouth to hers, claiming it. His. Only his.
The idea that someone else could kiss her someday made him feel an overwhelming sadness. He wanted to be the only man to ever kiss her. Her lips parted, granting him passage and he slipped his tongue between them, licking and tasting her.
She moaned into his mouth and it fueled his desire even more. She arched her back, pressing against him. He wanted her and obviously the feeling was mutual.
He kissed her deeply as her hand gripped the hardened length in his pants. He rubbed against her, eager to feel her touch. The noise of the highway zipping passed them blocked out any thoughts about the rest of the world. There was only Lacey.
Kneeling on the floor of the limo, he pulled her hips to the edge of the seat and slid his hands up her thighs, moving her dress out of the way. Above her ankle he noted the small pistol, but it was out of the way, so he didn’t worry about removing it. Instead he focused on the tiny triangle of black satin that constituted her panties and tugged until they joined her ankle holster.
When he dipped his head beneath her dress, she moaned loudly, holding his shoulders. Her noises made him want to work harder, please her more, until every ounce of her body trembled with the caress of his tongue and fingers.
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 117
