Written in the Stars: A Contemporary Hollywood Romance

by Renea Mason

  "I think he knows. He told me he masturbates to my books."

  Vicky picked up the cocktail napkin and fanned herself. "He told you that?"

  I nodded.

  Kelly bit her lip. "Holy fucking hot. I've got to know. I know his ass is to die for, but what about the rest of the equipment?"

  I took a deep breath. "He exceeded my expectations. The man was really perfected by God. You know what the sexiest thing for me is, though?"

  Vicky giggled. "This should be good. Guy has a big dick and great ass, and she's fixated on something else. I'm beginning to think you don't deserve him, Kate."

  "Oh, I didn't say I didn't appreciate those things about him. I do. I really do. But his voice does things to me, and he's really easy to talk to." I ran my tongue across my top lip, thinking about the teasing vibration of him whispering against my ear, and smiled.

  Kelly raised her hand to get the waitress's attention. "Finally, you're starting to realize just how great this is."

  My phone pinged again. Kelly reached for it, but I picked it up first. "I'll get it this time."

  Lachlan Sinclair: Did I mention I'm an introvert, and these functions are torture?

  Another chime. This time, it was a photo of him, a selfie against a backdrop of a room full of people with an exaggerated pained expression.

  Me: I recommend a nice stiff drink.

  Lachlan Sinclair: Way ahead of you, love.

  A photo of him sipping an amber-colored liquor from an expensive glass followed.

  Lachlan Sinclair: Barely survived the press. It seems someone wanting to kill you makes good news.

  Me: Too bad my wizardly powers are limited to elixirs and not something more useful like temporal flux or teleportation, so I could beam you out of there.

  Lachlan Sinclair: And seduction.

  Me: Huh?

  Lachlan Sinclair: Your other power is seduction. All you had to say was teleportation, and I'm already thinking about the possibilities of what we could be doing if you zapped me out of here and brought me to you.

  Me: Kinky. I'm in the middle of a bar with Vicky and Kelly.

  Lachlan Sinclair: Love, I'm not opposed to ravishing you in public. Do they know about us yet?

  Me: Yes.

  Lachlan Sinclair: Good. Did you tell them I've worked myself into your life and had my wicked ways with you?

  Me: Something like that.

  Lachlan Sinclair: Have fun with your friends. I won't keep you. I have a few more folks to see. Until later.

  Kelly slammed her hand on the table. "You gonna share with the class, or you just gonna keep grinning at your phone."

  I handed them the phone.

  "Holy shit, that's Amy Marcos beside him." Vicky scrolled through his texts and photos. "You are so fucking lucky."

  "You know, that's the thing." I stared at my glass. "I don't think I deserve it. Daniel was perfect. It isn't possible to have that twice in one lifetime. I just feel like it will fall apart at any moment."

  Kelly leaned across the table and said probably the most poignant thing she has ever said. "If it does, it does. Just don't be the reason it does. You'll never forgive yourself."

  "You're right." I pulled cash out my purse and paid my bill. "I'm going to head home. Sorry for holding out on you."

  Kelly scoffed. "So soon?"

  I shrugged on my coat and leaned down. "Yeah, he's calling tonight. It's not like the old days where you could be wearing fleece pajamas and pretend to be sexy. There's video now. I have to prepare."

  They both laughed.

  "No problem, but next time, we get to meet him." Vicky wasn't going to waver.

  "That will be up to him if there is a next time, but I'll see what I can do."

  I headed for the door, hearing Kelly yell, "Lucky bitch," over her shoulder.

  10

  Storytime

  I had never been so nervous about a phone call in my life, and it was silly to be so now. I showered, readied for bed in a way that didn't look like I went through too much fuss, yet still put together enough to be somewhat sexy.

  The siren call of the text message chimed.

  Lachlan Sinclair: Love, you awake?

  Me: Yes.

  My phone rang a moment later, and I answered the call on my laptop. His handsome face appeared on my screen, much larger than my phone would allow.

  "Hi, beautiful," he said, his voice sexy and deep.

  "Hey, you."

  He tugged on his bow tie, unraveling it and letting thin strip of black silk hang around his collar. "Are you all nestled in for the night?"

  "I am."

  He squinted, studying the image of me on his end. "I remember those sheets."

  I smiled. "Did you just get back?"

  He bent to take off his shoes, then started unbuttoning his shirt. "The door hadn't even closed behind me before I texted you." His fingers worked each button.

  "Mmm… I didn't know I was going to get a striptease."

  He stopped to adjust the camera, so I had a better view of him then continued taking off his clothes at a much slower pace. "Love, I'm not teasing, I'm promising. It's all your fault."

  "My fault? How so?"

  He unbuttoned his pants. "I can't get you out of my mind. I feel like a bloody teenager."

  "What do you mean?"

  He unzipped his slacks, revealing his very erect cock tenting his boxers. He raised an eyebrow and looked at me through the camera. "Well, there's that." He pointed at his cock. "Remember, I told you, he's an inspiration whore. You have become quite the muse, my love. And I don't know…I just…" He ran his hand through his hair. "I just miss you."

  I don't know why, but I looked away from him, trying to hide my smile.

  "Wait…" He pulled the camera closer. "That right there. That is everything. That look. You have this innocence about you that makes me feel…I don't know…like a man…God…I'm bad at explaining this." He ran his hands through his hair. "But I know what's underneath, what's in your mind, and it's like…it's like our dirty little secret. That's so incredibly sexy. Katherine?" He stood in only his boxers. So fucking gorgeous.

  "Yes, Mr. Sinclair."

  "Why do I love it so much when you call me that? I mean, God…it just does something to me." He gripped his cock through his underwear.

  "Well, if I were to guess, you enjoy being in charge. And I...well, there are times when I like someone in charge, but I think you've already guessed that."

  He buried his face in his hands. "Yes, I was delighted to discover that about you." He caught himself with an outstretched palm as he swayed while attempting to slide his boxers over his hip. He chuckled. "I think I drank a little too much trying to deal with all that nonsense. I'm not a big drinker."

  "I think it's cute."

  The devilish smile, known for panty-melting the world over, surfaced. "So, you think I'm cute?"

  "Particularly when you're flustered."

  "Well, you seem to be the only one capable of flustering me in a very long time. How was your date with Kelly and Vicky?"

  I groaned. "Absolute torture."

  "Did they tell you what a great catch I am?"

  "You want me to do this, don't you?"

  He scooted closer to the camera. "Yeah, I think I do. What did they tell you?"

  "This is so frustrating. I can feel your ego sitting there, ready to devour every word."

  "Love, I have plenty of ways to ease your frustration, but we'll get to that later. As for my ego, you can skip all the parts I already know and get straight to where they told you you're a fool for trying to pass our time off as nothing more than a convenient shag and how you should be excited about all the possibilities. That's what they told you, right?"

  I scoffed. "Doesn't sound like I need to tell you anything."

  "I'm being sincere, Katherine."

  "I know. But…it's just none of it makes sense. When you're near, it's easy to forget just how crazy it is, but then I say it out loud, and
I don't even know if I believe myself."

  His head slumped forward. "Because of who I am?"

  "No, that's the weird part. It doesn't matter. I'd feel the same way about if you were a cattle rancher named Bob from Nebraska. It's all so fast and inexplicable. I've played it out in my head a hundred times, and it wouldn't matter who you were. I'd still feel the same. It's not you. It's me."

  "You're giving me the 'it's not you, it's me' speech already?" He looked up from between his clasped hands.

  I laughed. "No. I'm saying…you asked me if I believed in love at first sight. I don't. I didn't. I mean it comes down to I don't deserve another happily ever after. I had one already. It simply can't happen twice."

  He sat up straight, resting his hands on his knee. "You're right. It is you."

  I tried to hide the look of alarm I'm sure crossed my features. "Yes, so…now…you see."

  "You're so wrapped up in protecting yourself from the uncertainty that you're willing to deny me my happily ever after. You may feel like you used up all your chances, but I haven't. I haven't even come close. You're willing to take that from me?" He leaned forward, staring at the camera as if I were right there in the room with him. "I'm not going to let you. You're not going to ruin this for me. I've waited a very long time to feel the way I do when I'm with you. For someone who challenged me, considered me, you'll just need to get over yourself."

  I raised an eyebrow. "Well…when you put it that way, I do come off a bit selfish."

  "You are anything but selfish. That's why you'll stop fighting me, won't you?" He shot me a devastating smile. Clearly, he had a lot to drink.

  I grinned. "Yes, Mr. Sinclair."

  "Yes, there she is. That's my beautiful girl." He scooted up onto his bed before pulling his laptop with him. "I got my schedule today. I have to be here for a few more days. I'll be in Vancouver for a few weeks. Then, we're going to resume shooting in Pittsburgh, provided they catch the shooter. If they don't, production may be delayed again."

  "Any news?"

  "Nothing beyond what you've probably already heard. They're searching for Amy's brother. He is their prime suspect." He eyed the camera for a moment, rubbing his thumb back and forth over his bottom lip. "Did you hear what I said? I'll be back in a few weeks."

  "Getting you here safely is pretty important."

  He leaned back against the pillow. "No worries, love. I'm under serious protection. There are several bodyguards outside my door as we speak."

  "Will you be staying with me when you're in town?"

  "If I'm invited, I'd like to."

  "Of course, you're invited. It's a standing invitation."

  "Now see, I like the sound of that. Provided they catch Amy's brother, I have a couple of weeks off coming up somewhat soon, but I'll need to be here in LA for an awards show. I was thinking...that perhaps, it might be nice for you to come stay with me during that time. And be my date to the show?"

  "You can ask me again when you haven't had so much to drink if you still think it's a good idea."

  "Katherine, I'm not inebriated. I'm in full control of my faculties. Why would my response change?"

  "It's kind of a big step. Being seen with me in public."

  He laughed. "Have you forgotten how this all started? The very first day we met, we made our public debut. They'll just feel vindicated like they had the story right from the get-go." He paused, then continued. "Perhaps they did. But if you haven't noticed, I don't care what they think. I only care what you think. You will be who you are to me, regardless of any headline." His brow furrowed. "Unless, of course, I guess, I hadn't considered… you'd rather avoid the attention. Not be part of my world."

  I closed my eyes. Phone conversations used to be so much easier before video.

  "Katherine… is that the real reason you keep trying to distance yourself?"

  I shook my head. "No, I think it would be good. I'd be happy to visit and be your date. You'll have to help me, though. I'm truly new to all of it."

  He smiled. "No worries. Between my manager and me, we'll get details worked out. I can't wait to show you everything. I'll send you the dates and get your travel booked. Bring your laptop. There's a beautiful place out by the pool that I think you'll enjoy."

  "It sounds lovely. So, you might be back in Pittsburgh soon?"

  "Not soon enough for me, love. When I'm there, I'd love to meet your friends."

  I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, you wouldn't."

  "They've been unwitting allies in my plan to woo you."

  "Woo me? Lachlan, we slept together without their input. They don't get any credit."

  He laughed. "I don't just want to sleep with you, and you know that. I just needed a little reinforcement. They can't be that bad. They're your friends."

  "You have no idea." It was my turn to laugh. "The thing Kelly was most interested in, when I told her about you, was whether or not all of your equipment was of equal quality? She has an unhealthy fascination with your ass."

  "Most do, love. Mmm, but do tell. What did you say? Shall I remind you, in case you've forgotten?" He shimmied out of his boxer shorts.

  "Oh, I most certainly did not forget, but never hurts to have the reminder." I shot him a sly smile. "I told her other parts of you exceeded my expectations and left it at that."

  He wrapped his fist around his already hard cock. "See, love, when you wrapped your lips around my 'other parts,' my expectations were equally exceeded. Mmm…I remember." His hand traveled up and down his length in slow, languid strokes. "What else did she ask?"

  "It was all quite obnoxious. I didn't want to tell them anything because I didn't feel it was fair to you. But you asked me to talk to them. And well…you don't seem to be bothered by sexual things."

  "No, and neither are you. So, you told them we made love?"

  "I think they could tell by the photo."

  "Did you tell them I came twice, and you got too tired after your fourth orgasm?"

  "I don't think I said that, but I thought 'pretty fucking amazing' covered it."

  He waggled an eyebrow. "I'll take it. Speaking of us and sex, we have some time before we see each other again. Condoms are OK, but if we're not having sex with anyone else…"

  "I'm on the pill. I was tested after my last relationship since he and I had different definitions of exclusive. Thankfully, I'm all clear."

  "Perfect. A child would be lovely, but not just yet, and I've got a clean bill of health as well, love."

  Something he said still lingered in my mind. "I thought you didn't want kids."

  "I didn't think children with Cindy were a good idea. Our lifestyles were too stressful. I've always wanted kids of my own. That's how I knew it wasn't right between Cindy and me. I couldn't imagine her and I having children. I had to let her go."

  "But did you love her?"

  He looked down at his hands. "I thought so, at the time, but I think it was more I wanted to be in love. I respected her. She was a friend, but I never felt about her like I feel…," his mouth opened to complete his next word, but he quickly closed his perfect lips and shook his head. "I mean, I think we both just loved the idea of being loved more than actually being in love. That's what made the divorce so easy. We both recognized it. So the good news is you'll have no crazy ex-wife to contend with. You'd probably like her. I'll introduce you someday. You just have my current, stalker situation and the crazy fans to deal with."

  "Well, that's good to know."

  "What about you, Katherine? A couple of little ones running about the house?"

  Was I really going to talk to him about the possibility of children? "I used to want children, but haven't even considered it a possibility in a very long time. I'm not exactly young anymore."

  "We're not exactly old either. "

  We're? The call took a heavy turn I didn't expect — plans to meet again. I needed to change the subject. Children. What the fuck? Just then, I yawned.

  "Love, I know you're tired. It's lat
e there. I should let you go."

  He was still sporting a massive erection. I couldn't let him go to bed like that. If he were going to work his cock into a frenzy, I wanted to see it. "Lachlan…"

  "Yes…"

  "Close your eyes."

  "Whatever for, love?"

  "I want to tell you a story."

  The sexiest hum left his throat. "Oh, I do love a good bedtime story. Especially, the kind you tell."

  I sat up, intent on watching his every move. "Once upon a time… there was a girl who met a prince on a plane."

  "Was he charming?"

  "Oh yes."

  "Was he handsome?"

  "Devilishly so."

  "Are you sure he wasn't a wizard and not a prince?"

  "Who's telling this story? Besides, can't he be both a handsome, charming prince and a mind-reading wizard?"

  He smiled. "I suppose he can. Excuse my interruptions. Please continue."

  "But the prince had to travel to far off lands without the girl."

  "Did she miss him?"

  I paused. Something about the safety of the story allowed me to be completely honest. "Yes, very much. So much so that she visited the local mage temple and had them teach her the ways of dream walking. So, whenever he closed his eyes, she would be with him no matter how far away he was. In the dream, he can feel her presence, her voice, and feel her love for him, but she could not touch him."

  "So, this girl, she loved him?"

  "Of course, he was her wizard prince."

  A long content sigh left his chest. "Katherine, I love this story."

  "There's more. One night, after he closed his eyes, she came to him. She could feel his need, his desire. She wanted nothing more than to be the person who cared for him. Who eased his pain. So, she said to him, "Let my words command your hands. Tell me what you want, my prince."

  He didn't hesitate. "I want you."

  "You have me. I'm right there with you. Touch yourself, Lachlan. Wrap your fist around your cock. Show me."

  He did as I commanded, a moan following.

  "With your other hand, I want you to touch your bottom lip, smoothing the tip over the surface. This is my tongue, teasing you like it did in my bedroom."