Trailer Trash [Deep Ellum] (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Catherine Hatten

Nina’s eyes went to the contemporary king-sized bed with a straight light wood headboard, no footboard, and neatly made with a heavy gold comforter. Solid-black and gold throw pillows were interspersed, adding the perfect touch. A matching chest of drawers and dresser were on opposite walls, each facing the bed.

  “Nice. Very nice,” she commented and managed to keep her knees from buckling.

  He walked to the dresser, which supported a sleek mirror, and picked up his wallet. “Found it.” He held the wallet up and turned to look at her.

  Nina remained motionless, keeping her eyes on him.

  His gaze burned into Nina’s lips, then moved to her eyes. Seconds passed before he tossed his wallet back onto the dresser and moved toward her with slow, deliberate steps, never removing his gaze from hers. He raised his fingers to her face and stroked her cheek.

  She let her lids lower and raised her face to him.

  Steadily he lowered his lips closer to hers, and when she didn’t move away, their lips touched with such tenderness her heart swelled. She wanted him, admitted to herself she had wanted him almost since the first moment she met him. She let her purse strap slide from her shoulder then to the floor and wound her arms around his neck.

  The kiss deepened as he wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned into him, and he raised his hands to her head, pulling her closer.

  The kiss ended, and he lifted his head, looked into her eyes. “You okay?” he asked in a soft, gravelly voice, clearly trying not to rush her and having a tough time.

  “Better than okay. You?”

  “I’ve wanted you for what seems like forever.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear.

  She put her cheek against his, loving the feel of their cheeks together, faces touching, and inhaled deeply of his scent. She knew she was home. She was tired of going slow. When he straightened, she removed the jacket from his shoulders, pulled it down his arms, and dismissed it to the floor.

  He kissed her again, long and urgent, then moved her to the bed where she stopped him, stepped back, and shrugged her jacket off, letting it join his on the shiny wood floor.

  There was no turning back as they continued their “tour,” exploring what they’d both wanted to touch, feel, experience for what did actually seem like forever to them both.

  Judson lifted the thick sweater over her head, tossed it to the foot of the bed, and kissed her forehead. He moved back a small bit and looked at the forest-green bra she wore, then removed it, and she heard his breath quicken. He circled her right nipple with his left thumb, and it sprang to life beneath his touch.

  She couldn’t stop the moan escaping her lips.

  Nina’s hands were steady and sure as she unbuttoned then slid the shirt from Judson’s beautiful body. Her lips went directly to the garish scar, lavishing it with tiny kisses. He let his head fall back, eyes closed, one hand remaining in her hair, the other still holding her bra.

  She worked with the column of his button fly, the thing keeping her from what she desired more than anything on the earth at the moment. She couldn’t coax the buttons open, and with her bra dangling from his hand, he did it for her. She unzipped her jeans and let them fall, exposing a forest-green thong that matched her push-up bra.

  Thank goodness she’d decided to match today…

  He let loose the bra, and it fell to the bed.

  “Nina, are you sure?” His voice rumbled low near her face.

  “I’m sure. Yes, yes…” She pushed his jeans down to his thighs, then knelt. He was hard, and she felt herself moisten even more.

  He sat on the bedside while she removed his high-dollar boots and pulled his jeans the rest of the way off. He leaned over, tenderly bringing her up to him, rolling them both over, and looked down at her hair spread across fluffy pillows.

  His kiss was soft yet strong at the same time. No teeth, no tongue gouging into her mouth, but relaxed, seeking as their tongues met and did the dance only lovers could partake of. Arms held each other close as their kiss deepened, and she moved beneath him, pushed by need.

  He kissed the length of her smooth body to her waist and started back up, her hands on his shoulders the entire way. When he reached her mouth again, she opened her legs to him.

  “Judson, I want you so much…”

  He entered her softness, slow and easy, and they united in their quest for the ultimate fulfillment. The steady rhythm of their bodies moved together as natural as waves upon the sea, enjoying uninterrupted motion toward the place they would finally share, the place meant for them and them alone.

  Chapter Eleven

  Sunlight filtered through the windows, lines from the large glass panes creating straight, thin shadows across the bed they lay in, quietly holding one another. In the bright morning light they relished the closeness they shared, satisfied, complete as they looked into a clear, blue sky with no sign of the earlier clouds and fog.

  “Nina?”

  “Yes, Judson?

  “I’m glad you took the tour.”

  “Me, too.” She lifted her head from his shoulder and fixed a loving gaze upon him.

  He hoisted himself up on his right elbow, his left arm still encircling her, and studied her face.

  “You thought I was the new grip.”

  She flushed. “Yeah, I did. And I was thinking that you sure filled out those jeans so well I might have a problem working with you. As a grip.” She pushed her fingers through his thick, unruly hair, shining in the warm sunlight, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips while she reached around to squeeze his behind.

  “And now?”

  “And now, I think I’ll have trouble keeping my hands off you in front of people.”

  “I’ve been having a really hard time with that since Nobu.”

  “Me, too,” she said against his chest, then snuggled closer.

  “So, how do you want to handle this? At work, I mean.”

  Nina sat straight up. Quickly. “I don’t want to make Deannie mad. That’s for sure.”

  “No, I don’t either.”

  “We’ll just have to keep our distance. At least until we get these other two trailers in the can.”

  “We can do that. As long as I can be with you in our private time, I’ll be able to handle this.”

  “Love incognito?”

  He snorted. “Sounds like it would make a great title for a romance novel.”

  “You know, I think you’re right. Maybe we should co-write that one.”

  “I would love to! Under your name, of course. I can’t have my reputation as an international spy novelist undermined, you know.”

  “Maybe we should just do this, you write the spy novels, and I’ll direct and produce the trailers? Or write the screenplays when they’re optioned for movies.” She looked up into his face, eyebrows raised.

  He brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. “Works for me.”

  “For now, I guess I’d better get going. Can’t have tongues wagging at the studio. Our private business would be all over Deep Ellum in minutes.” Nina traced his thick brow with her forefinger as she looked up into his face.

  “You’re right. The neighborhood would be hopping with this bit of gossip,” he agreed.

  “What time are you going to see Deannie at the hospital?” she asked.

  “Not sure yet. I’ll touch base with Shasta for her input. Should I text you to let you know?”

  “Sure. That’ll help make sure we don’t run in to each other. Me and Sherry and Thomas went over yesterday, but Deannie was so passed out. Poor thing…”

  “Yeah, she’s in a bad way right now. But she’ll get over it. I guess we’d better get going,” he said with heavy hesitation.

  They sprang from the bed, dressed quickly, and made their way downstairs. Judson helped Nina with her jacket and started out the door with her.

  She turned on her heel. “Where are you going?”

  “Let me at least walk you halfway to the studio,” he answered.

&nbs
p; “Nope. I got it. I can find my way through the lobby on my own, and the studio’s two streets over. You walk there every day, don’t you?”

  He nodded. “Most days.”

  “Then, no worries, right? It’ll only take me five minutes at the most, and I need the time to clear my head and get into character.”

  “Get into character?”

  “Yep. The one that doesn’t want anything to do with a man. Any man, including you. The one who is focused on getting projects in and out the door. You remember her, don’t you?” She looked up at him, eyes bright with joy, though her voice still rumbled with the husky tone of wanting.

  “I do. I’ll never forget her, but I’m very fascinated with the new you. Let me at least go as far as the—”

  “Judson, I’d really rather say our good-byes here. That way I can do this without an audience.” She pulled him to her by the shirt and kissed him deeply, passionately, then pulled away.

  He straightened and sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “What are you going to do when you’re not at the hospital?”

  “Write, of course. Will I see you later? When you get things wrapped at the studio?”

  “I’d love that. My place about six?”

  He leaned down close and whispered into her ear, “I can’t wait.”

  * * * *

  No one was at the studio when Nina arrived at nine-fifteen. She checked herself in the mirror. Hair in place, makeup needed some help. She went to her desk and pulled out the little emergency makeup bag she kept there, applied mascara, eyeliner, a touch of blush, and powder.

  She sat on the chaise lounge they’d used in one of their earlier trailers that now lived in her office, let herself recline, and reflected on what had happened between her and Judson. She’d known this was coming and had fought it with all her might. Her lips formed a crooked little smile. She thanked her lucky stars that she had finally stopped running away from this magnificent man.

  Actually, she realized now that her fear had been about her, not Judson, and made a pact with herself that she would not ever go there again. There was nothing wrong with her except she’d let the past rule her future, just like Kathleen had told her.

  For the first time in her life, she felt whole and looked forward to a full personal life, a life that would meld perfectly with her professional future.

  “Mornin’,” Thomas’s voice boomed as he entered her office.

  “Mornin’, Thomas,” Nina returned, her voice light.

  “Ready to edit? I got on a roll, and the end is in sight!”

  “Wonderful! Maybe we can start the second trailer Tuesday?”

  “I’d just about bet on it, depending on how the shoot goes Monday. These really are easy projects. Several video scenes, throw in some graphics and stills and music, and they’re a done deal.”

  “I know. We really got lucky to get in on these.” Nina felt she would burst with delight.

  “I still can’t believe how ballsy you were to contact these publishers after you saw a few trailers on the web and tell them they needed us. And they actually bought it!”

  Nina had drifted to another space and time.

  “I think we’re honestly going to be able to realize our dreams, Nina. I’m a lucky man to have you and Sherry.”

  Still not there. He cocked his head, taking a hard look at her.

  “The man in the moon said we should expect a steady stream of these from Mars,” Thomas said, his eyes remaining on Nina.

  “Mmmm,” she grunted from wherever she was.

  “Nina? What the hell? You haven’t heard a word I’ve said.”

  Nothing.

  “Nina!” Thomas boomed again.

  “What!?”

  “What’s eatin’ you?”

  “Nothing’s eating me. I said I thought we could start number two on Tuesday.”

  “I’d think that creep Carl tried to contact you or bother you or something, but you wouldn’t have that untroubled look on your face. What’s going on?” Thomas pushed.

  “Does something have to be going on for me to have a few thoughtful moments?” she snapped.

  “No, but I know you well enough to know somethin’s friggin’ going on,” he countered.

  “I’m just thankful. We’re doing well, and I feel good about it. Don’t you?”

  He shook his head yes.

  “Well, then, what’s the problem? Let’s get to it!” she said with enthusiasm.

  “Yeah, let’s get to it so we can go pay homage to Deannie,” he quipped and started toward the edit bay.

  Nina made a silent promise she would get a handle on her happiness and not be this transparent again. But for the first time in her whole life she felt sure this day, and those to follow, held joy.

  Chapter Twelve

  Judson sat in his chair with his laptop, writing fiercely and with more clarity and passion than he’d ever written before. The words flowed from his head to his fingers onto the screen, fluid, strong, certain. He knew it was because of Nina. She made him want to be better. A better writer, a better actor, a better man.

  He’d actually noticed this when he started his work on the trailer, when following her direction taught him how to put himself more in the character’s place, understand the thinking, the situations motivating the character. Other directors, male or female, for the high-dollar commercials he’d been in had never had that effect on him.

  No, it was her, his Nina.

  His Nina.

  Turned out they were very much alike in many ways, writers, go-getters, single, non-drinkers. They had both grown up in Fort Worth. In trailer parks. And met through their work on a book trailer.

  Trailer trash! He laughed out loud.

  He stopped a moment and let their love scene play through him once more. This had been different from any sex he’d ever had. This wasn’t sex. It was making love, the thing he’d avoided all his adult, and, okay, teenage life. He hadn’t believed this kind of thing really happened, except in novels, until today.

  He certainly believed now. He covered his jubilant grin with his hand and shook his head back and forth in wonderment.

  He would be with her again soon. At her place, in her arms…

  His cell came to life with Jon Bon Jovi singing, about being a cowboy riding on a steel horse. These words always made Judson grin.

  Without looking, he answered absently, “Judson Lane.”

  “Good morning, Judson,” Deannie said from the other end.

  “Deannie, good morning. How are you?” He closed his laptop.

  “I’ll be better when you get over to this godforsaken place,” she answered in clipped words.

  “Shasta and I are due to be there in an hour with some lunch for you,” he said.

  “I want you over here now.”

  “We’ll be there in about thirty. You just hang on,” he assured her. “We’re coming.”

  “All right, then.” Deannie hung up.

  He’d told Nina he would text her, but realized he didn’t have her cell number, and he didn’t dare call the studio.

  Hell.

  * * * *

  Judson loved his truck. He hadn’t needed a vehicle in New York, and when he moved back home, he went straight to one of the car dealers in Fort Worth and bought a brand-new, shiny red pickup.

  He picked Shasta up at the hotel, and they started toward the hospital.

  “Wow, this is some truck! You really are a cowboy, aren’t you?” Shasta asked with a giggle.

  “In my own way, yes. What is that?” he asked, looking at the Styrofoam box Shasta sat on her lap.

  “It’s a sandwich for Deannie. She didn’t want us to waste time getting her something, and she loves the hotel’s Chipotle Turkey Club sandwich so I ordered it after you called. She seemed kind of agitated, so I’m going to get her some sweet tea at the hospital.”

  “I’d be agitated, too, if I was stuck in a hospital,” Judson commented.

  “She still doesn’
t know we went on and did the shoot without her…”

  “I think the studio will handle that. No worries.”

  “I hope so. I don’t want us to lose this opportunity.”

  “I don’t think we will, and if we do, then we do. We’ve both done very well modeling and are still under contract to the agency. And we have a really strong contract with the publisher. If Deannie pulls any kind of stupid stunt, we’ll collect our checks and walk away.”

  “But it would hurt the studio.” Shasta bit her lip.

  “They’ve got other romance publishers calling them now. They’ll be fine. And Deannie’s a smart businesswoman. She’s not going to jeopardize her position.”

  “I don’t know, she sure is all over you. I don’t think LAR would be happy with the way she acts with you.”

  “Yeah, I want to keep things professional, and Deannie’s not on that page. I’m tired of that. I’m going to focus on getting these trailers done and keep moving. I don’t have time to be at her beck and call. You have to admit, I’ve put up with her pretty well up to this point,” Judson added.

  “You really have. I’ve been surprised with the tolerance you’ve shown with her pawing and fawning. I know it’s taken a lot of self-discipline.”

  “It has. The agency was very gracious, letting you and me take time from them to do this, and I don’t want to let them down.”

  Shasta sniggered. “It doesn’t hurt them for us to be seen in the trailers. They always have a motive.”

  “True. But they’ve been very understanding about me moving home, too. No complaints here. No complaints.”

  * * * *

  Judson and Shasta swung the wide hospital door open to find Nina, Thomas, and Sherry at Deannie’s bedside. A laptop sat on the surface of a narrow table across the bed.

  “Oh, my God, I just love it!” Deannie squealed.

  Everyone looked up as the new visitors entered the room.

  “Judson! Shasta! The jungle scenes are fabulous!” Deannie’s bright-red face and jubilant expression set Judson at ease.

  Nina gave him a slight nod, and her lips formed a tiny smile.