by Pamela Ann
“You’re a knockout, Em. No need to double check it,” Lindsey spoke from behind me.
I grinned at my friend. I could always count on Lindsey to bring my spirits up.
“The girls already left in a separate car. I thought it would be best that we drive there by ourselves and meet them at the restaurant. They tend to go a little crazy when we’re all together and I don’t want to have any fights tonight,” She continued.
The girls consisted of Amber, Trista and Cece. They’re cool party friends, but Cece has a jealous streak. Linds and Cece go way back from high school.
“Uh, thank goodness. I don’t think I can deal with you and Cece sparring words at each other all night,” Agreeing with her.
Oh, and did I mention Cece has a thing for Carter? Yeah, she doesn’t seem too keen on me either. But alas, Amber and Trista were pretty cool and fun to hang out with. Lindsey introduced me to their little group and I became friends with them too, well except for Cece, of course.
We took Lindsey’s BMW X5 and joined the chaos that is the 101 Freeway. It was Saturday and traffic was usually dreadful on the weekends. What should be an hour drive to Los Angeles could take two or three hours.
“We should’ve left earlier and checked in at the hotel rather than driving at this hour.” Lindsey frustratingly agreed with my thoughts.
Why didn’t we think of that ingenious idea?
I picked up her iPod and scrolled through her songs. “Play Ooh Ooh Baby by Britney,” she requested with excitement.
Another revelation, we jam to Britney Spears. I mean Britney did have some good party songs, Toxic anyone?
As much as I love my mainstream pop music, I like on the ‘trip-hop’ genre and lots of alternative rock.
I checked my phone for the umpteenth time with weighing disappointment. Resolute, I leaned back and closed my eyes. What did I expect? Carter’s not the groveling type. He doesn’t chase women. It’s the other way around.
It took us an hour and forty-five minutes to arrive in L.A. A well of excitement rushed through me as we exited Sunset Boulevard. The plan was for us to dine at a famous sushi restaurant and go clubbing at the Greystone Manor Nightclub then check-in at the hotel after.
Lindsey valet parked outside the famed restaurant and I waited as she rounded the car.
“Damn, Linds. I didn’t realize your dress was so revealing!” She just waved her hand carelessly at me.
Her dress was super tight and had one of those diamond shaped-cut holes in the middle and her belly button. If Cece would have worn this dress, she would’ve looked like a tart. But with Lindsey, it looked amazing–she looked like one of those snobby fashionistas. She carries herself with great certainty and a classy air that I was jealous of. I honestly don’t think she has any insecurity about herself. I applaud her for that. Sometimes, this rubs off on me and I love it!
The girls were already seated inside the restaurant and it didn’t take long for us to get rowdy. Dinner took about two hours and even Cece was playing nice and being civilized. It was a relief to see the other side of her. Her bitchiness was starting to bore the hell out of me.
By the time we got to the nightclub, we were in high spirits. The club was a celebrity hotspot and the line to get in snaked around the building. But thanks to Amber’s connections, we didn’t have to wait in it. Our fake I.D.’s weren’t even checked.
It was almost midnight and the place was starting to get crowded. We were seated in one of the lounge’s damask covered couches. The club was decorated in a neo-Renaissance theme that had a gothic-like feel. It was like the old and new Hollywood meshing together. The outcome was outstanding, stylishly posh with a decadent atmosphere. I studied the place with wonderment. The décor alone probably cost more than an arm and a leg. It was luxurious and sexy. Even the people here were sexy and beautiful.
What did I expect? This was Hollywood territory after all.
There was a commotion on the other side of the room. Trista blushingly whispered that Bass Cole was here. Everyone became excited, even Lindsey. I just shook my head at Cece’s over eager enthusiasm. The poor woman looked like she was hyperventilating. I could just tell what was going through that head of hers.
Okay, maybe I’m a little piqued. Okay—total lie. I’m super psyched! Fucking Bass Cole in the house! Gah!
Who wouldn’t be? Bass Cole’s one of Hollywood’s most sought after movie star and an everlasting heartthrob. His movie career blew up a couple years ago when he made one of those vampire movies and he’s been a household name ever since. I admit I saw the movie a few times but don’t remember much of it. Was he a good actor? I don’t know. Was the movie any good? No clue either. The only thing that stuck with me was Bass Cole was a hot piece of yummy handsomeness. All blonde, tanned and with the most striking blue eyes was all I can conjure in my head. That about sums it up, I believe. Pathetic, isn’t it?
“God, I have to meet him! I love his movies and he’s just so hot!” Cece squealed and started to fan her cheeks, furiously.
Uhuh, I’m sure she’s going to try in earnest to get past all the people around him, good luck with that! Cece loves attention and she would do anything to be in the spotlight. She was after all an aspiring actress and she actually had a part as an extra a few times on some TV shows, but nothing major. I once joked that if she auditioned for Playboy, she would be instantly hired. I remembered her murderous glare when I made that statement. I mean, come on! Cece has 34 DD implants–when you speak to her, all you see are those big hard jugs.
We were served a bucket filled with bottled drinks and a chilled champagne bottle. Trista opened the bottles and started to mix drinks for everyone. By the looks of things, we were going to be all hammered tonight. Trista handed us the alcoholic concoction.
Amber stood up. “I just want to make this toast to my newly single friend, Emma. No guy is worth moping over baby!” She screamed through the blare thumping of music.
Oh, dearest! Did we need to make everyone here aware of that?
The rest of them hooted in agreement. “CHEERS!!!”
I cringed when I tasted the concoction Trista made. Holy crap, this shit was deadly! I wasn’t planning on puking my way out of the club tonight, thank you. Placing the deadly concoction back on the table, I glanced at my selections. I chose the champagne and poured a glass for myself. I made a satisfying sigh when the bubbles worked its magic. Light fizzy bubbles I could do, I thought contently.
Trista and Amber went dancing and Cece left to go manhunt. Typical girls night out.
Lindsey was stuck to her phone. Not typical.
“Brody again?” I asked, just loud enough for her to hear me.
She nodded. “He’s pissed off at me. He’s drunk-texting.” She waved the screen at me.
I hate those. I used to do that a lot…with Carter. I would send hateful and spiteful messages and he would always end up at my doorstep. I would open the door and he would just barge in there and take me to my room. It was crazy but at the same time I lived for those crazy exhilarating moment of madness.
I mouthed an “Oh” and she merely shrugged. She looked a bit bothered. Maybe she felt something more than she let on? I wondered.
Amber came back with two cute guys. Trista, on the other hand, grabbed my hand and ushered me to the dance floor. I glanced back at Lindsey to invite her to come with us, but she was talking to one of the men.
The club was playing some popular dance music and it didn’t take long for Trista and I to start swaying and dancing to the beat.
Dancing, Trista leaned over and yelled in my ear. “I like that you’re coming out with us again. I’m sorry about what happened with Carter, but you know, it’s Carter.” She smiled.
Yup, it’s Carter. No need to emphasize what that meant.
“Yeah, it was good riddance. It was starting to become mundane.” I fibbed with great confidence. Trista smiled, the lights making her red hair and green eyes light up. I don’t think I’ve ever seen T
rista sad or angry. She was always so damn cheery. How can anyone be so fucking cheery all the fucking time? That must be exhausting, surely?
When my favorite song came on, I let loose, and danced my hips and ass off. Tonight was going my night! I thought ferociously.
Fuck Carter Mason. Fuck his fucking hot tight ass that made me drool. Fuck his stupid swag and sexy smirk. No more! I screamed in my head as I danced with my eyes closed, feeling the beat vibrate through my body.
I caught my breath when I felt a big hand capture my side.
I immediately tensed.
OH. NO. DID CARTER FOLLOW US HERE?
“Can I dance with you?” A deep voice asked from behind me—a hot, masculine drawl that made my toes curl and my insides melt and quiver.
OH.
My eyes snapped open.
“Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt and dance like no one is watching.”
- Randall G. Leighton
4
I hastily turned around and found the one and only Bass Cole staring me down with his azure eyes. I stared back, star-struck and dumb-founded.
With my mouth wide open, hanging ajar, I thought wildly, Bass Cole is right in front of me!
TALKING. TO. ME.
Wow, just wow! His sheer beauty totally caught me off guard. His movies didn’t do him justice. My eyes landed on his pink lips, the soft full bottom got my heated gaze.
Did he bite just as good in that movie? His lips look delicious, I wondered.
He was tall–about six foot three. His dirty blonde, bed-head hair looked so deliciously sexy. Bass Cole was armed with the sexiest, laziest smile I have ever encountered, topped with some fucking sexy dimples, I was I drooling on the spot.
My, I’m tongue-tied. Can anyone be allowed to be this arrestingly beautiful?
I stood frozen, not comprehending what the fuck Bass Cole just asked me. Holy shit! He’s even more perfect up close.
Get it together before you embarrass yourself! I chided my brain to fully function.
I was still reeling but recovered a bit from the initial shock. Not saying a word, I spun around and held his hand that was clutching on my hip. My soft hand held his large, masculine one. The touch sent electric currents up my arm. God, I’m dying here! I thought as Bass firmly held me as we danced in great synchronization, grinding and swaying erotically. His hand tightened on me as his other hand started to caress my other side. Goodness, the man moves in quickly!
And man, doesn’t he feel perfect. Argh!
Fuck you Carter! I thought as I danced with Bass.
With his heated body grinding against mine, I got a whiff of his cologne and wanted to die on the spot. You see, I have a thing for a man’s scent. I hate how some men use crazy strong cologne or a strong repulsive deodorant–it’s a total turnoff. Bass Cole smelled like well…perfect?
I know you can’t smell perfect but I knew if I could, it would smell just like him. It was pure masculine with a hint of citrus? I wasn’t sure. All I know was that it was an intoxicating blend of pure heady perfection.
When the song ended, I hesitantly moved away. Time to let go of my erotic fantasy, I begrudgingly thought as I gave him a great smile and a little wave.
“It was great to meet you. Have a lovely night!” I called out to his taken aback expression.
Bass immediately grabbed my hand back and pulled me close. “Wait—do you want to join me and my friends at my table?” He invited, gesturing where his friends were located who were all witnessing our intimate impromptu dance.
Err, no. As hot as he was, flirting with Bass would not be the greatest idea. I know I wanted to have fun tonight but Bass Cole…was well Bass Cole! It’s rather overwhelming.
“I’m good. Thank you though.” I tried to pull away but he wouldn’t budge.
“Okay, well can I invite myself to join you then?” Bass gave me another lazy smile.
God, his smile was freaking blinding! It was simply melting my resolve. “If you want to, I guess.” I replied, unsure.
What he did next seriously made me smile and tingle all over.
“I’m Bass Cole.” He gave me his hand to shake. Really? I’m sure he knew everyone in this club knew who he was. But still, he was being nice. Darn, this guy was a total charmer.
“Emma Anderson.” When I gave him my hand, I expected for us to shake but instead he took it to his lips and kissed it. I gasped at the mere brush of his soft lips.
Easy there Lucian, the hot vampire! I swooned. No wonder this man was one of the Hollywood’s finest! He went in for the kill without qualm.
Bass Cole’s eyes looked entertained. I’m sure this was quite the norm for him. Unexpectedly, he leaned over and whispered in my ear, “I want you, Emma Anderson.”
I swallowed, hard.
Wow. He’s really, really forward! I suppose things are done fast-paced around this town. I wasn’t accustomed to it and I didn’t plan to start tonight.
“I’m not going to have sex with you, you know. If that’s what you’re after, you have to look elsewhere,” I said with all seriousness and meant it.
His eyes gleamed with pure amusement. “As much as that thought appeals to me right now, Emma Anderson, I don’t have sex on first dates either.”
His lazy smile got wider at my confused expression. Huh? A date?
“What date? We just met. This is obviously not a first date!”
“Oh, but it will be, Emma. It definitely will be,” Bass whispered in my ear. The thumping music immediately vanished around me, his touch and voice clearly dominated my senses. He softly chuckled at my frozen state, “So, want to introduce me to your friends?” He pointed a finger at my table and I saw that my friends were gaping at us with avid curiosity.
He was coming on to me so hard, I barely had time to think. Not a very good sign if you ask me.
“Sure. I know someone who will be very interested to meet you.” I thought of Cece and how badly she wanted to meet him. Maybe those two can get together. Bass certainly wants to hook-up with someone tonight. Why not Cece?
With my hand still intertwined with his, Bass guided us towards my table. When we got there, all the girls were giggly and excited to meet him.
“Guys, this is Bass, as all of you know already.” My heart sped up when he squeezed my hand, “This is Cece, Trista, Amber and my good friend Lindsey.”
“Hello ladies. Glad to make your acquaintance.” Bass gave them his mega-watt smile and Cece and Trista sighed.
I looked at all of their faces, a little embarrassed and a little amused. Bass definitely had fans at this table.
I slid inside the booth and Bass followed suit. Cece, who was sitting across from us, got out of her seat and sat next to Bass. Here goes operation Shameless Cece, I thought amusingly. I think these two would get on just fine. Player meets player equals perfect harmony.
I tried to pull my hand away from his clasp but he clutched it tighter. What was it with this man? I needed some sort of privacy—even for just a second.
Cece was talking animatedly about her plans of being a movie star to Bass when I caught Amber roll her eyes. Bored from listening to Cece’s blabbering, Amber immediately got up and took Trista with her. The guys they met earlier were outside smoking and they were heading out to find them. I wished I was that brazen at times when it came to men. I get shy at the most uncertain times. Maybe it’s because I’m not really that experienced. I mean apart from Lewis and Carter, I haven’t dated anyone else or had sex with anyone else except for for that matter.
Lindsey nudged my arm. “Total upgrade from my brother. I approve.” She winked.
“You’re crazy. I’m not hooking up with an actor who has a playboy reputation. Don’t you think your brother traumatized me enough?” I quipped back, just enough for her to hear me.
A cell phone flashed brightly on the damask couch and I saw Brody’s name on the screen. I glanced at Lindsey, who was nervously biting her lip.
&
nbsp; “Doll—Brody’s here—outside. He wants to talk. He’s being very persistent and I just agreed to see him. The hotel room at the Chateau is under both our names, so you can check in anytime, that is if you come back before I do. Call me anytime, okay?” She leaned back and looked anxious.
With my free arm, I gave her a quick hug and kiss. “Give him a chance. He’s a good guy babe,” I urged. I wanted her to see reason but something was holding her back.
“It doesn’t matter.” She got up and gave Bass and Cece a quick goodbye. Lindsey Mason sauntered towards the exit door that got her a few admiring glances. She was a knock-out and she knew it too.
I glanced back at the two people who were left with me as they chatted animatedly. I almost choked on a laugh when I saw Cece push her fierce boobs forward, giving Bass a great view of her rack. The two seemed to be getting friendly. They even shared a laugh or two when I was talking to Lindsey. Maybe they are hitting it on quite nicely.
Time to move it, I suppose.
I didn’t want to see them in action. Why’s that? I thought you didn’t want Bass? My fucking thoughts countered. Who knows really? But what I do know was that I didn’t want to see it happen. Bass Cole was my wet dreams come to life and I gladly handed him to Cece—or she jumped on the opportunity more like it. But given my circumstances, I couldn’t just throw caution to the wind and sleep with Bass—as he entailed earlier. It feels too early for me. I need time out.
Imagine my frustration when he wouldn’t let go of my hand when I tried to pull away, yet again. “Bass, I have to go to the bathroom.”
“Let me take you,” he suggested. I looked at him like he had grown horns.
“No thanks. I’m good.” He let go of my hand and I instantly scrambled to my feet and searched for the restroom to which, I had no clue where it was located.
Since I really didn’t need to use the restroom, I opted to seek out Amber and Trista. Why did I feel the need to excuse my presence from Bass? Well, it could possibly be that he was way too much of everything for my palette. Sure, he was drop dead gorgeous but hadn’t I just gotten out of that hot cycle?
