Twirling her around, he said. “Your room, your walk-in closet, private bath with jetted tub and ceiling fan, balcony with view of the Hollywood Bowl, and California king-sized bed. You need to let me know if it’s too hard or too soft.”
“I’m sure it’s just right,” she said breathlessly. She hadn’t gotten a good look, but the room was dark like the inside of a movie theater. A large window was covered with room darkening blinds, and an entire wall consisted of a giant movie screen complete with velvet curtains hanging on either side. “Is this a home theater?”
“It was until I repurposed it.” Cade laid her on the center of the plush bed. He handed her a remote with a number display and plus/minus pushbuttons. “You can adjust the bed, hard or soft, anything you’d like. You like it?”
“Uhm … yes, thanks.” The words caught in her mouth. “The bed or the room?”
“All of it, babe.” He ran a firm hand up her arm, drawing a line of tingles.
“This isn’t your room, is it?”
The room was clearly a love nest, a man’s room with its clean, stark contemporary look, black and silver, bold. God knew what was shown on the large movie screen that covered an entire wall. Add to that the black ceiling and the panel of mirrors covering the closet at the foot of the bed. The wrought iron bedframe was protected with a padded headboard. It was kind of freaky in a kinky sort of way, and Andie’s blood sizzled at the thought of being tied to the bed.
“Do you want it to be?” Cade answered, his mouth in a suggestive smirk.
“Uh, no. Cade, I couldn’t put you out of your room. This is too much, worth way more than a hundred bucks.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He drew a finger over the seam between her lips and caressed her chin with his thumb. “No one’s using it, so it’s like found money for me.”
The short trip from the entrance foyer to the movie theater bedroom revived a few of her brain cells, and even though his touch was more than tempting, the room scared her.
Andie faltered under his steady gaze and cleared her throat. “I, uh, should unpack and take a shower. Eastern time’s three hours ahead, and I’m really bushed.”
“Sure. Let me get Gollie settled. I have an extra doggie bed. I’ll order takeout. What would you like?”
“You don’t have to. I’m supposed to be the renter.”
Cade stood and glared at her, his hands on his hips. “I’ll let you get unpacked, but you will have dinner with me. I’ll be back at seven.”
Without waiting for an answer, he stormed out and slammed the door.
Sheesh. Was he angry at her? Somehow the scene came straight out of Beauty and the Beast, except the talking teapot and feather dusters were missing, and instead of a library of books, Cade had a collection of movies, likely X-rated.
As she showered, she recalled all the good reasons she had for not getting involved with a man like Cade. Somehow it was easy to make resolutions when she was alone, but how was she going to make it through dinner? One baby step at a time, she muttered under her breath. Except she wasn’t the one having his baby. Now, she understood the pain David’s first wife had watching all these other women deliver baby after baby while she alone remained childless.
Chapter 6
Cade felt like punching the wall. She thought she was just the renter? What about that stormy kiss and the heavy breathing and the legs wrapped around him? Hadn’t she been grinding up against him, giving him signals?
He wasn’t used to being denied, and he’d been waiting for Andie for five long months. He’d done his penance and had cut off all hookups. It hadn’t been easy, and he was getting tired of having to relieve himself in the shower.
He stomped down the spiral staircase where he was greeted by both dogs.
“Okay, you two, time for some chow.”
Red and Gollie followed him into the kitchen where he filled an extra food and water bowl for Andie’s dog. Gollie thanked him with a lick of his fingers while Red dived into his food. The two dogs acted like they were best friends, so at ease with each other. Why couldn’t it be this way between him and Andie?
Cade went online to a website offering delivery from many local restaurants. He browsed several menus and settled on prawn skewers for an appetizer, filet mignon for the main course, arugula salad, and berry sponge cake for dessert.
Before taking a shower, he pulled out his best scotch and poured himself a shot. The fiery liquid burned the edge from his anger, allowing him to focus.
Andie didn’t owe him anything. If he kept pushing, she’d pick up the phone and move out. All he needed was his body to behave, particularly that naughty cock of his, the one who’d caused his current troubles.
New Year’s Eve was the only time of the year he’d allowed himself to get drunk-drunk. Even though the Flash were in the playoffs, he was the backup quarterback after Todd Irvin, so he’d allowed himself a little indulgence.
Except he hadn’t been alone. His agent, Rob Cash, had insisted that he do any partying and drinking in his presence to protect his investment, so to speak. He was supposed to be safe at Rob’s house, and he was there when the ball dropped on TV. Except Roxanne and her girlfriends had crashed the party last minute, and when they were ringing in the New Year, and everyone was grabbing the nearest available lips to kiss, he’d ended up lip-locked with his agent’s sister.
He could have sworn he’d used condoms but it wasn’t as if condoms couldn’t fail. Oh well, the pregnancy happened, and he’d fulfill his responsibilities. After all, it wasn’t the baby’s fault.
Cade cranked up the shower, but couldn’t let it run too long, given the California drought. He soaped himself quickly, and it didn’t take many jerks before he ejaculated. It was more for relief and to gain the ability to restrain himself around Andie than for pleasure. It didn’t even rate when all he wanted was to be buried balls deep inside her warm, slick channel.
Woman, you’re killing me.
# # #
“Mom, I’ve already found a place to live,” Andie said over the phone. “It’s just a room in someone’s house, but it’s very affordable.”
“That’s wonderful,” Mom replied. “Can we get the address?”
“After I sign the rental agreement, but let me give you the studio’s address. It’s probably better for you to mail my letters there because I don’t really want my stuff mixed in with my landlord’s.”
“Makes sense. Let me get a pen.”
Andie rubbed her eyes. She hated to be so evasive, but her parents would blow gaskets if they knew she was living with Cade. Besides, she wasn’t sure he’d agree to her terms of being friends only, in which case, she was back on the streets looking for a place to live.
Bottom line. She had to read him the riot act and put him in his place. No kissing, teasing, touching, and definitely no making out. Neither of them could control the chemistry combusting around them, and she was here in Hollywood to do a job, not get laid.
“Okay, back with the pen,” Mom said.
After Andie dictated her work address, she asked how her father was doing.
“He misses you and your talks about David and Michal, but he’s really excited that you’ll get to consult on the movies. Why don’t we schedule a weekly video conference? Are you free on Sundays?”
“Yes, Sunday would work. I miss you two. I’m glad Gollie’s here with me.”
Sunday would definitely work since Cade’s football games were always scheduled then. She closed her eyes and shook her head. She really had to stop thinking of them as a team. Landlord. Tenant. That had to be all.
“We miss you too, sweetie, but we’re so proud of you. Give a kiss to Gollie.”
They said their goodbyes and “love yous” and hung up. Speaking of Gollie, Andie ought to go downstairs and see how her girl was doing.
She tiptoed down the spiral stairs and made her way to the great room. She didn’t want to run into Cade just yet, so she peeked around the corner before moving into t
he room.
Gollie and Red were lying on the floor under the pool table, relaxing. The tip of her tail wagged, and she raised her head, but didn’t come bounding from her comfortable position. Beside her, Red lay with his head on his paws. He too, wagged his tail and his nose moved to take in Andie’s scent.
Andie squatted on the floor, her tight jeans stretching, and patted both of them. Cade’s house was surely better for her dog, since any apartment she could rent would be too cramped for a big dog like Gollie. If only she and Cade could draw the boundaries and keep them.
The evening sunlight slanted through the large windows, and she was drawn to the sunken living room made up almost entirely of sectionals. The view was breathtaking as sunlight reflected off the distant mirrored office buildings.
She felt rather than saw Cade when he moved in behind her. Closing her eyes, she expected him to touch her, to say something, but after a moment of silence, she turned his direction.
He was staring out the window. His sharp nose and high cheekbones gave him a noble look, like an ancient warrior, a mighty man who fought alongside kings and princes. Someone like Ittai, a Philistine prince who came to David’s aid when his own son Absalom had stolen the kingdom from him.
Of course, Cade’s hair was way too short for a Philistine warrior, but he still had the hawk-like profile and proud demeanor of a prince.
They sat side by side, not speaking, but together while the sun slid further down the western sky, golden with orange and purple hues.
Wordlessly, Andie slipped her hand into Cade’s. Even though she’d draw up the rules of engagement between them, she didn’t want to take in her first Californian sunset alone.
Cade’s Adam’s apple undulated as he swallowed, and he held her hand steady, drawing her closer.
Their moment was disturbed by the doorbell. Cade backed away, and she let go of his hand. Hugging herself tightly, she took deep, long breaths. No matter how much she was attracted to Cade, she deserved better. She wasn’t going to trade sex for a room in a house with this awesome view. Besides, who knew how many other women had been in this exact same spot while the sun set over Hollywood?
Cade returned with the takeout in plastic bags.
“Shall we eat here and watch the sunset or in the formal dining room?” His voice was guarded and tight, and his shoulders were hunched, almost like a child caught with his hands in the cookie jar.
Andie snorted at the thought of having his fingers high up inside her “cookie jar.”
“What’s so funny?” Cade skewered her with a sidelong glance. “I thought you were pissed at me.”
“I might be, but I was thinking about a cookie jar.” The giggles rolled from her throat. “Never mind, weird sense of humor.”
“O-okay … Let me set the food out. I hope you like filet mignon and prawn kebobs. Got you a fancy salad too, arugula with goat cheese, sugared hazelnuts, and beets. Dessert’s a surprise.” He pulled the plastic containers from the bag. “I’ll be back with the plates and silverware. And wine, did you want a glass of Bordeaux?”
He was definitely confusing. What happened to the angry man who’d stormed out of her room? Andie watched the sunset glimmer off the downtown buildings as the lights below twinkled to life.
Cade was back, followed by Red and Gollie. The dogs bounded down into the sunken living room and sniffed the food. Both tails flung side by side in a frenzy, and their tongues lolled and salivated at the scrumptious scent of beef.
“This is cruel and unusual punishment for you two cuties.” She hugged and petted both dogs. “You two are best buddies already. You’re so lucky.”
“Lucky? I didn’t get steak for them,” Cade said. “Come on, you two. It’s the backyard for you.”
The awkwardness returned with Cade after he let the dogs out. Silently, he set the food on the plates and lit several candles. They sat on the floor in front of the coffee table, and Andie bowed her head to pray, only because she couldn’t bear to meet Cade’s eyes.
“Let’s enjoy the dinner before we talk,” Cade said, passing her the salad.
Chapter 7
The mixed berry sponge cake was a hit with Andie. Cade looked on, mesmerized, as she licked and moaned at the Chantilly cream-filled base, topped with organic blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, red currants and strawberries.
Every flicker and swirl of her tongue spoke straight to his cock, and sitting cross-legged on the floor was getting mighty awkward. She was making love to the cake, her eyes half closed and fortunately, unaware of the throbbing below his waist.
Cade emptied his wineglass and pulled himself up onto the sectional sofa. The way Andie’s hair shimmered in the candlelight, fiery with the hues of fallen leaves, made the room glow with a magical wonder he’d known only in the fantasy storybooks one of his foster sisters had read to him.
If this were a fairy tale, he’d be the orphan who was really a prince, and she’d be the princess who turned out to be a good witch, and after they’d defeated the evil king and queen, they’d live up in the mountains happily ever after.
Andie finally finished her dessert. Licking her lips and opening her eyes, she turned toward him. “That was heavenly. Thanks for dinner. You really went out of your way.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He patted the leather sofa. “Come, sit with me.”
Her brow furrowed before she climbed off the shag carpet and slid onto the sectional. “I guess we have to talk.”
“Yes, but if you’re tired from the trip, it can wait until the morning.”
“No, I’ll never get any sleep wondering what’s going on or not.” She clasped herself by her elbows.
Cade wanted nothing more than to move over and pull her into his arms, but he’d already gone too far with the kiss, and he couldn’t trust himself. How the heck was he supposed to act when she tempted him so much?
Nerves he didn’t know he had clanged with alarm, and sweat ringed his neck. He wasn’t good at being a good guy, because he’d always gotten away with being bad, but Andie was different, and he didn’t want to go back to the emptiness of three women in his bed and wanting them gone before he woke.
“What do you want to talk about?” He folded his hands together and rested his elbows on his knees.
“For one thing, why am I here? It’s all been so overwhelming. How’d you know my flight and where I’d be? Why’d you bring me to your house?”
“I arranged it with your boss,” he admitted. “I wanted to surprise you. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”
“I was shocked.” Andie’s eyes flickered at him before turning away. “And I was happy, but I’m confused. I feel like you’re assuming a lot.”
“Like how?” Spikes of panic danced on his scalp. “I want us to be friends.”
“But are we really? We only knew each other for about a week, and then you left. To tell you the truth, it feels kind of creepy to be sitting here with you after you practically kidnapped me at the airport.”
Cade blinked, his throat thickening. It was like she’d forgotten everything they’d said to each other, how they’d declared their love at the ski lodge after a harrowing day of mountain biking down the killer slopes.
“Isn’t this house better than a hotel? It’s better here for your dog, too.”
“Well, yes, of course it’s generous of you to offer me a place to stay.” She scooted closer and touched him. Her fingers trailed down his upper arm, over his biceps and squeezed his elbow before resting on his forearm. “But you should have asked or given me the choice back at the airport.”
Her touch was both comforting and disturbing at the same time. How was he supposed to resist when all he wanted to do was pin her down on the couch and kiss her senseless?
“You’re always free to leave. I’m not stopping you.” His jaw clenched, and the muscles on his shoulders bunched together. “As I recall, you asked to see the bedroom, and dammit, you kissed me as hard as I kissed you. You’re touching me
right now, as if you want me.”
She jerked her hand back. “We can’t be anything more than friends. I’ll stay because it’s a good place for Gollie, but only if we don’t sleep together.”
“Can I be honest with you?” He skewered her with narrowed eyes. “You’re a tease, Andie. You practically had an orgasm over the berry sponge cake, and you’re sitting here running your hands all over me. You want me to control myself when you can’t control yourself?”
Her mouth gaped open and snapped shut while her face turned all shades of pink. “That’s not true. Did you know I was afraid of taking this job because I didn’t want to run into you? I held off from replying for weeks, worried that LA wasn’t big enough for the two of us.”
“What are you afraid of?” He leaned toward her, almost nose to nose. “Tell me, Andie. I already promised you I’d never hurt you. Don’t you believe me?”
“You already did. You got some other woman pregnant.”
“That happened before I met you. I can’t change the past.”
“You can change the future, for you and your child.” Her eyes were steady on him. “Thank you for dinner, Cade, and thanks for the place to stay. But we weren’t meant to be, and that’s all there is to it.”
All the hopes and dreams he’d held onto for the past five months collapsed in front of his eyes. How could he have been so mistaken? She’d told him he was precious to her, no matter what.
Cade clenched his fists and stood, walking to the floor-to-ceiling window. He knocked his forehead against the glass, his gaze focused on the astounding view that suddenly seemed hollow.
“So you’re saying you’d never adopt a child of mine? That you couldn’t see yourself caring for him? Can you not forgive me a mistake I made before I met you? Or is it that I don’t deserve your love since I screwed up? I’m worthless and will always be no good in your eyes.”
“That’s a low blow, and you know that’s not true.” She rose from the sofa and jutted herself at his side. “It’s a big deal. You’re having a baby with another woman.”
Boxed Set: Intercepted by Love (The Complete Collection): Books One - Book Six Page 13
