by Erika Rose
“Jean.” Fawn whined.
“Anyway if you decide to have fun, just remember to make sure it’s safe fun.”
Fawn laughed at her friend, before hugging her and kissing her goodbye. “See you in a couple of months.”
As Jean and Stefan walked away, Seth spoke. “We’ll I guess you’re stuck with me then.”
Fawn found herself enjoying his company and couldn’t help but flirt a little. “There are worse things to be stuck with.” She smiled as she pushed her hair out of her face, noticing Dom in the distance. He wasn’t playing golf, but keeping a good distance from her in the golf cart he was driving. She wished she didn’t need him around, but fame came with a price. Sometimes Fawn felt the price was too high.
“Touché.” Seth said as they continued the game.
By the time they had reached the eighteenth hole, Fawn didn’t need Seth’s instruction as much anymore. The afternoon had been laced with innuendos and flirting, Fawn couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun.
Feeling comfortable with her game she decided to make him a little less so. As Seth bent over the ball, Fawn leaned closer. As he lifted the club to strike, Fawn whispered in his ear. “Remember, balance.”
It was an innocent phrase but it had the exact effect Fawn had hoped for. Seth cursed as the ball landed closer than he had expected. Fawn knew if she hadn’t distracted him he would’ve hit it close to the hole.
“That wasn’t very nice.” Seth said turning to her.
Fawn smiled innocently. “I never said I was nice.”
As they continued playing stroke for stroke the competition became evident, flirtation forgotten, both eager to win. To Fawn’s amazement she met Seth’s strokes of two above par. As she put the club away she smiled at him. “Not too bad for a beginner ey?”
Seth’s mouth tugged at the one corner his steel eyes focused on hers. “I’d say you could do with more practice.”
The innuendo was clear. Fawn felt the flicker of arousal rush through her body, remaining constant as she sat next to him in the golf cart on their way back to the clubhouse.
CHAPTER 2
Seth quickly glanced at Fawn as they approached the clubhouse with the golf cart. He had enjoyed the afternoon with her and didn’t want it to end yet. There was a fragility contrasting the stubbornness he had seen during the day lurking in her face.
He had found her striking when he had seen her from his seat at the bar that afternoon. Small build, pitch black hair and skin as white as milk; she had reminded him of snow white in the fairytales his mother used to read to him.
Once her clear blue eyes had met his, he forgot about innocent childhood fairytales and found himself enthralled.
He was grateful when Stefan and her friend Jean had to leave, it had given him more time with her alone, but even that wasn’t enough. If he understood right she was visiting the Hamptons alone, which meant she probably didn’t have plans for tonight.
As the golf cart came to a stop he waited for her to climb out before asking. “Are you doing anything tonight?”
She looked caught off guard by the question and took a moment before answering. “I’ll just head on back to the hotel, maybe grab a couple of movies on Netflix.”
“Or you could come out with me for a drink in town. I know this great little place.”
She shook her head as she smiled apologetically. “Sorry I don’t feel like going out tonight.”
“You really feel like going back to the hotel and spending your night watching television while you’re on holiday?” Seth knew he was pushing it, but something about Fawn made him push.
Fawn pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes in thought. “How about this, let’s go have a drink at the bar at the hotel I’m staying at.”
“Great, meet you at seven pm?” Seth asked as he hooked his clubs over his shoulder.
“Fine by me.”
Fawn gave him the name of her hotel before she disappeared inside the clubhouse.
At seven pm Seth waited at the bar for Fawn freshly showered and shaved. He didn’t bother much with attire, but since it was his father’s hotel he made a little effort. Not that his father was in town, but he knew there were many eyes on him whenever he came here. Not that it was often. Ever since he had dodged joining the family business of luxury hotels he avoided them as much as possible.
“You’re on time.” He heard Fawn’s soft voice from behind. As he turned he took her in. Her skin was pale all over; it should’ve made her black hair appear harsh. But it didn’t. It just made it more striking. Her sky-blue eyes were enhanced with some powders or pencils, Seth could never be sure which. She was wearing a soft cocktail dress in black that accentuated her hair and brought her eyes out even more.
“So are you.” He said surprised. “Women rarely ever are.”
“Habit.” Fawn said as she sat down beside him. Seth couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to the word than she let on.
They had spent the whole day together and yet here in the hotel bar, with the sun was busy setting Seth looked at her again. Something flickered in the back of his mind, recognition. But from where?
“So what are you having?” Seth asked as she placed her clutch on the bar counter.
Fawn looked at his scotch and smiled. “Scotch on the rocks.”
She had been meeting the challenge every step on the golf course, but Seth didn’t want her to feel she had to keep up with him while they drink. “Are you sure, they serve some great cocktails here.”
“Really, you come here often then?” Fawn asked.
Seth shrugged; he wasn’t ready for her to know about the family business.
The waiter came by and Seth ordered a fresh scotch for himself and another one for Fawn.
“So why does a girl from California go on holiday to the other side of the country alone?”
Seth noticed something in Fawn’s eyes at the question, but she quickly disguised it with a laugh. “I’ve never been, and I wanted to spend some time on the East Coast.”
Knowing it was more a rebuttal than an answer Seth smiled. “Well I’m glad you did.”
The waiter set the glasses of scotch down in front of them and both Seth and Fawn picked it up and clinked their glasses. Their eyes met and Seth felt the heat from earlier start to build again. “To a great night after a good game.”
Fawn laughed. “You think I played great?”
“Yes, for a beginner.” He teased liking the way her dimples showed when she laughed.
“Next time, I won’t be a beginner.” Fawn said taking a sip of her scotch. Seth had to respect the fact that she didn’t even wince. She knew how to drink scotch.
“That’s a shame, since I enjoyed teaching you.” Seth grinned at her cockily. He had enjoyed having Fawn in his arms, her dark hair blowing in the wind, bringing the scent of shampoo and perfume to him.
Fawn blushed at his words and the heated look that came with it. “So what do you do?”
“Me?” Seth asked surprised. He normally gave girls a variety of answers. Freelance photographer, journalist or writer but for some reason he couldn’t lie to her. “At the moment not much.”
“That’s honest.” Fawn looked at him inquiringly.
“Let’s just say my parents wanted me to join the family business and preferred not to after trying it for a while.”
“Oh, and what’s the family business?”
Except for his friends, few people knew what their family business was. He thought about hinting at the mafia, which would stop her from asking any more questions, but since the barman knew his name and someone was bound to come greet him he decided on honesty. “Hotels. This chain as a matter of fact.”
Fawn coughed on her sip of scotch. “You mean your family owns this hotel chain?”
Seth shrugged; that was why he didn’t often tell people.
“Wow, that’s impressive.”
“Not real
ly, they owned it before I was born. I just happen to have rich parents.”
“Makes life a lot easier doesn’t it?” Fawn asked sincerely.
Seth found himself opening up to her in a way he had never opened up to a woman before. The thought both rattled and unnerved him. “On the money front sure, but otherwise not so much. People either see you as a rich brat, or hate you for coming from money.”
Fawn laughed easily as she brushed aside her bangs. “It’s a hard life.”
Turning the tables Seth smiled. “So what do you do?”
He could swear he saw the shutters close over Fawn’s face as she answered into her drink. “I’m in entertainment back in California.”
“I could imagine you being quite entertaining.” Seth said as he placed his arm on the back of her chair. He fingers itched to touch her hair. To feel if it was as silky as it looked.
Fawn shrugged and leaned back against his arm.
Seth could feel the heat inch up a few notches between them. He had enjoyed quite a few women, not more than your average healthy single male would, but he had never felt this attracted to one.
“What are your plans while you’re in the Hamptons?” Seth asked as he softly brushed his fingers through her hair.
Fawn’s breath caught at the touch before answering. “Relaxing.”
Leaning close, Seth whispered close to her ear. “I can think of a few ways to help you relax.”
She turned to face him, her blue eyes once again meeting the challenge. He felt his groin start to stir and shifted in his chair when he heard someone behind them.
He turned and noticed one of the waitresses he knew. “Hey Sandy.”
The quirky redhead smiled briefly at Seth before turning to Fawn. “Hi Seth. I’m sorry M’am are you FAWN?”
Seth watched as surprise and fear crossed Fawn’s face.
“I’m sorry but I have a couple youngsters in the corner that asked me. They’d like an autograph, but I didn’t want them to bother you.”
Seth watched Fawn close her eyes and when she opened them they seemed cold, her smile overly bright when she turned to Sandy. “Yes I am, tell them they’re welcome to come by for an autograph and a photo.”
“Oh my Gosh! This is so exciting. I’ll tell them.” Sandy disappeared as quickly as she arrived.
“That’s why you looked familiar.” Seth said as recognition dawned.
“When?” Fawn asked. “You didn’t say anything.”
“Something niggled at me all day, but I wasn’t sure what it was. When I saw you this evening with the make-up and the dress it niggled even more. Now it all makes sense. You’re FAWN. Your latest hit song topped the charts for three weeks. What was it? Sour and Power?”
Fawn laughed so hard it reached her eyes, pushing the shutters down. “Sweet and Sour but close enough.”
“That’s right. It’s quite catchy.” Seth said as he weaved his fingers through her hair and lightly dragged his nails along her nape.
His eyes met hers, the intention and desire clear.
When the screeching started, Seth easily withdrew his hand and picked up his scotch.
“It’s FAWN! Oh my gosh! It’s really her. Hi, I’m Lexie and this is Tina. We’re like your biggest fans.”
Seth watched the shutters close over her face as the over bright smile appeared and her eyes turned cold. “Hi, it’s great to meet you.” She said to the young girls.
“Please could you sign this for me?” The young girl said excitedly.
Seth watched through the corner of his eye as Fawn took the notebook and signed her name.
“Would you mind?” The one girl asked as she handed Seth her phone. “It’s already on camera.”
Seth took the phone and stood up. As he snapped a few photos of the girls all but sitting on Fawn’s lap, he wondered how he hadn’t recognized her earlier. This was why?
Her smile was softer and her eyes kinder when she wasn’t in persona. She intrigued him even though the attraction between them scared him.
“Thank you! This was just awesome! No one is going to believe we saw you in the Hamptons.”
As the girls walked away, Seth noted the fear in Fawn’s eyes. “You hoped you could come here without being recognized?”
Fawn nodded as she took a large sip of her scotch.
Seth watched a big man approach them. His shoulders were as wide as a truck and his head shaved bald as a baby’s bum. “Here comes another one.” He said to Fawn cocking his head in the man’s direction.
Fawn turned to look and smiled gratefully as the man approached. “I’m fine Dom, just a couple of fans.”
The large man nodded before speaking. “You want me to make sure they keep quiet?”
“Yes please. You can offer them golden circle tickets to my show in New York next month, if that doesn’t work try cash.”
Dom nodded at Fawn and briefly checked Seth over. No words were spoken but the warning in Dom’s eyes were clear. Hurt her and I’ll hurt you.
After Dom had gone to find the two wayward fans Seth turned back to Fawn. “That happen a lot?”
“Too much.” Fawn answered resignedly.
Seth softly took her chin in his hand and turned her face towards him. “I’m sorry they bothered you.”
“It wasn’t your fault.” Fawn said as her clear blue eyes softened.
“No, but I can see it rattled you.”
“I’m fine.”
A weight had settled on her shoulders and Seth didn’t want him to add more to it. “How about you go upstairs and have an early night in before anyone else recognizes you?”
Fawn watched him; Seth could feel his heart beating faster. He didn’t want her to leave so soon, but he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable.
“How about you come upstairs with me, then we can have another drink in quiet?” Fawn smiled as she placed her hand on Seth’s thigh. “Besides it’s becoming over crowded down here anyway.”
Seth felt his manhood spring to attention at her easy touch. He wanted her. “Only if you’re sure.”
Fawn stood up and picked up her clutch from the bar. “I’m sure. You coming?”
Seth downed the last bit of scotch in his glass before standing up. “You bet.”
CHAPTER 3
Fawn walked towards the elevators feeling giddy. She wasn’t sure if it was the single scotch she had, or Seth’s company.
Somehow he found a way to make her feel comfortable being Fawn Di Maggio, none of the sparkle of being FAWN applied. She was just a girl he liked, one he was interested in, one he wanted to spend more time with.
She had dated several guys, being famous drew men like food drew flies. Although only one had managed to get her into bed. The experience had been nothing like the love stories Fawn had read or what her friends had told her it would be like. If she had to describe it to someone she would use one word. Lukewarm.
However, being with Seth felt different. Firstly the attraction to him was on a scale she had never experienced before. The fact that he didn’t know who she was attracted her even more. Even though he had an inkling he hadn’t been sure.
If she had to be brutally honest with herself, she had imagined his lips against hers all day. Her hands in his unruly blonde hair.
She didn’t know what was going to happen once they stepped into her room, but she knew she wasn’t ready for their day together to end just yet.
“What floor?” Seth asked as they reached the elevator.
“Penthouse.” Fawn answered smiling as she pulled out the keycard that granted them access to that floor.
“The best in the house Miss Di Maggio.” Seth said as he stepped in behind her.
Fawn smiled. “You would know.”
A few people stepped in beside them and Fawn instantly looked down, allowing her hair to curtain around her face. She didn’t need anyone else recognizing her tonight.
The elevator door opened
a few times on the different floors and each time someone stepped out, Seth moved closer.
She could smell the fresh scent of his aftershave; feel the heat radiating from his body. She stepped out and turned to Dom. “You can have the rest of the night off; I’ll let you know if I leave the hotel in the morning.”
Dom looked from Seth to Fawn, the question clear in his eyes. Does she trust him? “I’m fine Dom. Besides if anything happens to me he’s easy to track down. His parents own the hotel.”
Dom nodded briefly before stepping back into the elevator. Fawn waited for it to close before she turned to Seth smiling. “Just making sure I’ve got all my bases covered.”
Seth shrugged. “Might be a good thing, seems like you’ve got a lot of fans stalking you.”
“I wouldn’t say stalking, but definitely overzealous.”
She walked into the luxurious suite. The cream and sand color décor had calmed her from the moment she stepped in. She walked over to the wet bar to offer Seth a drink but before she could, she heard him open the baby grand in front of the wall to ceiling windows.
“You play?” Fawn asked as she opened a bottle of sparkling water for herself.
“I used to. Spent about seven years in piano recitals until my dad said it was time I learn the family business.”
“Did you enjoy it?” Fawn asked as she moved to the other side of the piano.
Seth smiled, Fawn felt arousal pool low in her belly. “More than the family business.”
His strong graceful fingers moved over the keys with comfort and expertise before he started playing Someone Like You from Adele. The simple melody flowed over her and Fawn realized there was more to him than the rich playboy he let on.
Once the cords were finished Fawn found his steel gaze focused on her. “Do you play?”
Fawn laughed. “I could sing from the time I was six, no one ever saw any use in teaching me how to play. I did however learn to play the guitar when I was on tour a few years back.”
“You should teach me sometime. I’ve always wanted to play the guitar.” Seth said softly.
