‘I know, I know, that’s how I feel…look, there’s only one person I want to celebrate this with but my family are making me have a celebration dinner with them. Say you’ll come and we can make our escape later.’
‘Of course, of course, God, I can't believe it. When did they tell you?’
‘They called about five minutes ago. My dad and my grandfather are dancing. It’s quite a sight to see.’
She laughed. This family, with her sister dating Joel, had felt more like a family than she’d ever experienced and now that she and Skandar were best friends – they spent nearly all of her free time together now – it just made this all the sweeter.
‘Skan, I want to do something special then, something mad, just the two of us.’
‘Hmm, mad – for us that’s not a stretch. Come over soon and we’ll discuss it.’
As soon as the cab pulled up to the Mallory homestead, she raced up the driveway. Skandar must have been watching from inside because as she reached the huge wooden front door, it was flung open, and Skandar scooped her into his arms and spun her around so fast she started to laugh. Finally, he relented and put her down, and she staggered, still laughing. He locked his arms around her to steady her, and she caught her breath.
‘It’s over,’ she said, grinning, touching his face. He grinned that crinkled smile of his and nodded.
‘It’s over, boo.’ They both laughed breathless, then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his lips found hers and they were kissing. Hayley closed her eyes and sunk into it, his mouth as sweet as she had always thought it would be. His fingers slipped into her hair, gentle, the pads of his fingers stroking delicious patterns on her scalp. She slid her arms around his waist, fingers running over the taut, hard muscular body.
They broke apart just as she was about to pass out from oxygen deprivation, but his hands stayed on her face, his thumbs gliding over the apples of her cheeks. His eyes, that warm brown color, those long, long dark blonde lashes, gazed down at her, his smile, his beautiful smile, breaking across his face.
‘They’re waiting for us inside,’ he said softly, with regret. She nodded, unable to tear her eyes away from his. He took her hand, and they walked inside slowly.
Their family greeted them, and Hayley could see Nan trying not to grin at their clasped hands. She was grateful her sister didn’t say anything about them to her; this was brand new, and she didn’t want to share it with anyone else, yet. Skandar stayed at her side for the whole evening as they toasted with champagne, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back.
Hayley knew that in a few short hours, her life had changed forever and when, finally, Skandar drove them back to his condo in the city, top down in his Mercedes, she felt something shift in her soul.
In his home, she walked around the vast living space, looking around. It was surprisingly chic, and of course, she nodded approvingly at the games consoles. Skandar handed her a cold soda, grinned as she pored over his games collection. ‘Wanna play?’
She grinned at him, relieved that he was so relaxed about the change in the status of their relationship. Reading her mind, Skandar put his soda down, then took hers and put it next to his. He took her hands. ‘Hayley, nothing needs to happen here until you’re ready. We can just hang out and have fun and talk. I wouldn’t mind another one of those sweet kisses of yours, but if you’re not ready, that’s okay.’
Hayley’s eye filled with tears, and he stepped towards her, but she smiled, waved him away. ‘I’m fine, these are happy tears, I promise. I have a confession. I googled you after we first met and all I read were these articles on how much you were a player and this and that. When we became friends, I thought ‘Give him a chance’ instead of judging you. The man those articles described – I’ve never met him. All I know is you, Skandar Mallory. The funny, sweet guy who became as important to me as my own family.’
Skandar simply held out his arms, and she went into them. He buried his face in her neck his lips against her throat.
‘You changed me,’ he said, his voice cracking with emotion. ‘You gave me back hope. You made me believe in goodness again.’
Both of their faces were wet with tears when they kissed again. ‘But I meant what I said,’ he said finally, ‘nothing needs to happen unless you want it to.’
‘Is it okay that I’m scared?’
Skandar grinned. ‘Hell, yes, I’m terrified. I don’t want to screw this up.’
Hayley laughed. ‘In that case, how about we game for a bit, relax us both?’
‘You got it. Choose your poison.’
She settled on Red Dead Redemption. ‘Nice,’ he approved, and they scooched down on the couch to play.
By the time they finished, she was barely able to keep her eyes open. He smoothed her hair back from her face. ‘You can have my bed; I’ll sleep in the guest room.’
She rested her head on his shoulder. ‘No,’ she said sleepily, ‘I don’t want to be alone.’
She couldn’t bear to think of him not being next to her. He didn’t reply but got up and hoisted her into his arms.
In his bedroom, he removed her sneakers and jeans and tucked her into bed; she turned over to watch him undress. He stripped down to his boxers. God, he’s magnificent, she thought, his athlete’s body honed and cut, the broad shoulders leading down to the deep vee of his hips. He was watching her watching him, a strange smile on his face. She took her time drinking him in, every curve of muscle, every soft silky inch of his skin. He made to move to get in bed, but she sat up.
‘No.’
His eyes were sad, disappointed but he nodded. ‘It’s okay, I’ll…’
‘No, that’s not what I meant. I meant…don’t stop…there.’ She blushed but suddenly it was imperative she see him….all of him.
He got it. ‘Off?’ He gestured to his boxers, and she nodded. ‘Okay.’
Slowly he peeled his boxers down his legs, stepped out of then and stood. Warmth flooded through her as he stood there and let her study him. His cock, beginning to stiffen, was thick and long, beautifully shaped. Slowly she crawled to the edge of the bed and he moved so she could touch him. She ran her fingers lightly down the shaft marveling at how silky it felt and how it quivered and grew under her touch. She heard him pull in a ragged breath and looked up at him.
Their gazes locked and at that moment, a silent agreement was made. Hayley peeled off her t-shirt then unhooked her bra. She was astonished that she didn’t feel self-conscious or embarrassed – she wanted him to look at her, to touch her. Skandar gently cupped each breast in his hand, and then bent his head to plant a kiss on each one. Hayley felt herself get wet as he slowly climbed onto the bed and pushed her back onto the pillows. She reached down to stroke his cock again, feeling the heft of it in her hand. Skandar kissed her mouth. ‘You want to stop, you just say stop, and I’ll stop, okay? No matter when, baby…’
Hayley pulled his head down so she could taste his lips again. ‘I don't want to stop; I want you so much…'
Skandar smiled and Hayley gasped as he slipped his hand into her panties and began to stroke her. ‘Is this okay?’
She nodded, feeling her clit harden under his touch and when he bent his head and took her nipple into his mouth, she gasped, the rush of arousal, the depth of her feeling scaring her and thrilling her at the same time. Her hands, still stroking his cock, brushed over the sensitive crest of it and he shuddered. ‘God, Hayley…that feels so good…’
He moved down her body, trailing his lips down her belly, his fingers hitching under her panties and pulling them down. He parted her legs gently then looked up at her. ‘You’re beautiful….don’t be scared.’ She nodded and he bent his head and took her clit into his mouth.
Hayley let out a cry that turned into a giggle of pleasure. Skandar laughed and she felt the sensation rumble through her sex. His tongue teased and lashed around her clit and she felt her sex flood with desire. She closed her eyes and gave herself up to the pleasure.
Skandar brought her to near orgasm, leaving her panting and needing more as he leaned over to the nightstand and retrieved a condom from the drawer. He sat back on his haunches to slip it on - he even made that look sexy - and smiled at her.
‘Remember, you say stop, we stop.’
She nodded, panting, wanting to feel him inside her. Skandar gently moved the tip of his penis up and down her slit before nudging at the entrance of her vagina. ‘Okay?’
She nodded, and he pushed inside her. Her eyes widened at the quick sharp pain but as it faded and Skandar began to move, find his rhythm, her legs wrapped around him and she began to move her hips along with him. Skandar locked his gaze on hers, and they rocked gently, the pace quickening as they both drew near climax. Hayley's vision exploded in bright sparks, and she thought she would pass out as her orgasm ripped through her and she clung to Skandar as he thrust harder once more and came, shuddering and groaning her name over and over. Her body, still vibrating with pleasure, felt different as if finally she fit her own skin.
Skandar excused himself to use the bathroom but was back in a flash, climbing into the bed with her and gathering her to him. ‘Hey, beautiful.'
He kissed her. ‘You okay?’
She nodded, her eyes shining. ‘More than okay, Skandar Mallory.’ She ran her finger down his cheek. Skandar nuzzled his nose against hers and smiled.
‘Tired?' She nodded, and he pulled her to him. ‘Sleep now, baby, I'm not going anywhere.'
She thought she might not be able, given the delicious temptation of his skin next to hers but soon found herself drifting off, knowing, without any hesitation that she was in love with him.
Nan rolled over in the bed to find Joel away and furiously texting. ‘Morning, baby.’
He turned and smiled, but she could see the worry in his eyes. ‘What is it?'
Joel shook his head. ‘Fucking Kit. Now Skandar's is in the clear; he wants to do a joint interview with him. Diane Sawyer, for chrissakes.'
Nan frowned. ‘Why?’
‘Because,’ Joel pushed the sheet back and got up. ‘Kit is a narcissistic asshole who will exploit his own nephew to get publicity.’
Nan slid out from the bed and went to him. ‘I’m so sorry, Joel.’ He gathered himself.
‘I better call Skan.’
She gave him some privacy, wondering what would happen. She had never met Kit Mallory, box office superstar actor - or Joel’s youngest brother Grady, for that matter – but Joel and Kit were fraternal twins and to hear Joel tell it, polar opposites. She had met Asia, Kit’s gorgeous ex-wife, and found her to be down to earth and professional as well as warm and generous and could not reconcile the two personalities.
‘I fell in love with him,' Asia had told her quietly. ‘But sometimes, love isn't enough. Not with Kit.’
She had piqued Nan's interest, but she hadn't felt she could ask Joel more – there was obvious some sibling tension there.
Which reminded her…last night Hayley and Skandar had not taken their eyes off each other. Admittedly, it was a bit weird seeing her boyfriend’s son so obviously smitten with her sister but they’d looked so happy. She retrieved her cell phone and called her sister.
‘Hey bug,’ she said when Hayley answered. She could hear the t.v. in the background.
‘Hey, you okay?’
‘Sure, just calling to see if you got home okay.’
‘Um,’ Hayley hesitated and in that second, Nan knew.
‘Hays…are you at Skandar’s place?’
‘Yeah, we came home to play PlayStation, and you know, it got late, so I crashed here.'
Nan smothered a smile. ‘Well, that’s cool. Look, I don’t want to disturb, just to say I have that parent/teacher thing tonight so I’ll be late home. Call if you’ll be out, okay?’
See, she could do ‘cool older sister’ in her sleep. To be honest, she was relieved that Hayley was with Skandar – he could keep her safe at least.
‘Sure thing,’ Hayley said, catching onto her tone. She lowered her voice. ‘Thanks, sis, love you.’
‘Love you too,’ Nan replied and saying bye, she put down her phone just as Joel reappeared, his face grim.
‘Kit’s flying in to try and persuade Skandar to do the interview.’
Nan nodded. ‘Will he do it?’
Joel sighed. ‘I honestly don’t know.’
‘Sure, let’s do it,’ Skandar shrugged nonchalantly later that day. Kit Mallory grinned at his family.
‘See? The kid’s up for it, so what’s the problem?’
Hayley glared at the man. She didn’t care if he was the most famous actor in the world, he was a giant douchebag. That was her first impression, and she wasn’t changing it in a hurry. Yes, he was staggeringly good-looking (although nothing on Skandar, she decided somewhat smugly), his long blonde hair coiffed perfectly into perfect surfer style, his blue eyes enhanced with contacts. Skandar, his usual easy-going self, was still living on the high from the charges being dropped, and from their lovemaking, didn’t see the harm but Joel, Randall, and Jakob were dead set against it.
‘It opens you up to any questions they want to ask about your relationship with Annika,' Joel told his son, but Skandar grinned good-naturedly.
‘It'll be fine, Pa. I haven’t got anything to hide.’
Kit grinned his thousand watt smile and clapped his hands together. ‘Good, that’s settled. Cherry,’ he barked at the poor p.a. who looked exhausted and hungry. ‘Get that confirmed.’
‘Maybe Cherry would like something to eat and some rest first.’ Randall Mallory was usually a calm, warm center but his voice, this time, took on an edge. Hayley watched as Kit graciously inclined his head in agreement. Ran Mallory’s words apparently carried some weight with his famous son if no one else’s did.
Nan stood and held her hand out to Cherry. ‘Come, let's grab some food and I'll take you up to your room.'
Cherry followed her out, as did Hayley. Nan nudged her sister. ‘I got the good twin,' she muttered, and Hayley snorted.
‘Word,' she shot back, and she saw Cherry nod, her tired eyes amused.
‘You’re not wrong,’ she blurted out then looked alarmed as if she’d said too much. Hayley tucked her arm under hers.
‘What’s said here stays here. How the hell do you not beat his ass with a baseball bat?’
They were in the kitchen then, and Nan made a sandwich and heated some soup. Cherry smiled at them gratefully. ‘He pays very well,’ Cherry admitted, ‘and he’s not always like that. Sometimes I get to see the real Kit – he’s not so bad.’
Nana and Hayley exchanged a look, and Cherry chuckled. ‘No, it's not like that, I don't have a crush. I have a very patient, very understanding wife at home.’
Hayley grinned. ‘Then pretend you’re having a crush on Asia – that’ll get to him.’
‘Hayley,' Nan warned, and Cherry shook her head, smiling.
‘I’d never do that. That was one time Kit genuinely was crushed. He still loves Asia.'
Skandar and Hayley drove out to Discovery Park then hiked the mile and half to the West Point Lighthouse. The weather had turned cooler, and the fall leaves were flaming red and gold. They found some driftwood to sit on, Skandar with his arm around her, looking out to the lighthouse and the water. Hayley leaned her head on his shoulder and Skandar pressed his lips to her forehead.
‘You okay, Hays? After last night I mean.’
She looked up and smiled. ‘More than, Skandar Mallory. You made everything so…natural, and easy and exhilarating. You made it perfect.’
Skandar nodded. ‘You’re the perfect one,’ he said, his voice thick. He cleared his throat then grinned his wicked smile. ‘Although you are making me all mushy, which is not acceptable at all.’
‘It’s revolting, isn’t it?’
‘Totally.’ He laughed along with her. ‘Actually, I do have an admission….there’s someone else.’
Because he was grinning, she knew not to be shocked or scared
, but still, it stung a little. ‘The floozy.’
‘Want the story?’
‘Well, I’m going to need to know whose ass to kick, so yeah,’ she pretended to be angry. He grinned.
‘Jealous. You don't need to be; I've never met her. I'm even presuming she's a ‘she' although I'm pretty sure. Promise you won’t think I’m the biggest geek?’
‘Too late.’
‘Ha ha, funny girl. Well, it gets lonely on tour, especially when Carlos has the key to my chastity belt.’
She stuck her tongue at him.
‘So, I found this forum, this sci-fi nerd heaven and starting lurking on it. After a while, I found this thread where this person was posting, and we got to talking on the forum, then later, private messaging.'
Hayley was staring at him in shock. ‘Skan…which forum is this?’
Skandar looked sheepish. ‘Battlestar Galactica and Cap…’
‘Caprica,’ she finished for him.
He looked amazed. ‘Yeah, you know it?’
She nodded, trying not to grin. ‘Yeah, I love it. Ask me who my favorite character is, Skandar.’
Something was tugging at his brain. ‘Who?’
‘Sam Adama.’
It hit him then. ‘You’re Samadamadingdong?’
‘You’re SkunkMaladyBibble.’
‘Holy shivering fuck,’ he said and started to laugh. ‘Of all the…wow. We were really meant to be, huh?’
She flushed with pleasure at his words. ‘I think so.’
Skandar kissed her, tilting her chin with a gentle hand. ‘Hayley Applebee, you are my world now. I am away a lot – do you think you could live with that? You’re always welcome to come with me, of course, but I know you have college. I want to make us work. Can you trust me?’
She nodded. ‘With my life,’ she said and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him fiercely. ‘Hey,…so…it’s getting cold and um, well, I need…practice so…’
Skandar grinned. ‘You got it, beautiful…let’s go back to my place.’
Hayley lay back in Skandar’s arms, sweat-drenched, her body reeling from making love. God, if this was what it was like…she grinned at him. ‘You may have turned me into a nympho.’
Mallory Page 11
