Dillon (Scandals Book 1)

by Hazel Gower

  “Thank you.” She kissed one cheek. “Thank you.” She kissed my other cheek. “Thank you.” Her lips came down onto mine, and I opened and deepened our kiss. She moaned and ground against me. When my fingers slid under her shirt she groaned and pulled her mouth from mine. “We don’t have time for that now. Daylight is burning, and I have so much to do.” She slid down my body, and I reluctantly let her.

  Ashlyn turned bright red and I turned and saw why. Rick stood at the entrance of the room, and I watched his lips twitch trying not to smile. Ashlyn sighed, turned to her bag and got her phone out, then turned to Rick and pounced. “Take my phone. You have to take photos.” She yanked on my arm, pulling me to her and out onto the deck. “Okay. Take a bunch, Rick.”

  I laughed at her enthusiasm and even saw Rick couldn’t help smiling at Ashlyn. “You do realize that taking photos isn’t my job?”

  Ashlyn waved her hand. “Bodyguard. Photographer. It’s all the same.”

  Rick shook his head and mumbled between chuckles, “No. No it isn’t.”

  I hugged Ashlyn to me as she posed with me for photos.

  ****

  Ashlyn

  Key West was amazing. I didn’t want to leave. The resort we were in was right in front of the most southern point. The sky was clear, and the weather was perfect for the beach. We’d arrived early, and after checking in, Dillon, Rick, Toby—another guard—and I went exploring. I’d had things I wanted to do this morning before I spent my afternoon on the beach of the most southern part of America.

  Dillon hadn’t been recognized, and I was on cloud nine. We walked around hand in hand and stopped to kiss and cuddle all the time. We enjoyed a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and wandered the shops. I now sat in a chair next to Dillon looking out at the ocean next to our resort.

  “Thank you for this. Today was incredible.” I sat up in the laid-back chair to look at Dillon.

  Dillon sat up and grabbed me so I straddled him in the chair. “You don’t have to thank me.” He stroked my cheek, the tips of his fingers came down to trace my lips before going down my chin. “Seeing how happy this has made you and seeing it all through your eyes has made it all worth it.” My stomach fluttered, and I shivered at the feel of my heart feeling like it was going to beat out of my chest. “You’re so easy to be with.” His lips came to meet mine, and I rested against him and savored his touch as he deepened the kiss. And that was when I knew.

  I’d fallen in love.

  ****

  Miami Airport

  Tears slid down my cheek, and I didn’t bother to brush them away. I didn’t want to leave Dillon. I didn’t want to go home. I wanted to continue my adventure of exploring America and spending time with the man I was in love with. My chest ached, and my stomach rolled.

  Dillon’s hand was entwined with mine, his grip tight. Bodyguards surrounded us as we made our way through the airport towards the security. The fans were crazy now the tour was well on its way. I gripped my big leather hobo handbag in my other hand. It held all my paperwork and electronics. Dillon had me upgraded to first-class and paid for my carryon to go with my big luggage. I’d told him I was happy with the economy plus that I’d paid for and he didn’t need to spend his money, but he insisted and wouldn’t listen. I was too unsettled and upset to argue.

  The security checkpoint wasn’t far before us, and we stopped in a corner with the bodyguards standing before Dillon and me. Snuggling against Dillon, I breathed him in. I buried my face into his chest. His fingers settled under my chin and he tilted my head up so I stared at him. “We’ll Skype. I will see you in a little over three weeks.”

  Choking on a sob I nodded, unable to talk. Dillon rubbed my back before coming up to brush away my tears.

  “Don’t cry, lov’. This isn’t goodbye, more like I’ll see you later.”

  Hiccupping through a laugh I shook my head at his view of our situation. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I know.” He winked, and I embarrassed myself by snort laughing.

  Oh God. Not only was I ugly crying, with puffy eyes, red nose and my body shaking with sobs, I was now snorting. Wiping my eyes, I took a deep breath in and slowly let it out trying to calm myself. “I’m sorry I’m a mess. You’ve just became this huge part of me. I don’t want to leave you. Argh, I sound crazy.” Stepping away from him I tried to gather myself so I didn’t look as crazy. I knew I sounded like a clingy, infatuated girlfriend, not just a woman who’d spent almost three weeks getting to know a new boyfriend. I should’ve been horrified at my behavior, but I was too upset to care.

  Dillon’s arms circled around me gathering me back against him. “This isn’t a one sided thing.” He caressed my cheek, and I leaned into his touch. I was really going to miss this, just the simple touches like, his hand holding, or him brushing my cheek. “You’re sane, because I’m just as crazy about you as you are about me. I mean I know why you like me so much. I am irresistible and one of the most eligible bachelors in the world.” His hands came down, and he squeezed my arse. He raised his eyebrows up and down, and I burst out laughing. This was one of the reasons why I’d fallen for him. He always made me laugh even when I wasn’t feeling very happy. He made fun of himself for me, and he always knew what I needed to hear.

  Reaching up, I captured his mouth to my own and kissed him with all the love I felt. Wrapping my arms around his neck I pressed my body to his, and delved my tongue into his mouth and tangled it with his.

  Rick cleared his throat and said in a clear soft voice, “Sorry to break you two up, but you’ve got about ten or so minutes before they start boarding your flight.”

  Reluctantly I pulled away from Dillon. I needed to leave now or I’d miss my flight and I didn’t know if I’d rebook if I did. Checking my handbag was still on my shoulder I gripped it tight and took a couple of steps back, looking at the sad green eyes with hair falling over them and the slouching body of the man I loved. I held back a sob. He was not what I had expected on this vacation, or for a boyfriend, but he was mine. “I love you.”

  Dillon blinked and stepped towards me. “What did you say?” His voice was hoarse as he stared at me like he’d imagined what I’d said.

  Crap. I’d said that out loud. I stepped back and opened my mouth to tell him again, but I couldn’t. It was too soon to tell him that. We had a connection and I may have been in love with him, but I didn’t want to tell him and scare him away. “I’ll miss you,” I mumbled. I blew him a kiss and turned, scurrying to get in the security check line. I hoped I didn’t just blow it.

  Chapter Six

  Dillon

  Two days later

  I’d waited over forty-eight hours to talk to Ashlyn. With all the flights, she’d had eighteen hours on planes. I knew she’d go home and sleep. So I gave her enough time, but it was damn hard. I knew what I’d heard. Ashlyn had said she loved me. I should have said it back, but I’d been stunned. It had taken me a moment to realize she had said it, and I hadn’t imagined it. I was in love with her. I knew it was quick to fall for someone in the short time we’d been together, but being with Ashlyn was easy. She was loving, loyal, caring, and easygoing. She was like a breath of fresh air when you’d been using recycled air for five or so years.

  Leaning back on the resort bed, I sat the laptop on the pillows beside me. I’d messaged Ashlyn fifteen minutes ago to tell her I would be calling her. She had just gotten back to me. Setting up the chat I pressed call. Ashlyn answered, and her beautiful face came up on the screen. Her eyes had dark circles under them, her hair was in a messy bun, and her skin look almost translucent.

  “Hi, lov’. I miss ya. How was your flight?”

  “Good. The first cla—“

  “He sounds like a snooty idiot. Tell him to fuck off and you want a real man. Give me a look at him.” A guy’s voice cut off Ashlyn’s words, and seconds later a man in his early to mid-thirties pushed his way onto the screen.

  Ashlyn hit the guy on the back of his head and push
ed at his shoulders. “Go away, Tyler.” This was one of her brothers. I’d heard her talk to them plenty of times and seen photos. They wrestled for the screen, but I could see Ashlyn’s brother was careful not to hurt her. Ashlyn won after a nipple cripple and took back over the screen. “I’m sorry, Dillon, my brother is being a dickhead.” She yelled the last word, and I heard laughter in the background.

  I wrestled and fought with my own brother all the time, so I wasn’t bothered. “Don’t apologize. I have a brother. So I know what it gets like.”

  Ashlyn nodded and then smiled. That simple thing sent warmth flowing through me. I loved her smile. It always seemed to brighten any room. She sighed. “They’re taking turns. Tyler and Torrance are staying with me.” She closed her eyes. “They’ve taken friggin’ holidays and moved into my townhouse. They’re saving me from the media and crazy people.” Ashlyn rolled her eyes.

  “I’m sorry.” I hadn’t thought about the media and what they would do when she went home. I’d assumed they would leave her alone and think I’d moved on when she left. Fuck, I hated when I was wrong.

  She waved her hand across the screen. “Dipshit one and two—”

  “Hey, sis, I can hear you. My feelings are getting hurt,” Ashlyn’s brother shouted, interrupting her.

  Ashlyn snorted and yelled over her shoulder. “Feelings, my arse. Stop listening and whining. You’re worse than an old woman listening in.”

  “Am not. And men don’t whine.”

  I laughed at their banter, and Ashlyn turned back to the screen. “Give me a second. I’m going to go and shut the door so it’s harder for him to listen.”

  “Sure.” I watched as she left the screen and came back a moment or two later.

  “Okay, take two,” she said. “Hi.”

  “Hi. It sounds like he missed you.”

  “Yeah.” Ashlyn’s eyes sparkled, and a cheeky smirk spread over her face. “I think they’ve gained a bit of weight. They usually split their time between mine and my mother’s food. Without my food they got takeout.”

  “You cook, too?”

  “Yep. I had to learn when my two brothers ate everything in sight. There were never any leftovers for me or spare food.” She shrugged. “So I made things.”

  Nodding, I listened to her and wondered if I should say anything to her. Was talking about what she’d said at the airport something you spoke of over Skype? Or did I wait until I saw her in the flesh? I wanted to say it back to her, but I knew I should say that to her when I could hold her and kiss her. Groaning, I watched as hair fell over her eyes and I ached to tuck the strand behind her ear.

  I needed to talk about our love in the flesh. The next three weeks were going to be hell.

  ****

  Ashlyn

  Australia

  We’d talked on Skype the last three and half weeks. He hadn’t mentioned what I’d said at the airport, but I didn’t know if when we were face to face I’d be as lucky. My love for him hadn’t changed. It had only gotten stronger. I just thought it was too soon to voice my feelings. Especially to famous, could-have-any-girl-he-wanted Dillon.

  I hadn’t told my brothers Dillon was coming. My brothers seemed to be warming to him, well as much as my brothers warmed to anyone, but I didn’t want to risk anything. I wanted to enjoy my days with Dillon, not be taken over with my family. I hadn’t even told my parents. He was only in Australia for five nights. I intended to spend most of that in a bed or wrapped around him somewhere. Dillon was bringing my two favorite bodyguards, Rick and Toby. I was hoping Dillon wouldn’t get recognized, but if he did Rick and Toby would be close by. Dillon was taking a private plane, and I was only moments away from meeting him at the country airport not far from my place. The rest of the band was even going to try to cover for him so we could enjoy our time together.

  I’d picked up the big SUV Dillon had hired for his stay and drove it to the airport. I parked as close as I could get and then got out and walked into the small airport. Since arriving home to Australia no one really bothered me. I’d had the media contact me a couple of times asking for an interview to tell them details about the Right Time and my relationship with Dillon, but after a couple of weeks or so they gave up. My brothers helped get rid of them, too.

  Going over to the arrival gate I glanced down at my phone again to check the time. He should’ve been coming out any minute. My stomach churned, and my palms were sweaty against each other. Wiping them on my clothes, I took a deep breath in and slowly let it out. It felt a lot longer than three and half weeks since I’d seen Dillon. My stomach felt queasy. It did that a lot lately, and I hoped that once I saw Dillon the queasiness would settle. I missed his touch, him holding me at night, or even just him caressing my cheek and tucking my hair behind my ear.

  These last three weeks I’d been lonely. Before Dillon, I loved my life and didn’t think I was missing anything. I’d had many thoughts lately of quitting my job and traveling with Dillon. Only a couple of things held me back. One—I didn’t want to be a groupie. Two—I hadn’t been with Dillon long just to give everything up, no matter how much I loved him. And lastly, I didn’t have the money. I knew Dillon would pay, but I didn’t want him to use his hard earned money. I wasn’t with him for his money. I wasn’t a gold-digger and didn’t want to be called one.

  Searching the gate I spotted him. He was hard to miss, in black skinny jeans, a white and black tank that showed his terribly done tats, black sunglasses, hair that wasn’t black, but wasn’t brown falling over his sunglasses and lastly two massive bodyguards standing by him, one behind and one slightly in front. Dillon was cocky, and he didn’t care about the attention he was given.

  My stomach didn’t settle. It became full of butterflies. My heart felt like it started beating so fast I was surprised it didn’t beat its way out of my chest. I wanted to run and jump on him so bad. I knew Rick, who stood a little in front of me, might stop me if I ran fast and he didn’t see it was me. I’d seen Rick take down people many times while I’d been with Dillon, and I did not want to become one.

  Slowly moving forward, I intertwined my fingers to stop my fist clenching with my nerves. I was scared. What if when he saw me in person again he didn’t like what he saw? What if he saw me again and there was no spark, no chemistry for him?

  I stopped directly before them. “Dillon, I’ve missed you.” Rick stepped to the side, and I stepped closer, terrified.

  Dillon slid his sunglasses up on his head and slowly took me in from head to toe and back again. Then a massive smile spread over his handsome face, and he closed the gap between us and wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tight. “Fuck, I’ve missed you so much. You’re more beautiful each time I see you.”

  His lips crashed down on mine, and I closed my eyes savoring his taste and touch. I clutched him like he was my life line. I didn’t care where we were, or if we had an audience. I wasn’t giving up this kiss for anyone or anything. His tongue sought entry, and I opened, letting him re-explore.

  I don’t know how long we stood where we were making out, but when I needed air I reluctantly eased away. His hands came up to caress my cheek, and I leaned into his touch.

  “I love you.” His voice was clear, and there was no mistaking what he said.

  A heavy weight lifted off my shoulders, and I beamed up at him. “I love you, too.”

  He winked at me. “I thought I’d tell you now. Well, since you seem to think airports are the place to say it.”

  I groaned and squeezed him against me. “You didn’t say anything when we talked.”

  He brushed his lips over mine. “I thought this was something that needing talking about in person. Then I realized I’d tell you how I feel when I saw you next.” He rested his forehead on mine. “I love you.”

  Sighing in contentment I squeezed him against me. “I love you, too. Come on let’s get out of here so I can show you just how much.”

  He chuckled and smacked my arse. “Lead the way, lov’.” />
  ****

  Dillon

  At Ashlyn’s house three nights later.

  I didn’t know if I was relived or upset that Ashlyn hadn’t told her family I was here. I’d been at her house for three nights now and she still hadn’t said anything to them. Our first two nights we’d spent in bed, but I at least thought today when her parents called she would mention she was with me. I didn’t like the feeling that I was getting. Was Ashlyn ashamed or embarrassed by me? Did she not think this would last? Didn’t she believe in our love? Was that was why she wasn’t saying anything or introducing me?

  “Why didn’t you tell them you were with me?”

  She sighed and wrapped her arms around me. “You’re only here for two more nights. I want you all to myself. I also don’t want them butting in or scaring you off.” She gazed up at me with a pleading pout and eyes that begged for me to let her have what she wanted. What she’d said made sense, but I didn’t like it. I started to feel like her dirty secret. “Please let me just enjoy you. I promise the next time I’ll introduce you.”

  I had two more nights, and as much as I wanted to argue my own point, I didn’t want to fight. I wanted to enjoy my short time left with her. Reaching over beside me I circled her waist and pulled her to straddle me. “Fine. Next time I’m here I want to meet all the family.”

  Ashlyn moaned and clenched her thighs. “How about next time you can meet my parents?”

  Sitting up higher on the bed I held her waist as I inched up. Trailing my hands up her body I rested them on her cheeks, caressing her smooth skin. Tilting her chin up with one finger, I traced her lips with my other hand committing every curve and surface to memory. “I want to meet your brothers, too. I know how important your family is to you and you love your brothers.”

  She pressed a kiss to my fingers and mumbled, “That’s debatable.”

  Chuckling at her sulking look, I leaned up and feathered my lips over hers. “I’m not scared…” I kissed her. “…of your brothers.” I brushed her lips. “I’m resilient. I can handle them. I promise.” I licked her lips before seeking entry. She opened, and my tongue met hers and I kissed her with all the love and passion I felt. I could never get enough of Ashlyn.