‘Summer, who’s your date?’ yelled one photographer. I just blinked at him, as I opened and closed my mouth, unsure what to say.
‘Just a friend, a very close friend,’ Logan called back, as he appeared at my side. He dipped his head and kissed my temple, as I closed my eyes and let out a breath. ‘You’re doing great, let’s keep moving, people want your autograph. You’re going to be a star, Summer Beresford.’
‘You haven’t seen the film yet,’ I retorted, as I looked up at him. He smiled down at me.
‘I don’t need to, I knew it the moment I saw your photograph. Relax, enjoy it. It’s your night.’
He stayed by my side as I walked along the railings and shook hands with people, mindful of the diamond ring on my finger, which I seriously hoped was on loan, that he hadn’t purchased that and the other jewels as well. I signed autographs in a daze. Was this really happening? I was on a red carpet, the centre of attention, with Logan Steele next to me. He laughed as people asked for his autograph too and explained that he wasn’t in the film. I could see the looks in the women’s eyes, he weaved some kind of magic over them, young and old alike, no one was immune to his charms. We were moved along by one of the security team, toward the gardens where TV crews were set up for interviews. I gulped, feeling guilty, as I saw Daron in his tuxedo, his hands shoved in his trouser pockets, as he spoke into the microphone being held in front of his face. He glanced up and a frown crossed his face as he looked at me, a frown that turned to a glare as Logan whispered something in my ear and put his arm around my waist. I’d spent more hours in Daron’s company than Logan’s, pretending to kiss him, faking sex with him, yet I felt more relaxed and at ease with Logan than I ever had with Daron.
‘You’re here at last,’ came Mandy’s voice. ‘I need to check your makeup. Holy mother of Jesus,’ she gasped, as she stood in front of me and looked up at Logan. ‘Who’s James Bond?’
‘Logan, pleased to meet you,’ he replied, as he stretched out his hand to greet her.
‘Logan?’ She looked at me and raised her eyebrows as she shook his hand. ‘The Logan?’
‘Shall we go and touch up my makeup,’ I declared, as I grabbed her elbow and quickly steered her away.
‘The Logan?’ she repeated, as she looked back over her shoulder at him and nearly tripped over her own tongue, which was dragging on the floor.
‘Yes,’ I sighed.
‘Holy shit. H.O.T. With a capital … everything. That man has serious appeal.’
‘Tell me about it. What the hell am I doing?’ I asked, as she shoved me into a chair under a white canopy next to a dressing table.
‘Him I hope. If you’re not going to, I don’t think he’ll be lacking for offers. Me for starters.’
‘I slept with him,’ I uttered, as I looked at her horrified. She shrugged and opened her makeup case.
‘Totally gross and wrong I know, but for him, I’d go there. I’m not too proud for sloppy seconds, not with him. He’s bloody sex on legs, Summer.’
‘I know. So why’s he here, with me?’
‘You didn’t book him?’
‘No.’
‘O my God. He must really want you, to come here without getting paid. Keep your head still, I need to touch up your blusher. Have you been fucking in the limo?’
‘No,’ I objected as I flushed. ‘We just … had an amazing kiss. I’m so confused. I mean he’s … you know what he is. It took me months to get over him, what am I doing?’
‘To get over him?’ Mandy laughed. ‘Honey, you’re so not over him, you’ll never be over him. So what’s the deal? He’s giving it all up to go on a date with you?’
‘I have no idea, we didn’t get that far with the conversation. I’m not sure he’s the dating kind and I’m not sure I’d want to, not knowing his history.’
‘Well I know someone who’s going to be seriously pissed off you’re here with him. Daron was livid you weren’t in his limo.’
‘Great. Actually no, great. Maybe it will be the thing that’s needed to get him to back off. Fingers crossed I won’t have to do anymore movies with the jerk.’
‘Did that amazing kiss wipe your memory? Is the Steele a stealer of brains, as well as hearts and intact vaginas? You’ve only filmed part one of the trilogy. If this flies, you’ll start filming part two anytime.’
‘Damn it,’ I groaned. ‘I can’t bear the thought of Daron touching me again.’
‘If I was in your shoes, for the increase in pay you’re likely to get, he could fuck me for real on set, instead of just faking it.’
‘Don’t say that, he’s repulsive, you can do so much better than him.’
‘Please, for good money I bet anyone would fuck him. Sure he’s an arse, but he’s not a leading guy for nothing, he’s got looks and the body. Though Logan blows him out of the water. Suck in your cheeks,’ Mandy ordered, so I did as I was told, as my eyes were drawn back over to Logan. He was chatting to the director and laughing, but I tensed up when I saw Daron stride over to him with a look of fury on his face. It looked like he was arguing with him, Steve the director backed away, but Daron was trying to get in Logan’s face. ‘Shit, are they going to fight?’ Mandy asked, as she forgot all about my blusher.
‘I really hope not,’ I replied. We both hissed in through our teeth as Daron shoved Logan in the chest. Quick as a flash Logan grabbed his wrist and twisted him around into an arm lock, bent forward and whispered something in his ear. Daron went pale and nodded, Logan released him and he strode off towards the theatre.
‘What the hell was that?’ Mandy uttered.
‘I have no idea,’ I replied, as I watched Logan tug at his shirt sleeves and adjust his jacket before flashing a look my way. I smiled and turned my attention back to Mandy, as the production manager gave me a two minute warning that my interview was next.
I blew out a sigh of relief as I was given the thumbs up after my interview. It had gone well, better than I’d thought. I was able to keep a smile throughout, because Logan positioned himself in my line of sight, his arms folded across his broad chest. I’d dodged the question about who he was, by saying a family friend and quickly excused myself as I was asked if we were dating. He strode over and put an arm around my waist and walked me into the theatre, where we were shown to our seats with glasses of champagne.
‘A family friend?’ he smirked.
‘It seemed appropriate, as I really have no idea who you are, or what you are to me,’ I replied.
‘You know what I can do to you, what I’d like to do to you later,’ he whispered, as his lips brushed against my ear. ‘Say you’ll spend the night with me, Summer. I’ve never wanted anyone so badly. You’re all I can think about.’
‘I am?’ I looked up at him surprised, as my stomach fluttered.
‘You have no idea how desirable you are, do you? Look at you. You have Daron prepared to fight me for you, he was furious that you were here with me, he wants you almost as badly as I do.’
‘What did you say to him? He didn’t look very happy.’
‘It doesn’t matter, but you don’t have to worry about him coming onto you anymore.’
‘Why must you be so secretive?’ I enquired.
‘Why must you be so evasive? You haven’t answered my question about spending the night with me.’
‘Because I haven’t decided yet,’ I replied and heard him take in a shocked breath. He sat back in his seat with an annoyed look on his face, as the director took to the stage and welcomed everyone. I tried to forget my dilemma with the gorgeous man by my side and focus on what was happening in front of me. I’d not seen the film yet and watched as it started with my heart in my mouth, praying my parents wouldn’t have a heart attack.
Logan
She was still trying to resist me, what the hell did I have to do? If she thought she was sleeping anywhere but in my arms tonight, she’d better get with the program. I watched the film, with half an eye on it, as I tried to sneak glances at her by my si
de. She was breath taking tonight, I mean I thought she was breath taking normally, but tonight she was in a different league. She didn’t look like my meek indecisive virgin anymore, she looked and acted more like a confident sexy woman. It was bad enough watching her kissing Daron on screen, but I bristled as the first sex scene came on and sprung an immediate erection to see her stripping out of her lingerie and crawling over the bed to him. I wanted her to do that with me tonight, I needed her to do that with me tonight. When he flipped her onto her back and settled between her thighs, then the camera zoomed in to catch her innocent blue eyes looking up into his, I heard myself growl with anger, as my fists bunched up at my sides.
Daron had tried to warn me to back off, but telling him that his abuse and recent sordid internet searches would be leaked to the press if he didn’t back off, soon had him agreeing to walk away. Even if she didn’t know it yet she was mine, she was going to be mine, I hadn’t got a damn clue how I was going to make that happen, but it started with tonight. I reached over and grabbed her hand, lacing my fingers through hers, gripping them tightly, prepared for her to try and pull away. I was surprised when she didn’t and tore my eyes away from the screen to look at her and caught her looking at me. She gave me one of those adorable half-smiles of hers, the one that said she was embarrassed, and her cheeks turned pink. I stayed watching her for a while, as she quickly looked back at the screen and fidgeted in her seat. What
was I doing? Were we on a date? That’s what it felt like. Shit, I had to get this straight in my head before the morning, or I’d be back at square one, thinking about her every day but not seeing her.
A Decision Made
Summer
I couldn’t believe I’d just sat there, watching myself having sex on screen with Daron, while Logan sat next to me holding my hand so tightly. The longing pooling in my stomach was unbearable, I’d never felt so horny and one discreet glance at his crotch said he felt equally turned on. I don’t know why I was having an internal argument in my head about spending the night with him. It wasn’t like he was asking for money, money I didn’t have, and I already knew how amazing sex with him could be. So what was it? Why was I holding back? I watched the final scene on the big screen in front of me, the one where I walked away from Daron after he revealed one of his secrets, and I realised why I was so reluctant to spend the night with Logan. I was scared of having another amazing night with him, for him to walk away from me in the morning like he had last time, never knowing if I’d ever see him again. I shouldn’t have developed feelings for him so quickly, especially not after that first meeting, when he was just doing the job I’d paid him for, but they’d developed nevertheless. I hadn’t stopped thinking about him in all that time, so what would I be like after another night together? The credits started to roll and people in the theatre started standing and clapping, giving me the chance to pull my hand out of his.
‘You were incredible, you’re going to be a massive star,’ Logan advised, as he stood up next to me.
‘We’ll see,’ I mumbled, embarrassed at all the attention. Logan placed his hand in the small of my back and steered me towards the exit, then stood back, as I was guided off by the producers to do more press and TV interviews. Everything happened in a blur, I was passed from one interviewer to another, Daron following behind me, along with the rest of the cast and I couldn’t help but notice Logan, always keeping an eye on me and giving me a reassuring smile when we locked eyes. I started to get face ache from smiling so much for the cameras and was pleased when I was told it was over and I could make my way to the after party. I looked around, desperately searching out my parents, wondering if I’d completely freaked them out and bit my lip as I saw them standing in a corner. It was all probably a bit much for them. They rarely went out, we didn’t have the money to and they’d been most cross when I’d spent the last of my savings on a new suit for Dad and a dress for Mum for tonight, but they looked amazing. I held up my finger and shook my head as Logan approached, I wasn’t ready to explain him. If I didn’t understand our “relationship,” how the hell would I explain him to my parents? He frowned as I walked away from him and went to join them.
‘Summer,’ Mum grinned as she hugged me tightly. ‘You were amazing, we’re so proud of you.’
‘Really?’ I beamed. ‘You’re not just saying that?’
‘Really,’ nodded Dad as he hugged me as well. ‘I’d rather you were fully clothed, but you can act. I think this is the start of big things for you.’
‘Thanks, that means so much. Please tell me you’re coming to the party?’
‘I don’t know, it’s not really our thing,’ Mum protested.
‘Please, it would mean so much to have you there. I’ll try and spend as much time with you as I can.’
‘And what about your date?’
‘What date?’ I replied, feeling my cheeks go pink. I hated that my emotions showed so easily on my face.
‘The tall exceptionally good looking one who’s standing watching you now, we saw you arrive with him. I thought you were coming with that Daron?’ Mum asked.
‘Plans changed at the last minute. He’s just a friend.’
‘That’s no friend, not the way he’s looking at you,’ Dad scoffed. I rolled my eyes, but was secretly pleased that they’d picked up on Logan’s attraction to me. Maybe it was for real after all.
‘He’s just a friend,’ I repeated.
‘Whatever. I’m just glad you’re not spending the evening with that wanker Daron at your side.’
‘Dad!’
‘Well he is. I’m a great judge of character and let me tell you, he’s shady.’
‘Give me a minute will you? I’ll come in your car to the party, to make sure you go, as I have a feeling you’ll try and sneak off home,’ I advised. I headed back to where Logan was standing.
‘Your parents?’ he enquired, as he stood with his hands in his trouser pockets. Damn him, looking so hot and sexy. It was hard to focus on anything but how badly I wanted him.
‘Yes, how did you guess?’
‘You have your mum’s looks. Are you ready to leave?’
‘Yes, but if you don’t mind I’d like to travel with my parents, I think they’ll try and get out of the party if I don’t accompany them.’
‘You’re going to the party?’ He frowned as he looked down at me.
‘Yes, of course I am. Where did you think I was going?’
‘I thought you’d be coming back to spend the night with me, I’d reserved a suite at The Dalton,’ he replied. I gasped as I slapped his bicep, then winced and shook my hand. He was solid, and totally insensitive. He really thought I’d want to spend the night with him at his go to fuck hotel? Did he make a habit of screwing the ones he was attracted to out of business hours? Did he do this when he was having a quiet week sexually? Was that all this was? That made my mind up. No way was I spending the night with Logan bloody Steele. ‘What?’ he exclaimed, without flinching.
‘First of all, it’s the biggest night of my career, of course I’m going to the party, it’s required. Secondly, thank you for my beautiful flowers and this gorgeous dress and for accompanying me tonight, but my answer is no. I won’t spend the night with you.’ I could hear my voice wavering, as I tried to be firm and watched as his face fell.
‘Are you serious?’ he gasped.
‘Yes. I’m so sorry that you’ve gone to all this unnecessary expense, send me a bill. As soon as I’ve earned enough money I’ll pay you back, so you’re not out of pocket.’
‘I don’t care about the money, Summer. Why have you changed your mind?’ he demanded with a look of fury in his eyes.
‘I haven’t changed my mind, I never said I’d spend the night with you. I’m sorry but I really need to go.’ I could feel tears building up in my eyes, he’d never have any idea how much I liked him, how much it hurt to run from him, but I didn’t know him. Not the real man. That was who I wanted to spend the night with, not Logan Steele, esco
rt for hire to anyone who could afford him. I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back, heat radiating from where his long fingers curled around my forearm.
‘Talk to me, what did I do wrong?’ he uttered, looking at me hurt and confused.
‘Nothing. You didn’t do anything wrong, I doubt you ever do anything wrong when it comes to dealing with women. It’s just … I’m not the sort of girl who wants to be one in a long line of women you fuck for fun. I know myself too well and you’ll just end up hurting me.’
‘It’s not like that.’
‘Then what’s it like, Logan? What do you want from me? You show up here, you don’t give me any real explanation as to why, other than saying we have chemistry, yet you expect me to just spend the night with you? Despite what you might think, because I booked you that time, that was a one off, I was desperate and scared and needed a professional.’
‘You tried to book me again and you kissed me in the limo on the way here,’ he reminded me.
‘And it was a mistake. This was a mistake. You spun my head with your … your good looks and charm and you kissed me,’ I uttered, as I tugged at my arm. I needed to get away from him, before I flung my arms around his neck and launched myself at him. What hold did this man have over me that all common sense went out of the window? He fucked women for a living. I needed to keep reminding myself of that. He wasn’t the sort of man I wanted to get attached to.
‘You kissed me back,’ he snapped.
‘You’re a good kisser and you took me by surprise. Please let me go,’ I begged. He didn’t, he just tugged me against his lean, hard body, making me tremble as he lifted my chin with his free hand.
For the Night - Complete Box Set Page 28
