‘No. Tell me why you’re running from me?’
‘You’re an escort, not my boyfriend. I don’t have to explain anything. Let. Me. Go,’ I bit angrily.
‘Tell me that you feel nothing for me and I will, but you can’t can you?’ he whispered, as he gazed down at me. I blinked, fighting the tears that I suddenly wanted to shed. Of course I had feelings for him. Wasn’t it obvious to him? I doubted any woman he slept with was immune to his charms.
‘You’re just a good looking man that I paid, so I could lose my virginity. It was just sex, Mr. Steele, nothing more,’ I uttered. ‘I told you, you’re just an escort and I was just your client. That’s all it was.’
‘You’re lying,’ he hissed.
‘You asked me for my answer and I gave it to you. Please respect that and let me go,’ I ordered more firmly. If I stayed this close to him for much longer I’d cave and I’d just end up even more hurt in the morning.
‘If you walk away I won’t come for you again, Summer,’ he retorted, anger flashing in his grey stormy eyes. ‘I’m used to getting what I want and I don’t take kindly to being rejected.’
‘I don’t know why you came for me in the first place, Mr. Steele,’ I replied, searching his face, hoping for some sort of proper explanation. He stared at me for a moment, then released me and stepped back.
‘No, neither do I,’ he replied. I watched as he sighed and rubbed a hand over his eyes. ‘It was obviously a mistake. I’m sorry, Miss Beresford, I won’t trouble you again. Goodbye.’ He spun on his heels and quickly strode away, as I hugged myself and felt a tear escaping from the corner of my eye. What the hell was his deal? All the excitement and happiness of an amazing evening left with him and I suddenly felt like a balloon six days after a party, deflated and a shadow of my former self. I jumped as I felt a hand on my shoulder.
‘Summer?’ came Mum’s voice as I quickly wiped my eyes. ‘Is everything ok?’
‘Everything’s fine,’ I replied as I turned around and faked a smile.
‘You may fool other people, but not me. What’s wrong?’
‘I’m just emotional. It’s a big night,’ I replied with a nod.
‘It is. Where’s your friend gone?’
‘He had other plans for the evening that didn’t include me,’ I shrugged.
‘That’s such a shame. He’s very good looking,’ she prodded.
‘So I’m told. Shall we go? We don’t have to stay all night, but I really need to put in an appearance. Maybe we can go home together in a few hours?’ I suggested.
‘I thought you were staying in a suite at the hotel?’
‘Yes, but all of a sudden I’d rather be at home in my own bed. We can swing by the hotel to pick up my things first,’ I confirmed, as I walked her back over to Dad and suggested we make a move.
Logan
I headed for the men’s toilets in the theatre. The cleaning crew had already moved in, everyone was either outside or leaving for the party. I swung the door open, checked I was alone and then punched one of the stall doors in anger. She was lying about not having feelings for me. That kiss in the limo told me that. She’d kissed me back, she’d wanted me. What the hell had changed in the time we watched that film? I gripped the corners of the sink and took some deep breaths. I was bloody furious. I splashed my face with cold water, ran my hands through my hair and looked at myself in the mirror. What the hell was wrong with me? Running after some bloody girl? I’d never had to chase anyone before, if I wanted someone I got them, first time. If she had some bloody hang ups because of her past, that was her problem not mine, I was better off just walking away. I didn’t need any damn complications, my life was just perfect the way it was. I tugged on my shirt sleeves and blew out a deep breath. I needed sex. I needed someone to fuck, to get my inappropriate feelings for this damn girl out of my system. I’d not picked up anyone since Lucy, nearly five years ago, but tonight I needed it. I strode out of the theatre to find even the TV crews were packing up and the crowds were dispersing. James was waiting patiently with the limo door open at the end of the red carpet, which they were starting to roll up.
‘You’re on your own, Sir?’ he asked, a look of astonishment on his face.
‘Yes,’ I responded curtly, as I jumped into the back.
‘Am I taking you to the party or home?’
‘Neither,’ I replied, as I undid my bowtie and the top button of my shirt and ran my finger around my collar. ‘Take me to Mayfair, to the Anaya club,’ I ordered.
‘Certainly, Sir,’ he replied, as he shut the door. I stared out of the window, trying to get the ball of anger in the pit of my stomach to dissipate. ‘May I ask why the change of plans?’ James asked, as he secured his seat belt and started the engine.
‘I have no idea, it was going really well, then suddenly she changed her mind,’ I shrugged.
‘In my experience, a lady doesn’t “just” change her mind. There’s normally good reason.’
‘Then she just sees me for what I am, James. A guy who’s paid to fuck women for a living. Why the hell would she want me?’ I laughed.
‘Maybe that’s all you let her see. That’s only a small part of who you are, Sir. If you want her to see you as something else, maybe you should show her the real man, let her get to know you for you, not just as Logan Steele. Keep up the façade of the escort and that’s all she’ll ever see you as. You’re obviously excellent at your job, but no woman in her right mind would want to date you while you do it.’
‘Who said anything about dating?’
‘Have you ever approached another client after a booking, asking to see them?’
‘No,’ I replied with a frown.
‘So you’re possessive and jealous, you don’t want her to see any other men and you arranged to see her out of your working environment tonight, which is a first. What else would you call it? What did you tell her this evening was?’
‘I … I didn’t exactly,’ I sighed. ‘I’m not sure even I know what this was. It was all going fine, until I suggested we head back to The Dalton and she went all cold on me.’
‘O dear,’ uttered James. I looked up to see him shaking his head.
‘O dear what?’ I demanded.
‘I really am amazed that a man as intelligent as you can be so clueless, Sir,’ he sighed. ‘You’re trying to woo a woman who already has reservations about your job, which any rational woman would, then you suggest spending the night in the hotel where you take your clients? Possibly in the same suite?’
‘I haven’t used that suite since her,’ I objected.
‘Does she know that?’
‘No,’ I replied with a groan, as I covered my eyes. Damn it. How could I be so bloody stupid? I lurched to the side as James suddenly did a handbrake turn, flinging me against the door as he turned the car around. ‘What the hell are you doing?’ I snapped.
‘Taking you back to that party, where you’ll go and apologise to her and ask her out, or I’ll have to put up with you in this shitty mood for another ten or more months.’
‘And what if I’m not ready to ask her out?’ I bit back. ‘I’m not exactly in a “dating” place at the moment.’
‘Then you can watch from the side-lines and complain as she dates someone else. She won’t be lacking for offers for long.’
‘Say if I do, and I’m not saying I will, what the hell would I say to convince her?’
‘Do I look like some sort of Romeo?’ James shot back, with an incredulous look at me in the mirror. ‘If I was an expert in affairs of the heart I’d be running a dating agency, not driving you around the city at all hours of the night. You’re the one with all the charm and the moves. I just suggest that you be yourself. If she’s going to want to date you, it will be for you, not for Logan Steele.’
‘God damn it,’ I muttered, as he put his foot down. What the hell was I going to say to her? More to the point, was I ready for this? A normal life again?
The Party
&n
bsp; Summer
I walked around the enormous function room with my parents, introducing them to all the directors and film crew, blushing at all the praise that was heaped on me. I didn’t feel deserving, but it did make me smile to see how much my dad’s chest swelled with pride. It took my mind off how badly things had ended with Logan. Why couldn’t I be honest with him? Just tell him that I liked him, really liked him, but couldn’t be one of many? I nodded and tucked my hair behind my ear, as I half listened to someone droning on about minimum box office takings required for the second film to be viable. I felt like I had a big hole in my chest, I hurt, badly. Why the hell would I admit that I’d fallen for him though? I bet every client of his did. I bet it made his head and ego even bigger to know that he was so irresistible, he probably got off on it. I was better off steering well clear of him. Except part of me, a very large part of me, didn’t want to.
‘So, this friend of yours tonight. Is he the same friend you went out on a date with months ago and spent the night with?’ Mum whispered in my ear.
‘Mum,’ I moaned.
‘I thought we didn’t have secrets?’ she asked, as she looked at me and raised her eyebrows. We never had until that night with Logan and I’d hated keeping the best night of my life from her, but she’d sensed a change in me the minute I’d got home that day.
‘Yes,’ I replied as I rolled my eyes. ‘It’s him.’
‘The same one you cried about and you’ve mooned over for months?’
‘I haven’t “mooned,”’ I protested.
‘Hmmm, we’ll agree to disagree on that. Did he treat you respectfully that night? Like a lady?’
‘Yes, he was the perfect gentlemen, Mum.’
‘Why won’t you just admit that you like him? Really like him?’
‘Fine, I really like him, ok? But it’s not like that for him, he doesn’t feel the same about me, however much I’d love him to,’ I sighed, as I knocked back another free Kir Royale, feeling more than a little squiffy by now.
‘Are you sure about that? Because it seems he ditched his “other plans” to come back for you,’ she replied, as she nodded behind me.
‘What?’ I exclaimed, as I looked around. I gulped as my heart started beating wildly in my chest. Logan was standing by the entrance, with his hands on his hips, scanning the room. His bowtie was hanging around his neck, the sexy hollow of his throat showing where he’d undone some buttons of his smart white shirt and his sexy dark hair was all ruffled, as if he’d run his hands through it a number of times. He slowly turned his head and our eyes met across the crowds separating us. I felt my chest rising and falling rapidly as the temperature in this vast room rose. He flicked his head, indicating for me to come to him. I considered ignoring his request, but when faced with the prospect of him coming over and having to formally introduce him to my parents, combined with the fact that I really wanted to know why he’d come back, I didn’t really have a choice.
‘Go. Enjoy yourself, just send me a message if you’re not coming home tomorrow night too,’ Mum ordered, as she took my glass out of my hand.
‘Are you sure?’ I replied, as I tore my eyes off Logan and looked back at her.
‘Sweetheart, tonight has been the first time I’ve seen some sparkle back in your eyes. Just don’t let yourself get hurt, promise me?’
‘I promise,’ I nodded. Nothing was going to happen with him anyway, not until he explained himself to my satisfaction. Why did I have a feeling that Logan might make me forget that statement? ‘You promise you’ll stay and have fun? The driver will wait for you until you’re ready.’
‘I promise, go. Your father’s in deep discussion about the best film of all time. He won’t have it that it’s not Star Wars, so we could be here all weekend,’ she replied with a smile and shake of her head. ‘I’ll make some excuse for you.’
‘Love you,’ I replied, as I kissed her on the cheek.
‘Love you too, we’re so proud of you.’
‘Thanks,’ I grinned and quickly started to weave my way through the crowd. I passed Mark, the organiser of the event and put my hand on his shoulder. ‘Sorry to interrupt, thanks so much for sending the car for my parents, it was totally unexpected.’
‘What car?’ he asked, looking at me puzzled.
‘Mr. and Mrs. Beresford? The limo you sent,’ I reminded him.
‘Summer I’m sorry, but it wasn’t us. The budget didn’t cover family.’
‘Then who would …’ I stopped as I looked over at the doors, where Logan stood leaning up against the wall watching me. Logan. It had to be. This man was so confusing. I walked towards him and he grabbed my elbow, steering me out of the door before I had a chance to say anything. He marched me into the stairwell, locked the door behind him and spun around to face me, with his hands on his hips. I caught my breath as he looked at me, fire burning in his eyes as his chest heaved. I took a step back as he moved forward, before I knew it I was pinned against the wall, his hands either side of my shoulders. ‘What are you doing here? You said you wouldn’t come back, Mr. Steele.’
‘Enough with the “Mr. bloody Steele.” Enough with playing games, Summer. I came for you. You drive me fucking crazy. When I said you’re all I can think about, I meant it. Every bloody day, constantly, you fill my damn head. Every time I get a bloody erection it’s you that’s on my mind. I need to know if you feel the same, tell me that I’m not imagining it?’ he demanded, as he lowered his forehead to mine, the heat of his breath mingling with my own.
‘You’re not imagining it,’ I whispered. ‘But …’
‘No but’s, no talking each other out of this. Let’s just have one perfect night and we can talk about what it means tomorrow. I was stupid to suggest The Dalton, though I promise I’ve not been able to face taking anyone back there since that night with you.’
‘You haven’t?’ I exclaimed, searching his eyes to see if he was lying to me.
‘I haven’t. I didn’t want to ruin the memory of what I had there with you. You’re under my skin, Summer Beresford. I’m falling for you. So damn hard I don’t even know which way is up anymore.’
‘Logan,’ I sighed, as my eyes filled up again, he seemed so sincere.
‘Just kiss me,’ he ordered, his voice hoarse with emotion. I dropped my treasured clutch bag onto the floor as I reached up and weaved my fingers behind his neck, stood on my tiptoes and let my lips brush softly against his, shivering at the sparks that crackled between them and the groan he let out. In a split second his tongue was in my mouth, plundering and taking me forcefully as he pressed up against me, trapping me between his hard body and the wall behind me as he clasped my face. I whimpered as I felt his large erection grinding against my stomach. He could have anyone he wanted, paid or unpaid, yet he’d come back for me. Me. He was right, we could discuss what that meant in the morning, right now I just wanted him. Months of dreaming about him, fantasising about him coming back to my house for me, romanticising him carrying me off into the sunset in his arms, and here he was. ‘Summer, I need you,’ he whispered, as he finally broke away panting. ‘But not here, not in a stairwell.’
‘Where?’
‘Your hotel?’ he questioned, as he bent down to grab my bag and I quickly tried to smooth my ruffled hair back into place.
‘No,’ I uttered. ‘Some of the cast are there and there may be journalists waiting too, I don’t need the extra attention, not when I’ve already been pictured with you and said you’re just a friend.’
‘Follow me then,’ he ordered, as he handed me my bag, unlocked the door and grabbed my hand. I followed him back into the corridor, it was deserted, the party was in full swing and the noise of the music could be heard drifting down towards us. He called for the lift, pulled me inside and pressed a button for the basement as he dug his phone out of his trouser pocket. ‘James, can you meet me at the service entrance? We want to avoid photographers.’
I looked up at him as he spoke and felt my stomach flutter. “I�
��m falling for you.” He’d really said that to me? This sinfully handsome man wanted me. I thought of all the trouble he’d gone to tonight, to make my evening even better. My flowers, dress, probably the knickers as he seemed to like me in that blue judging by the dress he purchased for me on my original booking. He’d also arranged the loan of this beautiful jewellery and the car to make my parents feel special. He hadn’t had to do that, no one was paying him this time. He smiled down at me as he nodded.
‘Yes, we,’ he said into his phone with a grin and a wink. I stepped closer to him and wrapped my arms around his waist as I nuzzled against his chest. All the cocktails were making me brave. ‘I guess … mine,’ I heard him say as his free arm snaked around me, holding me tightly to him. ‘No need to make a big deal out of it, James … whatever, see you in a minute.’
‘A big deal out of what?’ I mumbled against his jacket.
‘Nothing,’ he replied, as he kissed the top of my head and tucked his phone in his pocket. He stayed holding me until the lift trembled as it reached its destination, then he grabbed my hand again and looked left and right. He stopped to check a fire escape map on the wall, then hurried me down a maze of corridors. He stopped just short of some exit doors and undid his jacket and shrugged it off. ‘Turn around, arms out,’ he ordered as he held it up. ‘It’s gone cold out and you have bare arms.’
‘What about you?’
‘I’ll be fine, I’m worried about you, do as you’re told please.’
‘Yes, Sir,’ I grinned and saw his nostrils flare as his eyes narrowed. I turned around and let him help me pull it on. I wrapped it tightly around me and tried to sniff it without him noticing, blushing as I heard him chuckle.
‘I take it I smell good?’
‘It’s nothing to do with you,’ I retorted, embarrassed. ‘Didn’t your in depth research on me tell you I was a tuxedo sniffing freak?’
‘Funnily enough, no,’ he laughed, as he spun me around and tilted my head back to examine my face before sighing. ‘I mean it, Summer. This isn’t Logan Steele the escort speaking. This is me. You affect me … so deeply.’
For the Night - Complete Box Set Page 29
