“Shut up, Leslie,” her friend said as she dropped her head into her hands. “I sounded like a complete idiot.”
Leslie nodded. “You sounded...well...sort of...stalkerlike, actually....”
Dahlia cut an evil eye at the woman. “This is all your fault. I don’t know why I listen to you. I never should have called that man.”
“You needed to call that man so that I can stop hearing you complain about that kiss he gave you.”
Dahlia was still shaking her head, still in awe of Guy’s audacity. He had kissed her, and the gesture had completely thrown her off balance. He had some nerve, she thought to herself. She then voiced her chagrin for the umpteenth time. “Can you believe he had the nerve to kiss me?”
“It was your cheek, Dahlia,” Leslie countered, tossing her hands in the air. “Your cheek! Had he really laid one on you then you might have had something to complain about.”
“Still,” Dahlia said. “It was my cheek and I didn’t want him kissing any part of my body.”
Leslie laughed. “Oh, yes, you did! Your problem is you wished he had given you a real kiss. You wanted him to bust one on you good and he didn’t.”
Dahlia didn’t bother to look in her friend’s direction. She didn’t want Leslie to see the look on her face because Leslie would see she had wanted Guy to kiss her and she had wanted to kiss him back. But everything about the two of them was so out of character for her that she didn’t even know where to begin to get things right.
Dahlia needed to get herself back on track when it came to Guy Boudreaux. A dalliance with Guy wasn’t going to move her career forward, in fact, it was possible that another tabloid rumor about her and one more man might send her professional career careening right off the edge of legitimacy. Dahlia knew that there were those who already viewed her with a wary eye, earnestly believing that she did nothing more than jump from one man to another, leaping from bed to bed like a frog in heat. She decided that whatever was brewing between her and Guy had to quickly come to a screeching halt before it snowballed out of control.
She sighed deeply. She reached a manicured hand to her cheek, her fingers caressing where his lips had rested, the round tips of her nails gliding along her profile. She bit down against her bottom lip.
It had been some time since a man had really kissed her, his lips laying claim to her lips, every hard muscle of his body in sync with hers. Instinctively, she knew that Guy was a man who’d be in total sync with her. The nearness of him caused her to break out into a full sweat, perspiration pooling in places moisture had no business being. Closing her eyes, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking about Guy kissing her mouth, then caressing, kneading and teasing every ounce of her sensibilities.
Opening her eyes, Dahlia fanned herself with her hand, heat rising with a vengeance. From the office entrance Leslie laughed heartily, and the two women locked gazes. Not saying another word, Leslie made her exit, still chuckling with glee. Glancing down at the watch on her wrist, Dahlia was suddenly struck by the difference in time between California and New York. She had no doubts that Guy was probably sound asleep in bed. And then she couldn’t stop herself from wondering what it might be like to be in bed with him.
Chapter 8
Maitlyn Boudreaux Parks leaned back in her seat, her arms folded over her chest and her legs crossed out in front of her. She was staring hard at her brother Guy. “Don’t ignore me,” she said sternly.
“I’m not ignoring you, Maitlyn. I’m ignoring your question,” Guy said, pretending to study the dinner menu in his hands.
“Why?” his sister queried. “It’s an easy question to answer. Is there something going on with you and Dahlia Morrow?”
Guy sighed. “No,” he said firmly.
Maitlyn’s eyes narrowed slightly as she continued to stare at him. “But you want something to be going on with the two of you?”
“I didn’t say that,” Guy answered, finally dropping his menu on the table and meeting her intense stare. “Why are you bothering me about her?”
“I’m not bothering you. Paparazzi shot you and Dahlia dining together, and people are asking questions. A newspaper columnist even called to ask if we had a comment about your alleged relationship.”
“And you told them...?”
“I told them that you recently signed to do her next movie and that you’re very excited about the project. Don’t worry—I didn’t infer that there was anything personal going on between you two.”
“Then you done good,” Guy said, his signature smile beaming at her.
“But I want to know the truth,” his sister persisted. “Are you two sleeping together?”
“No!” Guy said emphatically, a rush of color flooding his face. “And if we were, I wouldn’t tell you.”
“I’m your manager and your agent. I would need to know.”
“You’re also my family, and, no, you don’t need to know.”
Maitlyn smiled. “Fine. I’ll just ask Dahlia.”
Guy’s eyes widened. “Don’t you dare!”
His sister laughed heartily. “I thought so!”
Guy laughed with her. “Leave me alone, Mattie. If you have to know, we went to lunch one time. It was a very nice afternoon. And, yes, I am hoping that she and I can have a few more nice times together. Happy?”
“No. Dahlia Morrow has a reputation for breaking men’s hearts. I’ve lost count of the number of men that she’s been linked to. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Reaching for his sister’s hand, Guy tapped the back of it gently. “I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got this under control, thank you very much.” He changed the subject. “So, what’s up with you and Donald?” he asked, referring to his sister’s estranged husband. “You two make up yet?”
Maitlyn let out a sigh of her own. “We just can’t seem to find our balance together anymore. It’s really sad,” she said, her thoughts suddenly flooded with the issues that were rapidly disintegrating her marriage.
Guy tapped her hand again. “It’ll work itself out. Darryl’s having issues with Asia, too, you know.”
Maitlyn rolled her eyes. “That girl is crazy! He should have cut her loose months ago. Even Mommy says he needs to let her go.”
Guy chuckled. “And what did Mommy say about me and Dahlia?”
His sister laughed with him, noting the hint of sarcasm in his tone. “Mommy said it’s about time,” she answered.
Shaking his head, Guy gestured for the waiter to take their dinner orders. The siblings continued to catch up, enjoying their late-night meal. When all was done, they exited the hotel’s dining room and headed back to their respective rooms.
“What time is your flight tomorrow?” Guy asked, holding the elevator door open as Maitlyn stepped out onto the fifteenth floor.
“I’m here for an additional day, actually,” Maitlyn answered, turning to face Guy. “The Giorgio Armani Group is interested in you representing a new collection they have coming out. I told them I’d take a meeting to see what they’re offering.”
Guy nodded. “Do you need me to stay?”
His sister shook her head. “No. Besides, I know how anxious you are to get back to Los Angeles...and Dahlia.”
“Thanks,” he said warmly. “I appreciate that.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank Mommy. She told me to stay out of you and Dahlia’s way!”
As the elevator door closed between them, Guy laughed happily. He definitely loved his family.
Once the door was closed to his hotel suite, Guy stepped out of his clothes, folding them neatly before he dropped them into the bottom of his empty suitcase. He had a long list of things he needed to do, including packing for his early morning flight, yet all he could think about was Dahlia. He’d been doing well keeping her out of his thoughts, and the
n his sister had reawakened his memories of her. Dahlia Morrow haunted him like a too-sweet spirit. And now his mother and sisters were discussing the two of them as if they were already a couple. He had to laugh at the absurdity.
He hadn’t returned her telephone call yet. Instead, he’d passed her message on to Maitlyn for her to handle. He hadn’t returned her telephone call because he didn’t want Dahlia to think that he was anxious because he was anxious. Although he enjoyed the initial flirtations between them, he was not enjoying the flood of emotions that seemed to come when Dahlia was on his mind. He was looking forward to seeing her again, for them to spend time together and for the two of them to get to know each other even better. Guy wasn’t willing to admit it, but Dahlia Morrow had his interest peaked. And Guy, not knowing how far he wanted to take it, wasn’t ready for her to know that just yet.
* * *
Dahlia was not accustomed to being ignored by any man. And, most assuredly, she wasn’t accustomed to being ignored by a man she was interested in. She scanned the call log on her smartphone for the umpteenth time, checking once again that she had not missed Guy’s return call. And once again there was nothing from him. No text message, no missed call, no voice mail message, nothing. One whole week of nothing, and Dahlia wasn’t happy about that fact. She definitely wasn’t happy that she cared so much. Tossing the phone onto the end table, Dahlia watched as it slid across the table’s polished surface and dropped down onto the floor. She sighed deeply, a slight pout pulling at her mouth. It was bothering her that she was feeling anything at all about Guy Boudreaux, because Dahlia never felt much of anything for any man. Filmmaking had always been her only passion and very little else excited her. But suddenly wanting Guy was really beginning to take its toll.
What she needed, Dahlia thought, was a diversion. Something else to occupy her thoughts instead of the lurid fantasies she’d been having about her and Guy together. Because she’d been having some very vivid thoughts, and all of them had centered on his kisses.
There had been something in his touch, something heated and intoxicating. The gentle graze of his fingertips against her skin had left her hungry, her body suddenly craving more. Every time she thought about him and his lips pressed hot against her cheek, she imagined his hands teasing her goodies as she offered him her sugar and sweets. Dahlia pressed her knees tightly together, anxious to stall the rise of wanting that seemed to suddenly cry out for attention.
She exhaled loudly, then dropped down onto her hands and knees to retrieve her phone from beneath the table. Sitting back in her chair, she hesitated for a brief moment as she pondered her options. And then she dialed. An hour later, dressed to the nines, Dahlia answered her front door and welcomed her friend Drake Houston inside.
Chapter 9
Laughter rang loudly through the stretch limo. The five Boudreaux brothers, Guy, Kendrick, Donovan, Darryl and Mason, enjoyed a good time together.
“Glad you guys could pick me up from the airport.” Guy said, leaning back in his seat, glad to be back in Los Angeles.
Mason nodded. “So, whose bright idea was this, anyway?” he asked.
Darryl laughed. “We all just figured you needed to have a proper bachelor party. Even if we are having it after the wedding.” He popped the cork on a bottle of champagne and began to fill five glasses.
Mason laughed with him. “Uh, sure, but I know that this is not about me. Try again, little brother!”
Donovan shook his head. “Actually, with everything we all have going on in the next few months it seemed like a good time for us to spend some quality time together. You and Darryl are headed to New Orleans to kick off your new project. Guy starts filming his movie. I’ll be starting my dissertation and Kendrick...well...I don’t know what Kendrick’s going to be doing.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing, either,” Kendrick interjected, “but I know I’ll be busy.”
Guy shook his head. “Well, it’s good we could spend some time together. And I’m glad you all made the effort to come to me this time.”
“Without the girls,” Donovan added.
“Definitely without the girls!” the other brothers echoed, lifting their champagne glasses in salute.
“Speaking of our sisters, any one of you talk to Maitlyn lately?” Guy asked. “’Cause she’s going through something but she’s not talking to me.”
“Same story, different day. Donald’s not making their separation easy,” Mason said softly. “I spoke to her yesterday, and he’s asked her for a divorce and wants to sue her for the house.”
“Son of a...” Guy muttered beneath his breath.
“She doesn’t need the house,” Donovan said.
“No, she doesn’t, and I told her to let him buy her out, move on and be done with the whole mess,” Mason responded. “She doesn’t need the drama.”
“Someone needs to bust Donald in his—” Kendrick started.
“Uh, she doesn’t need that, either,” Mason interjected, stalling his brother’s thought. “Maitlyn needs to pray on the whole mess, and we need to pray for her and support whatever she wants to do.”
Kendrick rolled his dark eyes.
“Well, I’ll call her tomorrow and check on her,” Donovan said.
“We all will,” Darryl said. “And since we’re talking about love lives, how are you and your woman doing?” he asked, shifting in his seat to meet Guy’s gaze.
His brother eyed him with annoyance. “I don’t have a woman, thank you.”
“That’s not what we heard,” Kendrick piped in.
Guy shook his head. “And what did you hear?”
His brothers all laughed. “You know there are no secrets in this family,” Mason said. “Each of your sisters has called to fill each of us in on you and your movie-star love interest.”
“She’s a filmmaker, not a movie star, and I’m still considering my options,” Guy answered.
Darryl laughed. “He’s scared.”
“Scared of what?” Guy quizzed. “Brother, please!”
“Mmm-hmm. He’s scared,” Donovan chimed in. “I heard she’s been around the block a few times. They say your filmmaker is a real heartbreaker.”
Guy bristled, a wave of tension tightening his muscles. “I don’t care what you heard,” he insisted. “She’s not like that.” He then quickly changed the subject. “Speaking of heartbreakers, how are Katrina and our new nephew?” he asked, turning toward Mason.
Mason chuckled as he tapped his iPhone, pulling up his images. A recent photo of baby Matthew Jacoby Stallion Junior filled the screen. “Baby Jack is too cute for words! And Katrina is enjoying every minute of motherhood, again.”
“I need to get to Dallas to see them and spend some time with Collin,” Kendrick said, thinking of his older nephew. “He’s at that age!”
Mason nodded. “He is, but Matthew is really keeping him in check. In fact, all of the Stallion brothers have been a great influence on him.”
“That boy doesn’t know yet just how lucky he is to have so much family to support him,” Guy noted.
“He’ll learn,” Kendrick said matter-of-factly. “The first time his aunts get all in his business, he’ll learn.”
“I heard that,” Darryl said. “Just ask Guy.”
The brothers laughed heartily.
“Well, we’re here,” Guy stated. “Let’s go eat well, drink much and have a good time!”
“Where is here?” Mason asked, peering out the tinted windows.
Guy grinned. “Spago!”
* * *
Dahlia was enjoying the crowd at Spago restaurant. Many familiar faces were there, enjoying their meals and having a great time. Her dinner companion was being overly attentive—as usual Drake hoped that he might get lucky whenever he and Dahlia shared a night on the town.
Dahlia hated to burst his happy bubble but not even the wine he was plying her with was going to move her to ever sleep with him. Besides, her hopes were that the time out would get her mind off Guy Boudreaux. But she was still thinking about him and fantasizing about the two of them together. She let out an audible sigh.
“Is everything okay, Dahlia? You look sad,” Drake asked, concern crossing his face.
Dahlia raised her eyebrows but smiled brightly. “Everything’s fine, Drake. I’m having a great time.”
Drake grinned broadly, leaning over to plant a kiss against her cheek. His lips were dry and chapped, feeling like sandpaper against her flesh. She struggled not to wince from the sensation, clenching her teeth tightly as her lips pulled into a wider smile. She gripped her wineglass in her fist and took a big gulp, then gestured for the waiter to bring them another bottle.
Across the room Guy spied her as he and his brothers
were being led to their table. Taking note of the well-known actor kissing her cheek, he felt himself bristle, something like jealousy striking a chord across his spirit. His sudden tension did not go unnoticed.
“What’s up?” Mason questioned as he walked by Guy’s side. He looked over to where his brother stared. “Everything okay?”
Guy nodded, shaking off the sensation as he met his brother’s eyes. “It’s all good,” he said, his tone indicating otherwise.
“Hey, isn’t that your woman?” Darryl suddenly interrupted, pointing in Dahlia’s direction.
“I don’t have a woman,” Guy said, turning an about-face.
“No, really, isn’t that Dahlia Morrow?” Darryl persisted.
“Sit down, Darryl,” Guy said.
Guy’s brothers chuckled as they took their seats at the table.
Kendrick leaned toward Darryl, gesturing with his head. “Which one is she?”
“The cutie in the corner,” Darryl answered.
“With that actor from that comedy show? What’s his name?”
“Yeah, her. He’s Drake something or other.”
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