Kirin coughed on her drink. “That’s because I’m learning how to do all this myself. If I had to rely on Blake all the time, then when the project’s finished I’d be back to square one. He’s given me the spark, and so has Lucy with all the help she’s given me, but I need to take this and run with it myself.”
“That’s such a great way to look at it,” Lucy said. “Style isn’t about what someone else tells you, it’s about being given more choices, more possibilities and looking at things in a whole new way.”
A dark-haired man with a carry bag over his shoulder was making his way toward their table, and Kirin’s stomach flipped. Press. She could spot them a mile away.
“Excuse me, ladies,” he said with a wide-toothed smile. “I’m Guyon Prince from Entertainment Hotshots and I wondered if you’d mind if I took your photo. It’s been a while since we’ve seen you on the town, Kirin, and I’m sure your fans would love to see this new look.”
“I’m sorry, we’re busy,” Lucy said, voice tight. “Kirin’s just having—”
She was about to agree with Lucy, but then put a steadying hand on her friend’s arm and spoke so only Lucy could hear. “I think I should do this. Blake wanted me to be seen with other women, having fun. Would you mind being in it too? It would mean a lot to me.”
Lucy grinned. “Of course.”
“It’s okay, Guyon,” Kirin said as she perfected her best photo smile. “Take it whenever you’re ready, but I’d like my friend and my mom in the shot.”
“Of course.”
The three of them squeezed closer together on their stools, Kirin in the middle, and Candi and Lucy on either side.
When the photographer had taken a few shots and written down the names of Lucy and Candi, he thanked them and left.
That had really been okay. No nastiness, innuendos, or sarcasm. It was baby steps, but she might just be on the path to change after all.
“I’m gonna love you and leave you girls now.” Candi pushed her chair in. “Lucy, would you try to talk some sense into this girl of mine? She’s going to find herself all rusted up if she doesn’t start getting some practice in. Blake’s right at your fingertips.” Lucy turned away to talk to the waitress, and Candi leaned closer. “Whatever happens with Blake, or any man, I want you to know how good it is to see you happy in yourself again, sweetheart. I didn’t realize how much of a cloud you’ve been living under until you started to come out from under it. Do you know how proud I am of you?”
Kirin nodded and smiled. Even though she didn’t play the mother card often, when Candi said something like this, it was priceless. “Thanks, Mom. I do feel like things are starting to turn a corner.”
“See you, honey.” She kissed Kirin on the cheek and waved to Lucy.
“I should go too,” Kirin said. “Where there’s one photographer there will be more, and I think I’ve used up all my courage for one day. I’ll give you a lift home.”
“She’s quite something, your mom,” Lucy said when they were settled in Kirin’s hatchback.
“I love her.” Kirin put on her seat belt. “But she drives me completely bananas. Since she moved to the city to be closer to me, she’s gotten back into her painting, and she’s doing really well. I just wish she’d be happy in her own skin and not think that having a man is the path to every kind of happiness.”
“It’s a bit of an easy trap to fall into, though.” Lucy sighed and gave Kirin a rueful smile.
“Oh my God! Don’t start talking like that. You’re amazing, and you’ll meet an amazing guy when the time’s right.”
“So will you.”
Kirin turned. “No, a proper relationship’s not going to happen for me again. Blake’s taught me how to focus on myself and my solo brand. If I’m to create the sort of success I’ve had in the past, I have to be solo, in all senses of the word. Having a relationship could put everything I’ve worked for in jeopardy again.”
Lucy bit her lip. “Then why would you sleep with Blake? I saw the way you reacted when your mom asked. It’s none of my business, honey, and you know how dreamy I think Blake is, but do you really think you’re doing the right thing?”
For a second, she considered denying Lucy’s accusation, but she didn’t want to lie to a woman who’d done so much for her and was becoming a friend.
“It’s a fling, which is all I want from now on. And we’re being super careful.” She pushed the ignition. “What harm can it do?”
“Are you kidding me?” Despite them being in a car and the fact that there was no one else around, Lucy dropped her voice. “The whole reason for you having this makeover was because of what happened with that Trent creep. What if you guys get found out? It could be the very last straw for your career, and for Blake’s. And apart from all that…” She hesitated, as if weighing up how much to say. “Blake’s the center of his world, Kirin. His image and his business are everything to him. I don’t know if he’d treat you that well.”
Kirin tapped her hand on the steering wheel. “You see, that’s where I think you’re wrong, and so is everyone else I’ve spoken to about Blake. People think he’s vain and self-absorbed, but I haven’t found that at all since I’ve got to know him. He’s been interested in me, interested in my life, he’s met my mother.”
Lucy nodded. “I hate to break it to you, but you are paying him. He’s really your employee. Of course he’s going to tell you what you want to hear. I’m not saying he’s not being honest when he compliments you, but it’s his job to get you feeling good about yourself. How much do you really know about him?”
She thought back to their conversations. “I know he’s from a farm, in Oregon or Minnesota or somewhere. I know he’s been a model since he was sixteen.”
Lucy shook her head as another frown creased her brow. “I could’ve told you all that stuff by Googling him. Has he spoken to you about his relationships with other people, his friends, how much contact he has with his family?”
“Oh, come on, Lucy.” She shifted in her seat. “Have you never had a fling with a guy just for fun?” She shook her head and laughed. “What am I saying? I’ve never done this sort of thing before, but it feels great, really great and I think you’re over-analyzing it.”
Lucy put her hand on Kirin’s arm. “I just want you to look out for him, all right? Blake Matthews is all about Blake Matthews, and I’d hate for you to get hurt.”
“I promise I’ll be careful.” Kirin released the brake. It was lovely of her friend to be so concerned. But she knew enough about Blake. Had spent so much time with him in the last week. And why shouldn’t she have a bit of fun for once? They’d agreed on the terms of this relationship, knew exactly what it was for each other. It wasn’t like anyone was going to get hurt, was it?
“Wow! Turn around.”
Kirin stood in Blake’s entranceway and twirled. Her conversation with Lucy had spurred her to keep this date with him. That, and the crazy need to show off in her dress.
As she spun back towards him, the spark in his eye sent pride rolling through her body. “You approve? You like it?”
“I do approve. Wait there a second.” He moved into the lounge room and came back with the Polaroid. “This is for the keeper folder.”
She threw an arm high in the air, struck a pose and laughed. He took a picture, she turned to her other side, and he took another before putting the camera on the hall stand as it spat out the photos.
Inky jeans clung to muscular thighs, and a clearly defined chest was outlined by a plain white t-shirt. Tingling warmth began in her fingers as she anticipated touching him above and underneath the shirt.
“You couldn’t have chosen a better style,” he said, still standing at arms-length. “I especially like the way it…” He reached out a finger and ran it, oh so slowly, from her chin, down her neck, stopping at the point of the V.… “dips here.”
Heat rippled from where the tip of his finger touched her, out towards her nipples budding beneath the silky fabric.
His finger stroked up and down, the heat rolling from her breasts to her belly, and becoming a dull throb between her legs. His eyes darkened. “I’ve never seen you wear something so revealing. But I want to see less of the dress and more of you.”
Closer. All she wanted was to be closer to him, but her legs were lead, her body transfixed by the steady rhythm of his finger.
“It’s a beautiful dress,” he said, voice sexy-low. “Lift your hair for me.” Although the shadows in his eyes gave some hint to what he had planned for her, his face was impassive, as if he knew that taking his time would drive her wild.
She put her hands beneath her hair and lifted it off her shoulders, the fabric of the dress grazing her aching nipples as it rode higher.
“Perfect.” He grinned. “If only we had an alligator clip to hold it there.”
She bit her lip, his joke easing the sprint of her heart for a second, but when he took a step closer, it resumed double time. “Lesson one seems to have had a significant effect on you. I can’t imagine what you’re going to pull out of the bag after lesson two. Turn around.”
She did as she was told and in the next minute his fingers were working the bow at her neck until the fabric loosened and fell away at the front. She was standing in Blake Matthews’s apartment, naked from the waist up, and all she could concentrate on was the need to have his hands running over her body.
When he hugged her from behind and placed both hands on her stomach, she shivered in anticipation. Slowly, he slid his touch up until both hands cupped her breasts. “Here was me looking forward to that sexy white bra, and you go and surprise me by not wearing one.”
She couldn’t stop the moan that slid from her mouth as his hands molded her breasts and his thumbs tweaked her needy nipples.
He leaned in and kissed her hair, and when she tipped her head back to his broad shoulder, she breathed the freshly showered scent of him deep. He slid his hands to her waist again, and she shivered when he eased the zipper down. Gripping each side of the dress, he peeled the silky fabric the length of her body until it pooled at her feet.
He reached around her again, but this time slipped a hand in hers and turned her to face him. He stepped forward and the slow, deliberate movements were replaced by a frenzy of touch as his hands tangled in her hair, and she twined her arms around his neck. When he claimed her mouth, the kiss was harder, hungrier than before, and the thought that he wanted her as much as she wanted him powered through her like a drug.
Their chests pressed together, and she felt his heart, beating as deep and strong as hers.
Still kissing him, she burrowed her hands under his t-shirt and sighed as her palms met the hard planes of his stomach. Greedily, she pushed the fabric up, and he helped tug it over his head.
“The window seat,” she gasped. “Take me on the window seat.”
“No way,” he growled. “Public sex is lesson three, and I’d hate for you to miss out on all the treats of lesson two. This one happens in my bed.”
He bent down, scooped her effortlessly into his arms, and she leaned her forehead against his. “You’re going to put me out of a job if you’re not careful,” he murmured in her ear as he mounted the stairs. “That dress was a knockout.”
“Must be the skills of my very fine teacher.” She smiled, and he captured her mouth in a kiss as they reached his bedroom.
He strode to the bed, threw back the covers, and laid her out. He slipped her shoes off then stepped back, unbuckled his jeans and kicked them to the floor, his white boxers following seconds later.
Suddenly she found a brand new candidate for the eighth wonder of the world. His erection stood proud and rigid at his center, and she couldn’t wait to have it pressed against her. She moved to sit up, but he gently pushed her back and then eased his body alongside her.
She pushed her panties down and kicked them off before tangling her legs with his. Holding her face, he kissed her deep. His tongue plundered her mouth, and she hungered for every piece of him. The touch of his rigid length against her thigh emboldened her to snake a hand down and take the warm, solid shaft in her grip.
“Ah, baby,” he moaned, and she stroked him harder as he lay a trail of kisses down her neck.
He rolled her underneath him, then placed his hands either side of her head. Above her, he blinked slowly as he opened her thighs with his knee, and she gasped at the hungry look in his eye. Kissing a line from her neck, he paused to lay a reverent kiss on each nipple, then down, down to the very core of her.
His breath was hot against her thigh, and she sucked in a breath of anticipation. When his lips met her swollen folds, she floated off the bed. Never before had someone touched her so intimately, and with such open desire. She couldn’t help the private smile on her lips as Blake’s tongue took her on a journey she’d only dreamed about.
His lips worked her bud while his tongue laved her opening, and she clutched at the sheets in ecstasy. Slowly a wave built, and she fought it, desperate to wait until she could look in Blake’s eyes, let him see what he could do to her. Paralyzed on her back, she murmured, “My turn”.
“Still mine.” He leaned over to the bedside table, pulled out a foil packet and in seconds had sheathed himself. In an exquisite kissing journey, he moved up her body, leaving her damp and open and desperate. As he reached her mouth and trapped her lips in a kiss, he eased himself inside her.
Air squeezed from her lungs as Blake’s length filled every empty part of her. He buried himself deep, and she arched her back to get even closer.
Her skin was on fire—a fire which spread up her thighs and deep inside, joining with the thick, thrusting end of Blake.
Sliding an arm under her shoulders, he pulled her to him and thrust faster. In turn, Kirin gripped him and pulled each muscle tight as the wave of pleasure built.
Blake’s eyes grew darker, the sheen on his skin glowed, and he called her name in a rush of breath before his rhythm slowed and he rested his cheek against hers.
Her eyes fluttered closed, great, rolling waves of pleasure taking her under, and she left her body far behind.
Long moments of silence, except for the gradual easing of their breathing, hung in the air until Blake spooned her and hugged her tight.
It could have been minutes or hours later when Kirin uncurled herself from his side and turned to him. “I don’t suppose a girl gets to repeat a lesson, does she? I think there were a few parts I may need to practice.”
“Of course that’s possible,” Blake said, “but while she’s practicing lesson two, a girl would be missing out on all that lesson three has to offer.”
“The public sex?” she whispered as she pulled a sheet over their bottom halves and snuggled into him again. “She might be content with lesson two for the rest of her life then.”
“A girl would need some lead up to lesson three.” He slid a hand between her legs. “Perhaps a little fondling under a table, or a friendly kiss that went on a little too long.”
She chuckled, then looked into his face, wanting to keep things light but needing more of a connection, too. “Thank you for this. I really think it’s hitting the spot, so to speak.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “You’re very welcome.”
“I had cocktails with Mom and Lucy tonight and Mom suggested that I should have bedded you by now.”
“She’s quite the character, your mom.”
Kirin circled a finger on his chest. “What’s your mom like?”
He frowned. “You don’t want to talk about my family. Especially not after what we just did.”
“I do. You told me where you come from and a little about your business background, but nothing else. I’d like to know a little more about you.”
“What for?”
Her skin chilled at his tone. “Because we’ve . . . at least I hope we have . . . become friends, and friends tend to know a bit about each other.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not interested in talking
about myself. You and I have a great business relationship, and we’re having a nice time on the side, but that’s as far as it goes. I’m not my family or my past. I’m my business, and you’re my business. I thought we’d had this conversation before.”
Kirin clutched the sheet in her hand and pulled it a little higher. He was charismatic, devastatingly good-looking, an incredible lover, and as guarded as a bank vault.
Warning bells went off to not ask anything else, but it wasn’t in her nature to stay quiet. “What about friends then?” She wanted to push him on this, peel back a little of that perfect exterior to see what was underneath. “Do you hang out with Lucy and Colin, have a beer with Alex sometimes?”
He pushed himself up against the headboard and he turned to face her again. “What’s all this about?”
“You’ve met my dog, my mom, you know my sexual history and how many salt shakers I own, and yet I realize now that I don’t really have a handle on who you are at all.” She dragged herself up too, but kept the sheet tucked under her arms. “I’ve never heard you talk about friends. You don’t seem to have any hobbies—apart from the ones that make you look good—and it seems as though you hardly live here. ”
He reached out a finger and stroked her cheek as his tone softened. “You have all the bits of me you need, Kirin. Those are the ones you should be concerned about. Come here and stop worrying. We have a whole week left, and I intend for it to be spent focusing on you, not me.”
As he nuzzled her neck and his hands searched for her under the sheet, she let her eyes drift closed. Why did she feel she needed to know more about him? Was it to disprove other people’s impressions and confirm he wasn’t the superficial man only concerned with looks as they’d have her believe? Because if she did believe what they said, it might make it easier to ignore the deeper feelings she had for him that were growing day by day.
Blake buried his head further into the pillow and stretched into the mattress, hoping to connect with the warm, lush contours of Kirin’s body as he’d done all night. Finding the spot next to him empty, he drifted his hands across the sheet and his fingers curled around a small piece of cardboard. In seconds, he was fully awake.
Bad Reputations: A steamy, celebrity romance (The Breaking Through Series Book 1) Page 12
