by Alexa Aston
Rhett placed two platters piled high with burgers on the table, one with melting cheese covering the patties and the other plain. Melanie added a Lazy Susan filled with condiments and add-ons. Sydney put down the salad bowl in her arms. The three women retreated to the kitchen to gather the remaining items.
“I’m really sorry,” Leo told Rhett. “I didn’t mean to break any confidences. I’ll understand if you want to let me go.”
“No way, Leo. It’s not a problem,” Rhett told the trainer. “Cassie practically took out a billboard when Monty agreed to direct her screenplay so it wasn’t any big secret. If Dash took the initiative and followed up, more power to you.” Rhett bumped fists with Dash in a display of male solidarity.
“It’s just an audition,” Dash said as the women returned and set more items on the table. “I have no idea what the role is about or who I’m up against. I’m ready to give it my best shot.”
Everyone took a seat on the two benches. Dash made sure to watch where Sydney decided to sit and claimed the spot next to her. With that many people, they had to squeeze together. His thigh brushed against hers, while their arms from shoulder to elbow touched. As before, Dash felt the spark between them. Sydney ignored it—but he knew she’d felt it. How could she not?
Dinner proved to be lighthearted. Dash enjoyed getting to know this group. He could tell the Corrigans and Camerons were tight. Leo also seemed to know both couples fairly well. Only he and Sydney seemed to be the outsiders and they were welcomed into all of the conversations with ease.
He liked that they didn’t merely talk work. He got enough of that in social situations. Instead, the group spoke about the upcoming fall presidential election and why they favored certain candidates. Melanie and Cassie discussed an upcoming charity ball sponsored by Rhett’s foundation, which would benefit breast cancer research. They talked about the California wildfires last summer and how they hoped this summer would prove better. They talked about music and sports. For the first time in a long time—probably since he’d arrived in Hollywood—Dash found himself around people that he wanted to get to know better. People he wanted to be friends with.
And one woman he wanted to get to know in the worst possible way.
As they ate, the subtle smell of vanilla kept wafting up from Sydney’s warm skin, tickling his nose. Dash wanted to bury his face in her neck and inhale the scent. He wanted to run his fingers through her thick, auburn waves. More than anything, he wanted his mouth on hers. His body atop hers.
Someone’s cell rang. No one moved.
“Oh, wait. That’s me,” Leo said after the third ring. “I never get calls. Only texts. I didn’t even remember what my ringtone sounded like,” he joked. “Hello? Hey, baby. How—”
Leo grew quiet as his face started growing redder. Dash could hear a voice on the other end but not what was being said. He did recognize the angry tone and felt sorry for the trainer.
“I know. I’m sorry. Listen, just pour a glass of wine. A big one. Get in the hot tub. I’m on my way home. I’ll fix everything, baby. I promise.”
He shoved the phone back in his pocket. “I’ve gotta go. That was my wife. She’d gone to visit her mother for a week. A woman who would drive even a saint to murder, I might add.” He paused. “Maybe that’s why Angela came home early,” he mused.
“I take it you’d been living the bachelor life while Angela was gone?” Ken asked.
Leo nodded. “Angela’s the neatest of neat freaks. I always go along to get along but for a few days alone?”
“I’m assuming you left dishes in the sink,” Rhett said.
“And wet towels on the bathroom floor,” Ken added.
“I’m guessing there was an unmade bed and dirty clothes scattered everywhere,” Dash said. “Take it from me, the original slob. If I didn’t have cleaners come in twice a week to do the house and all the laundry, I’d be in serious trouble.”
“That’s what I’m in so I need to head out.” Leo frowned. “Oh, wait.”
“You came with us,” Melanie said. “That’s okay. We’ve finished eating. We don’t mind leaving now. Give us a second to clean up.”
“No,” Cassie said. “You’re guests and Leo needs to be in crisis-solving mode. The sooner you get home to placate Angela, the better. Rhett, let’s walk them out.”
Melanie turned to Sydney. “Cassie can give you my number. I’d really like to have lunch with you soon.”
Sydney frowned in disappointment. “I’m working with Dad on No Regrets. With auditions starting up? I don’t know how much free time I’ll have during the day.” She shrugged and Dash saw doubt blanketing her.
“Hey, even working, you’ll need to eat sometime,” Melanie said. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
Dash watched Sydney perk up with Melanie’s refusal to be put off. He figured Sydney had been a loner, the same as he was. This was her chance to make a new friend. He heard her agree to lunch or dinner sometime soon. For some reason, it made him feel better that the two women would be in touch.
“Same for me, Dash,” Ken told him as the two men shook hands. “I enjoyed hanging with you today. With everyone. This was a lot of fun. Let’s do it again. Next weekend. Our house.”
Dash would hike to the North Pole if he thought Sydney would be in attendance. He saw her smile sweetly as she nodded at Ken.
Things were looking up, both professionally and personally.
Everyone left the table except Sydney and him. She scooted over as Leo got up. Dash wanted to playfully nudge back against her but she looked like a frightened deer now that they were alone. He wouldn’t push it. Regular Dash would. The Dash that did his thing and got laid and moved on.
All of a sudden, that Dash held no interest for him.
“So, you and Cassie are friends?” he asked.
“Yes. We’ve spent a few hours together each morning for the past week. Some of it talking about her screenplay and the storyboards I completed for the picture.”
“That’s right. You mentioned you’d be doing the grids when we met the other night.”
“I’m ready for some changes in my life. I’ve been . . . . in business. Back on the east coast. But I prefer California. And writing. Storyboarding’s a specialized form of writing. At least it’s giving me a foot in the door and helping me access my creative side.”
Hmm. She’d been back east. In business. Dash wondered exactly what she’d been doing. Something big must’ve happened for her to chuck it all and come back to LA after being gone more than a decade. Patience had never been his strong point. He usually saw what he wanted and went after it, especially if it involved a woman he was interested in. With Sydney, though, he wanted to take his time and peel back the onion layers until he got to her core. He wanted to know the essence of Sydney Revere and what made her tick.
“You said you’ll be involved in the audition process?” he asked.
“Dad’s asked me to sit in. Cassie, too, for the major roles.”
“It’ll be nice to see a friendly face when I walk in Thursday,” he said, surprised at his honesty.
The corners of her mouth turned up. “I hope you do well, Dash.” She hesitated. “I watched a few of your films. I think . . . I think that you haven’t come close to your potential. I can’t promise you’ll get this role but if you do? It could mean a serious career shift for you.”
“You mean San Andreas fault big shift? Like when Rhett switched gears last year and tackled new territory?”
Sydney’s green eyes glowed. “I do.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Dash took her hand and squeezed it. He held on for a minute, soaking up her warmth and then released it. “Let’s clear the table.”
“Okay,” she agreed, a blush tinging her cheeks.
As they made several trips back and forth, Cassie joined in while Rhett cleaned the grill. The women loaded the dishwasher and Rhett invited them to sit on the deck and watch the sun set. The four sat in silence with only the subtle noise
of the waves washing in and out below them breaking it. Dash saw Rhett take his wife’s hand. Cassie gave Rhett a look that showered her husband in love.
That single glance bashed Dash on the head. He wanted that. He wanted to be close to someone other than Herc. He wanted to find a woman he could trust. Even love. A woman he could share his life with. One who would have her own career but be supportive of his.
He looked over at Sydney. Could she possibly be that woman? He’d never been drawn to any female this way.
Sydney caught his eyes and wiggled her index finger. Dash saw Rhett and Cassie were lost in each other.
“Time to go,” Dash announced.
Cassie looked up, startled. “You don’t have to rush off.”
Dash stood and shrugged. “Hollywood’s an early town. Even when I’m not shooting, I like to turn in by ten. Plus, I’ve got a drive back.”
“Me, too,” Sydney said, stifling a yawn. “I’ve been working long hours. Now that I’m through, all I want to do is hit the sheets.”
The thought of a naked Sydney sliding along satin sheets made Dash’s mouth water.
“Can I give you a lift?” he asked her.
“No, thanks. I’m only four houses down. I’ll walk back.”
“I’ll walk you back,” Dash insisted.
“You don’t have to.”
He gave her a long look. “I want to.”
They said their goodbyes and retreated down the stairs at the edge of the deck. Sydney retrieved her sandals and then they waved goodnight to the Corrigans. Dash saw the couple turn and enter the house. If ever two people were about to have sex, it was Rhett and Cassie Corrigan.
Dash fell into step next to Sydney. Close but not touching, though he had to fight to keep from doing so. Then he figured why not? They’d already passed a couple of houses. Within two minutes, they’d arrive at her house. If he didn’t do something now, he might not have another moment like this.
Dash reached over and took her free hand. He entwined his fingers through hers.
Sydney stopped in the sand and looked at him. Her anxious expression relaxed. She smiled.
Score!
He’d made her smile—and she hadn’t pulled her hand away. Dash continued walking, this time a lot more slowly as he savored Sydney next to him. His heart began racing, like some nerd at a middle school dance who walked up to the most popular girl in the school in order to ask her out onto the gym floor for a slow dance. He wasn’t a dork. He never had been. He’d always been smart and athletic and good-looking.
Now, though, he felt like an awkward geek as he held the hand of the most beautiful girl in the class. He didn’t want it to end. He could hold Sydney Revere’s hand all night and not want another thing.
Well, maybe a little more than hand holding but Dash would settle for that if that’s all she wanted. He refused to make another move. He’d taken her hand. The ball was in Sydney’s court. Either she’d kiss him goodnight or not. If she did, he’d know a lot more about where he stood by the kind of kiss.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, DeLauria, he warned himself. Go with the flow.
They reached what he assumed was the Revere house since she stopped. One low light burned in the window near the door with another one lit at the far end of the house.
“Thank you for walking me back,” she said, her voice low and husky.
That alone was a turn-on for Dash.
“I was happy to do it,” he told her. “Happy to get to spend a little alone time with you,” he confessed.
“Because I’ll be sitting in the auditions?” she asked, the cynical Sydney emerging. “Because you know I have Dad’s ear and could put in a good word for you?”
Dash tugged her closer until they stood inches apart. “No. If the casting director thinks I’m right, I’ll get the part. I know you and Cassie will have input with your dad. That’s not why I wanted to walk you home.”
She turned her face up to him. “Then why did you?”
“For this.”
Even though Dash hadn’t wanted to act, he could read her signals. Sydney Revere was an introvert. She would never make the first move.
He was happy to comply.
CHAPTER 8
Sydney had time to suck in a quick breath before Dash’s lips touched hers. All during dinner, the side of his body had been pressed against hers. It had driven her to a point of insanity. She hadn’t known a man’s touch in a long time and all she could think about was his mouth on hers. His hands skimming her body. When he’d taken her hand as they walked along the sand, she hoped it was the start of more.
She got more now. In spades.
He released her hand and cupped her face with both hands. His lips were firm on hers, moving, brushing against her mouth, teasing her. His tongue sensually outlined the shape of her mouth, causing desire to ripple through her. She opened her mouth in invitation and he responded immediately. His tongue swirled and danced with hers. Sydney had never felt such heat from a kiss.
Dash’s hands left her face. One slid around her neck as the other dropped to the small of her back. He yanked her close, their bodies touching, her breasts pressed against his muscled chest. Her nipples ached at the contact. His kisses grew hotter. More passionate. They fanned the flames of her desire. She dropped her sandals. Her arms entwined around his neck, inching even closer to him. She could feel his erection pushing against her. It gave her a thrill that she was what turned him on.
He broke the kiss. His mouth moved to her jaw, where his teeth nibbled lightly, causing a chill to run through her. It dropped to her throat and then down to the sweet spot where her neck became her shoulder. Sydney let out a wondrous sigh. Dash’s tongue moved upward until he reached her ear. He glided it around and then into her ear. Sydney gasped and clutched him. Who knew her ear could be so sensitive?
His hands now roamed along her back, dropping lower until then cupped her butt. He gave it a firm squeeze as his kissed her deeply. Sydney had never been this turned on in her life.
She pulled away and took in a deep breath. Dare she ask for what she wanted?
Why not?
“Do you want to come in?” Her words came out breathy and shaky. That was the effect this man had on her.
“Come inside your house?” Dash searched her face. “Or come inside of you?”
His question brought a frisson of pleasure through her.
“Both.”
She found herself swept off her feet in an instant as Dash strode forward. He paused at the door and gave her a lingering kiss. One hand rested on his chest and felt the pounding of his heart, strong and fast under her fingers.
“Key?” he asked against her mouth.
“It’s not locked,” she managed to get out.
He jerked away. Sydney saw him frown in the moonlight.
“Don’t ever do that again,” he said sternly. “You never know who’s around or what crazies might be lurking in the bushes. Or sand dunes,” he corrected.
“Okay,” she said agreeably, snuggling closer.
He turned the doorknob and stepped inside. She’d left a few lights on, not knowing what time she’d be coming in.
“Bedroom?” he said hoarsely, his eyes darkening with passion.
“That way,” she pointed with her foot. Her own heart began racing. Should she really do this? He’d only be the third man she’d slept with. She’d never engaged in something so spontaneous. Sydney’s head told her this was a mistake. That Dash DeLauria was a player, like everything she’d read about him said.
But her heart and body cried out how much she wanted him. Now. Even if only for a few hours.
He entered her bedroom and placed her gently on the bed. His fingers found the zipper on the back of her sundress and slowly lowered it. When it reached the bottom, he glided his hand up her bare back and then slipped a finger under the left strap of the dress.
“Do you want to turn off the lamp?” she asked, suddenly conscious of its glow.
She shivered.
“Is that okay?” he asked softly.
Sydney was touched that he would ask. She swallowed then nodded. She couldn’t speak.
Dash peeled the strap away and pushed it aside. His lips replaced where the strap had been. He pressed fervent kisses to her shoulder and then repeated his action on the other side. Slowly, he inched the sundress down to her waist. And stared.
She hadn’t worn a bra under the dress. It was a snug fit and with the spaghetti straps, a bra would’ve ruined the look.
“You are lovely,” he said reverently. He bent and took one breast into his mouth, sucking, laving, grazing his teeth across her nipple. It pebbled in need.
She wrapped her arms around his bent head, her fingers playing with the curly, jet black hair. A stirring deep in her belly had her pressing his face closer and she moaned softly.
Dash lowered her to the bed and slid the sundress past her waist. Sydney lifted her hips to help. He dropped it on the floor. His eyes holding hers, he removed his navy T-shirt. She’d loved how the dark blue of the shirt brought out the ice blue in his eyes. Now, she admired his sculpted torso and washboard abs. He peeled his shorts and briefs down and stepped out of them.
His body took her breath away. He was tall and broad-shouldered and made of lean muscle. A light dusting of dark hair covered his chest, tapering down to his huge erection. Sydney had her doubts if she could accommodate all of him—but she was ready to try.
He grabbed her ankles and pulled, bringing her bottom close to the edge of the bed, with her legs dangling off the side. Dash hovered over her, still standing, her legs on either side of him. His mouth descended to her other breast and he feasted on it, giving it just as much time and care as he had with the first.
Then his tongue dragged down to her belly button, teasing it. Sydney’s hips rose in response. His mouth moved lower and she realized what he was about to do. Before she could protest, he stripped away her panties and his fingers parted her. He lifted his head to watch her as one slid in to stroke her. She caught her breath. His eyes held hers as another finger joined it, slowly circling and caressing her. She swallowed hard and licked her lips, her nails digging into the comforter.
