Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 524(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
All she wanted was to be at home in Arch’s arms, but she understood he might feel differently. Softly, she asked, “Do you?”
“Like I said earlier, I’ve been to lots of award shows, and this is one of the smaller ones. The after party won’t be so spectacular, and it’s been a long day for both of us. Plus, I’m still in rehab, right?” Then he leaned in so that he was out of Valentina’s and Smith’s hearing. “What I’m trying to say is that I’d much rather be alone with you than at any party, big or small.”
Her heart swelled at his words, and the affection in his eyes was undeniable.
As undeniable as her feelings were for him.
Chapter Thirty-Three
The journey home had never gone more slowly. Arch wished now he’d booked them a room in some fancy hotel close to the Moonrise Festival venue, but he’d wanted to get home, with Tessa.
At last, they made it back to Carmel, and as tired as he was, he couldn’t stop his excitement that now it was just the two of them.
“Are you very tired?” he asked her, hoping she’d say no, that she was as energized as he was, wanting to make love for what remained of the night and greet the dawn with her beautiful body wrapped around his.
She slipped off the earrings his mother had lent her and placed them carefully in their box. “I’ve never had my photo taken that many times in my entire life.”
Not completely the response he’d been hoping for. But he understood how she felt. “I’ve been in this world so long, I never thought about the photographers. But they loved you. You look as good as the biggest stars out there. Better, because you’re not playing a part. You’re you.” Then he kissed her, loving the feel of her lips softening under his. “I’m sorry if it was all too much for you. I just wanted you by my side.”
She tilted her head back. “You’re forgiven. And you know what? I had a good time. Much more than I thought I would. You were right—once you get past the hype and the glamour, they’re all people doing work they love.”
“I’m used to the whole Hollywood machine by now, but I remember how exhausting it was the first few times on the red carpet. You did great, Tessa.” A wicked glint shone in his eyes. “Come on, let’s get to bed.”
He hoped she’d join him in his room and was beyond happy when she took his hand and drew him that way. Then he turned her away from him. “Let me help you with that zipper.”
He slid the zipper slowly down her back, so slowly it was a caress. The sound of the enclosure opening, revealing her naked back, had him roaring to full arousal.
How did she always do this to him? And from the very start? From one simple hello on the beach all those weeks ago?
No woman had ever made him feel this intense need.
He’d be a gentleman if she was exhausted and would let her sleep, but based on the way her skin was warming as his fingers slid slowly down her back and the way her breathing was changing, he had a suspicion she was as aroused as he.
He slid the dress off her shoulders and let it slide down her body to puddle on the floor. He turned her slowly to face him and stepped back. She looked as though she were standing in a pool of moonlight. A goddess in nothing but a whisper of silk.
“Take your clothes off,” she commanded in a husky tone that had him aching for her even more. She would never have given him such a sensual command in their early days. But now, she was bold. And so damned beautiful it made everything inside of him marvel that she was here with him.
He took his time, hoping it would only inflame her arousal. He stripped slowly, letting her watch as he removed jacket, bow tie, the studs, then the shirt, his socks… and finally his trousers.
She eyed his crotch and raised her brows as though to say, You’re not done yet.
Sweet Lord. She was making him half crazy. No, not half. Completely crazy!
But he complied, slipping off his boxers over his raging erection. When she saw it, she gave a sharp intake of breath, and it was like a spell broke as they sprang to each other.
His cane fell to the floor as she pushed him back onto the bed.
She kissed her way down his body, loving him with her mouth until he couldn’t hold back. He wanted to be inside her beautiful, hot body too much. He could barely stand to take the time to put on protection. He pulled her up so he could kiss her hungrily, and then she slid onto him, slick and so hot he could barely control himself. He thrust up, up, up—and she rode him until she dropped her head back with a cry, her body gripping him, causing his own cry of release as they came together.