Just One Spark (The Kingston Family 4)

“So now you have a choice,” he said, his voice rough with desire. “We can go home and do what we both want, or we can head to the after-party at Club Ten29, where I’ll introduce you to celebrities, and we can watch Vivi Z. perform. Then we go home and pick up where we left off.” He thrust his hips upward, and she moaned at the sinful contact through their clothes.

“This isn’t a fair choice,” she said, laughing even as the sounds escaping her let him know what she desired.

At the husky, sexy sound, he thought for sure they’d end up in his apartment bed. Because he sure as hell couldn’t take her home to the Hamptons with Axel and the guys there.

She whispered her answer and it was his turn to groan. Because thirty minutes later, he was walking into the Tribeca night club, Cassidy on his arm, and his very unhappy dick throbbing in his pants.

He consoled himself with the fact that she’d given him the time he needed to win her over. If not, he’d be one miserable son of a bitch when their time together came to an end.

Chapter Five

Cassidy figured she must be insane. She could be home in bed with her dream guy, and she’d chosen to attend this loud, crowded party instead. For all she’d experienced with Sasha, the VMAs were different, and she’d wanted to experience all that came with being a VIP. Besides, it wouldn’t kill Dash to learn that sometimes he had to wait.

She wasn’t sure what was going on with his sudden kissing, attention, and desire for a relationship, nor did she know what taking it slow and not screwing up again meant. She had no idea what he wanted from her, but she refused to act as easy as a groupie he took to bed and disposed of afterward. Been there, done that. He could work for it, and then she’d let herself enjoy him, smarter this time, her emotions locked up tight.

No sooner had they walked in than Dash was greeted by a broad man with jet-black hair and intense blue eyes. “Kingston, it’s good to see you.” He shook Dash’s hand.

“You, too. I figured you’d be in town with Vivi performing tonight,” Dash said.

The other man grinned. “Like I’d let her go anywhere without me.”

“That’s right. You’re her bodyguard, manager, and husband,” Dash said.

“Damn right.” The man obviously adored his wife and didn’t care who knew it.

Cassidy recalled reading about how Vivi’s husband had given up his life in New York and left the day-to-day running of his nightclub to his partners in order to travel with Vivi full-time. Now that was true love, Cassidy mused.

Dash squeezed Cassidy’s waist. “Cassidy Forrester, this is Landon Bennett, part owner of this club and, as you heard, Vivi’s husband.” He glanced at the other man. “Landon, this is my girlfriend, Cassidy.”

The word seemed to slide easily off his tongue, causing an inadvertent shiver to take hold of her body.

“Cassidy was Sasha Keaton’s personal assistant, and soon she’ll be creative director of her new production company, K-Talent Productions,” Dash went on, pride in his voice that took her off guard because it sounded so genuine.

She’d expected to be his arm candy, not someone he’d talk about this way.

“Great to meet you, Cassidy,” Landon said with a warm smile, but she caught the initial shocked expression on his face at Dash’s use of the word girlfriend.

“Same,” she murmured. “I’m a huge Vivi Z. fan,” she told him.

“I’ll try and grab her after her set so you two can meet,” Landon said.

“Please do. I’d love to discuss a collab between her and the band,” Dash said.

“I’ll relay the message.” Landon glanced around and frowned. “Dammit. One of the bartenders is calling for me. I’ll be sure to find you both later.”

Dash hadn’t released his hold on her waist. “Do you want a drink?” he asked.

“That sounds good.” She was thirsty and her mouth was parched.

“Let’s see if we can get to the bar.” He leaned in and brushed his lips over hers, too quickly for her to react or process the action, but enough to give her a buzz before she’d had more alcohol. The buzz from the little she’d drunk at the awards had worn off.

He led her across the room, which took a while. Dash was a popular guy, and they were stopped many times. No matter who he spoke to, from the biggest stars to assorted musicians and some actors, he’d never forgotten Cassidy was with him. He kept his hand around her waist, publicly claiming her.

Just like with Landon, he introduced her as his girlfriend, sounding proud. He included her in conversation and bragged about her upcoming role in Sasha, Xander, and Harrison Dare’s production company, exactly like an adoring boyfriend would.