* * *
Landon had heard that asshole Axel tell Vivi she was going places right after he’d watched him invade her personal space and seen an uncomfortable look cross her face. He hadn’t been able to get across the room fast enough to rip the man’s hand out of hers. And her damned agent needed a kick in the ass to make him pay attention to what was going on around him. The woman was going to end up needing protection from the people around her, he thought, shocked with how deeply he wanted to be the person who was there for her.
She drew a deep breath and faced him, her expression wary. Obviously she didn’t know what he was thinking when it came to her and he didn’t blame her. He’d been an asshole last time they’d been alone.
“So … tonight was unexpected,” she said, her face still flushed from her performance.
“You can say that again.” As if drawn by an invisible cord, he’d approached her … and found himself part of her act. He treated her to a wry grin. “Tonight was a shock but not as much as the first time I played along with you. And I have to admit, it gave me a sense of peace about Levi. Maybe for the first time.”
She grasped his hand, and he curled his fingers around hers, finding comfort and a jolt of arousal at her touch. “I’m glad. It’s what I was hoping for. Although I didn’t expect you to join me with an audience.”
He shrugged. “Like you said, it was an unexpected night.”
He stared at her, lost as to what to say next. Finally he decided to break the ice with the what was probably on both of their minds. “Look, I don’t like that you’re related to Vic. It’s the worst possible scenario.” He held on tight to her hand. “But I know you tried your best to back out of this situation. I pushed you to take the job.”
She swallowed hard, meeting his gaze with a vulnerable look in her eyes. “Vic is something that’s always going to be between us. I get that. But if I can have your understanding, if you don’t blame me for not telling you who I am, that’s enough for me.”
He paused, knowing now was the time to walk away if that’s what he wanted … but in his heart he couldn’t do it. “What if it’s not enough for me?” he asked.
Sadness crossed her face. “We have too much to overcome for anything serious between us. Your friends, your family, and what my brother did. Not to mention, I might be leaving at the end of the summer, hopefully to go on tour with a big act.”
His stomach clenched at the thought of her leaving but also with the truth of her words, yet he refused to let anything stand in the way of him having her. “Ever hear of one day at a time?”
He held out his arms and she ran, jumping into them and wrapping her long legs around his waist. Whatever time they had together, he’d take it and deal with the issues later, he thought, as their lips joined.
A few steps and he backed her against the wall, his mouth hard on hers, the kiss long overdue. Kissing her felt right, and he didn’t plan to stop for a long time. His cock throbbed in his pants, pulsing against her soft heat as his mouth devoured hers.
They stood in place, her legs tight around him, the warmth of her sweet body pressing against him, his fingers gliding up and down her sides and over her breasts, which fit perfectly in his hands.
Her nipples puckered, tightening against his palms, but the slick bodysuit material kept him from feeling her supple flesh, and he needed skin-to-skin contact. “Upstairs,” he said, breaking the kiss long enough to tell her what he needed.
“My bed.” A sexy smile lifted her lips.
Obviously she was willing, at least for tonight, and he was happy to take whatever she offered.
She lowered her legs, and he waited until her feet hit the floor, steadying her before releasing his grasp.
They needed to walk through the bar to get to the elevator, and though he’d prefer a route that didn’t involve passing by people who might stop them for conversation, he didn’t care.
“Ready? Or do you need to get your things?” he asked.
She opened a drawer and pulled out her keys. “I’m good to go.”
Knowing he was making a statement he’d have to deal with later, he grasped her free hand and led her out through the bar. His partners were with their women, and he caught Tanner’s gaze, nodding his head and silently daring him to start trouble. He already knew how they felt about Vivi. The same way he’d felt only yesterday, except he’d been in denial.