Shine With Me (With Me in Seattle 15.5)

“And what about the rest of it?” Matt asks.

“What do you mean?”

He tilts his head. “I see the way you look at her. I hear your voice when you speak about her. This is more than a working relationship.”

“Wait, what?” Nic demands. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We’re compatible in a lot of ways.” I choose my words carefully.

“Benjamin Demarco, you’re falling in love with her.” Nic gasps.

I lick my lips and nod, not denying it. “Yeah, it seems I am. Who would’ve thought, right?”

“How does she feel?” Jules asks.

“You’d have to ask her,” I say. “We’ve only been sleeping together for a week. I barely know her. But she’s great. And when I thought that Zane was here for her this morning, well… Let’s just say I had a bad moment.”

“Did you punch him?” Nate asks.

“I wanted to, but I might’ve killed him, and I can’t be with Rina from jail.”

“I like her,” Nic says. “I like her a lot.”

I nod and steer the conversation away from my personal life. Because the truth is, I’ve fallen hard and fast for an incredible woman, but I don’t know what’s going to happen in a few short weeks when our working relationship is over.

And it’s something I’m not ready to think about.* * * *Going home alone after a week of spending my nights with Rina isn’t ideal, but I’m not going to crash the Zane and Rina Christmas party tonight. They haven’t seen each other in a long time, and I don’t need to be attached to her at the hip while they talk and catch up.

I do, however, miss her.

But it’s fine. I’ll go home and do some work in my office before I turn in early.

I pull into my garage and frown when I walk inside and find lights on.

I know I didn’t leave any on when I was here three days ago.

Is someone squatting in my house?

I hurry through the place, but I don’t see anyone. I climb the stairs and rush into my bedroom, then come to an abrupt halt when I find Rina in my bed, under the covers. She grins when she sees me and reveals one long, sculpted leg, her toes pointed against the white sheets.

I’ve never been so relieved to see anyone in my life. My mood lifts instantly, and my cock twitches in my jeans.

“So, I got an idea earlier when Zane told the story about his assistant climbing into bed with him naked.”

“Yeah? Tell me.”

“I thought it would be fun if I was here, waiting for you. Naked.”

She lets the covers fall, revealing her perfect breasts.

“That is an excellent idea. How did you get in here?”

She bites her lip. “Don’t waste time with stupid questions. Take those clothes off.”

“Yes, ma’am.”Chapter Eight~Sabrina~“Who wants more egg rolls?” I ask as I return to the living room carrying the takeout boxes of Chinese food. Zane and I always order Chinese on Christmas Eve.

It’s tradition.

“Duh,” Zane says, reaching to pluck them off the platter.

“I like the decorations.” Ben looks around as he uses his chopsticks to eat his stir-fry. While Zane and I both got breaded, sweet and sour everything, Ben stuck to chicken and veggies.

Because he’s healthy.

But it’s Christmas, and I’m splurging a little.

“Zane did a good job,” I say. “I was shocked.”

“How dare you?” Zane asks.

“Dude, you’re a superstar actor, not an interior decorator.”

My best friend shrugs. “I can be both. Also, I might have called someone to make this happen.”

“That close to Christmas?” Ben asks before I can.

“I paid extra.” Zane grins and reaches under the tree for a present and passes it to me. “Okay, one gift tonight. That’s how we always do it.”

“Yay! It’s my favorite part.” I tear into the red and gold paper, letting it fall to the floor at my feet. “Thank you. I needed new earbuds for the gym.”

“They’re wireless,” Zane says proudly. “And you’re welcome.”

We keep exchanging gifts, and Ben opens a pair of riding gloves I got him for his bike, and Zane the cashmere scarf I bought online.

Then we settle in with a glass of wine and enjoy the glow of the lights on the tree.

“So, why is it that neither of you likes to spend the holidays with your families?” Ben asks. He links his fingers with mine and kisses the back of my hand.

“Most people who were child actors have a strained relationship with their parents,” I reply.

“And ours did what they all do,” Zane continues. “They took control of our careers and our money while we worked our asses off. They sold us to the highest bidder to pad their bank accounts.”

“But it’s your money.” Ben frowns.

“Technically, but as minors, our parents had power of attorney. So, they had control of every penny. My parents started selling personal photos for the rags when we were about twelve.”