Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

“What is it?

“You’re going to know people here, aren’t you? I mean…” I fell silent, suddenly uncertain. Didn’t walking in there together, holding hands, imply something? I chewed on my lip and looked at him. Was that a bad thing?

His hazel eyes searched my face carefully. His hands cupped my face, tilting my chin slightly as he bent to kiss me. I leaned into him, my response immediate. His hand took mine, placing it around his waist. His lips were soft on mine, encouraging, as my lips clung to his. I swayed against him on unsteady legs, my arms tightening as he deepened his kiss.

I felt his tremor and stared into his eyes, completely shaken by his response. He traced my cheek with his thumb, his voice husky when he said, “I want you.”

Chapter Three

My eyes traveled over his face. His skin was flushed, his eyes hungry. From the angular planes of his face to his sparkling eyes, ruddy complexion, and unruly hair, he was gorgeous. He wanted me? And I wanted him, very much. His thumb brushed across my lower lip, lightly, before he took my hand in his.

Hand in hand, Josh led me to the group. Victor was there, leaning back on the sand, his head pillowed on his arm and his eyes shut. I didn’t recognize anyone else, so Josh led me to Victor’s side.

“Be right back.” Josh kissed my hand as I sat, and then went to join the other musicians setting up.

Victor spoke without opening his eyes. “I thought so.”

I jumped a little. I thought he was asleep. “Excuse me?”

“I could tell on the carpet he had his eye on you. He’s been hanging on your every word.” He peeked up at me with a smile. “He’s kind of paparazzi target number one, so be prepared for tomorrow.”

I looked around a little self-consciously. “Why? Preventing someone from tripping isn’t newsworthy.”

“The way he looked when he caught you was.” Victor sat up, resting on his elbows. “He has a very expressive face.”

“I noticed,” I mumbled, more than a little curious to know what Josh had revealed.

“Besides, he’s the new it boy. The press love trying to find out what’s going on with him. Any news with him is big news.” He watched as Josh picked up his guitar and sat cross-legged on the sand, a pick in his mouth. He was joined by two other guitarists and they began talking amongst themselves.

I chewed on my lower lip.

Paparazzi? Josh was a celebrity. It was to be expected. But in my life? That was something else entirely. They could be here now, somewhere, lurking in the shadows. Would this—whatever was happening between me and Josh—be tomorrow’s headline? It sounded too ridiculous to worry about.

And at that moment I didn’t really care. Right now the only thing I could think about was him. I didn’t wonder what was going to happen later, not anymore. I knew. He’d made it perfectly clear. My heart was pounding as his words echoed: I want you.

As unsettling as that knowledge was, it was also amazingly exciting. I met his gaze, his eyes warm and searching. As the music started, his husky voice flowing out into the night air, I pulled my legs up, wrapping his jacket around me. I tucked my chin down, catching his scent in the fabric of his jacket, and listened.

***

Later, we made our leisurely way back to the hotel.

“Have you always played guitar?” My sandals swung from my fingers as we climbed the last set of steps up the terraced decks leading to the hotel.

“My mum was musical. I’ve been playing piano and guitar since I was small. She always preferred piano.”

“You have an amazing voice,” I added. He had a soulful voice, which fit him.

“Thank you. Music is my back-up plan if my acting career fails.” He laughed. “Now I sound like every other Hollywood hopeful.”

“I’m not really a Hollywood gal.” I glanced up at him. “So to me you don’t sound like anyone but you.”

He opened the door for me, his eyes warm. “That’s one of the reasons I find myself drawn to you.”

His honesty rattled me.

He smoothed the hair from my shoulder, his hand lingering briefly.

I had my key card in one hand but my other hand held his. We strolled to the elevator, the lobby mostly deserted now. We stepped into the elevator and the doors shut behind us. We didn’t say anything, just stared at each other. The air was alive with friction. He was thoughtful, his stance a bit rigid. He watched my face with an expression I couldn’t read. I smiled tentatively at him, and the corner of his mouth turned up in response. The elevator doors opened and he stared at me, uncertain.