Tempted By The Movie Star. Anna DePalo
Читать онлайн книгу.
Drawn by that warmth, he drifted closer, within touching distance. “I probably do need you. I have no idea how to deal with this fiasco. Anyway, I can’t fire you with Rosie around. She’d give me hell for it. The others wouldn’t like it, either. You made some friends in there.”
“Nice to know.” For some reason her glasses misted up. She took them off. “How about out here?”
He was a goner. “I’ve always liked you. That’s why it bothered me so much that you believed I’d caused that scene.”
“I’ve always liked you, too.” She moistened her lips. “That’s all the more reason I should have stopped to think before I jumped to conclusions.”
The gesture caught his attention and he noticed her lipstick had worn off. He’d never seen her without it. Because of that, the natural pink of her bare lips was more arousing than if she’d stripped naked. The sweep of her tongue had left her mouth with a satin sheen that begged to be savored.
“Rosie thinks there’s more to it.”
“More to what?” While he’d been imagining how she’d taste, he’d lost track of the conversation. Lifting his gaze, he saw awareness in her expression and his heart pounded in anticipation. She knew what he wanted. Judging from the way she was looking at him, she wasn’t opposed.
“The kissing incident.” Her breathing quickened. “She doesn’t think we have all the facts and you won’t make those public because you’re too much of a gentleman. I’m inclined to agree. There are lines you won’t cross.”
He searched her expression. “Apparently you admire that.”
“I do.”
“Then maybe we should head inside.”
She swallowed. “We should?”
“Uh-huh. I’m guessing you already have someone in your life.”
“Actually, I don’t.” Her voice was laced with tension. “Why do you want that information?”
“Because I’m two seconds away from kissing you and I’d hate to ruin my sterling reputation.”
Color bloomed in her cheeks. “I promise your reputation’s safe with me.”
Being kissed by Matt Forrest was the last thing in the world Geena had expected to happen to her in Wyoming. Being trampled by a moose had seemed far more likely, or being eaten by a grizzly bear.
But kicking off her shoes to learn Cade’s new dance step had felt like kicking off the traces. She’d been under strain, too, and dancing plus a bottle of beer had relaxed her. She’d forgotten to be so darned professional, and like any good actor, Matt had taken his cue.
Licking her lips had been an innocent and unplanned move, but when those electric-blue eyes had focused on her mouth, game over. A powerful wave of lust had swept her brain clean of everything but the need to kiss and be kissed by the hottest cowboy she’d ever known.
He took off his hat and laid it on a chair. Then he reached for her. Cupping her face in both hands, he gazed into her eyes. “I’ve thought about doing this for months. How about you?”
She was so excited she could barely breathe. “Never crossed my mind.” Sliding her hands up the soft cotton of his T-shirt, she felt the solid muscles underneath. The tactile thrill was more delicious than she could have possibly imagined.
“You’re not attracted to me? I could have sworn—”
“I didn’t say that.” She rubbed her hands across his chest because she couldn’t help herself.
“So you are attracted to me.”
“Uh-huh.” She began a slow massage and watched his eyes darken to navy.
“I should’ve asked you out. I almost did.”
“What stopped you?”
His gaze searched hers. “I thought it might be unprofessional.”
“And people talk.”
“Tell me about it.” He tipped her head back. “But tonight, after watching you dance, I don’t really care.”
“I don’t much care, either.” Her pulse raced as she anticipated the touch of his mouth. It looked sexy on screen but ten times more kissable in real life.
He leaned closer. “Glad to hear it.” And he captured her mouth.
When he did, the takeover was complete. She leaned into him and ran up the white flag without firing a single shot. No doubt the guy had many talents or he wouldn’t be finding success in the competitive film industry. But he could give a master course in the art of mouth-to-mouth contact.
He made the connection effortlessly, as if he’d already mapped the contours of her lips. And once he settled in, heaven help her. The movements of his mouth and tongue were subtle yet devastating. He teased, he sucked and he nibbled until she was ready to rip her clothes off because she wanted his brand of intense pleasure everywhere.
That tortured moan had come from her. Her panties were damp and she was clinging to him for dear life. Dimly she remembered they were on the porch of his parents’ house and nothing she longed for could happen here.
Gasping in reaction, she struggled out of his arms and backed away. “You should have a license for that mouth.”
His chuckle was low and sexy, although he was breathing hard, too. “You were giving as good as you got, lady.”
“Okay, Forrest, the gloves are off. We’re officially hot for each other.”
“I noticed.” He dragged in air. “I’m quick that way.”
She pressed a hand against her thumping heart. “I’m... I don’t know what’s supposed to happen next. This is still highly unprofessional.”
“Like I said, I don’t care anymore.”
“Honestly, neither do I. But I’m a guest in your parents’ home. I’m not planning to embarrass either me or them.”
“We won’t.” He retrieved his hat and settled it on his head. “But this isn’t over.”
“I hope not, but I’m a stranger in a strange land. I need a guide.”
“Right.” He paused. “The first thing you should know is that Mom put you in the room next to mine.”
“Oh, geez.”
“That might have been an accident but it might not. She could have done it because she was upset with me for being a jerk when you arrived. But I also feel obliged to warn you that when it comes to her boys, she’s a matchmaker.”
Geena gulped. “But she barely knows me.”
“And that may not figure into her thinking at all, but I might have mentioned you a few times on the phone. That could be enough to set her in motion.”
“Oh.” Knowing he’d talked to Rosie about her was flattering but she wasn’t crazy about being the target of a matchmaking scheme, even if the proposed match was between her and Mr. Hotter-than-a-jalapeño.
“I’m really not sure what she’s thinking. But she knows that you want the best for me, which is a big deal for her. I’m sure she appreciates your interest in the academy, too. You’ve made a good first impression.”
“I’m glad, but let me be clear. After that dynamite kiss I’m eager to get even friendlier, but it’s way too early to be picking out china patterns. Considering my background, I’m not sure that will ever be in the cards.”
“I’ll call your background and raise you mine. Not