Famous (Famous #1) (34 page)

“Cade, you can’t. Denise told me today that Wendy has a reputation for connections with the paparazzi. She tips them off to photo ops, and they spin the story in her favor. She is probably responsible for all the paps at the airport today. We can’t risk her knowing the truth. Not now.”

It was getting out of hand, and I sighed.

Cade turned and studied me, his eyes intent on my face. “I just want to love you, to be with you and not hide it. That’s all. Why is that so bloody difficult?” I could read the pain in his face. “I’m so angry about all of this!”

I softened my voice, hoping to ease his angst. “Look, I’m really looking forward to this jam session. I want to hear you play for me.” I smiled. “We’ll figure out what to tell Wendy later.”

His eyes were intent on mine as he reached out to run his hand down my arm. “Do you trust me, Brook?” I nodded slowly. “I’m going to handle it once and for all, okay?”

“Yeah. What will you do?” I trusted him completely, but was worried about his methods.

“You don’t have to worry about it, but I will take care of it, I promise.” He took my hand, “Come on, love, time to have a good time. Forget about her,” he said as we walked back in.

Wendy looked at me anxiously and I smiled, hoping she would wait for another time to confront me about my conversation with Cade.

He let go of my hand and went to pick up his guitar. Dawson already had his and was tuning it on the opposite couch. Jennifer came to sit next to me and brought mine with her.

I watched Cade as he started to play, and knew it would all be okay somehow. I let myself get lost in the intricate strains of his acoustic guitar. Just like the day in the piano studio writing music, he amazed me every time he played an instrument.

He was truly gifted. He had perfect pitch, and could play practically anything by ear. He was so perfect. And he was mine.

Chapter 16

Only You

When I could, I stole glances at Brook and watched her play and sing with us. I asked her to play again the song she did in London, and Dawson and I played with her. Her face was glowing, her eyes full of love as she sang it, I found myself not playing at times. When I bought it for her, shortly after our goodbye in Vancouver, I never dreamed she’d learn to play it. It made my heart swell knowing it meant as much to her as it did to me.

I loved to see her so happy. She was laughing most of the night, except when Wendy decided to interrogate her, and I saw her face tighten. After our conversation on the patio, I mulled over how I was going to handle Wendy, but one way or another, I was going to handle it.

It was almost midnight and I was ready for the night to be over, at least with this room full of people. I wanted to be alone with Brook. I was leaving the next evening, and I needed as much time with her as I could get. I really needed to consider getting a place in L.A. Most of my business was here, my agent was here, and now Brook was. It just made sense.

“I’m really tired, guys. It’s 8 AM London time, and I need to get to bed. Does everyone have a ride home?” I asked.

Wendy was, of course, the first to speak. “I don’t have to leave yet, Cade!” she said coyly.

Always tuned in to her, I noticed Brook stiffen at her words. She turned to put her guitar away, and my jaw clenched. This ridiculous shit caused her pain, and I was bloody well going to put a stop to it. Now.

Everyone filed out one by one, and everyone was gone except Wendy, Dawson, Jennifer, and Brook. “Brook, I’ve called my car to take you, Dawson and Jennifer home. Wendy, let’s get you a cab.”

My plan was for the media to see Brook leaving with Jen and Dawson, and then sneak her back into the hotel through the garage entrance after the other two were dropped off. It also gave me the needed time to talk to Wendy alone. I would make my point this time, once and for all.

Brook’s eyes looked up anxiously as she wondered what I was up to. I hugged Jennifer goodbye, and spoke with Dawson briefly, before taking Brook’s hand and walking her out behind them.

“Trust me, love. See you in half an hour,” I whispered to her as she left. She only nodded as I blocked Wendy’s view with my body and handed Brook the key card to my suite

“Okay Love you,” she said softly. I wished I could kiss those sweet lips, as my fingers brushed her cheek, but had to content myself with knowing she would be back in mere minutes.

“Me, too.”

After the door closed, I turned back to Wendy who was already unbuttoning her blouse and walking towards me.

“I’m so glad you came to your senses, Cade,” she said as she started to run her hands up my chest and around my neck, then trying to pull my head down so she could kiss me. I stopped her, pulling my head back and out of reach of her mouth.

I took her wrists in both of my hands to still their movement on my body and pulled them down to her sides. “Wendy, we have to talk,” I told her sternly. Her full breasts were visible but it didn’t arouse me at all. I was angry that she would corner Brook about our relationship and then presume that I was hers for the taking. It was going to stop, now.

“Please button up your shirt, Wendy. I told you before that this isn’t going to happen, and I meant it. It will never happen, do you understand me?” She frowned and I could see that she was hurt by the harshness of my voice.

“Why?” she murmured.

“It’s simple, Wendy.” I took a breath. “I’m in love with someone else.” I emphasized the word and waited for her reaction.

“Brook,” she said without hesitation, her eyes shooting daggers. My gaze never wavered as I looked at her. I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to admit whom, but I’d do whatever needed to be done.

“Yeah, and I don’t want you asking her about my relationship with her again. That is between her and I.” I let go of her arms and walked away from her.

“But, she’s with David. You’re a fool, Cade. She’s been dating him for two years, but they’ve been close twice that long!” I could see her anger and jealousy flush her face. “She told me tonight that she’s just your friend! She told me how to get you! That I should get beyond your looks and learn more about you.” She laughed cruelly. “That’s all you are to her… a good friend.” She threw Brook’s words from the MTV interview in my face.

I sighed and then shrugged. “None of that matters. It doesn’t change my feelings. My heart doesn’t want anyone else. I’ve fought against it all these months, and I’m not going to bloody do it anymore.”

She turned and started to button up her blouse, embarrassment burning her cheeks and flushing them bright pink.

“So what? Doesn’t your body want anyone else either?” She sneered at me. “You would waste a chance with me or anyone else, and wait around in the hope that Brook will suddenly wake up and realize she’s in love with you?” she asked astonished.

“Yes.” I nodded. “I’ll wait forever if I have to. The connection between us is undeniable. So I’ll wait, and I won’t screw up my chances with her for a meaningless one night stand.” I was matter of fact. I wanted her to fully understand what I was saying; that she meant nothing to me.

“Yet, you sit here and know she’s fucking David?” She laughed in my face. “Oh, you disappoint me, Cade. You’re really pathetic. I thought you were more than Brook’s lap dog.” Her face was incredulous. She paused for a moment and then apparently decided to change her approach.

She walked toward me and placed her hand on my chest as she looked up at me and pouted. “I wouldn’t have to be a one night stand, Cade. I want to know you,
and
fuck you.” Her voice was barely a whisper, but she emphasized her meaning.

Jesus, does she think that would turn me on? I took her by the shoulders and pushed her back from me.

“Enough, Wendy! I’m done with this,” I said harshly. “Finished.”


“What is it about her that’s so special?” She practically screamed at me. “She’s a nobody in this town! What is it about her that has you acting like an idiot? I’m sexier than her! She’s boring!”

I sighed, but remained calm, then turned and moved to lean against the back of the couch across from her. Jesus, where to start.

“Wendy, of course you’re desirable. There is no denying you’re a beautiful woman,” I tried to soften the blow, “but this thing with Brook; it’s so much more than physical. I find her beautiful, desirable, yes, but talented, insightful and able to read me. She knows me better than I even know myself… she looks right into my soul, we can talk for hours. She’s amazing, just… she’s everything.” I looked right in Wendy’s eyes as I said more than I intended, my gaze never flinching, as I crossed my arms in front of my body. “I can’t explain it any better than that.”

“Well, you’re going to feel like a jackass when she stays with David. I really think you’re wasting your time, Cade, and missing some really great sex.” She got her purse and headed for the door. “You’ll be sorry you made this choice.” It sounded like a threat as she walked out of the suite, but I didn’t care. “In more ways, than one.”

“Wendy!” I yelled at her. She was clearly startled and turned back toward me. “If you fuck with me or try to hurt Brook in any way, you will regret it. You might be able to cause us some momentary discomfort, but I can make sure you don’t get cast. I have a lot of influence. Do you understand me?”

She glared at me and then stormed from the suite, slamming the door behind her, leaving me to sigh heavily. I ran my hand through my hair and went to take a shower. Thank God that was over. Maybe now, Wendy would leave Brook the hell alone.

I stripped off my clothes and let the hot water rush over my body. I was exhausted. I shouldn’t have let everyone stay so late because the eight-hour time difference was really dragging me down. It was 8:30 AM in London, and I hadn’t slept for more than twenty-four hours. I had been too anxious about getting to Brook to sleep on the plane.

I leaned my head on the wall of the shower and reminded myself that in a matter of minutes I’d have her in my arms.

I loved her, and I’d risk everything for her. Fame, whatever… it didn’t matter. My breath left in a rush as the realization smacked me. I had enough bloody money to last a lifetime, and the celebrity lifestyle wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

Thinking how sexy she’d been today at the shoot, her eyes smoldering as she looked at me, and tonight her eyes full of pain when Wendy made it clear she wanted me, only served to increase the protectiveness I felt. I couldn’t believe how just sitting next to her in the limo today could make my heart race faster. And, our little word game was
brilliant
. I loved it, and the memory of it made me smile, happily.

“Hey, handsome.” I heard Brook’s soft voice and opened my eyes as I raised my head to see her standing right outside the shower door, her beautiful blue eyes glowing, a small smile on her lips as she took in my naked body through the glass.

I flung open the shower door, put my arms around her and quickly dragged her in beside me, fully clothed. Then I moved in slow motion. “Hey, yourself,” I said in a whisper against her lips before my mouth latched on to hers in a slow, deep kiss.

“God, you taste so good,” I moaned as I pulled her lower lip into my mouth, licked her top lip with my tongue, as I pressed her body against the tiles with mine. My mouth teased hers as I spoke. “I’ve missed you, so much, love.” I bent my head to take her lips in a wild kiss. Tasting, sucking, nipping and she matched me kiss for kiss, responding with the same desire I felt for her.

I was starving for her, feeling like I hadn’t kissed her in years.

“Oh, Cade, I love you so much, I can’t breathe,” she whispered as she kissed my neck. I started stripping off her sodden clothes. Her breasts were visible above the white lace bra, as I unbuttoned her shirt. I wanted to taste every inch of her skin, my hand moved to cup her perfect breast.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispered, her mouth searching for mine. She found it as my hands were undoing her bra and then moved to cup both of her pert breasts, the nipples hard in my palms. Her skin felt like silk. “I hate being away from you.”

My erection already pulsing on her stomach as my hands moved to the button on her jeans as I made short work of it and the zipper. The wet fabric clung to her curves and it took some effort to move them down her hips. I bent to the task, trailing kisses on her breasts, sucking her nipples until I couldn’t stand any more. I moved lower to her flat stomach above her frilly white panties. When her hands twined in my hair, it only made me hungrier. I loved it.

“Oh, babe,” I groaned against her body. “You’re so beautiful.”

My hands went to knead her ass as I pressed my mouth to her over her panties and then pulled them off. I kissed her pubic mound and slowed my pace. “God, Brook, I can’t live without being with you like this.” She moaned and leaned against the shower wall, as I raised one of her legs to rest on my shoulder and kissed and licked her hot flesh. She was so sweet.

She tasted so good; I wanted to devour her. Her body was visibly trembling and she moaned in pleasure as my mouth continued to assault her. “I want my tongue inside you,” I groaned, my erection so hard, it was to the point of bursting.

We were so hungry for each other, and I knew I had to have her now. The urgency we felt overwhelming us both.

I picked her up and carried her into the darkness of the bedroom. We were both dripping wet and I didn’t care. I lowered her to the bed and followed her down, my mouth never leaving hers as I settled into the cradle of her open limbs, which folded around my body to cage me in her embrace.

I could feel her hand on my ass, pulling me closer, she was rubbing her body against the length of my hardness, her other hand clutching at my back and her hips arching into mine. “Brook…” I gasped.

“Cade, I want you inside me. I need you,” she whispered as her arms tightened around me, and her heels dug into my ass. “I don’t want to wait another minute,” she begged. “It’s been too long… Please don’t wait.”

“Oh, sweetheart, I love you.” I lowered my hand to the spot between her legs that I knew drove her crazy to find she was slick with need. She moaned against my mouth and raised her hips toward mine. I used my hand to pleasure her for a few delicious moments as I kissed her mouth. She was moaning against my mouth, and I couldn’t take another minute of waiting.

I moved in between her legs, rubbing the head of my dick up and down her wetness until it slipped inside her. She was so hot and tight. I closed my eyes as I lost myself in her body and our love.

I pushed in slowly, feeling her stretch around me and she gasped.

“Uhhhh…” I groaned as I started to move inside her. The need we both felt at the long separation spurred us into deep thrusts, her hips rising to meet mine each time as I drove deeper and deeper into her. I kissed her neck and jaw as my hands played with her nipples. She was moaning against my mouth as her pleasure grew, her hands moved into my hair again, as she pulled my mouth back to hers, her tongue and mine intertwining as we kissed. Sweet Jesus, I was drowning in her. “God, Brook… I can’t get close enough.”