L.A. Cinderella (7 page)

His mouth curved into a smile as he dropped a kiss on her lips.

“I stand corrected,” Natalie said as she struggled to control her breathing. “That is your best smile.”

He leaned down until his lips were next to her ear. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

His hand trailed from her waist to cup her breast. Her nipples hardened, and she fought to control her breathing. His body was hard against her back. She completely forgot the TV as urgency filled her. Her body pulsed.

His thumb stroked her nipple through her damp pajama top. His other hand relinquished her hip and worked on the buttons of her top. Her hands found his hips, something solid to cling to as desire pulled her farther down. When the top few buttons were undone, his hand slipped inside. His flesh brushed against her nipple. Warmth pooled between her legs.

“Natalie.” Her name was a growl upon his lips.

Her shirt fell open when he finished with the buttons. His hands brushed the shirt down her arms and it slid to the floor. His mouth caressed the sensitive area between her neck and her shoulder.

His hands stroked back up her arms. She was beyond lost. Any doubts she may have felt went up in smoke. She turned in his arms.

Looking down into liquid pools of chocolate, Chase shuddered at the trust and longing revealed there. Gently he removed her glasses and set them on the table next to him. Unable to resist the parting of her lips, he lowered his mouth to hers, taking his time to savor the sweet taste of her.

He lifted his head and yanked his shirt over his head.
Pulling her tight against his chest, he rejoiced in the feeling of her flesh sliding against his, but it wasn’t enough.

His hands smoothed over her back down to the waistband of her pajamas. They were hardly the sexy lingerie he’d had the pleasure to see and remove, but somehow the tiny kitten print on cotton suited Natalie.

She rested her head against his hammering heart. Her hands wrapped around his back. Her fingers were tentative on the top of his jeans, but her touch left a trail of fire. Damn it, he wanted to get her to a bed. He wanted to be everything she desired, but she didn’t seem to care where they were, which enflamed his desire for her more.

His hands slipped below her waistband, curving over her bottom and pulling her tight against his arousal. Her fingernails scraped his lower back, and a shiver rippled down his spine.

Her fingers found their way below his waistband. Unable to deny himself any longer, he held her shoulders to push her away. She gazed up at him as he lifted her to meet his mouth. Her legs wrapped around his waist.

The center of her rubbed intimately against his arousal as his mouth caressed hers. His tongue touched her lips and she opened them, greeting his tongue with hers.

Natalie felt as if she were falling as his shoulders bunched under her fingers. As he lowered her to the floor, his smooth skin warmed under her touch. The carpeting brushed her back, and he settled on top of her.

His mouth never left hers as his hands returned to her waist. Pushing her bottoms off, he broke contact briefly before returning to her lips. Maybe he was worried that she’d change her mind, but she couldn’t stop this. Her hands brushed over his back to convince herself he was here and not just a dream from sugar overload.

She reached for the buttons on his jeans. His chest brushed her tender nipples as he pushed off his pants. He reached into his pocket to pull out a condom before flinging his pants away.

His flesh warm against hers. Her body ready and aching to know the feel of his. His hands lifted her hips. As his mouth ravished hers, his erection pressed against her opening.

This was real. She was awake, and it was really happening. Chase was with her.

Instinctively, her hips rocked against him, longing to draw him in. He lifted his mouth from hers and held still.

“Open your eyes, Natalie.” His voice was on the edge of control and the complete loss of control.

Her eyes met his and he buried himself in her. Her lips parted at the sensations pulsing within her. Again he waited until her eyes met his before he began to move within her.

His eyes held hers as the pressure within her boiled to the breaking point. The intimacy of watching his eyes filled with want and restraint pushed her over the edge. Her eyelids fluttered as she peaked, free-falling into the abyss. But she kept her eyes open and locked with his.

When she began to relax, he moved within her again. Sparking her sensitive flesh into a renewed fever, she gripped his shoulders and they surged together. His forehead rested against hers as his body tensed and released.

She relished the weight of him against her as he relaxed over her. Her mind was a jumbled mess, but she knew it wouldn’t last. She’d just slept with Chase Booker, become another notch on his bedpost. Had the most intense orgasm of her life.

She closed her eyes.

Her arms and legs were wrapped around his sweat-slick body. He covered every inch of her. She didn’t want
to move, but she could barely breathe. Holy crap, she’d had sex with Chase Booker.

Chase lifted his weight on his forearms and looked down into Natalie’s eyes. His heart swelled in his chest at the shy smile she gave him. “So which one was your bedroom?”

Her head rolled to the side, and she pointed to one of the doors. “That one, I think.” She squinted “It’s a bit blurry at the moment.”

He sat up and reached over onto the table where he’d set her glasses. He stretched out beside her and lowered her glasses to her face. The blush that usually disappeared into her blouse’s neckline spread over the tops of her breasts.

Unable to resist, he trailed his finger where the blush faded into pale skin. Her skin reddened even further. Her hand reached up to the blanket on the couch, but he caught her wrist.

“Don’t. I like looking at you.”

Her hand curled into a fist, but she made no move to cover herself. Even though she was short, her body was well proportioned. Her breasts were small and unaltered. They were perfect. He traced his fingertip over the tip. The nipple puckered under his touch.

“Shouldn’t we go to the bedroom? Or turn off a light?” Maybe he’d be willing to let her light a candle instead of having lamps on. He seemed mesmerized as his fingers trailed lower. Over her slightly rounded belly, his finger left a line of fire in its wake. The fire shot straight to her core, building her arousal again.

They’d had sex in her living room. On the floor. She closed her eyes as embarrassment warred with desire. She wanted him to stop so they could cover up somehow, but she didn’t want him to stop what he was doing.

His hand flattened on her stomach, and she inhaled deeply of his cologne, the rain, him. Her belly quivered as his hand dipped lower until his fingertips slipped between her thighs.

Her breath hissed out between her teeth. His lips touched hers as his fingers gently moved over and in her. His tongue traced her lower lip as his finger circled her sex. Her fingers sank into the carpet as her body arched into his palm. Her side pressed into his warm, hard muscles.

When he removed his hand, she whimpered with need. The condom package rustled. He covered her with his body and entered her smoothly. Her body buzzed with pent-up frustration, and her desire soared as she crested the edge again. His climax followed close behind hers, and he collapsed against her.

She had the overwhelming urge to laugh. Her body had always been wound so tight, and now she felt as if the spring had finally broken. Her limbs were like water. She’d never been so satisfied in her life.

When he raised his head and peered into her eyes, her breath caught. Her heart flipped, and she knew she was in trouble.

L
ight peeked through the slightly parted curtain to torment Natalie. She squeezed her eyes shut and rolled straight into a solid, warm object. A very naked solid, warm object whose very naked arm was wrapped around her very naked body.

Cracking open her eyes, she stared at the slightly blurry image of Chase. His chest rose and fell gently. Her hand rested on his well-formed abs underneath her lavender sheets.

Her body ached pleasantly, and she smiled as she recalled gathering up the clothes strewn across the apartment and managing to make it to the bed for round three. Her comforter was half off the bed and pillows were scattered throughout the room.

She rested her cheek against his chest and listened to the rhythmic pace of his heart. She wished the sun would go away and leave her forever in the night with Chase.
Morning meant responsibility. Morning meant work. Morning meant regret.

As she snuggled against him, she wondered if he’d regret last night. She couldn’t. Chase had wanted her. It still seemed unfathomable, but he wanted her.

His chest shifted under her, and his fingers lightly brushed down her hair. “Good morning.” His voice was satisfied and low. His lips touched her forehead.

“Morning.” Should she add more? What were the expectations when someone woke in the arms of the Sexiest Man Alive? But that’s not who she’d been with last night. She’d been with Chase, just Chase. The suave heartthrob from the screen had disappeared, leaving behind the man who made her feel beautiful. Who cared enough to give her a choice. Who was flesh and blood, not just a character on a show.

His arm tightened around her waist. “Relax. Everything will be fine.” His heartbeat increased under her ear, and she felt his growing arousal next to her thigh.

“We should get to work,” she whispered. Her sore body flooded with heat.

His hand slipped down to cup one of her breasts. “You’re right. We should.” His other hand reached over to the nightstand for a condom.

She gasped as he shifted her on top of him. His full arousal rested against the junction of her legs. “Chase.” His name came out on a breath as she lowered her hips to meet his.

They came together slowly. Bodies sliding against each other. His hands controlled the pace of her hips. Her core rippled with each slow withdrawal and excruciating slow return. Her mind melted with the fire of her arousal until she lived for the next caress, the next brush, the next penetration.

As she found climax, she arched and cried out. He sat up with her, drawing her body against his, and continued to raise
and lower her hips until his climax took him. They fell back to the bed. Her thighs trembled as she lay on top of him.

She couldn’t remember a time she’d been so thoroughly sated. Her breathing returned to normal, and her heart slowed its frantic beat. It was time to get back to the real world, where he was larger than life, and she was happy being a flower on the wall.

Natalie sat on the floor of Mr. Morrison’s office surrounded by files. She stared out the window as her mind wandered back to the care and tenderness Chase had shown when they’d shared the shower. She’d been beet-red the entire time, but she’d enjoyed every moment.

They’d managed to get out of the apartment before Rachel came in, which had Natalie counting her blessings. Meeting Chase in the office was one thing, but finding he’d spent the night with Natalie would definitely blow Rachel’s mind.

Now, he sat down the hall in his office, while she picked through files. When she could get her mind to focus on them. Every time she heard a sound she’d jump. She didn’t think Mr. Morrison worked on the weekends, but she knew her luck couldn’t hold out. Then there was Chase. She just didn’t know what to expect or how to react to him today.

She’d been a permanent shade of pink this morning. He didn’t seem to want to let her out of his sight, though he did allow her some privacy in the bathroom. She’d also convinced him to let her drive her car instead of riding with him.

The kiss he’d given her before they left the apartment had ricocheted through her sore body. He didn’t just kiss with his mouth. He kissed with his whole body, drawing her so close.

She’d sagged against her car waiting for him to get in
his, before shaking herself. Time to get on with it. Maybe she was just a fascination. Something different from what he usually went after. He’d cast her aside when a shiny new something passed by.

She returned her attention to the file in her lap. Whatever it was between them, it couldn’t last. Maybe she should end it now before she got too hurt. She rubbed the ache that began in her chest at the thought. Yeah, it was definitely too late to avoid pain, but she did enjoy the pleasure.

Chase stood in the doorway of Martin’s office and took in his little accountant surrounded by mounds of paper, an expression of intensity on her face. A soft smile teased the corner of her lips. He’d put that there.

He wanted to see where this thing between them could go, but the moment the press got ahold of it they’d latch on and shake it until it broke. He could protect her from that, if they were careful. Maybe this hadn’t been his best idea—the press was already sniffing around because of the breakup, and he needed the publicity for his upcoming film.

His thoughts flew out the window when she turned her face up to him and that crimson flush covered her cheeks. For a moment, he allowed himself to sink into her wide eyes and feel the wholesomeness of her. Her lips parted in a silent invitation he wasn’t sure she was aware of.

He cleared his throat. “How’s it going?”

Her eyes wandered over the folders. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to get through this today. I need more time.”

He longed to smooth his fingers over the creases in her forehead. “I think we can put Martin off for a few days, while you continue to investigate. You give him a report that doesn’t mention the expenses. Everything matched up, right? Receipts and expenses are all accounted for?”

“Yes, there are forms for everything, but when will I be able to work on it with him being here during the day?” Frustration poured off her.

He leaned against the doorway. “We’ll stay late and go through it together. I always thought Martin was a good man and want to make absolutely sure before I accuse him of anything.”

Her gaze flitted up to his. Her eyes spoke volumes as worry, fear and desire whipped through them. What did she fear? Him? “Together,” she said, resigned.

“Let’s clean up this mess and get out of here. We could pick up some takeout and go back to my place?” Suddenly, he was nervous, like a boy asking a girl out for the first time. After last night that was a ridiculous thought, but it was there, a tingle of anticipation and fear of rejection.

If he ended it now, they wouldn’t have to worry about the press. No one would ever find out, and Natalie would stay happy in her simple life. And he’d go back to dating the same women he’d always dated. But what if this was the only shot he had at something real?

She started stacking the files without looking up at him. “Do you think we should?” Her hands trembled as she set the papers down. “I mean, don’t you have plans with Alexis? It is Saturday night.”

He knelt beside her and used his finger under her chin to turn her face to his. A sadness lingered in her eyes. “The only person I want to be with tonight is right here.” He traced her lower lip with his thumb. “Please say yes.”

The warring factions continued for a moment within her eyes. Her face flushed, and her shy smile appeared, easing the tightness in his chest. “Yes.”

Chase’s house was bigger than Natalie had imagined. He lived in Hollywood Hills with the A-list celebrities. The
houses lining the streets weren’t simple homes, but complexes with long, gated drives.

She followed in her car up the drive and around to the back of the house. Two garage doors opened along the huge building. She pulled her Honda Fit in next to an expensive-looking silver car.

The garage door closed behind her. She stepped out into a huge room with a high ceiling and painted concrete floors. A couple of the cars had shrouds over them, but she could tell by the shape that they were sport cars.

She’d been happy when she’d qualified for the loan on her Fit, which she would pay off in five years. She highly doubted there were loans on the six cars in this garage. Each one was probably at least five times the new price of hers.

Chase strode to her side. “Do you like cars?”

“Um, well, they get me from here to there, but not really.” She was lucky to have the old beater that got her through college. She hadn’t needed a car before that, since her mother had homeschooled her.

His fingers laced into hers. “C’mon. Let me show you my house.”

She tried to ignore the fizzle of awareness that coursed through her at his touch. His grip was strong and gentle as he pulled her through the door connecting the house to the garage.

The kitchen was enormous. Cream-colored tile swept across the floor. Dark wood cabinets and sparkling stainless steel appliances filled one end of the kitchen, while the other end had floor-to-ceiling windows and a simple kitchen table with chairs.

Chase set the bags of food down on the table and tugged her into his arms. Kissing him was like kissing an electrical socket. Her whole body sparked to life, aware of every
inch of him pressed against every inch of her. His hand loosened the knot in her hair before cradling her head.

When he came up for air, she could barely stand. Her knees turned to jelly, and her core pulsed with need.

“Welcome to my home.” He smiled down at her and kissed the tip of her nose.

“Is that always part of the welcome?” She held on to his arms to brace herself.

“For you, it should be.” His smile was warm as he set her aside. “Now, if you’ll stop groping me—”

“I’m not the one grop—”

He brushed his lips over hers. “We can eat. Then I can show you around.” With his hand on her lower back, he guided her to one of the chairs surrounding the cherrywood table. He moved around the kitchen efficiently.

“Do you cook?” Natalie asked.

When he returned, he set the table with china, silverware and wine glasses. “I get by. My housekeeper keeps the kitchen stocked with essentials. I like to cook and don’t always order out if that’s what you’re asking.” He winked before heading to the fridge.

“It’s just…I suppose I thought…”

He uncorked a bottle of white wine.

“You thought that I wouldn’t want to?” he offered. As he sat, his thigh brushed hers, sending little ripples of desire racing through her. His eyes danced.

“Maybe.” She couldn’t think much of anything when he was near.

After he poured the wine, he pulled out a couple of containers. “I hope you like La Bouche Paisible.” His hand brushed hers as she took the glass.

“I’ve never eaten there before.” She didn’t think her paycheck would cover the dinner. Not to mention she’d
need something better to wear than her current wardrobe could provide to get in the door. She shoved her glasses up her nose, wishing her contacts would magically appear.

“Well, you are in for an experience.”

She was already having an experience that was beyond belief. And she was more than willing to follow this golden brick road until she found her way back home.

After he dished out the contents of the containers, there was still one left.

“What’s that?”

He smiled mysteriously. “Dessert.”

Her plate overflowed with food. A filet steak with brown gravy, new potatoes with herbs, grilled asparagus and the scent—her stomach rumbled from the delicious smells emanating from her plate.

“Where’d you grow up?” he asked before taking a bite of steak.

“What makes you think I’m not from here?” she asked, trying to sound serious.

His eyebrow lifted, causing her to laugh.

“I’m from the Midwest. Illinois. We moved out to California my senior year when dad got a transfer. I’ve been here ever since.”

“Do you see your family much?”

“No, my older sister stayed in Illinois when we moved, and Dad got transferred again while I was in college. We see each other at holidays, of course.” Natalie bit into the steak and her mouth exploded with flavor. “Oh, wow.”

He smiled, pleased with himself. “Yeah.”

After she swallowed the small piece of heaven, she turned to him. “What about you?”

“For the most part, my birth and subsequent childhood are public record.”

“Assume I don’t know anything, because I wasn’t around when you were born.” She wanted to know how he felt about growing up with his family, not what the press reported.

“Well, I spent a lot of my time on movie sets or in foreign countries. I had a tutor and a nanny. My parents tried to keep me out of the tabloids, but when I started auditioning all bets were off.”

“How old were you?” she asked gently.

“I was eight.” He set down his fork and picked up his wineglass. Staring at the contents, he continued, “I was ten when I had my first crush. She was an actress, too. We made it into all the teeny-bop magazines.”

“I never read any of those.”

His gaze pivoted to her and gave her an assessing look. “I don’t suppose you would have. When it ended, I talked to my parents about going to a real high school. After all, I’d played a high schooler on TV, how hard could real life be?”

“I never went to high school. Mom homeschooled me, but I bet you were the coolest kid in school.” She pushed her plate away and picked up her wineglass.

His hand covered hers on the table. “Not really. Sure, I had all the toys boys like and the best clothes, but I’d never really socialized with kids my own age before.” He picked up her hand and turned it over. His finger traced the lines on her palm. “I found a group and dated a little, but they either resented me for who I was or wanted something from me.”

Something troubled him, but she didn’t press. The more she learned about him the more real he seemed. The harder it would be to let him go.

He pushed back from the table. “Come on. I want to show you my home. I’ll bring dessert.”