Burning rubber out of the parking lot, I practically race through the streets until I reach the Pacific Coast Highway. The scenic drive along the beaches calms me and I glance over at my girl. It hasn’t escaped my notice that I still haven’t heard her speak one word.
My hand itches to wrap around her small one and for the first time since I bought my car, I wish I’d gone with the automatic rather than manual. Since we are coasting down the highway, I release the stick shift and run a finger down her soft cheek before nudging her chin so she turns her head my way.
My eyes drag slowly back to the road, reluctant to look away from her stunning beauty. “I guess I should have officially introduced myself, little starlet. I’m Austin Hayes.”
Nicole mumbles something with a little squeak before clearing her throat and trying again. “I know. I’m um, Nicole Callahan. But, I guess you already know that.” She giggles and the sound goes straight to my dick. I swear it’s as hard as the clutch and I’m suddenly picturing those puffy, pink lips wrapped around my stick.
“I don’t want to scare you, baby, but I think it’s important to be honest with you,” I start, choosing my words carefully. “You’re the only reason I accepted this role.”
I hear a quick inhale and take a fast peek at her face, happy when I see her sexy dimples and flushed skin. A desperate need to see that pink blush spread over her whole body has my foot pressing even harder against the gas.
“Me too,” she whispers.
“Why?” I ask, needing to know. Not that her answer will change the outcome.
“I just didn’t feel comfortable letting anyone else kiss me”—she pauses for a moment—“or anything else.”
The possession I’ve been feeling since I first saw her turns to absolute rage at the idea of anyone else’s hands on her. I remind myself that it’s taken care of, no one will ever touch her but me and that helps to calm me. My eyes stray to her shapely legs and I want so badly to slip my hand between her thighs and slide it up under her cute, little yellow sundress. I inwardly groan, willing time to move faster.
“Do you understand what it means that I’ve agreed to play this part with you, Nicole?” I ask gruffly. She shakes her head and her beautiful curls bounce. “I promised myself that I would never give my lips, or even my affectionate touch, to any woman but mine.” I glance quickly at her, letting her see the unbendable determination in my eyes. I’m about to say more when we reach the turn-off to my neighborhood. Thank fuck.
I remain silent for the few minutes it takes to get to my house, then pull the car into the garage and turn it off. After practically leaping out of my seat, I grab a manilla envelope from the back seat, then lope around the hood and help her out of her side. Finally, I’m able to lace our fingers together, and I sigh at having constant contact with her again.
I’m tempted to take her straight to our bedroom, but somehow a few of my brain cells remain and I steer her out to the deck. Dropping down into the first chair I see, I tug her with me so she ends up in my lap. My hands frame her face, and I stare deeply into her eyes. “In case you didn’t pick up on what I was saying before, I’m going to be perfectly clear. I knew the moment I saw you that you were mine.” I shake my head before giving her a fast, hard kiss. “I know I’m moving at lightning speed, but I don’t know any other way when it comes to you. You should know right now; I’m not letting you go.”
I watch her carefully, looking for signs that she’s going to try to bolt. I’m perfectly willing to tie her to my bed and seduce her until she understands and accepts the situation. Unfortunately, with filming starting tomorrow, I don’t have that kind of time.
“Does that mean you’re mine too?” she asks tentatively. My whole demeanor softens, and I lean in to brush a loving kiss over each of her cheeks and then her lips.
“I’ll never belong to anyone else.” She beams at me, though I don’t miss the way she holds herself back just a tiny bit. I’ve seen her reel, she is an exceptional actress, but I can already sense that she’ll never be able to hide anything from me. I can see her every emotion through her clear, blue eyes. And, right now, there is hope that I mean what I say, but she is hesitant to wholly believe it. We have weeks of shooting ahead of us, so I mollify myself with the knowledge that I have plenty of time to convince her. Starting with the rules of her contract.