I squint, not wanting to tell him, but knowing I should.
“Okay, truth time. I’ve never actually seen any of your movies.” I squeeze my eyes shut, waiting, before Sutton barks out a laugh. I feel bad for a moment, but they aren’t really the kinds of movies I watch. All those action films were never my idea of fun, but I can appreciate that they take time, dedication, and commitment to make.
“Maybe you can watch me in the Whiteman’s commercials. That’ll be a way to get you to watch me onscreen.”
Puzzle pieces click together as I turn my head a little to look at him, seeing him gazing at me adoringly. “Is that what you’re doing out at the distillery?”
“Well, it’s top secret. But yes, I’m the new face of their latest release. Filmed a few commercials, did a photoshoot. It’s been great, actually.”
“If you enjoy it so much, you should do more of it.” I’m sure movies are the cream of the crop for actors, but he might as well be doing something he enjoys; otherwise, what’s the point of it all?
“Yeah… I came here for a break. I didn’t think I would be gone from LA this long. But there’s been a lot of good that’s happened here.”
I want to know more, so I ask softly, “Like what?”
“Well, the project with Whiteman’s is what I’ve always wanted. I’ve been trying to collaborate with them for a while, and timing wise, it never worked until now. I like the idea of being connected to a brand; it has longevity, and Whiteman’s Whiskey is something that I could promote long term. I also get to spend time with my brother, which I’m grateful for, because we’re usually so busy. The time we do spend together is never long enough. Now he also has an instant family, which I love being a part of, and then… there's you.”
My cheeks heat a little for getting a mention. “Me?” I almost hold my breath.
“Yeah. I kinda like hiding out in Whispers with you.”
“I kinda like hiding out in Whispers with you too.” I haven’t been this honest with another man in my life. It’s equal parts terrifying and liberating. Which is what has me saying something that’s been on my mind more and more. “But I can’t go back to my life, Sutton. And eventually, you will.”
I trust Sutton and I’m having fun. But that’s all it can be. A friend when I needed one. A rest stop. Somewhere I can just let go for a little while. Be the young, free woman I should be. But he’ll eventually go back to LA, to his movie sets and his models. Me, I’ll be at the diner, just the girl who served him coffee once upon a time.
“I’m not in a hurry to leave. I feel more at home here than I have anywhere.”
I swallow roughly, not answering. I don’t want my heart broken.
“But you… you should definitely take Tanner’s offer.” I shake my head again.
“I can’t.” If all the stars aligned, then staying in this small town and working in the field I love would be a dream. Away from the pollution of the city. Away from my father’s shadow. With my brother safe to be the boy he needs to be. But I know the minute I start a career working on my passion that my father will notice. My name will start discussions, and eventually, the wind will pick it up and take it straight to Dad.
I also know that he won’t have my back. Any pleas I had fell on deaf ears. Having his daughter work in the complete opposition of his corporation would bring reputational damage. We both can’t succeed. Not in his world. But that isn’t what scares me. What scares me is that he will take James back.
“Why? Tell me why, Tinker Bell.” Sutton moves then, lifting to hover above me, his elbows resting on either side of my head, our eyes locked. His body is hot, heavy, and hard against my thighs, and my legs widen, letting him settle between them.
I bite the inside of my lip, my nerves a mess but my body craving more of him. “It’s complicated.”
“Things that are worth it always are…” He leans down, his lips brushing mine as he slides inside me, taking my breath as we devour each other again.
28
Nikki
The startling ringing of Sutton’s phone wakes me as he peels from my side, reaching over to his bedside table to grab it.
“Fuck. What?” he grumbles into his cell before he looks at me through tired eyes, the blanket moving and showcasing my naked torso, easily taking his attention.
“Good morning…” he murmurs to me, looking lust drunk and completely ignoring whoever is on the other end of the call. His eyes look hungry, and I’m not sure how; we had each other three more times last night. But my grin is instant as I suppress a giggle.
“Morning,” I whisper as my lips kiss up his bare chest to his neck, the guy on the other end of the call talking so loudly I can hear him.
“Who was that?” the man barks, and I pull back to raise an eyebrow to Sutton, who just gives me a cheeky smirk.
“None of your business.” Sutton kisses me wholly when I meet his lips.
“Like hell it is. Where are you?” The man barks again as Sutton takes his turn to explore me, trailing down my body, his lips touching every inch of my bare skin, from my jaw to my neck, across my shoulders. I melt for him every time, my skin pebbling in anticipation.
