I slide one foot under the table, rubbing it up the side of his calf. He lets out a soft gasp. “And if I didn’t let you touch yourself, would you listen?”
“Yes, any of it. Please.”
He really is into it. How did this happen? How did I land right in the lap of this guy? Sweet, strong, and into the same things I am. Yet still perfectly unattainable.
“See what I mean?” he says, voice as rough as his hands. “It would work. We would work.”
I lean back in my chair, studying him to make sure he really means it. He’s not just going along with what I like. His pupils are dilated, neck slightly flushed. There’s no mistaking his desire for anything else.
“If we did this, it would be physical only. Friends with benefits, fake dating with benefits. Not sure how to classify that one. But that’s it. No feelings. You’d have to know it’s not permanent.”
“Of course. I’d give anything for the chance to be with you.”
I wet my lips, taking my time to lean in even closer. Until our lips are hovering an inch apart. Then I slide my hand around the back of his head and kisshim. He lets me take the lead, leaning into the kiss but not taking over. I tangle my fingers in his hair. I’m still aware there are photographers outside having a field day right now. But the thought is dim, muted.
His lips are soft and needy. Our tongues meet with a gentle swipe, but then I pull away. And he looks so good, sitting there gasping for breath.
“I’ll think about it.”
Chapter 16
Quint
Shehasn’tsaidaword to me about our conversation at the restaurant last week. It’s the last day before the film crew arrives, and I’ve got her in the ring for her last lesson.
She’s jogging around at a steady pace, back nice and straight, hands steady. It’s amazing how quickly she’s picked up on everything. But she’s in great shape, very flexible, and I bet learning new skills is a big part of her job.
“Looking good. Just lower your hand a little, give her some space.”
She nods, nibbling on her lower lip as she resets.
“And shoulders back. How are you feeling up there?”
“Good. There’s just so many things to remember.”
Flash swishes her tail, slowing her pace a touch.
“Give her a bit of a squeeze, don’t let her get lazy. You think you’re ready for a lope?”
Aura nods.
“Okay, go on then. Remember to give her space with the reins and let your hips follow along with her movement.”
She gives the horse a nudge with her heels, clucking her tongue.
Flash speeds up a bit, but it takes a little more convincing to finally get her to pick up a lope. The old girl hasn’t worked this regular in a while, but I think she’s enjoying the attention.
She eases into a slow and steady lope, rocking back and forth with an easy gait. Aura settles in too, letting herself move with the horse. She’s looking way more comfortable at the faster gait than she did even last week. It’s hard to believe she’s progressed so fast, but I guess she’s got that experience as an actress. And she’s been working so dang hard.
I let them loop around a few more times, switching directions and practicing some stops and transitions before directing them to slow down to an easy jog and then a cool-down walk.
I stroll over to give Flash a big pat, keeping pace with the pair as they cool out.
“You think I can pass?” Aura asks, relaxing a bit and giving the horse a scratch under her mane.
“Definitely. You’ve totally got this. You said there will be stunt doubles for anything fast or risky anyway, right?”
She nods.
