At the sound of Ethan’s deep voice, her skin broke out in goose bumps. She pulled her jacket closed. The chills had nothing to do with the crisp evening air and everything to do with Ethan Doyle.
Taking a steadying breath, she turned around. Gone was the stage makeup of soot and dirt she’d meticulously applied. He’d replaced his dirty clothes from wardrobe with well-tailored dark grey trousers and a pale blue shirt. He’d combed his damp hair back from his face and smelled of woodsy soap. Her breath caught. Would she ever get sick of looking at him? Probably not.
“Okay, give me your bags and I’ll take them to Lucy’s. Gives me an excuse to catch up with her.”
“Thank you,” Holly said. and watched Ethan put her luggage in the back of Nancy’s car”
“I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.” Nancy waved and drove away.
Ethan’s gaze hadn’t left Holly’s face. His hot gaze flicked over her. She fiddled with the strap on her bag. She knew what she agreed to do during the next two weeks, and what they’d already done. With him looking at her like he was mentally stripping her naked, she was suddenly bashful.
As though he knew what she was thinking and knew she wasn’t quite ready for more just yet, he said, “I’m starved, let’s go eat.”
She sighed with relief. Why was she so nervous? This sexy man had already done wicked and wonderful things to her and promised to do them again. She should forego dinner and go straight to the nearest bedroom. Dinner sounded good. Not that she thought she could eat with her stomach tied in knots, but the time together may calm her jittery nerves. Because if what happened in his dressing room was only a warmup, could she handle the main event?
He flicked out his wrist to check the time on his watch. “It’s not too late for Spiral’s.”
“Hey, aren’t you supposed to be in a lover’s tiff with Victoria? It wouldn’t look good if you’re seen out so soon with another woman.” Not a lie. The excuse would work in her favour. It was humiliating to always have to remind everyone how broke she was. The restaurant was also filled with Sydney’s elite and it wasn’t her scene anymore. Not when it reminded her of her life in Melbourne. One she’d have to go back to soon. She wanted to keep things simple before she had to be a part of that lifestyle again.
“I’ll call and have them prepare a private room. There’s a back entrance we can use.”
“That’s too much trouble. I know a place where the food is great and we’ll have privacy too.”
Doubt flickered across his face. “Another pie shop?”
She took his hand and led him to his car. “Didn’t you like it?”
“I did, but I like my food served to me on a plate with a glass of wine in a restaurant.”
“You’re so high maintenance,” she joked. He didn’t push further just let her pull him along.
When they reached his car, it was his turn to pull at her arm bringing them chest to chest. “I’ve been wanting to do this all afternoon.” He crushed his lips against hers. She wrapped her arms around his waist and clung to his body returning the deep kiss, all the nerve endings in her body switching on. A sense of belonging engulfed her. Like being in his arms was a natural place to be.I could totally be in love with this guy.The thought snapped her out of the kiss. No, she couldn’t let that happen. A tiny voice in her head said,“Yeah right.”
* * *
“Toasted sandwiches?” Ethan looked at the faded street sign above a small shop window. “I offered you fine dining and this is what you’d rather eat?” It was like he was a kid again and the only thing in the kitchen was stale bread and a few slices of ham and cheese. He’d thought he’d never be able to stomach another one again.
“You turned your nose up at the pies and they surprised you. I promise you’ll love this too. Stay in the car and I’ll order for you. There’s a bottle shop next door and I’ll buy wine. I just can’t serve your meal on fancy plates or in crystal flutes—sorry.”
He went to take his wallet out to give her money, but she said, “My shout.” She bounded out of the car, crossed the street and disappeared in the shop.
Old memories came rushing to the surface. Years of poverty had taught him things he never wanted to experience anything like it again, even if it was only a toasted sandwich.
While he waited, and to get his mind off his struggling years, he flicked through emails on his phone. There was one from Ralph he hadn’t replied to yet. If he had when he first opened it, he would have sent him aI’m dropping you as my agentemail. After a few hours, he’d calmed down a little and decided that would’ve been a little harsh. Maybe he hadn’t been clear enough about exactly what he wanted.
Holly came back with a hand full of bags and Ethan got out to open the door.
Once in the car, he said, “Where to?”
Holly glanced out the window and assessed the area. “It’s pretty busy around here, you’ll probably get recognised. Do you want to go somewhere secluded?”
Absolutely, then he could do all the things he’d been imagining doing to her. “Secluded sounds good.”
“Take the next right and I’ll lead you from there.”
After a few right and left turns, Ethan pulled up to a dark and deserted car park.Where the hell had she taken him?
“Don’t look so horrified,” she giggled. “I know a place you’ll love.”
