She’d found her happy place. Unfortunately, it ended tonight because tomorrow she’d use the last of her money to buy another ticket to Melbourne.
Would her parents make her admit moving to Sydney was a mistake? Probably. Even at twenty-four her parents, especially her mother made her feel like a child.
Sighing heavily, she curled under the soft blankets and soon thoughts of Ethan drifted to her mind. While filming, he’d glanced at her like dirt under his shoe and then in the trailer, she hadn’t missed the spark from his gaze. It was the outfit, she was sure. It still gave her a tiny thrill that a famous actor checked her out. She didn’t have time for hot and cold signals. She didn’t have time for signals, period. Because she was done with men who jerked her around. Not that Ethan Doyle would ever take things further. He had Victoria Martin to go home to.
She could tell by the way Ethan Doyle dressed, he appreciated class. She recognised an Armani suit when she saw one, her father had a wardrobe filled with them. A small-time actress—which is what he assumed she was—would be low on his radar. She’d bet her last eighty-six dollars and forty-five cents on it. Luckily for her, she didn’t care about Ethan Doyle and so her pathetic amount of money was safe.
Eventually, the events of the day caught up to her and exhaustion pulled her into a deep sleep.
* * *
The house was dark as Ethan let himself through the front door. He didn’t want to wake and startle his mother by switching on any lights. He knew the apartment well enough to navigate through blind. When he reached the guest bedroom, he headed straight for the en-suite, stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the shower. He planted his hands on the smooth tiles, dropped his head between his shoulders and enjoyed the hot water pouring over his neck and down his back. Tension from the long day eased from his muscles. Turning off the water before it grew cold, he grabbed a blue, fluffy towel from the rack and dried himself.
“Oh my God!”
Someone screeched behind him as he was towel drying his hair.
He spun around.
It was that woman—Holly, whom he’d fantasied about earlier. She stood in the bathroom, eyes wide, her mouth open. Then like she’d realised she shouldn’t be looking at him, covered them with her hand.
“I didn’t know anyone was in here,” she said.
He could have sworn her fingers cracked open slightly as she spoke. He smirked. “I didn’t know anyone would walk in. What are you doing here?”
“Your mother asked me to stay the night,” she answered, still not taking away her hand even though he knew she could see him through the gaps of her fingers. He made no move to cover up.
Why would his mother invite an actress to stay? Was Holly using her to get to him? It wouldn’t be the first time a woman had pulled that trick. “You don’t have to hide your eyes. I know you can see me. I’m not shy.”
She dropped her hand and spun around, her back to him. “I wasn’t looking.”
He chuckled not believing her for a second.
Shuffling on her bare feet, she drew his attention to the black t-shirt barely concealing her perky, round arse which showcased tanned, toned legs. His mouth grew dry and his dick grew hard. He used the towel still in his hands to shield himself.
She cleared her throat. “I should leave you alone. Your mum said I could stay. I didn’t expect you’d be here…” Her voice came out a little husky and man did more blood rush down to an already raging hard-on. She hesitated for a beat, then hurried out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Blowing out a long breath, he shoved his fingers through his wet hair. The cute girl-next-door impression he originally classified her as, flew out of the window. In a t-shirt that barely covered her pert arse and tousled bed hair, she was sexy as hell.
Chapter 5
“Wowzah!” Holly exclaimed as she burst into the bedroom. Never did she imagine while crashing in Nancy’s apartment that she’d walk in on Ethan Doyle…nakedEthan Doyle. Did he live here, too? Was this his bedroom? Surely Nancy wouldn’t let her stay in her son’s room? The bedside lamp cast a dim light over the feminine space. Not a man’s room. So why the hell was he creeping around? At any rate, she’d got to witness Ethan Doyle in all his naked glory. Not only was he better looking in person, his body was also pure muscle and strength. Nothing that a camera could capture. And he was right, she was peeking at him through her fingers. Who wouldn’t? And what he didn’t know was when she’d spun around to give him privacy, a mirror was placed at just the right angle to view his body undetected. She probably should feel guilty about that, but as he said, he wasn’t shy so why not? She’d never have the opportunity again. And what a surprise she’d gotten while looking at his reflection, he may not have expected company in the bathroom, he was definitelyhappyto see her.
Speaking of the devil, he sauntered into the bedroom, steam from the bathroom and the scent of citrusy soap trailed behind. He was shirtless and wearing the same pants he wore when he left for his date with Victoria Martin. Her gaze fell to the exposed skin. A dark sprinkle of hair fanned across a wide, firm chest. A small trail travelled down his stomach. She didn’t need to imagine what lay beneath. The image now scorched in her mind forever. And he showed no effect of being barged in on naked. Not even a hint of embarrassment.
“So, tell me, why has my mother offered you a room for the night?” The interest he’d displayed a moment ago had vanished and he now spoke to her like he was conducting an interview.
“I needed a place to stay,” she gave a vague answer.
He stroked his chin making a scratching sound on his designer stubble. There wasn’t a trimmed whisker out of place. “My mother wouldn’t let a stranger—”
“Who said I am?” Okay. Shewasa stranger, but he didn’t have to watch her like she was going to take off with the silverware.
A dark eyebrow rose. “I know her friends and it was the first night filming the scene withhooker number three. So, why’d she’d let you stay in her house?”
Wow, so arrogant. “Why don’t you ask her?”
He walked closer, stood in front of her and stared her down for a few long seconds, probably waiting for her to capitulate and spill the story. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
