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“Well, I’m sorry if I’m not up with all your fancy Hollywood lingo,” I grunt. “We’re a bit behind the times here in Canada.”
Vanessa slurps the remainder of her drink and giggles. Her cheeks are flushed and I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or the heat of the packed bar. I don’t really care.
Because she looks so fucking beautiful.
She lifts a shoulder and looks around, taking in the bar scene with those dazzling eyes. Her skin is smooth, pale and tempting me in closer with every mouthful of cold lager I take. I’m a strong man, disciplined in every sense. But every moment with Vanessa is testing my strength and perhaps ordering another round of drinks for us isn’t the wisest choice for maintaining self-control.
“So,” Vanessa says, looking to me. “If this is a hockey bar and you’re such a big superstar, how come they aren’t all over you?”
I grin. “Would you like it if they were?”
“I don’t know. I just thought that’s how it is for famous people…”
I watch her eyes falter slightly and recognize a slight reservation behind them.
“They know me well enough not to bother me anymore.”
She glances at me. “Don’t you like the attention? Where I’m from, people would kill for that kind of attention.”
I release a tight chuckle. “I know. It’s odd…” A waitress drops freshly poured beverages on the table and I acknowledge her with a bow of my head. “I guess I’m just different. There are some guys on the team who love to use their status in this town to get what they want…”
“Hmmm… Gee, could you perhaps be referencing my brother?” Vanessa grins and slides a hand through her long hair.
“Bailey certainly knows how to flaunt it,” I laugh, watching Vanessa’s hand trail down her neck. “And yes, that’s the point. There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just not who I am.”
The mention of her brother has me thinking as I stare across at her.
Her hand rests at the base of her neck, slightly above the cut of her dress. I’ve been fighting the temptation to stare at the deep cleavage exuding from her stunning dress all night. For someone who packed few items into her suitcase in a frenzied rush, she chose this piece exceptionally well.
Would he care that I’m feeling this way about his sister? Is this something I should be talking to him about first?
“I like that you’re grounded,” she says.
She looks at me with a carefully constructed leer. It’s slightly mischievous. A little nervous looking, like she’s contemplating something.Bailey wouldn’t care.My body feels like it’s catching fire as we stare deep into each other’s eyes. And I never want to look away.
Is this the moment? Is this the moment she falls in love with me?
Because right now, with her eyes locked on mine… With my heart bouncing up and down, beating faster and faster as if it’s clapping for joy inside my chest… it sure as hell feels like it.
My arm drapes over the top of the booth, resting nervously. But the nearer I move into her, the more I’m tempted to slide my arm around her and pull her in nice and close.
“What about you?” I ask, gulping down and shifting in closer. “You’re an actress. Surely you’re seeking the spotlight?”
Vanessa’s lashes flap as my hand grips the back of the booth.
“I don’t want fame. Shit, right now…” Her eyes pop at me as she releases a tight breath. “Right now, Aiden… All I want is a job.”
“You’ll get a job.”
I move closer. My hand twitches.
“You really think so?”
“Of course I do. I know you’re an amazing actress and you’re going to go on to do wonderful things with your career.”
She huffs and rolls her eyes. “You don’t know that. You’ve never even seen anything I’ve been in. Mostly because the films and TV shows I’ve been in aren’t good enough to be aired… But still. You can’t say that if you haven’t seen me.”
“That’s true,” I shrug, but immediately I’m reeling to bring that glint in her eye back, so I add, “But I can see your passion. Your enthusiasm and will to make something of yourself. Don’t forget, Vanessa, you’re still young. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you, and nothing, I meannothing,should stop you.”
