One Wild Night Read online

  Of course, I’d known the chances of seeing him tonight tipped the scale to high. I mean, come on. He was the freaking star of the movie.

  But I thought it’d be with Elle at my side. Me, the invisible sidekick, the ordinary, plain girl hiding behind her friend’s bold presence like it was a shield.

  Unnoticed.

  But no. Because it was me, I had to go and trip into the arms of the one man who held the power to make me tremble through the screen.

  Everyone had a Hollywood crush. A free card. A fantasy.

  Yes.

  Paxton Myles was mine.

  But those fantasies were never supposed to manifest themselves as seductive flesh and strong hands and megawatt smiles.

  They weren’t supposed to flirt.

  I mean, that’s what he was doing, wasn’t it? Or had my subconscious—screaming at me to go ahead and just take the plunge and drop the rest of the way to his feet—convinced me into believing he might have an interest in me?

  Stop it, I berated myself, because those were lines of thought I definitely didn’t need to entertain. Even if he was interested, I absolutely was not. Flings were not my style, and they were never going to be.

  Within the shelter of the theater, I shoved it all down, took a steeling breath as I checked in, and made my way to the seat I’d been assigned. I did my best to keep the slit of my dress from exposing too much leg as I settled into my seat up close to the screen.

  Yeah.

  That was impossible.

  Roger Ward met my eye from the group of people he and his wife, Lindsay, were chatting with. He wandered my way, eyes scanning as he approached.

  “Kaylee, it’s so nice to see you. Thank you for coming. You don’t know what it means to me.”

  He held me by both hands, and I leaned forward to receive the kiss he placed on my cheek.

  “I wouldn’t have missed it.”

  His smile was sincere, and he squeezed my hands tighter, glancing around again. “Where’s that daughter of mine?”

  I cringed.

  He caught it, and his smile tipped down, lines pulling across his strong brow. “What happened?”

  I shook my head, trying to assuage the worry that was so clear. “She’s totally fine,” I said way too fast, before I slowed to clarify. “But apparently some sort of emergency came up.”

  The last came out like a question, because how did you explain away the antics of Eleanor Ward?

  Clueless, my shoulders lifted. “She called me just as my limo was pulling up. She promised she would explain everything to us tomorrow, but she told me to tell you how sorry she is that she’s not here.”

  Questions flashed across his features, and I squeezed his hands a little tighter. “I promise. She wasn’t hurt or anything like that. Please…just enjoy your night. She already feels awful, and I know she doesn’t want you worrying about her.”

  Frustration held fast for a fleeting second, before he seemed to swallow it down. “Well, I guess we can’t do anything about it now. And you know Elle. She’s doing whatever it is she really thinks she needs to be doing.”

  I smiled with a light chuckle. “Exactly.”

  Lindsay came up behind him, gave me a quick hug, and the two of them settled into their seats directly in the row in front of me.

  Again, I was struck with just how crazy it was that I was here. I could be annoyed. Irritated with Elle for talking me into coming then turning around and bailing.

  But no.

  I pushed all that aside and instead sent a silent thank you to my best friend. I never would have the opportunity to experience something like this without her.

  I chatted with Roger and Lindsay for a couple minutes before he went up front to introduce the movie.

  When he returned to his seat, the lights dimmed.

  A shiver of excitement rolled through me. I tried to pretend it wasn’t at the thought of seeing Paxton Myles on the big screen and knowing he was in the room.

  Nope.

  Didn’t matter at all.

  Music thundered through the surround sound, vibrating the ground, the intro a no holds barred attention grabber.

  Enraptured by the English scenery, I leaned forward, my hand over my chest.

  Roger Ward was truly brilliant.

  And by God, so was the face that entered the screen. It was an outright crime for a man to look as good as Paxton Myles, and now I knew first hand it wasn’t just photoshopping and lighting.

  So maybe in this film he was playing eighteenth century English Royalty.

  None of that really mattered.

  Because the man was a freaking Greek God.

  The air stirred, a whoosh of quieted activity at the empty seat that was supposed to belong to Elle.

  My breath hitched. I struggled not to inhale, struggled not to look. Struggled to pretend as if I wasn’t hit with an overwhelming urge to turn and bury my nose in that masculine scent I could feel prodding at my senses.

  The way my chest was heaving and my hands curled around the armrests had to have been obvious enough.

  Suddenly he was there, pushing into my personal space, his mouth at my ear. His Southern accent that had me in a puddle earlier was now twisted to match the character on the screen. “He’s a good-looking bloke, isn’t he?”

  I had to shake my head to clear it of the stupor. My chin tipped up toward him, my eyes narrowed in a scowl. “Excuse me?” It came out an accusation.

  He just sent me one of those belly-flipping grins, the magnitude of it lit up in the frames flicking across the screen. “That bloke there on the screen. You seemed a little…impressed.”

  “Um, wow. Someone’s full of themselves, aren’t they?”

  I sent the words with all the confidence I could muster, hoping they would knock him down a notch.

  His cockiness just grew. Those full lips tweaked into a smirk. “Oh, Kaylee Rose. Don’t act like I couldn’t tell you wanted to climb right over these chairs and fall into that screen. And here I am, in the flesh. No need to go pretending when you can have the real deal.”

  “Shh.” It was all a frantic whisper, my eyes wide and wild as they jumped to Roger and Lindsay, praying they weren’t noticing who’d slithered up to my side.

  God. Did the man have no shame?

  His hand found the slit on my dress, his fingertips light, so, so light I had to wonder if he was really even touching me. Still, the energy eliciting a cascade of chills, an illicit feeling washing me in thigh-clenching desire.

  “I like your dress.” He whispered it like a tease.

  Nope.

  No shame whatsoever.

  He inched closer, and I lost all my breath. My hands clutched tighter to the armrests, and I gave it my all to keep my breaths from panting out of my lungs.

  “Stop it,” I hissed.

  “Stop what?” Oh yes, he could play it off as all kinds of innocent. But I could see the mischief glinting in the brown of his eyes.

  “Stop trying to get a rise out of me.”

  “Is that what I’m doing? Getting a rise out of you? I’m fairly certain it’s the reverse.”

  Gah. I wanted to scream. The man was incorrigible.

  Roger Ward slanted us a curious glance.

  My voice was hardly a breath. “You’re making a scene.”

  His fingers fluttered up, not quite touching me. Not until they were right over the thunder stampeding beneath my ribs. He caressed at the v of my low neckline, right between my breasts. “I like making scenes. Obviously. And right now, I want to make one with you.”

  “Not a chance.”

  “Oh, I beg to differ. I’d put down good money that there are all kinds of chances rolling around in that pretty little head of yours.”

  “You don’t know me.”

  “But I will.”

  I gulped around the lump in my throat, focused ahead, on the screen. Of course, the infuriating man just teased me from there. Time spun on like the best kind of torture, my breaths sha
llow and my lungs heavy, butterflies flitting this way and that as I watched the romance play out on the big screen.

  Intense.

  Deep.

  Sexy.

  His voice was back to whispering, lips brushing the shell of my ear. “Pay close attention, Kaylee Rose. We’re getting to the good part.”

  My legs went weak as the film slanted into the shadows of a bedroom, the moon all aglow to illuminate one of the sexiest, hottest love scenes I’d ever seen, seductive and slow, and there was nothing I could do to keep from envisioning that mouth sliding down my neck and delving between my breasts.

  I squirmed in my seat.

  For that scene alone, Paxton Myles deserved an Academy Award.

  Hell. Who was I kidding? I doubted there was any acting involved. It didn’t take a lot of imagination to figure out Paxton Myles knew his way around the bedroom.

  A gush of air left me as the scene closed.

  A dark chuckle, so low, filtered around me like a hot breeze. “Someone seems…affected.”

  Mouth dry, I swallowed. “It was a beautiful movie.”

  I meant it, in all honesty. I was incredibly proud of Roger. And as much as I didn’t want to be, I was completely awed by Paxton.

  Another rogue grin. If I wasn’t already sitting, it would knock me from my feet. “Not quite as beautiful as you.”

  Soft, disbelieving laughter left me on a sigh. “You know, you don’t need to patronize me.”

  For the first time, something serious flashed through his expression. “I’m not a liar, Kaylee Rose, nor do I have the time or inclination to patronize women. When I tell you you’re beautiful, I mean it.”

  Redness seeped across my chest and climbed to my cheeks.

  God. This man.

  “Then I apologize.” I stood, straightened my dress as Roger and Lindsay were standing. “If you’ll excuse me,” I said, turning all my attention on the Wards, my escape.

  Paxton didn’t stand. Of course, he didn’t. Instead he made me nearly crawl across his lap to make my way out.

  Roger met me at the end of the aisle. “What did you think?”

  I swallowed down the flush I could feel still coloring my face. “I thought it was phenomenal. The best thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “Oh, you don’t need to play it up on my account.”

  My thoughts flashed to the parting words I’d shared with Paxton.

  “I’m not.” I swore it like a solemn oath. “I felt it everywhere. It’s unforgettable.”

  Pride simmered on the man’s face, and Lindsay tucked her head on his shoulder, patted his chest. “I told you,” she said. “It’s perfection.”

  I felt the intensity of the stare boring into me, and I pushed a smile to my face and fiddled with a strand of hair. “Thank you so much for having me. I’m going to head out.”

  Roger tsked. “You can’t leave yet. We’ll be leaving for the after party in just a few minutes.”

  “Oh, I think I’m going to pass.”

  I needed to get out of there and now. Because all I wanted was to turn and look over my shoulder, to seek out the distinct laugh reverberating through the air, the mesmerizing sound coming from the man who’d completely captivated me.

  My fantasy was a little too close to reality for my comfort zone.

  My jammies and a big tub of ice cream were definitely calling to me. It was time to come back down to earth.

  “Rubbish,” Roger said, giving a good go at his best English accent. “You have to come. You’ve only gotten half the experience of a premiere. You need a taste of the entire thing.”

  Energy stirred, and I sucked in a breath, that presence engulfing me as Paxton edged up to bring his chest to my back, words a whisper in my ear. “Yes, you definitely need to get a taste of the entire thing. God knows I want a taste.”

  Oh, Lord.

  I was in trouble.

  So, so much trouble.

  Chapter 4

  Paxton

  The limo door slams closed behind me as I slide onto the leather seat with a loud sigh. My dick pitifully throbs in my pants as I think about Kaylee and her soft skin that I was able to chance a brief touch.

  How the fuck does a girl I've never met, never seen before, stumble into my arms and have this effect on me?

  I'm Paxton Myles. I can have any woman in Hollywood, or better yet, the free world. Yet, a fucking petite blonde kindergarten teacher who literally trips into my arms is what's causing my dick to react this way.

  Shit.

  I shake my head at myself.

  I shift uncomfortably, adjusting myself, and reach for the bottle of whiskey from the wet bar. Tossing a few ice cubes into the crystal rocks glass, I serve up a healthy pour of the alcohol.

  That dress.

  Those legs.

  Her perfect tits.

  Fuck.

  I close my eyes, pitching my head back against the leather seat as visions of her assault me. I grumble as thoughts of Kaylee dance around my head. Thoughts of her legs wrapped around me fill my mind, and my dick throbs harder. I envision the feel of her nipples pebbling in my mouth as my tongue laps circles around her sweet flesh.

  Pressing the crystal glass to my mouth, I slam the smooth amber liquid and purse my lips as I swallow hard. I blow a puff of hot air from my lungs and grit my teeth before pouring another two fingers of premium whiskey into the empty glass. I shake my head as the warm, rich liquid settles into my stomach.

  I remember my father telling me whiskey is meant to be sipped…enjoyed. Not slammed.

  However, right now, I need something to take the edge and my mind off the beautiful Kaylee Rose. Something to kill the sinful thoughts I'm having of Kaylee right now; on top of me, underneath me...pressed against a wall. “Fuck,” I mutter to myself and brush my hand over my face.

  As the limo rolls to a stop, the sound of Whitney Brenna's soft moans fill the car. I chance a glance to my right and see Philip has his hand up her dress and his lips pressed to her neck. My man has been wanting to tap Whitney since he co-starred with her on some daytime soap opera over a year ago.

  I scoot toward the door, doing the best to adjust my semi-hard dick before the paparazzi catch a picture of my boner. “Game time,” I tell myself as I exit the limo, stepping out into the tepid Los Angeles air.

  I straighten my bow tie and button my suit coat. With the tilt of my head, I flash the million-dollar smile that's made me rich, and I saunter into the Hollywood Highlands Hotel.

  The after party is in full swing. Not an expense was spared—as usual. Gift bags line long tables for the guests to take, and I watch ladies elbow each other for the chance to get their hands on one. The swag bags are always a hit with the non-industry people.

  The sound of laughter fills the large, open room. I smile politely and nod as people congratulate me on my performance in passing. A few stop to talk me up, and I do my best to appear interested, when in actuality, I don't give two fucks about their assessment of my acting.

  With my fake smile plastered on, I stare blankly at them, casually looking over their shoulders and through the sea of bodies in hopes of seeing my girl. My girl. Even if she’s mine for only one night. Presumptuous of me? Probably. But I don't give a shit. I have one goal in mind tonight and that's Kaylee Rose.

  The open bar ensures that alcohol is flowing and people stand around in small groups talking and laughing. This is the best part of this business—the parties, the booze, the women.

  Across the room, I finally catch a glimpse of Kaylee. Her back pressed firmly to a wall, a glass of wine clutched between both of her hands. Kaylee is deep in conversation with Lindsay Ward when I make my way over to them.

  “Ladies,” I say, announcing my approach. Wrapping an arm around Lindsay Ward’s shoulders, I lean into her. “Looking as beautiful as ever tonight, Mrs. Ward.” She shakes her head and laughs.

  “You are such a charmer, Paxton.” She pats my chest and leans into me. “Here, I'd like you to meet Kayle
e Rose. This is Eleanor's best friend.”

  Lindsay tugs on Kaylee's arm, pulling her closer to us. So close I can smell her floral perfume. So close I can almost feel her soft skin. So close, but not close enough for what I need from her.

  “And thank goodness she's responsible and actually showed up tonight. I don't know what has gotten into Elle lately,” her voice trails off, not that I was really listening anyway. I’ve been lost in Kaylee since she fell into my arms. Everything else has been a mere distraction. “You two were quite chatty during the movie,” she says, one of her eyebrows arching in curiosity. “Have you two met before?”

  It's easy to see Kaylee's cheeks flush a bright shade of pink at our introduction. She refuses to look up at me and keeps her eyes cast down at the glass of wine that her long, lean fingers twirl in her hands.

  “Oh yes, we've already met,” I announce proudly, hoping Kaylee will finally look at me. She doesn't. Shit.

  “You have, when?” Lindsay questions, taking a step back.

  “Earlier this evening. It was hard to miss Kaylee's entrance.”

  Kaylee looks up from her glass of wine and narrows her eyes at me.

  “I know darling, she's stunning, isn't she?” Mrs. Ward asks, patting Kaylee on the arm.

  “She certainly is,” I answer her and smile at Kaylee, who hasn't removed the scowl from her face.

  “You're both being too kind,” Kaylee says. “Lindsay, I know Elle is disappointed she couldn’t be here. We both knew how much this evening meant to Roger. I'm sure she has a really good reason for not making it.”

  Mrs. Ward openly scoffs, but slams her champagne glass against her lips to stop herself from saying anything further.

  “And Mr. Myles, it was a pleasure meeting you.” Kaylee rolls her eyes at me and tosses back the last of her wine. “Congratulations on your movie. Stunning work as always.”

  You can literally hear the sarcasm roll of her tongue with each word. Mrs. Ward looks between us and purses her lips, confused by Kaylee's sudden shift in moods. “But if you two will excuse me, I have to be going. I have to be up early.” She hands me her empty glass. “You don't mind handling that for me, do you?” She smirks.