Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 53466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53466 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Things I will need time to process and deal with. Things I have to find a place for in my life … once I know what my future holds. I feel pulled in two different directions, my love for Ben and the career I’ve been working toward my entire life, causing a quiet and somber blanket of emotion to envelop me. I want to give Ben the time he deserves, and I don’t have that ability now.
“I need to wash up,” I say, sitting up in bed, eager to put the intensity behind us as fast as possible so I can prepare for the rest of the day.
“Come.” He rises and walks to the bathroom, his bare ass peeking from beneath his shirt.
The man has a body to die for and drool over and a heart that is bigger than he likes to admit. And I wish we could spend more time alone here, in bed. Talking. Figuring out us. But I need my focus where it belongs, on the media downstairs and the probable announcement coming later tonight.
So I push myself to a standing position and go to get ready to return to the press junket downstairs.
* * *
Summer
Hours later, I feel like I’m ready to collapse in exhaustion. My last interview just ended. There isn’t a reporter I haven’t spoken to or a question I haven’t answered. But I have to admit my romp with Ben gave me the emotional boost I needed to push through the rest of the day.
Every time I looked up, he was there, not just watching over me as part of his job but playing the part of passionate supporter. A thumbs-up, a wink, a smile all let me know he is there, in my corner, paying attention. I don’t think I could love him more.
What to do about that love?
“What’s your plan?” he asks me, joining me and interrupting my thoughts.
“Jade said to be back downstairs at eight. I thought I’d lie down for an hour. I’m wiped out.”
Sympathy flashes in his expression. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Memories of our earlier time upstairs flash through my mind, him making love to me—and I refuse to think we shared anything less—his big body filling mine, causing me to tremble.
He meets my gaze, a knowing grin on his handsome face. “No, princess. Not for that. You need to rest this time.”
I pretend to pout, and he laughs.
“Come on.” Ben escorts me upstairs and literally tucks me into bed.
I set my phone alarm just in case I fall asleep and place it on the nightstand.
“All set?” he asks.
I nod.
“Good.” He braces a hand above my head, leans down, and kisses me softly on the lips, lingering … and I think maybe he’ll crawl in beside me, but his phone rings.
He pulls his cell out and answers. “Hollander.” He listens and nods. “I’ll be right there.” He disconnects the call. “That was someone on Jade’s security detail. They want to give me a quick recon of the area Jade requested for her press conference. Since I’ve been all over them about details, I guess they’re being proactive. Can’t say I’m complaining. Though I’ve been pleased with how they’ve handled things so far.”
I smile at his professional tone. “Jade’s not going to take her own safety for granted.”
“And I’m not going to take yours,” he says, dead serious.
I hook my arms around his neck. “I always feel safe when you’re around.”
“Good. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Okay.” I close my eyes and hear the hotel room door slam shut behind him.
I sigh, allowing my body to relax and meld into the mattress. I refuse to think ahead to tonight’s decision. Jade, in calling for the special gathering after the junket, obviously decided to announce her choice in opening act. Despite my flipping stomach, nerves, and anticipation, for now, all I want to do is just be.
I am so relaxed beneath the covers that I almost don’t hear the knock on my room door until it becomes a persistent banging that interrupts my tranquility. Ben has a key card, so I keep my eyes closed, hoping whoever it is will go away.
When the noise doesn’t stop, I shove the heavenly covers off myself and pad in my bare feet to the door, glancing into the peephole, finding Michael there.
I frown. Anna, I know, will be here tonight, now that the decision is imminent, but until she arrives, Michael might have information I need.
Still annoyed at the interruption of my rest, I open the door and lean on the frame, not letting him into my private space.
“Summer! What took you so long?” he asks, sounding frantic.
“I was resting. What’s wrong?”
“Jade. Jade wants to meet with you and Tawny before her announcement tonight. I’m assuming she’s going to tell you her choice before the rest of the world. I need you to come with me.”